NACOGDOCHES, TX – For some it's the first look at Nacogdoches. For others
it's the "handy go to" resource for local businesses' products and
services. Many make it a regular destination in their daily online routine to check Hot News and area events.

New Year's Day, visitors from around the world will view the
Nacogdoches.org web site with its new look for 2015.

“Point A Media is honored for the continued opportunity to promote
Nacogdoches as the place in which we all love to live, work and play," said Angie Brewer. "Our team created an all-new for 2015 Nacogdoches.org,
redesigned with mobile and tablet optimization in mind. It will scale to
fit devices and still show off all of the bells and whistles we want
featured on the home page with the added benefits of retaining key
functionality and looking great!"

Featured throughout the web site's pages are its sponsors. For the
Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce 2015 site in the leaderboard sponsor position are Commercial Bank of Texas, N.A., Nacogdoches Independent School District and Suddenlink Communications. In the highrise sponsor position are Charles Pool Real Estate, Inc., First Bank & Trust East Texas, State Farm Insurance — Nikki Evans-Wallace, Wendy Buchanan, AAMS®, AWMA®, Managing Director - Investments — Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC and XETX Business Solutions, Inc.

In 2014, Nacogdoches.org hosted more than 113,000 visits from 111
countries, representing an increase of 4.8%. The majority of visitors
accessed the site from the United States (97.4%), followed by Brazil (0.6%) and Canada (0.3%). The site tracked visitors from 506 Texas cities and Texas users accessed the site at a higher rate than visitors from any other location (83.3%).

Compared to 2013, 2014 increases in mobile access (+37.1%) and tablet use
(+30.8%) of the site were used to justify the decision to redesign the
site's framework to increase adaptability for a wider range of devices.

The peak access day in 2014 corresponded with the Texas Blueberry Festival presented by Brookshire Brothers on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14. Other peak days were Saturday, Dec. 6 and Tuesday, Jan, 21.

The Nacogdoches County Chamber web site's fresh-for-2015 look complements
the 2015 Official Guide & Chamber Directory and City & County Street Map,
also published by Point A Media. The printed materials will be ready for
distribution during the Chamber's annual Operation Thank You! event
presented by Austin Bank that begins on Jan. 19.

Visit the Nacogdoches County Chamber at 2516 North St. or call 936-560-5533 for more information about the new publications, Operation Thank You! activities or to join the Chamber.

Angie Brewer, Point A Media, stands with a projected glimpse of the new
design for the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce web site,
www.nacogdoches.org.

Official weather observer Jim Forbes says we end December and the year with a deficit rainfall amount.

Forbes tells us Center received 3.21 inches of rain in December, which is 2.25 inches below the monthly average.

For the year, 48.72 inches was recorded, that’s 5.50 inches below the annual average.

December temperatures saw a high of 77 degrees and a low of 30 degrees. Forbes said our monthly average temperatures were a high of 60 degrees and a low of 42 degrees.

Arrest Report

12/30/14—12/31/14

Shelby County:

Linda Parent, 24, Joaquin, Warrants-No Drivers License, Rider Not Secured by Safety Belt, Unsafe Speed and No Insurance

Dustin Bryan Estes, 27, Tenaha, Warrants-No Insurance and Speeding & Bond Surrender-Burglary of a Building

Taunua Amburn, 45, Tenaha, Warrant-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia & Warrant-Failure to Appear

San Augustine County:

Michael D. Conner, 47, San Augustine, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of a Controlled Substance

James P. Ebarb, 47, San Augustine, Possession of a Controlled Substance

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

To follow up on a two-vehicle fatality accident at the intersection of Hwy. 96 south and Loop 500 in Center at 5:25 a.m. yesterday morning, a 59-year old Patrick Beard of Sour Lake was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Maxie Eaves.

Center Police Officer Jake Gross investigated the accident and says Beard was northbound on Hwy. 96 when he ran the red light and hit an empty Tyson live-haul tractor/trailer mid trailer that was headed eastbound on Loop 500.

The rig was driven by 39-year old Darious Hill of Nacogdoches, who was uninjured. 

The Panola Watchman newspaper reported Tuesday that Panola County Judicial Records are saying a status hearing for Bernie Tiede has been set for 1 p.m. Friday in Carthage.

The online article said the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals mandate recently issued formalized the Austin panel’s Nov. 26 ruling vacating the life sentence a jury handed Tiede in 1999 for the murder of Marjorie Nugent two years earlier.

The state’s highest criminal venue also agreed with the lower court that a new sentencing trial take place.

When his motion for a new punishment trial was granted in May, The 56-year old Tiede was freed on a $10,000 bond, with conditions he remain the guest of Austin filmmaker Richard Linklater.

The identity of the shooting victim in Carthage Sunday night has been identified as 57-year old Rayford Earl Miller of Carthage.

Arrested and charged with murder was 43-year old John Guy Tucker of Houston.

The incident took place in the 300 block of South Cook Street in Carthage. Miller’s body was found on the front porch of the residence.

Starting Monday, there will soon be a new healthcare facility in Center as Family Nurse Practioner Sharon Nelson will be opening Center Family Care at 420 Tenaha Street.

Ms. Nelson has a long history of providing healthcare in Shelby County, as she worked alongside her dad, the late Dr. Joe Hooker.

In addition to exams, physicals, lab work, sick visits for all ages, Ms. Nelson says she’s hoping to have several specialist come into Center so locals will not have to travel so far out of town.

Joining Ms. Nelson at the new clinic will be Dr. Steve Le of Livingston.

She said disease management for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol will also be offered.

Also, Occupational Therapist Darrell Williams will be providing outpatient therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy.

Center Family Care’s office hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; the phone number is 598-5633.

Today is the final day for the Gaddy’s Medical Equipment & Supply and Center Broadcasting coat drive for kids. Gaddy’s personnel report a great turnout of coat donations and parents seeking winter coats for their children.  If you would like to drop by a new or slightly used child’s coat, or if your children are in need of a coat, stop by Gaddy’s Medical Equipment & Supply on Hurst Street in Center today.

Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce will begin its 2015 year with their annual Membership Banquet to be held Thursday, January 22nd at the Frontier Café in downtown Timpson beginning at 5:30 pm. Fried fish will be on the dinner menu.

Chamber president Paul Smith says they are excited to have Kent Hutchison, Senior Partner with CJ. Baxter Group, as guest speaker. Topic will be “Planes, Trains & Automobiles - Why Your Chamber Membership is Important”.

Everyone interested in the Timpson community is welcome and should attend. Members, please bring $7 each to help with the meal. Non-members are $12 each. There will be no charge for Gold Level members.

You're asked to RSVP by January 13th in order to plan for food & seating by calling the chamber office 254-3500 or Paul Smith at 254-3161, or join the event on Facebook.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 77-year old Harold Faulk of Joaquin. He passed away Monday in Shreveport. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Harold Faulk’s survivors are his wife, Ruby Faulk of Joaquin; daughters, Paula & Dub Alford of Joaquin and Tammy & Phillip Smith of Joaquin; sister, Pattie & David Eaves of Huxley; brother-in-law, Buddy & Betty Hodge of Joaquin; sisters-in-law, Linda & Glen Hutto of Shelbyville and Marilyn & Jimmy Welch of Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Mr. Faulk to the First Baptist Church in Haslam Meals on Wheels Program to benefit the elderly and disabled of Joaquin.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 95-year old Alice Joy Ellington Weaver of Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Fairview Cemetery in Center. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Barrett Havran Memorial Fund at Fort Worth Country Day School in Fort Worth, or to the charity of your choice.

Mangum Funeral Home announces graveside service for 68-year old Larry Fred Matthews of Carthage. Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. this afternoon at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 87-year old Harold Dean Beasley of San Augustine. He passed away Monday in San Augustine. Service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel in San Augustine, with burial in the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Shelby County. Visitation will be Friday from 12 noon to service time at the funeral home. Among Harold Dean Beasley’s survivors are his wife, Jean Beasley of San Augustine; daughters, Marsha & Gary Osborn of Dallas, Madelene & Ken Matthews of Renton, Washington and Rebecca & Tom Henry of Orange; and sons, Harold C. & Lisa Beasley of Costa Rica and Ronnie & Raney Beasley of Groves; and brother, Weldon Beasley of San Augustine.

In sports,

High school basketball:

It’s Day 3 of the Tenaha ISD's 6^th annual Holiday Hoops Scholarship Classic. The consolation finals will start at 8 a.m. with the girls' final at 2 p.m. this afternoon, and boys' final set for 8:30 p.m. tonight. All games today and tonight are being played on the Tenaha ISD campus.

In Tuesday’s Holiday Hoops boys’ action:

Kountze 81, Lapoynor 58
Laneville 59, White Oak 27
Shelbyville 69, San Augustine 65 OT
Central Heights 69, Tenaha 59
Leggett 72, Chireno 70
Saltillo 38, Miller Grove 32
Saltillo def Broaddus
Miller Grove def Hughes Springs
Alto def Garrison
Slocum def Lipan
Lipan def Gary

The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders will resume action Friday. The Riders will be in Nacogdoches for a 1 p.m. start, and the Lady Riders are home against Jasper beginning at 5 p.m.

Also Friday, the San Augustine Lady Wolves will host Mt. Enterprise; the Joaquin Rams go to Groveton; the Tenaha Tigers host New Summerfield; and Douglass will be at Broaddus.

The White-tailed Deer general hunting season will come to an end this Sunday, Jan. 4. There will be a Youth-only deer hunting period from Jan. 5 through Jan. 18. Also, a two-week Dove hunting season is underway now through Jan. 7.

DETCOG recently recognized Shelby County Judge Rick Campbell for his eight years of service on the Board of Directors of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments.

During his tenure Judge Campbell served on DETCOG’s Economic Development Committee, the Deep East Texas Rural Transportation Planning Organization and was a member of the Texas Emergency Communications Commission in Austin which oversees the state’s handling of the 9-1-1 programs.

Presenting the plaque is (right) DETCOG President, Angelina County Judge,

Wes Suiter.
 

Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on Monday, December 29,
2014, Shelby County Sheriff's Department Investigator DJ Dickerson traveled
to the residence of a Taunua Amburn located on County Road 4624 in Tenaha,
Texas to execute a felony warrant service on a Dustin Bryan Estes.

Shelby County Deputies had went to the aforementioned residence on prior occasion in an attempt to serve said felony warrant. While at the residence,
Investigator Dickerson was advised by occupants that Dustin Estes was not
within the residence, however Dustin Estes' mother Taunua Amburn gave
consent to search the residence.

Investigator Dickerson asked occupants of the residence if Dustin Estes was within the residence and advised that Dustin had a warrant, to which due to the prior occasion of Deputies attempting to serve the felony warrant they were readily aware.

Investigator Dickerson also advised the occupants that if Dustin Estes was
located within the residence that they would be arrested and charged for
Hindering Apprehension. Investigator Dickerson was told that Dustin had not
been there and had not been seen for about a month now and was supposedly
staying in Louisiana.

During a search of the residence, Investigator Dickerson located Dustin
Estes in a back bedroom hiding underneath a large pile of clothes. Dustin
Estes was placed into custody for a warrant of Burglary of a Building,
State Jail Felony and a Rusk County warrant for bond surrender.

The occupants of the residence were also placed into custody and charged for
Hindering Apprehension/Prosecution, Felony 3. The occupants were identified
as a Taunua Renee Amburn, Linda Ann Parent, Taylor Kathleen Hodges, Austin
Bryan Estes, and a Dakota Lee Amburn.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Shelby Beautiful Clean Committee announces dates are set for two important recycling events. The third annual Document Shred Day will be held on Friday, January 23 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.  Electronics Recycling Day will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. 

Electronics are the fastest growing waste stream in the world and recycling electronics saves valuable resources. Acceptable items include: computers and monitors, televisions, printers, DVD and CD players, microwave ovens, copiers and fax machines, telephones, cell phones and chargers, GPS Units, PDA and Tablets, video and camera equipment and cables and power cords.

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

These services are provided free to the public as a service of the Shelby County Beautiful Clean program of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

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

More information has been made available on the major two-vehicle accident this morning on at Hwy. 96 south and Loop 500 in Center.

According to Officer Jacob Gross of Center PD, the accident occured at 5:25 a.m. when a Toyota SUV, driven by a Sour Lake man was headed north on Hwy. 96 when he apparently ran a red light and struck a Tyson 18-wheeler's trailer head-on, killing the man on impact.

The driver of the Tyson truck was not injured. 

A Nacogdoches businessman and Center native who was sentenced to five years deferred probation just over two months ago was arrested last Saturday for allegedly violating terms of that probation agreement.

According to the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel, 60-year old Willie Hudson, the owner of Nacogdoches Hardware and Rental, supposedly contacted Nacogdoches Police by phone and in person on five separate occasions from Oct. 17 to Dec. 2 concerning matters from no-parking signs to alleging his probation officer slandered him, to not performing at least eight hours of community service in November.

In October, Hudson pleaded guilty to unlawful restraint. The newspaper said Hudson remained in jail as of late Monday.

In the arrest report this morning are five individuals that were taken into custody yesterday by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, all charged with Hindering Apprehension/Prosecution of a Known Felon.

It’s our understanding the individuals each told authorities they did not know the whereabouts of a wanted suspect when they actually did. That suspect, 27-year old Dustin Bryan Estes of Tenaha, was also arrested. He was wanted for Burglary of a Building and a Rusk County Warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Charged with Hindering Apprehension/Prosecution of a Known Felon are 24-year old Linda Parent of Joaquin; 45-year old Taunua Amburn of Tenaha; 19-year old Taylor K. Hodges of Tenaha; 18-year old Dakota Amburn of Tenaha; and 24-year old Austin Estes of Tenaha. They are to all be arraigned this morning.

Arrest Report

12/29/14—12/30/14

Shelby County:

Dustin Bryan Estes, 27, Tenaha, Warrant-Burglary of a Building & Rusk County Warrant-Possession of a Controlled Substance

Linda Parent, 24, Joaquin, Hindering Apprehension/Prosecution of Known Felon

Taunua Amburn, 45, Tenaha, Hindering Apprehension/Prosecution of Known Felon

Taylor K. Hodges, 19, Tenaha, Hindering Apprehension/Prosecution of Known Felon

Dakota Amburn, 18, Tenaha, Hindering Apprehension/Prosecution of Known Felon

Austin Estes, 24, Tenaha, Hindering Apprehension/Prosecution of Known Felon

Rick Warren, 39, Center, Delivery of a Controlled Substance & Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

San Augustine County:

Adrian Herrera, 34, San Augustine, Theft of Property & Tampering with Evidence

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

The City of San Augustine has received a $150,000 Texas Capitol Fund program award to provide funding for sidewalk improvements as well as administrative services.

Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples notified Mayor Leroy Hughes of the news recently.

The award addresses the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s national objective in eliminating existing slum and blight conditions in the City of San Augustine’s Main Street area.

City of San Augustine Main Street Director Tracy Cox said, “ We (The San Augustine Main Street Advisory Board and Design Special Committee) are truly excited about this project and look forward to the next step in making the project a reality.”

Ms. Cox said in order to apply a proposed project and street had to be chosen. After consulting with an engineer, plans were drawn up for a sidewalk improvement on Broadway Street, which will serve as a model for future projects.

The project was accepted by the San Augustine City Council and is expected to start mid-year 2015.

According to Center City Manager Chad Nehring:

The contract prior to starting construction did report a gas leak near where the drainage/street work was about to begin at Riggs St.  The gas company is going to be repairing that leaking line this morning (Tuesday). 

He said, that isn’t slowing down the construction too much but the intersection was never planned to be opened back up as soon as the concrete is installed as it has to have time to cure and harden.

In addition, work is being done on the southside of the downtown square at Austin and Runnels Streets as the city and Drewery Construction are working on a water ponding issue and are expected to be pouring concrete today.

One person has been arrested in connection with a murder in Carthage Sunday.

Police arrested 43-year old John Guy Tucker of Houston, who turned himself in at Carthage PD, and charged with murder.

Officers were called to the 300 block of South Cook Street after receiving a report of shots being fired in the area. When officers arrived, they found a black male dead on the front port of the residence.

The victim's body is being sent to Southwest Forensics in Dallas. His identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

There will be six newly elected Shelby County officials taking the oath of office during a ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday morning in the community room of the Shelby County Courthouse. County Judge-elect Allison Harbison, County Clerk-elect Jennifer Fountain, County Treasurer-elect Ann Blackwell, and three new Justices of the Peace, including Pct. 2 Marla Denby, Pct. 4 Jenny Hicks and Pct. 5 Mike Crouch.

Three long-time JPs will be leaving office, as O.B. "Burt" Furlow has served 30 years in Pct. 2, Larry "Dude" Jones has 16 years in Pct. 4, and Pct. 5 JP Jim Powers was in office 12 years.

Other Shelby County officials taking oaths to begin their new re-elected terms include District Clerk Lori Oliver, County Tax Assessor/Collector Debora Riley to her first full-term, and County Commissioners Pct. 2 Jimmy Lout and Pct. 4 Bradley Allen, and JPs Pct. 1 Maxie Eaves and Pct. 3 Margie Anderson. District Judge Charles Mitchell will give the oaths.

Newly elected officials in San Augustine County will be sworn-in during a ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday morning in the San Augustine County Courtroom, as 11 county officials will receive the oath of office, including the new County Commissioner for Pct. 4, David McEachern.

Re-elected officials include County Judge Samye Johnson, who begins her second-term, District Clerk Jean Steptoe, County Clerk Margo Noble, County Treasurer Pam Smith, County Surveyor Charles Whitton, and County Commissioner Pct. 2 Edward Wilson. In addition to Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Sheila Ponder, Pct. 2 Ardis Mosby, Pct. 3 Billy Williams and Pct. 4 J.D. Miller.

The Texas Department of Transportation reminds motorists that law enforcement will be out in force on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in an effort to reduce crashes and discourage drunk driving.

TxDOT Executive Director Lt. Gen. Joe Weber says the New Year's Eve holiday has historically been a dangerous time on our roadways. He adds Texans should plan ahead for a sober ride or risk suffering the consequences and that drunk driving will not be tolerated in Texas.

TxDOT's annual Holiday Impaired Driving Campaign began Dec. 1 and runs through New Year's Day to promote the importance of planning for a sober ride. The campaign coincides with an increase in law enforcement patrols aimed at reducing the number of impaired driving crashes in Texas during the holiday season.

Numerous law enforcement agencies throughout the state also will implement no-refusal initiatives. 

Drivers arrested for DWI can face jail time and up to $17,000 in court costs and legal fees. The legal limit for intoxication in Texas is .08 blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC). 

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for Harold Faulk of Joaquin. He passed away Monday in Shreveport.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 95-year old Joy Weaver of Center. She passed away Monday at her residence. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Fairview Cemetery in Center. Among Joy Weaver’s survivors is daughter, Joy & Bob Havran of Ft. Worth.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 77-year old Sylvia M. Fuller of Center. She passed away Sunday in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 2 p.m. today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Sylvia M. Fuller's survivors are children, Katherine & Charlie Smith of Center, Karen Ann & Jeremy Evans of Center and Benjamin Provost & companion, Doree Bradbury of Georgia.; and Aunt & Uncle, Sis and Virgil House.

Mangum Funeral Home announces graveside service for 68-year old Larry Fred Matthews of Carthage. Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at Mangum Funeral Home. 

In sports,

High school basketball:

It’s Day 2 of the Tenaha ISD's 6^th annual Holiday Hoops Scholarship Classic. Consolation bracket games tip-off at 8:30 a.m. with boys' and girls' winner bracket games getting underway at 4 p.m. this afternoon at the Tenaha ISD Special Events Center. The girls' final will be played at 2 p.m. Wednesday, and boys' at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

For complete boys’ & girls’ brackets and the Tiger Café menu, go to the Tenaha ISD website, tenahaisd.com.

In Monday’s boys' action, San Augustine, Shelbyville and Tenaha all get first round wins, as the Wolves beat Hughes Springs, 58-32; the Dragons defeat Saltillo, 68-63; and the Tigers defeat Alto, 78-38. However, each lost in second-round games. San Augustine came up short to Lapoynor, 38-50; Kountze beat Shelbyville, 68-47; and an old renewed rivalry saw state-ranked Laneville beat Tenaha, 79-46.

Monday
San Augustine 58, Hughes Springs 32
Lapoynor 49, Miller Grove 36
Shelbyville 68, Saltillo 63
Gary 48, Broaddus 40
Kountze 88, Gary 31
White Oak 72, Chireno 62
Slocum 65, Leggett 58
Central Heights 64, Slocum 39
Tenaha 78, Alto 38
Lipan 40, Garrison 39
Laneville 84, Lipan 30
Lapoynor 50, San Augustine 38
Kountze 68, Shelbyville 47
White Oak 61, Central Heights 55 OT
Laneville 79, Tenaha 46

The Joaquin Rams are in Troup for basketball action starting at 2 p.m. today, Tuesday, Dec. 30.

The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders will resume action after the holiday break on Jan. 2. The Riders will be in Nacogdoches and the Lady Riders are home against Jasper.

Arrest Report

12/24/14—12/29/14

Shelby County:

John Shaw, 21, Tyler, Assault-Family Violence Causing Bodily Injury

Enrique Acevedo, 54, Joaquin, Disorderly Conduct

Keena Hall, 25, Nacogdoches, Theft

Jody Vaughn, 26, Shelbyville, Prohibited Weapon & Tampering with ID numbers

Seth White, 21, Shelbyville, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge-Threatening Prohibited Species

Cassandra Wilson, 30, Logansport, Driving While Intoxicated, Failure to Control Speed, No Drivers License & No Insurance

Preston Malone, 34, San Augustine, Evading Arrest with a Motor Vehicle, Abadoning/Endangering Child Criminal Neglect & Possession of Marijuana

Craig Alan Borders, 43, Center, Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Warrant-Theft & Warrant-Failure to Appear

Daniel Ray Carl, 55, Center, Delivery of a Controlled Substance

San Augustine County:

Cordarious D. Williams, 27, Lufkin, Reckless Driving

Travis R. Carroll, 34, Jasper, Jasper County Warrant-Failure to Appear

Amber N. Havard, 37, Bronson, Manufacture & Delivery of a Controlled Substance, False Statement to a Peace Officer and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

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

The cold front passage Saturday prompted some reports of severe storm reports over southern parts of the area. 

The National Weather Service is saying they received confirmation of thunderstorm wind damage in the Huxley area around 1:15 p.m., in addition to quarter to almost one-inch hail in southern Nacogdoches County. There were also several thunderstorm wind damage reports in Angelina County. 

The NWS issued a tornado warning for Shelby County, DeSoto & Sabine Parishes at 1:12 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. as trained weather spotters reported a funnel cloud 18 miles southeast of Center moving northeast at 40 mph. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says they received no confirmation by residents or any related reports of storm damage reports. 

We should have dry-cool to cold weather at least through Wednesday thanks to an Artic High, before our next system brings a chance of rain New Year’s Day through Friday with slightly warmer temperatures.

The weather wasn’t quite as nice in southern Jasper County Saturday as a reported EF-1 tornado destroyed a home and damaged another, and also leveled or damaged barns, storage buildings and other structures between Jasper and Kirbyville around 2:30 p.m. No injuries were reported. An EF-1 tornado has winds of 86-110 miles-per-hour, and meteorologist said they believe this twister had winds in excess of 100 MPH.

A confirmed EF-1 tornado touched down in Jasper County Saturday afternoon. Photo courtesey of Steve Stewart, KJAS Radio.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined Pilgrim’s Pride chicken processing facility in Nacogdoches $59,500 following an employee’s electrocution death last summer. 

OSHA said in their report they’ve cited the facility three serious violations and one repeat violation in connection to the death of 50-year old Bobby Joe Beall on August 4. 

Beall was reportedly performing maintenance on equipment when he was electrocuted and died. 

OSHA is reporting Pilgrim’s Pride is contesting the violations.

A home in western Shelby County was destroyed by fire that’s believed to have been caused by an electrical issue Friday morning. 

According to scanner traffic, a passerby on County Road 1211 at Aiken reported the fire around 10:30 a.m. 

West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Dept. personnel responded to find the mobile home destroyed. 

It’s reported the home belonged to Vicky Campbell, who was staying with relatives. 

Newly elected officials in Shelby and San Augustine Counties will be sworn-in during ceremonies Friday morning.

Shelby County’s swearing-in will take place at 9 a.m. Friday in the community room of the Shelby County Courthouse as 273^rd District Judge Charles Mitchell will be giving the oath to 12 county officials. A reception will follow.

The San Augustine swearing-in will be at 9 a.m. in the San Augustine County Courtroom as 11 county officials will receive the oath of office.

Among the Shelby county officials being sworn-in are:

County Judge – Allison Harbison

District Clerk – Lori Oliver

County Clerk – Jennifer Fountain

County Tax Assessor/Collector – Debora Riley

County Treasurer – Ann Blackwell

Commissioner Pct. 2 – Jimmy Lout

Commissioner Pct. 4 – Bradley Allen

JP #1 – Maxie Eaves

JP #2 – Marla Denby

JP #3 – Margie Anderson

JP #4 – Jenny Hicks

JP #5 – Mike Crouch

San Augustine County Officials to be sworn in:

County Judge                         Samye Johnson

District Clerk                         Jean Steptoe

County Clerk                          Margo Noble

County Treasurer                   Pam Smith

County Surveyor                   Charles Whitton

Co Commissioner, Pct 2        Edward Wilson

Co Commissioner, Pct 4        David McEachern

JP Pct 1                                  Sheila Ponder

JP Pct 2                                  Ardis Mosby

JP Pct 3                                  Billy Williams

JP Pct 4                                  J.D. Miller

Another holiday-shortened work week for most governmental entities as employees observe New Year’s.

The Shelby County Courthouse and offices will be closed Thursday, New Year’s Day only, while the county clerk’s office will close early Wednesday in order to made changes.

The San Augustine County Courthouse will be closed New Year’s Eve, Wednesday and remained closed through Thursday, New Year’s Day.

Banks, federal and state offices and all municipalities will be closed Thursday, New Year’s Day.

Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to show support for OUR TOWN TIMES, formerly known as Timpson-Tenaha News for a ribbon cutting and social mixer from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 5.

This will take place at the paper's new location across from the Fire Hall.

Chad Pate is the new owner.

Refreshments will be served.

The Gaddy’s Medical Equipment & Supply and Center Broadcasting coat drive for kids continues through Wednesday. If you would like to drop by a new or slightly used child’s coat, or if your children are in need of a coat, stop by Gaddy’s Medical Equipment & Supply on Hurst Street in Center.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 77-year old Sylvia M. Fuller of Center. She passed away Sunday in Nacogdoches.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 81-year old Jean Hughes of Nacogdoches, formerly of Shelby County. She passed away Friday in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 2 p.m. today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Sardis Cemetery, Shelby County. A visitation will be held prior to service beginning at 12 noon today. Among Jean Hughes’ survivors are children, Margaret Gordy of Gilmer, Franklin “Tom” Hughes of Nacogdoches and James Hughes of Center; sister, Mary Ellen E. & Troy Long of Henderson; and sister-in-law, Linda Hughes of Orange.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of service yesterday for 80-year old Josephine Mitchell Bomar of Center. She passed away Christmas Day in Tyler. Service was held Sunday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. For many years she worked at The Lily Farm in Center. Among Josephine Mitchell Bomar’s survivors are children, Dena & John Nill of Springfield, Missouri, Dinett & Kirk Yarbrough of Center, Derral & Rose Bomar of Livingston and Dwayn & Laticia Bomar of Center; and brother, Robert Mitchell of England. In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been set up in Ms. Bomar’s name at Shelby Savings Bank in Center.

Mangum Funeral Home announces graveside service for 68-year old Larry Fred Matthews of Carthage. He passed away Saturday at his residence. Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Mangum Funeral Home. Among Larry Fred Matthews’ survivors are sons, Clint Matthews of Houston and Matt Matthews of Carthage; daughter, Joy Matthews of Houston; sisters-in-law, Marcia Pruett of Houston and Marie Danza of Idaho; and brother-in-law, Llloyd Kelley of Houston.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson was in charge of a graveside service for 71-year old Joe Loyd Powdrill. He passed away Friday at his home in the Silas Community near Timpson. Service was held Saturday morning at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Timpson. Among Joe Loyd Powdrill’s survivors is a sister, Joy Bonner and husband Robert of Many (Toledo Bend), Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sue Schulz, Joe’s caregiver.

In sports,

High school basketball:

The Tenaha ISD will host the 6^th annual Holiday Hoops Scholarship Classic today thru Wednesday. Forty of the state’s top boys and girls Class 1A, 2A, and 3A programs will descend upon Tenaha for an opportunity to battle it out on the hardwood for what has become one of Texas’ top invitational tournament trophies. The tourney includes 71 games over three days being played in Tenaha, Gary, Joaquin and Carthage. Games tip-off at 8 a.m. this morning. For complete boys’ & girls’ brackets, scores and the Tiger Café menu, go to the Tenaha ISD website, tenahaisd.com.

Among local teams taking part are the San Augustine Wolves & Lady Wolves, Shelbyville Dragons & Lady Dragons, Joaquin Lady Rams, Broaddus Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs, and the Tenaha Tigers and Lady Tigers.

The Joaquin Rams will be at Troup Tuesday, Dec. 30.

The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders will resume action after the holiday break on Jan. 2. The Riders will be in Nacogdoches and the Lady Riders are home against Jasper.

The White-tailed Deer general hunting season will come to an end this Sunday, Jan. 4. There will be a Youth-only deer hunting period from Jan. 5 through Jan. 18. Also, a two-week Dove hunting season is underway now through Jan. 7.

(SAN ANTONIO) – H-E-B, committed to ensuring the safety of its products, is issuing a precautionary recall of several beef market items in stores throughout Texas due to the possible presence of foreign material in the meat. No illnesses have been reported.

“H-E-B is committed to the highest standards of food safety for our customers,” said Winell Herron, Group Vice President of Public Affairs. “We take every precaution necessary to ensure the integrity and quality of the products sold in our stores.”

The following SKUS are impacted by this voluntary recall:

Retail Vacuum Sealed Packages with sell-by dates of 7/4/2014 and 7/5/2015 of the following products:
· Hill Country Fare Beef Fajitas RP UPC beginning with 220344
· H-E-B Seasoned Beef Fajitas UPC beginning with 220736
· Mi Comida Beef Skirt Steak For Fajitas (Bulk Package) UPC beginning with 222322
· Mi Comida Beef Skirt Steak For Fajitas UPC beginning with 222340
· Hill Country Fare Beef Fajitas UPC beginning with 224234
· Texas BBQ Rub Style Beef Skirt UPC beginning with 238715

Retail Vacuum Sealed Packages with sell-by date of 6/24/2014 of the following products:
· Beef for Stew Meat UPC beginning with 222835

Retail Vacuum Sealed Packages with sell-by date of 6/27/2014 of the following products:
· H-E-B Seasoned Beef For Carne Guisada UPC beginning with 220595

Retail Packaged Styrofoam tray products with packed on dates of 6/9/2014 through 6/28/2014 of the following products:
· Stew meat RP UPC beginning with 220595
· Stew meat VP UPC beginning with 220621
· Beef for Stew UPC beginning with 221776
· Beef for Stew Meat VP UPC beginning with 222832
· Beef for Stew Meat Tenderized UPC beginning with 222836

Customers who purchased the affected product can return the product to the store for a full refund. Customers with any questions or concerns may call H-E-B Customer Relations at 1-800-432-3113.

Arrest Report

12/23/14—12/24/14

Shelby County: No Arrest Reported

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

It was announced at yesterday’s San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court meeting that a $15,000 Veterans Administration General Assistance Grant has been awarded for use by veterans in San Augustine, Sabine and Shelby Counties.

County Judge’s Administrative Assistant Sandy Jenkins says funds provide fuel assistance to veterans, their spouses and those that may help transport veterans to their doctor’s appointments in Lufkin, Houston or Shreveport.

Ms. Jenkins noted San Augustine County included Shelby and Sabine Counties in the application process this year.

Veterans needing the assistance should contact Ms. Jenkins at 275-2762 or San Augustine County Interim and Shelby County Veterans Officer Sherry Riley at 288-3091 or in Shelby County at 598-6530.

Commissioners also approved a request by The Delta Kappa Gamma Society to place a “Cell Phones for Soldiers” collection box in the San Augustine County Courthouse. The non-profit organization provides cost-free communication services to active-duty military members and veterans.

In addition, the county will share the cost of insurance premiums for the new district attorney’s investigator with Sabine County. Ms. Jenkins says current investigator James Walker will be retiring next week.

Most local businesses are observing a short work-week with the Christmas holiday.

The Shelby County Courthouse and county offices will be closed today, Thursday, and Friday.

The City of Center offices are closing at 1 p.m. this afternoon and will be closed Thursday & Friday.

The San Augustine County Courthouse and offices are also taking a three-day holiday break, while the City of San Augustine offices will be closed Thursday & Friday.

Banks and other federal offices will likely be closing early today and be closed Thursday. T

he post office will be closed Thursday, but will re-open Friday.

Other federal offices will be closed Thursday & Friday.

A Tenaha man was arrested by Nacogdoches Police early Tuesday morning for driving while intoxicated with two young children in the car.

Nacogdoches Police say 33-year old Marcus Craig Haltom was allegedly seen driving recklessly on Northwest Stallings Drive about 1 a.m.

Haltom was charged with a state-jail felony driving while intoxicated with a child under the age of 15 in the car.

A spokesman with Nacogdoches PD says an officer saw a reckless driver swerving. After the officer made a traffic stop on the vehicle, he noticed a strong odor of alcohol on the man's breath. The police report  said Haltom showed other signs of intoxication and did poorly on field sobriety test.

Haltom was arrested and the children were released into a family member's custody.

To follow up on a story we’ve been covering, the San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office has dropped charges of Theft and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity against one of the four suspects that was originally wanted for the theft of oilfield supplies and equipment recently.

San Augustine County Chief Deputy Gary Cunningham says Russell Dale Smith of Hemphill was brought in for questioning last week, but it was later determined his involvement in the alleged thefts was “minimal” and he was released.

Three other suspects, Joshua Bearden, Roy Edward Marshall and Jeremy Sowell have all been charged in taking over $26,000 in oil, diesel and batteries from throughout the county.

A Center Broadcasting programming note, the annual Don Wall Family Christmas Eve Special will air on Q-100 KQBB from 7 to 8 p.m. this evening. Don & Peggy Wall, along with their children and grandchildren will reflect upon Christmases past and present. That’s from 7 to 8 p.m. tonight on Q-100 KQBB and online at cbc-radio.com.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 93-year old Eldora Koonce Holt of Center. She passed away Tuesday in Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Mt. Herman Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Eldora Koonce Holt’s survivors are children, Sandra & Marcus Wilson of Center, Phyllis & Jerryl Adams of Center, Phillip & Charlotte Holt of Haslet and Jerry & Cathy Holt of Winter Haven, Florida.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 71-year old Mary Janette Chelette of Hempstead, formerly of Broaddus. Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Broaddus First Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 12 noon to service time Friday at the church. Among Mary Janette Chelette’s survivors are children, Kimberly & Bruce Fortenberry of Groveton and John & Tess Gape of Cypress; brothers, Greg & Kaylene of Magnolia and Larry & Gwen of Spring; sisters, JoAnn & A.D. Melder of Spring, Gail Cook of Hempstead, and Pat & Bob Stewart of Dayton.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 86-year old Jean Farrow (Windham) Dickerson of San Augustine. Service will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Liberty Hill Baptist Church, with burial at Macune Cemetery, San Augustine. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Jean Farrow (Windham) Dickerson’s survivors are daughters, Sandra & Willard Knight of San Augustine and Linda Gay & Perry Johnson of Prescott, Arkansas; brothers, Harvey Windham of Baytown and James Windham of Lufkin.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces a memorial service for 72-year old Woodrow “Woody” Wayne Harrison of San Augustine. He was cremated and a memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 27 at 12:30 p.m. at Wyman Roberts Chapel.

Garner & Sons Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 79-year old Mr. Jimmie Noble of Milam. He passed away Thursday at his home. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Sabine County, with interment at Buckley Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Garner & Son Chapel. Final viewing will be at the Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church from 12 noon until start of service; there will not be a parting view after the eulogy. Among Jimmie Noble’s survivors is his wife, Creola Noble of Milam; sons, Jimmie Noble, Jr. of Milam and Jerry Noble of Dallas; and daughters, Edna Noble of Milam, Shirley Williams of Milam and Dorothy Williams of Nacogdoches.

State Sen. Robert Nichols

The next time you hear from me we will have begun the 84th Legislative Session. Set to last 140 days during odd-numbered years, the session is the time the Texas Legislature must pass a two-year budget as well as to address existing laws and consider new legislation.

During session, I will be writing this column weekly to keep you up to date on what is going on at your State Capitol.  

Here are five things happening around your state:

1.      Additional Money for Border Initiatives

In December, the Legislative Budget Board approved a $86.1 million plan to continue the state's border security surge through August 2015. This additional funding will provide more than 600 additional Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers. These troopers will replace the current 1,000 National guard troops which were deployed by Governor Perry earlier this year.

In addition to  new shallow-water boats, this money will also be used to install 4,000 new surveillance cameras in the Rio Grande Valley as well as stretch across the entire border from El Paso to Brownsville. These cameras will work as replacements to observation posts currently manned by National Guard troops. These cameras are motion sensitive, monitored 24/7 and produce still photos.

2.      SWIFT Loans Available

Recently I participated in a press conference in Lufkin to announce that funding through the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) was now available. Texas voters approved the constitutional amendment that created SWIFT in November 2013, which enabled a onetime investment of $2 billion for low-cost water project loans in Texas. SWIFT has allotted $800 million to fund projects in 2015 and expects to have that same amount available every year for the next 10 years.

Any political subdivision of the state or a non-profit water supply corporation with a project included in the 2012 State Water Plan can apply for SWIFT funding. For any entity interested in submitting an application you can visit the Texas Water Development website at www.twdb.texas.gov.

3.      Setting a Balance

The Senate and House Joint Select Committee to Study the Balance of the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF), which I serve on, recently set the adequate balance of $7 billion which must remain in the state's ESF. With this balance set, the Texas State Comptroller's office was able to transfer the $1.7 billion, appropriated by Proposition 1 and approved by voters, to the State Highway Fund. This money will be used for the construction and maintenance of the state's non-tolled highways and bridges.

The select committee is required to meet, at the end of each even-numbered year, to determine and adopt for the next state fiscal biennium a sufficient balance of the ESF. This balance must be enough to ensure an appropriate amount of revenue is available in the fund. If the fund’s balance falls below the minimum balance, transfers to the State Highway Fund must be reduced or stopped until the ESF's balance is higher than the floor again.

4.      State Affairs Hearing

5.      Resolutions

As people are making resolutions for the new year, my staff and I are putting into place the resolutions and ideas we have had during the interim. With each bill we file and in each issue we work on in the upcoming session, I keep in mind that because of your feedback I have a better understanding of what is needed for East Texas.

I would encourage you to come to the Capitol during this upcoming session and be a part of the legislative process. If you are unable to make it to Austin, you can call or write to my office to share your opinions and concerns about pending legislation. It has been an honor to serve as your state Senator for the past seven years and I look forward to this next year and working together to make a difference for our state.

Arrest Report

12/22/14—12/23/14

Shelby County:

Tommy Johnson, 53, Center, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Driving While Intoxicated

San Augustine County:

Jeremy Bradford Sowell, 21, Hemphill, Theft & Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity

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

Water pressure to a portion of the City of Center was reduced last Friday evening when a vehicle hit and destroyed a fire hydrant at the entrance to the former Shelby Regional Hospital on Hurst Street.

City Manager Chad Nehring said because of the water flow out of the line supplying the hydrant, pressure was reduced to the north end of town for a short period.

He said once a utility crew was on-site, locating and closing the valve took less than 20 minutes and pressure was immediately returned to normal conditions.

Nehring added there were no outages from the mishap.

The identity of the driver striking the hydrant was not known.

Center Police investigated a two-vehicle accident Sunday afternoon at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Louisiana Street that sent three to area hospitals and resulted in a Center woman receiving citations.

Center PD Sgt. Duane Gordon said a Chevy Impala driven by 23-year old Francesca Jenkins of Center failed to yield right-of-way and was struck by a Chevy pickup driven by 25-year old Douglas Williams of Converse, La. Just after 4 p.m.

Ace EMS transported Jenkins to Nacogdoches Memorial, while Williams and a passenger, 22-year old Anthony Hemphill of Logansport, were both taken to CHI St. Luke’s Health in San Augustine, all with unknown injuries.

Two passengers in Jenkins’ car, 46-year old Angie Garrett and 17-year old Essence Pitts, both of Center, were uninjured.

Jenkins was also ticketed for failure to display driver’s license and no proof of financial responsibility.

Assisting at the scene were the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, DPS and Center Fire Dept. and volunteer fire personnel.

A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of State Hwy. 7 and U.S. Hwy. 84 last night sent both drivers to Center Emergency Department with non-life threatening injuries. The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department responded to the crash. The names of the drivers and other incident information was not available this morning.

Photo courtesy of Joaquin Volunteer Fire Dept.

The San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court will have a regular meeting at 9 a.m. this morning and among the agenda items for discussion and appropriate action will be having a drop box for “Cell Phones for Soldiers” at the courthouse; a medical leave request for courthouse maintenance employee Floyd Whiteside; a donation to the county; and notice of VA General Assistance Grant Award.

The court will also consider shared payment of the new San Augustine County Investigator’s insurance premium; the IRS 2015 standard mileage rate; and proposed county credit card use policy.

San Augustine County Commissioners are also to discuss changing the Jan. 13 meeting to Jan. 9.

The fourth suspect wanted for taking oilfield equipment and supply from eight oilfield companies at multiple sites has been arrested.

The San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office says that 21-year old Jeremy Bradford Sowell of Hemphill was arrested Monday and charged with Theft and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

Diesel, oil and various batteries were stolen throughout San Augustine County recently.

Sowell’s arrest brings to four the number of suspects wanted and charged.

Joshua Miles Bearden and Roy Edward Marshall, both of San Augustine, and Russell Dale Smith of Hemphill have also been charged in the theft ring. 

We're just now beginning the flu season and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are saying this year's flu shot is not as effective in preventing the virus.

Healthcare officials say the predictions of which strains of the flu will be prevalent are off center. That’s holding course here at home as a local medical clinic network is saying they’ve seen an increase in the number of flu positive tests in patients that have received the flu shot this year compared to the previous years.

Nurse Practioner Dawn Barnes with East Texas Extended Care says even though there are reports that the flu shot is not covering the majority of strains in the community, she believes it’s still in everyone’s best interest to get a flu shot because there’s still a percentage that’s covered.

Vaccines take four to six months to make, so those predictions must be made the previous spring.

The A H3N2 virus has been most common this season. The CDC recommends high-risk individuals — the elderly and those with weak immune systems — check with their health-care professionals promptly if they develop flu symptoms because antiviral drugs work best when started in the first 48 hours after symptoms appear.

Most local businesses are observing a short work-week with the Christmas holiday.

The Shelby County Courthouse and county offices will be closed Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

The City of Center offices are closing at 1 p.m. Wednesday and will be closed Thursday & Friday.

The San Augustine County Courthouse and offices are also taking a three-day holiday break, while the City of San Augustine offices will be closed Thursday & Friday.

Banks and other federal offices will likely be closing early Wednesday and be closed Thursday.

The post office will be closed Thursday, but will re-open Friday.

Most other federal offices will likely be closed Thursday & Friday.

Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas will have a Youth Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the Windham Civic Center.

The event is for job seekers ages 18 to 21, and will include employment opportunities, connection with local businesses and organizations, resume' and application assistance and mock interviews.

For more information, contact LaTreaser Cartwright or Chaquana Harper-Wells at 598-2468.

Obits:

Hicks Mortuary of Center announces graveside service for 77-year old Johnnie J. Goodwin of Center. Service will be at 12 noon today in Westview Cemetery.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 86-year old Jean Dickerson of San Augustine. Service will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Liberty Hill Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. More information will be available soon.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces a memorial service for 72-year old Woodrow “Woody” Wayne Harrison of San Augustine. He was cremated and a memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 27 at 12:30 p.m. at Wyman Roberts Chapel.

Garner & Sons Mortuary of San Augustine announces pending service for 79-year old Mr. Jimmie Noble of Milam. He passed away Thursday.

In sports,

High school basketball:

It was a good trip to Hallsville Monday for the Center Roughriders as all three teams picked up wins. The Freshmen take a 58-42 decision, the JV get the best of Hallsville, 58-49, and the varsity Riders come away with a 78-50 victory.

The Riders will resume action after the holiday break on Jan. 2 at Nacogdoches.

The Class 2A #14 state-ranked San Augustine Wolves hosted Class 2A #3 state-ranked Martins Mill last night, and Martins Mill takes a 73-66 win over the Wolves. San Augustine will be playing in the Tenaha Holiday Hoops Tournament next Monday thru Wednesday.

The Joaquin Lady Rams get a 38-27 win over Brookeland last night. Joaquin will be playing in the Tenaha Holiday Hoops tourney as well.

The Tenaha ISD will host the 6^th annual Holiday Hoops Scholarship Classic December 29, 30, and 31. Forty of the state’s top boys and girls Class 1A, 2A, and 3A programs will descend upon Tenaha for an opportunity to battle it out on the hardwood for what has become one of Texas’ top invitational tournament trophies. The tourney will include 71 games over three days being played in Tenaha, Gary, Joaquin and Carthage. Games tip-off at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29. For complete boys’ & girls’ brackets and scores, go to the Tenaha ISD website, tenahaisd.com.

The Shelby County Commissioners' Court has agreed to resume a $15,000 monthly subsidy for a six-month period to ACE EMS to help provide emergency ambulance service to the county.

By a 3-1 vote, with Commissioner Roscoe McSwain voting against, the funds will be taken as they were previously, from the county's Indigent Healthcare Fund beginning Jan. 1.

ACE EMS received the same assistance for a 10-month period after the closure of the Shelby Regional Medical Center last year. That original agreement came to an end in October. ACE EMS owners Dale Alexander and David Chandler in their presentation to the court said they have yet to show a profit in two years of business. Alexander said the court's decision allows them to continue their obligation as the county's 9-1-1 emergency service provider.

Alexander said, "It's not so much for us than it's for the county for taking care of its emergency needs. We're proud to be able to do what we do. The commissioners are elected to take care of the county and we will do our best to hang in there with them  and do our part with their help."

As part of the new six-month agreement with the county, ACE EMS will report to commissioners and provide a financial report upon completion.

In voting against the subsidy, Commissioner McSwain said he wanted to see the affects of the new Center Emergency Department's opening on ACE EMS' monthly overhead for at least three months before approval was given to the funding.

He added he did not want to see the ambulance service going out of business.

In other agenda items, Shelby County Commissioners' approved the county attorney's office Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 office moving to another location on a rent free basis. County Attorney Gary Rholes said a private individual had offered at no charge for five years use of space on Hwy. 7 east at Loop 500. Rholes said the current office is in need of substantial repair and other issues.

Approval was also given to JP Pct. 5-elect Michael Crouch to move his office to a space on the Timpson square for $400 a month. The current JP office at Timpson City Hall will not be available at the first of the year as the Timpson PD will be utilizing the space.

The court also approved the purchase of a John Deer tractor and brush cutter for Pct. 1, 2 & 3 through the Buy Board; approval for Commissioner Pct. 3 Travis Rodgers to advertise for bids to sell a belly dump, a flat-bed truck and a maintainer.

Bonds were also approved for newly elected officials.

The county mileage rate will also increase to 57.5 cents to adhere to IRS allowable in 2015.

Commissioners gave approval to the Shelby County courthouse and county offices being closed this Friday, Dec. 26, as county employees will use a personal vacation day.

Monday was also the final commissioners' court meeting that County Judge Rick Campbell will preside over, as he'll be leaving office Dec. 31. County Auditor Clint Porterfield led the audience in showing appreciation to Judge Campbell for his service. He had these parting comments.

Judge Campbell said, "It's been an honor to serve the citizens of Shelby County and wanted to thank those that have supported him. Merry Christmas!"

The staff of Dr. Steve Oates' medical office will be closed for Christmas from Dec. 23 until Dec. 29. They will be open Dec. 29 & 30, and then closed Jan. 31 until Jan. 5.

Patients may come be for their medical records or help they may need.

Arrest Report

12/19/14—12/22/14

Shelby County:

Michael Harris, 23, Salina, KS, Warrant-Non Child Support

Robert Russum, 63, White Sulphur Springs, WV, Driving While Intoxicated

Derek Hendricks, 17, Timpson, Warrant-Theft

Justin Adkinson, 24, Center, Racing

Johnny Glaze, 47, Racing

San Augustine County:

Carlos M. Nunez, 28, Livingston, No Drivers License & Passing in a No Passing Zone

James T. Jordan, 19, San Augustine, Assault-Family Violence

Stephen R. Hearne, 30, Chireno, Nacogdoches Warrant, Theft

Roy Edward Marshall, 37, San Augustine, Theft & Engaging in Criminal Organized Activity

Kenneth Bluford, 39, San Augustine, Three Warrants-Assault-Family Violence

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

Emergency medical service has returned to Shelby County as Nacogdoches Medical Center’s new Center Emergency Department will open at 8 a.m. this morning.

The ER is 24/7 and the diagnostic imaging suite will be open for regular hours daily.

The 10,000 sq. ft facility has 40 employees complete with a lab, pharmacy, state-of-the art digital x-ray, 64-slice CT and ultrasound.

After an 18-month absence, there’s now an emergency room around-the-clock in Shelby County with the opening of Center Emergency Department.

The Shelby County Commissioners’ Court has a special meeting at 9:30 a.m. this morning, and among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be a request for temporary subsidy from ACE EMS with Dale Alexander and David Chandler to address the court.

Commissioners will also consider allowing the county attorney’s office and Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 move into office space on a rent free basis.

Also, JP Pct. 5-elect Mike Crouch is to address the court concerning the possibility of renting office space.

In other agenda items, the court will record the creation of Fund 83 the DA Non-Traffic Forfeiture Fund and Fund 84-the DA Traffic Forfeiture Fund. Tax Assessor Debora Riley is to address the court concerning evidence of compliance with Texas Property Code; the court will consider approving Commissioners Roscoe McSwain, Jimmy Lout and Travis Rodger to each purchase a John Deere tractor and brush cutter for their precincts through the Buy Board; approve Commissioner Rodgers to advertise for bids to sell a Ranch 2 door belly dump, a 1975 Chevy Silvarado flatbed truck and a Fiat 175 maintainer. Commissioners will also discuss and possibly take action on increasing the county mileage rate from 55.5 cents to 57.5 cents; and closing the courthouse on Friday, Dec. 26.

With strong job growth in Texas, the state-wide unemployment rate for November fell to 4.9 percent, down from 5.1 percent in October.

Shelby County’s November jobless rate has drop to 4.7 percent, which is slightly less than last months, but a strong showing from the 6.4 percent in November a year ago.

San Augustine’s November unemployment was 8 percent, about the same as last month’s but down from the 9.6 percent in Nov. 2013.

In neighboring counties, Sabine County’s Nov. jobless rate remains one of the highest in this part of the state at 10.4 percent, Nacogdoches was 4.5, Angelina 4.6 and Panola County’s unemployment rate was 3.5 percent.

Statewide, the job growth in Texas has expanded to a new high for a fourth month in a row.

The San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a third theft suspect was taken into custody over the weekend wanted for taken some $26,000 in oil field equipment and supply in the county.

Jail records indicate 37-year old Roy Edward Marshall of San Augustine was arrested in Angelina County Saturday.

Marshall, along with 25-year old Joshua Miles Bearden of San Augustine and 20-year old Russell Dale Smith of Hemphill have already are been charged with Theft and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

A fourth suspect, 21-year old Jeremy Bradford Sowell of Hemphill remains at large.

Authorities say diesel, oil and batteries were taken from eight oilfield companies, and each company has had multiple sites hit by the suspects.

Anyone with any information about the thefts or the locations of Sowell is urged to contact the San Augustine County Sheriff's Office at (936) 275-2424.

Roy Edward Marshall (Photo courtesy of San Augustine County Jail)

With Christmas Thursday, it’s going to be a short week for most businesses, including local governmental entities.

The Shelby County Courthouse and county offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, and will know later this morning if Friday’s included in the closure when commissioners consider the item.

The City of Center offices are closing at 1 p.m. Wednesday and will be closed Thursday & Friday.

The San Augustine County Courthouse and offices are also taking a three-day holiday break.

Banks and other federal offices will likely be closing early Wednesday. They'll remain closed Christmas, and re-open for business Friday.

If you’re able to do so, one of the best ways to share this Christmas season is through the gift of a blood donation.

The Shelby County Sheriff's office will have a Blood Drive today, Monday from 10:00-2:30 at the sheriff’s office.

Holidays are a hard time for the Blood Center so this drive will help out. Donors will receive a t-shirt.

San Augustine Main Street’s Community Economic Development Program Series will present a lunch and learn series featuring a Roger Brook’s video on “20 Ingredients of an Outstanding Downtown” at 1 p.m. this afternoon, Dec. 22 at Imogene’s Café in San Augustine.

The meal is Dutch Treat.

After the video is presented, there will be a time for questions and comments.

For more information call San Augustine Main Street Director Tracy Cox at 936-201-9798.

A Center Broadcasting programming note, the annual Don Wall Family Christmas Eve Special will air on Q-100 KQBB from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday night.

Don & Peggy Wall, along with their children and grandchildren will reflect upon Christmases past and present.

That’s from 7 to 8 p.m. Christmas Eve on Q-100 KQBB and online at cbc-radio.com.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 83-year old Tommy Jay Lilly of Joaquin. He passed away Friday in Shreveport. Service will be at 11 a.m. today at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin. Among Tommy Jay Lilly’s survivors are his wife, Tillie Hamilton Lilly of Joaquin; daughter, Lisa & Doug Hedges of Shreveport; and son, Stephen Jay & Misty Lilly of Joaquin. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jackson Cemetery Association or the charity of your choice.

Garrison Funeral Home was in charge of service Sunday for 85-year old Earline Allen of Garrison. She passed away Thursday in Nacogdoches. Service was held at Garrison Funeral Home with interment at Bethel Cemetery in Appleby. Among Earline Allen’s survivors are sons, Thurman Jacobs and Tom Jacobs, both of Lufkin; and daughter, Sandra Luman of Etoile. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Washington, D.C.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 81-year old Anna Sue Robinson of Beaumont, a native of San Augustine. She passed away Friday in Beaumont. Service will be at 11 a.m. this morning at Macune Baptist Church, with interment in the Macune Cemetery. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. this morning at the church.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home announces service for 84-year old Mrs. Celia Anderson of San Augustine. She passed away Saturday in San Augustine. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon in the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with interment in the Liberty Hill Memorial Garden in San Augustine. Among Celia Anderson’s survivors is her husband, Derl Anderson of San Augustine; daughter, Brenda & Roger Johnson of Mt. Enterprise; sons, Michael & Debbie Anderson of Brookeland and Randal & Jennie Anderson of Richmond.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces a memorial service for 72-year old Woodrow “Woody” Wayne Harrison of San Augustine. He was cremated and a memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 27 at 12:30 p.m. at Wyman Roberts Chapel.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson was in charge of service Saturday for 79-year old Rev. Bobby Strange of Nacogdoches. He passed away Dec. 16 at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. Service was held at Antioch Baptist Church in Timpson, with interment at Antioch Cemetery. Among Rev. Bobby Strange’s survivors are sons, Fredric & Rhonda Strange of Nacogdoches and Walter & Aretha Strange of Seattle, Washington; and step-son, Rodney Ingram of Dallas.

Hicks Mortuary of Center announces graveside service for 77-year old Johnnie J. Goodwin of Center. Service will be at 12 noon Tuesday in Westview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12noon to 6 p.m. today at Hicks Mortuary Chapel. Among Johnnie J. Goodwin’s survivors are his wife, Helen Joyce Goodwin of Center; son, Lester Paul Mann of Center; brother, MacArthur Goodwin of Marshall; sisters, Eddie Ruth Goodwin and Ola Mae Gardner, both of Center, Bredag Mae Cartwright of Dallas and Ella Rene & Glen Suell of Oregon.

In sports,

Two Center Football Roughriders have received all-district recognition from coaches of Dist. 6-4A, Div. II. Octavius Evans picked-up two honors--second team receiver and utility player. Joseph Fentress was named to special teams.

In high school basketball:

The Center Roughriders win two of three games in the Tatum tournament taking fifth-place. After defeating Spring Hill Thursday, 65-56, the Riders faced a tough Marshall team and lost 47-70. The Riders had no problem with New Boston on Saturday, taking a 55-17 win. Octavius Evans was named all-tournament.

All Rider basketball teams will be in Hallsville today with games starting at 1 p.m.

The #10 state-ranked San Augustine Wolves were dealt a loss by 4A Hudson Friday night, 44-69. The Wolves will be home to host Class 2A #3 state-ranked Martins Mill starting with JV at 5 p.m. this afternoon.

The Tenaha Tigers played in the Martins Mill Tourney going winning two of five games. Tenaha opened with back-to-back losses to state-ranked Martins Mill (42-67) & Paradise (47-36), before coming back to beat Callisburg, 65-57 Friday night. On Saturday, the Tigers defeated Lindsay, 67-48, and lost to Clarksville, 58-75 in the championship game of the "white" bracket.

Martinsville Pirates beat the Broaddus Bulldogs, 57-41; Chireno Owls over Apple Springs, 99-73; and the state-ranked Chireno Lady Owls beat Apple Springs, 52-36.

The Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams will host Brookeland at 2 p.m. this afternoon.

The Tenaha ISD will host the 6^th annual Holiday Hoops Scholarship Classic December 29, 30, and 31. Forty of the state’s top boys and girls Class 1A, 2A, and 3A programs will descend upon Tenaha for an opportunity to battle it out on the hardwood for what has become one of Texas’ top invitational tournament trophies. The tourney will include 71 games over three days being played in Tenaha, Gary, Joaquin and Carthage. Games tip-off at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29. For complete boys’ & girls’ brackets and scores, go to the Tenaha ISD website, tenahaisd.com.

The UIL crowned 10 state football champions last week in Arlington:

Class 2A, Division II:

Bremond 28, Albany 21

Class 2A, Division I:

Canadian 34, Mason 7

Class 3A, Division II:

Waskom, 41 Newton 22

Class 3A, Division I:

Cameron Yoe 70, Mineola 40

Friday’s finals

Class 4A, Division II:

Gilmer 35, West Orange-Stark 25

Class 4A, Division I:

Navasota 42, Argyle 35 2OT

Class 5A, Division II:

Ennis 38, Cedar Park 35

Recently, FL Moffett, Center Elementary, Center Intermediate School, and Center High School Anatomy and Physiology students came together for a community project to benefit the local Nursing Homes. Pre-K and
Kindergarten brought lotion, First Grade brought socks, Second Grade brought deodorant, Third Grade brought Chap Stick, Fourth Grade brought Lip Gloss, and Fifth Grade brought body wash and body sprays.

CES principal, Rachel Miller says, “We filled 150 bags for Christmas and had extra supplies to send to each home as well.” After all of the items were collected, the students in Mr. Michael Elder’s A&P class put the gift bags together and helped deliver them to the nursing homes this week.

The spirit of Christmas is filling each campus and overflowing into the community of Center.

Mr. Elder's class stuffing bags. (picture provided by Rachel Miller)

At Center Intermediate School, a group of students came up with, and presented, an idea of organizing a Community Service group on campus.

After approval, they were put under the guidance of Lynn Williams, CIS counselor, and they have volunteered to do Campus Beautification on Fridays.

This activity entails picking up trash and keeping the campus clean. Taking it even further, they decided to not only impact their campus, but to have an impact on the world around them. They have written letters to Veterans and recently decorated the Child Advocacy Center for the holidays.

Although fully established, they have not decided on an official name for their organization, but refer to themselves as *Center Intermediate School R3Services*. They are described on their campus as “a hidden treasure in the Roughrider Community.”

These students are learning at a young age how to be better people and to positively contribute to the community and world around them.

This is a true example of being respectful and responsible, as well as being part of something bigger than themselves.

Center Elementary is excited to announce the 2nd Six Weeks Chef for a Day Winners. These students were drawn from all of the students at CES who had Perfect Attendance and No Tardies during the 2nd Six Weeks. On Monday, December 15th, they participated in the Chef for a Day activity.
 

For First Grade: Angelica Garcia and Patrick Moore
For Second Grade: SuSu Eh and Travis Belin
For Third Grade: See See Eh Paw and Mason Mayo

Center High School Art Classes under the instruction of Mrs. Ruby Woodard teamed up with Ms. Sherry Lawson's Pre-K4 class this semester to work on an art project. The Pre-K4 students did an art project at Halloween where they drew monsters. The high school students then took the drawings and made 3D
monsters for each student out of their drawings. Mrs. Woodard's classes presented each individual student with their 3D monster in December. It was such a fun and exciting experience for both classes and a great way to promote interest for art among the younger students.

Irving, Texas, Dec. 18, 2014—Cellular One awarded its’ “Football Tickets Contest” winners in Texas on Dec. 17, 2014. Cellular One representatives presented prizes to contest entry winner Gigi Cox and her husband of Garrison, Texas. Also awarded were the employee contest winners - Retail Store Manager, Angela Grippe from Henderson and Sales Representative, Kelley Edwards from Carthage. Winners won two tickets to see their conference leading Dallas Cowboys play against the Indianapolis Colts for a sold out game on Dec. 21, 2014.

In addition to the tickets, winners were also presented with Cowboys' jerseys and a $200 gift card. All winners will spend game day with former Dallas Cowboy and Super Bowl Champion Isaiah Stanback, to include photos and autographs.

Participants entered the contest online and at Cellular One locations starting November 17, 2014. The event was held by the wireless service provider as a fun way to show appreciation for its customers and employees this holiday season. “We wanted to create something to show our gratitude at a local level, something personal,” stated Jon Foxman, President and CEO for Cellular One. Regional Manager, Kirk Revell hosted the celebration at the Nacogdoches, Texas Cellular One retail store.

About Cellular One

Cellular One is one of the nation’s most successful cellular phone companies, providing nationwide 4G service to customers in Louisiana and Texas and offering the only cellular phone service in the Gulf of Mexico. Cellular One is committed to providing “No Tricks, Just Savings” for its customers. The Cellular One team of knowledgeable, experienced professionals is dedicated to serving customers and local communities in ways that far exceed their expectations.

For more information, please visit www.cellonenation.com.

Arrest Report

12/18/14—12/19/14

Shelby County: No Arrest Reported

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Nacogdoches Medical Center’s new Shelby County emergency department and diagnostic imaging center will officially open at 8 a.m. Monday morning.

That announcement came during an open house Thursday afternoon for the new Center Emergency Department.

The hospital gave community leaders an opportunity to see the $7 million facility up close and view the state-of-the art equipment.

Medical Center Governing Board of Directors Chairman Frances Spruiell said the hospital was thrilled with the opportunity they have in Shelby County. She added this is a great Christmas gift for the county.

Center Emergency Department has 40 employees with a 24/7 ER, lab, pharmacy and diagnostic imaging suite with digital x-ray, 64-slice CT and ultrasound.

On-site manager is RN and Shelby County native Tammy Hanson.

Chief Operating Officer Clay Farrell told the gathering yesterday Center Emergency Department’s ER is expected to see upwards of 20 patients a day, with the imaging department to have around 30 imaging clients daily.

Farrell said the new Center facility has been a partnership effort and said appreciation is due to the City of Center, Shelby County, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and ACE EMS among other emergency care providers that service the area.

Center Mayor David Chadwick said the facility is “top drawer” and is an asset to not just Center, but neighbors as well.

The opening of Center Emergency Department at 8 a.m. Monday will fill a big healthcare void as the county has been without emergency medical services for almost 18 months.

Local attorney Lynda K. Russell was presented the 2014 Most Pro Bono Cases Litigated Award during a ceremony Thursday morning at the Shelby County Courthouse.

Making the presentation was Private Attorney Involvement Coordinator with Lone Star Legal Aid, Dana G. Bias.

It marks the first time the award has been given to a Shelby County attorney.

Ms. Bias said Ms. Russell has volunteered through their program since she opened her private practice in 2012 and has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Ms. Russell said she was humbled by the award. She told us she really don't deserve it any more than the other attorneys, saying they all probably do pro bono work as well, so she likes to feel it’s an award for all local attorneys.

Ms. Russell said,”I always felt like God's plan for me was to help others when I could, so I am only doing what I feel I was put here to do. I love every minute of it and I love to know that in some little way I might have helped someone along the way.”

The ceremony took place in 273^rd District Judge Charles Mitchell’s courtroom. Attending the presentation was Judge Mitchell, 123^rd District Judge Charles “Brick” Dickerson, Ms. Russell’s husband, Phil Hennigan, her mother, Edrie Parson and Ms. Russell’s sister-in-law, Mary Ann Parsons.

Ms. Russell is a former Shelby County District Attorney.

We told you an Arkansas man was arrested in Panola County recently suspected of cattle theft after a seven-hour manhunt.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is now reporting a second Arkansas man has been taken into custody as a suspect in the theft of approximately 70 head of cattle in Texas and Arkansas.

The suspect is 37-year old Levi Boyd of Camden, Ark. He was transported to Panola County facing charges of theft of livestock and theft of property.

Boyd’s arrest is directly connected to the arrest of 25-year old Bradley Wayne Guthrey of North Little Rock. He was arrested Dec. 9 after the manhunt and remains in the Panola County Jail. 

The Gaddy’s Medical Equipment & Supply and Center Broadcasting coat drive for children continues through Dec. 31, and according to Amanda Bush, there’s been a great turnout of coat donations so far, and equally on parents inquiring about coats for their children.

She said it’s been wonderful to see the response of the community.

Ms. Bush, as well as Center Broadcasting expresses our appreciation to those that have donated coats. The need for kids’ coats will continue through the winter, so more donations will be needed.

If you would like to drop by a new or slightly used child’s coat, please do so from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gaddy’s Medical Equipment & Supply on Hurst Street in Center.

Tri-County Community Action has notified us that they WILL NOT have a produce drop this month. The monthly distribution is usually held on the fourth Wednesday in Center. However, there will not be a produce drop this month by Tri-County Community Action. 

San Augustine Main Street’s Community Economic Development Program Series will present a lunch and learn series featuring a Roger Brook’s video on “20 Ingredients of an Outstanding Downtown” at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22 at Imogene’s Café in San Augustine.

The meal is Dutch Treat.

After the video is presented, there will be a time for questions and comments.

For more information call San Augustine Main Street Director Tracy Cox at 936-201-9798.

If you’re able to do so, one of the best ways to share this Christmas season is through the gift of a blood donation.

There are two opportunities coming up in the area. There will be a blood drive in support of young cancer patient Max Matlock at Brookshire Brothers on the Haslam Strip in Joaquin, tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 20. LifeShare Blood Center is set to be on site at 11:00 a.m. 

Also, the Shelby County Sheriff's office will have a Blood Drive on Monday, Dec. 22nd from 10:00-2:30. Holidays are a hard time for the Blood Center so this drive will help out. Donors will receive a t-shirt.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 69-year old Melva Darland “Mickie” Boyett Gibbs of Tenaha. She passed away Wednesday in Longview. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Reeves-McMillan Cemetery in Panola County. Among Melva Darland “Mickie” Boyett Gibbs’ survivors are children, Edith “Edie” Taylor of Deadwood, Bobby Windham of Diana, Terry & Teresa Windham of Harleton and Andy Gibbs, Jr. & wife, Tina of Tenaha; sisters, Judy Dailey of DeBerry, Helen & J.C. Graves of Bossier City and Maxine Barnhill of Irving; and brother, Lonnie Lee Boyette of Carthage.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 94-year old Marjorie Neal “Margie” Hooks of Center. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 79-year old Hoyt Kimbro “Pop-a-top” of Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 62-year old Kathie Waller of Broaddus. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with burial at Macedonia Cemetery, San Augustine.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces a memorial service for 72-year old Woodrow “Woody” Wayne Harrison. Memorial service will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces a memorial service for 65-year old Minister Earnie Mae Goodwin, Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Pleasant Grove Church in Center. A wake will be held all day today at Community Funeral Home in Center. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday prior to service at Pleasant Grove Church. Following visitation today Ms. Goodwin will be cremated.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 64-year old Fred Lawrence Brown of Carthage, formerly of Timpson. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Smyrna Baptist Church in Timpson, with interment at Antioch Cemetery. A wake will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. this evening at Community Funeral Home in Timpson.

Garner & Son Mortuary in San Augustine announces service for 96-year old Mrs. Elmarine Lyvon Anders Hoyt of Dallas. She was a native of the Greer Town Community in San Augustine. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Mathews Baptist Church in San Augustine, with interment at Greer Town Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Garner & Son Chapel and from 11:30 a.m. to service time at the church. 

In sports,

The Texas high school football state championships are being determined thru Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The Class 2A & 3A title games were played Thursday.

Class 2A, Division II:

Bremond 28, Albany 21

Class 2A, Division I:

Canadian 34, Mason 7

Class 3A, Division II:

Waskom, 41 Newton 22

Class 3A, Division I:

Cameron Yoe 70, Mineola 40,

Friday’s finals

Class 4A, Division II:

(15-0) Gilmer vs. (13-2) West Orange-Stark, 12:00pm

Class 4A, Division I:

(15-0) Argyle vs. (15-0) Navasota, 4:00pm

Class 5A, Division II:

(13-2) Ennis vs. (12-3) Cedar Park, 8:00pm

Saturday finals

Class 5-A, Division I:

(14-1) Aledo vs. (13-1)Temple, Saturday, 12:00pm

Class 6-A, Division II:

(13-2) Cedar Hill vs. (14-1) Katy, Saturday, 4:00pm

Class 6-A, Division I:

(15-0) Allen vs. (13-2) Cypress Ranch, Saturday, 8:00pm

In high school basketball:

The Center Roughriders opened play in the Tatum tournament Thursday with a 65-56 win over Spring Hill. The Riders’ next game is 1 p.m. today against Marshall. A win and Center plays at 5:30 p.m. today, should they lose, they’ll hit the court at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The JV & Freshmen Riders are in Cushing at 5 p.m. today.

By the way, all Rider teams will be in Hallsville Monday with games starting at 1 p.m.

The Center Lady Riders are home against Huntington starting at 5 p.m. today.

The San Augustine Wolves will be in Hudson tonight.

The Tenaha Tigers are in the Martins Mill Tourney. On Thursday, the host #3 state-ranked Martins Mill takes a 67-42 win. Tenaha plays Paradise at 11:40 a.m. this morning & Callisburg at 8 p.m. tonight.

The Tenaha Lady Tigers are home against San Augustine today at 5:30 p.m.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons will host Burkeville today at 5 p.m.

The Timpson Bears and Lady Bears go to Overton tonight starting at 5 p.m.

The Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams host New Summerfield getting underway at 3:30 p.m.

The Garrison Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs have district games at home against Hemphill tonight.

Martinsville teams will be at Broaddus today beginning at 1 p.m.

The Tenaha ISD will host the 6^th annual Holiday Hoops Scholarship Classic December 29, 30, and 31. Forty of the state’s top boys and girls Class 1A, 2A, and 3A programs will descend upon Tenaha for an opportunity to battle it out on the hardwood for what has become one of Texas’ top invitational tournament trophies. The tourney will include 71 games over three days being played in Tenaha, Gary, Joaquin and Carthage. Games tip-off at 8 a.m. Monday.

For complete boys’ & girls’ brackets and scores, go to the Tenaha ISD website, tenahaisd.com.

The Center Middle School U.I.L. One-Act Play competed recently performing
"A Toby Show". They placed 3rd overall and individual awards were given to
the following:



Linda Camacho – All-Star Crew Member

Jazmin Guevara – All-Star Cast Member

Tyler Allen – Honorable Mention Cast Member

Magda Dominguez - Honorable Mention Cast Member


CMS and all of Center ISD are proud of these students and their director!

Arrest Report

12/17/14—12/18/14

Shelby County: No Arrest Reported

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Ten months after breaking ground on their $7 million satellite emergency department and diagnostic imaging center it appears Nacogdoches Medical Center is just a few days away from opening the facility at Hwy. 96 and Loop 500 in Center.

Chief Operating Officer Clay Farrell told me yesterday the hospital is tying up loose ends on construction and making sure all regulatory licenses are in place before the doors are open for business.

Farrell said there was an outside chance the facility could be operational next week, but was for certain by the end of the year.

The 10,000 sq. ft. building will house seven examination rooms, a lab, pharmacy and diagnostic imaging suite.

Shelby County has been without emergency medical services since July 2013 when Shelby Regional Medical Center closed its doors.

In sports,

Tenaha Tiger senior running back Cobe Caraway has been named the Dist. 11-2A MVP as the all-district post-season football honors were released this Wednesday.

Two other Tigers also picked up superlatives as Tenaha senior QB T.J. Thomas was co-offensive MVP and senior linebacker DaMarcus Perry was tabbed Defensive MVP.

A complete listing of Tenaha and Timpson players named to all-district honors can be found on our website, cbc-radio.com under the local news tab on the homepage. Look for Local Sports Roundup with today’s date.

First-team offense:

QB- Chandler Burgay, Jr. Timpson.

RB- Hayden Smith, Jr.  Timpson

WR-DeAndre Thomas, Sr. Tenaha and James Marshall,  Sr. Timpson

OL- Blane Cummings, Jr. Tenaha and Alberto Cuero, Sr.  Timpson

Second Team Offense:

RB- LaDaruis Garrett, Fr. Tenaha and Eric Gossett, Sr. Timpson

WR-Colton Goeke, Jr. Tenaha and Shakur Johnson, Sr. Timpson

OL Charles Reed, Jr. Tenaha, Leon Aguilar,  Sr.Tenaha, Tee Earl, So. Timpson and Bryan Torres, So. Timpson

PK- Abel Rodriquez, So.Tenaha

First Team Defense:

DL- Blane Cummings, Jr. Tenaha, Alberto Cuero, Sr. Timpson and Tee Earl, So. Timpson

LB- Kebo Reed,  Sr. Tenaha  and James Moore, Jr. Timpson

DE/OLB- Seth Wyatt, Sr. Tenaha and Hunter Smith, Jr.  Timpson

DB- DeAndre Thomas, Sr. Tenaha and Terrance Garrett, Sr. Timpson,

Second Team Defense:

DL- J.R.  Wagstaff,  Jr.  Tenaha, Bryan Torres, So. Timpson,

LB- T.J. Thomas,  Sr.Tenaha and Chase Lilly, Fr. Timpson

DE/OLB DiCarlo Dudley, Jr. Tenaha

DB- Colton Goeke, Jr. Tenaha, DeVonta Thomas, Sr. Timpson,

Shakur Johnson, Sr.Timpson,

Tenaha Honorable Mention:

Andy Ward, Tyler Muckelroy, Aaron Harris, Hunter Wagstaff, Calvin Estes, and Jasper Spurlock.

Timpson Honorable Mention:

Chris Piro, TJ Thompson, Keaton Bush, and Jose Mejia

The Texas high school football state championships are being determined today thru Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The Class 2A & 3A title games are on the line today. Fox Sports Southwest will be carrying a telecast of each champsionship. Here's a rundown of games:

Class 2A, Division II:

(14-0) Albany vs. (14-0) Bremond, today, 10:00am

Class 2A, Division I:

(14-0) Canadian vs. (14-0) Mason, today, 1:00pm

Class 3A, Division II:

(14-1) Waskom vs. (12-3) Newton, today, 5:00pm

Class 3A, Division I:

(12-3) Mineola vs. (11-4) Cameron Yoe, today, 8:00pm

Friday

Class 4A, Division II:

(15-0) Gilmer vs. (13-2) West Orange-Stark, Friday, 12:00pm

Class 4A, Division I:

(15-0) Argyle vs. (15-0) Navasota, Friday, 4:00pm

Class 5A, Division II:

(13-2) Ennis vs. (12-3) Cedar Park, Friday, 8:00pm

Saturday

Class 5-A, Division I:

(14-1) Aledo vs. (13-1)Temple, Saturday, 12:00pm

Class 6-A, Division II:

(13-2) Cedar Hill vs. (14-1) Katy, Saturday, 4:00pm

Class 6-A, Division I:

(15-0) Allen vs. (13-2) Cypress Ranch, Saturday, 8:00pm

In high school basketball:

The Center Roughriders will be playing in the Tatum Tournament today thru Saturday. The Riders' first game is 5:30 p.m. today vs. Spring Hill.

The Center Lady Riders are home against Huntington starting at 5 p.m. Friday

The San Augustine Wolves will be in Hudson Friday night.

The Tenaha Tigers will be in the Martins Mill Tourney starting today. The Tigers take on state-ranked Martins Mill at 7:40 p.m. tonight, and will play Paradise at 11:40 a.m. Friday & Callisburg at 8 p.m. Friday.

The Tenaha Lady Tigers are home against San Augustine Friday at 5:30 p.m.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons will host Burkeville Friday at 5 p.m.

The Timpson Bears and Lady Bears go to Overton Friday starting at 5 p.m.

The Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams host New Summerfield getting underway at 3:30 p.m.

The Garrison Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs have district games at home against Hemphill Friday.

Martinsville teams will be at Broaddus Friday beginning at 1 p.m.

For the 6^th consecutive year, Tenaha ISD will host the Holiday Hoops Scholarship Classic on December 29, 30, and 31. Forty of the state’s top Class 1A, 2A, and 3A programs will descend upon Tenaha for an opportunity to battle it out on the hardwood for what has become one of Texas’ top invitational tournament trophies. The tourney will include 71 games over three days being played in Tenaha, Gary, Joaquin and Carthage.

In college hoops last night, the SFA Lumberjacks take a 66-60 win over Texas State to win their seventh-straight. SFA will take on Arkansas Tech at 2 p.m. Saturday in Nacogdoches.

The City of Center Street Improvements for Economic Development Corporation will have a special meeting at city hall at 4 p.m. this afternoon.

Among the agenda items for discussion and action will be the Texas Capital Fund Grant Project concerning the Hutcherson Drive project at the Center Motor Company construction site; the Downtown Revitalization Grant; the 2014 Street Program; in addition to an MLK Drive project update and MLK Drive sidewalk project.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are holding a relocation ribbon cutting at the new corporate office of J.C. Lewis Construction at 11 a.m. this morning at 975 Southview Circle in Center.

The Timpson City Council will hold a public hearing at 5:15 p.m. this afternoon followed by a special meeting.

The hearing will be to explain eligible activities and receive citizen input on projects from the Texas Community Development Grant Application for 2015-16.

In the special meeting, the Timpson City Council will discuss and possibly take action on the repair/replacement of a water leak on Todd Street in front of the Michael Driver's residence.

Quotes from Angelina Excavating and Duplichain Contractors will be included.

Fuel prices saw their single largest weekly drop since the decline began as double-digit decreases were evident nationwide.

According to gasbuddy.com, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Texas is averaging $2.27 a gallon, that's down 13 cents in the past week.

In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $2.32, down 14 cents in a week.

Nationally, the average is $2.49, which is 14 cents less than last week and 72 cents less from the same time a year ago.

Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $2.30 at Wal-Mart, down 15 cents in the past week.

Newton County Sheriff Eddie Shannon's trial date has been set for March 9, 2015 on charges of making terroristic threats against members of the Newton County Commissioners' Court.

Senior Judge Joe Ned Dean of Groveton signed an order setting the date. Judge Dean has previously signed an order granting Shannon's motion for a change of venue, ordering that the case be transferred to San Augustine County and be heard by a jury of San Augustine County residents.

Judge Dean was assigned to preside over the case after Newton County District Court Judges Jerome Owens and Craig Mixson both recused themselves.

Shannon attorney is John Seal and Blair Bisbey of the Seale, Stover and Bisbey Law Firm in Jasper.

Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep says the 6th annual "Stock a Ram for Santa" was one of the best yet as toys were collected for the children served by the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center.

Winner of the 50" TV was Tina McKinney of Center.

Thanks to everyone that stopped by the dealership and donated gifts to help make a child's Christmas merrier in the "Stock a Ram for Santa" at Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep.

If you have medical records at the old Shelby Regional Medical Center that need to picked up, be aware they will close at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5 at 8 a.m. in Dr. Hooker's former offices.

Starting Jan. 12, new hours will be Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March 13, 2015 will be the absolute last day for records to be claimed. After that date, all records will be shredded.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 94-year old Marjorie Hooks of Center. She passed away Tuesday in Center. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Among Marjorie Hooks’ survivors are daughters, June & Al Stenier of Dallas and Monte & Deck Jones of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 79-year old Hoyt Kimbro “Pop-a-top” of Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Hoyt Kimbro’s survivors are daughters, Wanda & Les Perkins of Shelbyville and Jennifer & Brad Davis of Carthage; and brothers, Kenneth Kimbro of Dayton.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 49-year old Robert Joe Marshall of Timpson. Service will be at 4 p.m. this afternoon at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation for family and friends will be from 2 p.m. until service time. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made at Austin Bank, Timpson to assist with funeral expenses.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces a memorial service for San Augustine community and civic leader, 72-year old Woodrow “Woody” Wayne Harrison. Memorial service will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel. Woody Harrison is survived by his wife, Glenda Harrison of San Augustine;  son, Houston WW Harrison of Arkansas; daughter, Divini Creech of Richardson; brother, Rick & Debbie Harrison of Houston; and brother-in-law, Robert & Sheila Ramey of Arkansas.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 62-year old Kathie Waller of Broaddus. She passed away Tuesday in Broaddus. Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with burial at Macedonia Cemetery, San Augustine. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Kathie Waller’s survivors is husband, Keary Waller of Broaddus; daughter, Monique & Earl Jr. Williams of Bay City; mother, Maggie Lena Phillips of Broaddus; brother, Maynard & JoAnn Phillips of Lufkin; and sister, Audrey & Jimmy Steptoe of Broaddus.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces a memorial service for 65-year old Minister Earnie Mae Goodwin, a former resident of Center. Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at Pleasant Grove Church in Center. A wake will be held all day Friday at Community Funeral Home in Center. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday prior to service at Pleasant Grove Church. Following visitation Friday Ms. Goodwin will be cremated.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 64-year old Fred Lawrence Brown of Carthage, formerly of Timpson. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Smyrna Baptist Church in Timpson, with interment at Antioch Cemetery. A wake will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Community Funeral Home in Timpson. Among Fred Lawrence Brown's survivors arae daughters, Vicky & Tony Yarbrough, Tiayana Brown, Kelosha Brown, all of Timpson and Zerita & Damien Roberson of Garland; sons, Fedarron & Shonda Yarbrough, Tevin Brown, and Terrance Brown, all of Timpson, Feredoneus & Beverly Yarbrough of Dallas and Fredrick & Scottie Yarbrough of Garrison; brothers, Clarence & Joyce Brown of Carthage, John & Doris Brown of Henderson and Dale Brown of Timpson; sisters, Effie Owens of Carthage, Betty & Will Smith and Linda & Joe Lister, all of Longview.

Garner & Son Mortuary in San Augustine announces service for 96-year old Mrs. Elmarine Lyvon Anders Hoyt of Dallas. She was a native of the Greer Town Community in San Augustine. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Mathews Baptist Church in San Augustine, with interment at Greer Town Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Garner & Son Chapel and from 11:30 a.m. to service time at the church. 

Timpson ISD Police Department Officer Kim Graham spoke to Mrs. Robin  Conway's Timpson Middle School career class about the importance of laws and rules in our school and community. She did a great job explaining to the students how important having and respecting the laws and rules are.  The students did a great job asking questions and listening to Officer Graham. The students have a better understanding of the laws and rules they face in school and in their community on a daily basis.  Thank you Officer Graham for your time.

Football All-District – Congratulations to the following Timpson High School Bears who made all district: (See below photo)

1st Team Offense
Chandler Burgay
Hayden Smith
James Marshall
Shakur Johnson
Alberto Cuero

2nd Team Offense
Bryan Torres
Taujhmon Earl
Eric Gossett

1st Team Defense
Alberto Cuero
Taujhmon Earl
James Moore
Hunter Smith
Terence Garrett

2nd Team Defense
Bryan Torres
Chase Lilly
DeVonta Thompson
Shakur Johnson

Honorable Mention
Chris Piro
TJ Thompson
Keaton Bush
Jose Mejia

On Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13, students from the Timpson band program traveled to Rusk HS to audition for the Region 21 ATSSB All Region Band.  They competed with the best students from classes 1A through 4A in the East Texas area. 

Students that earned spots in the 2014-2015 ATSSB Region 21 Middle School Band are:

Rebekah Parks, flute                      3^rd Chair Concert Band

Cassidy Clifton, clarinet                20^th Chair Concert Band

Ja’Karia Deckard, bass clarinet    2^nd Chair Concert Band

Kendall Archer, alto saxophone 4^th Chair Symphonic Band

Bradley Young, trumpet                                9^th Chair Symphonic Band

Dallas Dennis, trumpet                  2^nd Alternate

Devin Kimzey, trombone              4^th Chair Symphonic Band

THS student Connor Timmons made the 2014-2015 ATSSB Region 21 High School Band, and placed high enough to advance to the Area Auditions.  He will audition for the All State Band on January 10 in Chapel Hill. 

Congratulations to all of these fine Timpson Band students!

Pictured left to right are:

Dallas Dennis, Bradley Young, Rebekah Parks, Connor Timmons, Ja’Karia Deckard, Kendall Archer, Devin Kimzey, and Cassidy Clifton.

The staff at the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center would like to thank those of you who contributed to our annual toy drive. We have had so many child victims and families in crisis come through our Center this year, and with your help we have been able to provide Christmas cheer at a time in their lives when it is most needed. Your generosity is a reminder to them that they are loved and valuable. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every person who gave food, funds, clothes, bikes, toys, and the gift of your time.

This school year, Center High School has grouped its students into Rider
REC classes. Each group has Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. The
groups are formed so that each individual student gets the care and support
that they need. As Christmas grew nearer, each Rider REC class was
challenged to do a community service project. We, the students of Mr.
Haddox's Rider REC group, decided to give back to our own community by
sponsoring an Angel Tree.

Every member of our team came together to cut angels, make signs, tie
ribbons, and more. We received a total of 120 names of students from OUR
community, 6-9 year olds, who may not be receiving presents this year. We
tied 120 angels to a Christmas tree and had it at CHS for students and
teachers to sponsor. The angels were adopted almost exclusively by the
seniors and juniors of CHS. It is amazing how great the students of CHS
are! In less than a week, the students of our school volunteered to buy
presents for 120 children from OUR OWN community!

We are so grateful to have been the sponsors of this successful event!
120 kids from our community have been helped! This is just one of the many
service projects that CHS has done over the last month. Our school is proud
to give back to the community. Thank you to all of those who helped us make
this possible. Giving back is truly what Christmas is all about.


Picture provided by Jenny Cassell

The Center High School Junior Chamber of Commerce had representatives who
volunteered at the Senior Nutrition Site on Thanksgiving Day. Each year,
meals are served there for Thanksgiving to those in need and these 15
students, along with Mrs. Jennifer Fausett, gave up part of their own
Thanksgiving day in order to lend a hand to those in need.

Mrs. Fausett said, "The students are true examples of the phrase 'pay it forward.' They all had great stories to tell of how helping others made them feel and can't wait to help out next year."

Arrest Report

12/16/14—12/17/14

Shelby County:

Jason Dickerson, 36, Lufkin, Driving While Intoxicated & Possession of a Controlled Substance

San Augustine County:

Keith R. Smith, 46, San Augustine, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Public Intoxication & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

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

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced the Nov. 2014 state sales tax revenues for local entities last week and overall numbers are pretty comparable to the same time a year ago, with some cities seeing hefty increases.

In the City of Center the Nov. check will be for $226,000, which is almost three-percent less than 2013. Year-to-date, Center is down just over one percent from last year having received just under $3 million.

Elsewhere in Shelby County, Tenaha, Timpson and Huxley are all up this November, with Tenaha showing a 79 percent rise, Timpson just over 50 percent from last year, and Huxley 28.5 percent.

Joaquin meanwhile is down almost 10 percent compared to Nov. 2013.

Overall, Shelby County’s Nov. 2014 tax revenues are less than one percent below where they were in Nov. 2013. In 2014, the county’s sales tax revenues to date are $3.532 million, which are one-percent less than the year before.

San Augustine’s Nov. 2014 sales tax revenue check is up over 128 percent from 2013, with San Augustine receiving $42,595, and up 22.50 percent year-to-date payments.

Statewide, sales tax revenues are up 10.7 percent compared to Nov. 2013.

At last week’s Center ISD Trustee’s meeting, the board considered procedures to appoint a special committee to review the athletic facilities at the school district.

Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry said the committee will be appointed in the same fashion as the AD search committee. He noted it has not been determined who will serve on it at this time, and expected no formal appointment until January’s board meeting.

Dr. Hockenberry said the purpose of the committee will be to conduct a needs assessment of the athletic facilities whether that involves expansion, renovation and/or revitalization and purpose.

He added the athletic facilities will report recommendations to the board of trustees.

A DeSoto Parish man’s profanity-laced phone calls and threats reportedly made to a state representative has landed him behind bars.

Mansfield police charged 29-year old Joshua G. Howell of Mansfield with stalking and threatening State Rep. Kenny Cox of Mansfield.

Cox filed a complaint early this month accusing Howell of making continuous calls to his home using “vulgar, profane language” and threatening Cox with bodily harm.

Howell is said to be a former acquaintance of one of Cox’s family members.

He had been told repeatedly not to call Cox’s residence but continued to do so. Howell was released on bond.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office has issued felony arrest warrants for a couple allegedly being sought in the death of an elderly man.

A press release from the sheriff’s office says a vehicle belonging to 85-year old Herbert Deaton was located in a Kmart parking lot in Abilene.

Authorities are looking for 48-year old Robert Kelly Mounts and his girlfriend, 29-year old Ashley Nicole Lewis.

Deaton was reported missing in early November after failing to show for a doctor’s appointment. A couple of days later he was found dead just feet away from his house.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office is saying Deaton’s death is homicidal violence. The couple is said to be traveling with their 6-month old daughter and are considered armed and dangerous. 

The Shelby County Outreach Ministries helps those that are in need all through the year but during the winter months the needs are even greater.

Their senior nutrition sites receive partial funding from DETCOG but with budget cuts the Outreach Ministries still need help. They currently serve 140 meals daily, Monday through Friday, to senior citizens at their two nutrition sites and through their meals on wheels program.

Food items that they try to provide are rice, beans, peanut butter, instant mash potatoes, Ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, hamburger helpers and any can food item.

At this time of year they are asking for help with providing heaters for the elderly, monetary contributions and support for children's Christmas presents. New unwrapped toys can be donated at the Shelbyville St. location and the Outreach also has Angel Trees set up at Bealls and in Walmart. Deadline is Dec. 19.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 94-year old Marjorie Hooks of Center. She passed away Tuesday in Center. Among Marjorie Hooks’ survivors are daughters, June & Al Stenier of Dallas and Monte & Deck Jones of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 79-year old Hoyt Kimbro “Pop-a-top” of Center. He passed away Tuesday in Carthage. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Hoyt Kimbro’s survivors are daughters, Wanda & Les Perkins of Shelbyville and Jennifer & Brad Davis of Carthage; and brothers, Kenneth Kimbro of Dayton.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for San Augustine community and civic leader, 72-year old Woodrow “Woody” Wayne Harrison. He passed away last Sunday in Lufkin. Service will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel. Harrison served three terms as the president of the San Augustine Chamber of Commerce, and had been serving his fifth term as the post commander of San Augustine's Veterans of Foreign Affairs. He was also in the middle of his third term as the chairman for the Republican Party of San Augustine. He was a Vietnam Veteran and was a decorated helicopter gunship pilot. Woody Harrison is survived by his wife, Glenda and two adult children.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 49-year old Robert Joe Marshall of Timpson. Service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation for family and friends will be from 2 p.m. until service time. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made at Austin Bank, Timpson to assist with funeral expenses.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces a memorial service for 65-year old Earnie Mae Goodwin, a former resident of Center. Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at Pleasant Grove Church in Center. A wake will be held all day Friday at Community Funeral Home in Center. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday prior to service at Pleasant Grove Church. Following visitation Friday Ms. Goodwin will be cremated.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces pending service for 64-year old Fred Lawrence Brown of Timpson. He passed away Sunday at his home.

Garner & Son Mortuary in San Augustine announces service for 96-year old Mrs. Elmarine Lyvon Anders Hoyt of Dallas. She passed away last Friday in Dallas. She was a native of the Greer Town Community in San Augustine. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Mathews Baptist Church in San Augustine, with interment at Greer Town Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Garner & Son Chapel and from 11:30 a.m. to service time at the church. Among Elmarine Lyvon Anders Hoyt’s survivor are daughters, Cherie & Tony Jones of Dallas and Calla M. Hoyt of Dallas.

In sports,

In boys’ high school varsity basketball last night, the Center Roughriders come up short on the road at Hudson, 57-66. The Rider JV loses, 48-55, and the Rider Freshmen get the only win of the night, 50-40.

Center will be playing in the Tatum Tournament Thursday thru Saturday.

In San Augustine, the No. 10 ranked Wolves fall to Diboll, 62-66. San Augustine boys and girls will be in Hudson Friday night.

In girls’ action last night, the Garrison Lady Bulldogs are 1-1 in district after a 48-28 win over Woodville.

It was a good night for the Tenaha Tigers and Lady Tigers in Broaddus as they get a sweep. The Varsity Tigers take a 63-59 win, the Lady Tigers take a 53-40 victory, the JV Lady Tigers come out with a 22-21 win, and the JV boys are on top, 35-25.

The Tenaha Tigers will be in the Martins Mill Tourney starting Thursday, while the Lady Tigers are home against San Augustine Friday.

For the 6^th consecutive year, Tenaha ISD will host the Holiday Hoops Scholarship Classic on December 29, 30, and 31. Forty of the state’s top Class 1A, 2A, and 3A programs will descend upon Tenaha for an opportunity to battle it out on the hardwood for what has become one of Texas’ top invitational tournament trophies. The tourney will include 71 games over three days being played in Tenaha, Gary, Joaquin and Carthage.

In college hoops tonight, the SFA Lumberjacks will host former coach Danny Kaspar and the Texas State Bobcats in a 7 p.m. tip-off at Johnson Coliseum. SFA puts a six-game winning streak on the line.

On Saturday, December 13th, Congressman Loui Gohmert held the Congressional Art Competition Awards Ceremony in Marshall at the Michelson Museum of Art.

Two Center High School Students, Destiny McKinney and Morgan Ray had art pieces featured among the impressive collection of art displayed.

Even though they did not place, the girls and their teacher, Mrs. Ruby Woodard were so honored to be a part of this event.

Destiny McKinney

Morgan Ray

Mrs. Ruby Woodard & Morgan Ray

Mrs. Alisha Murray's Second Grade class sponsored an Angel Tree gift in
our community.

They spent five days collecting money and were able to raise $134! The child the students were buying for had only requested clothing so they were able to buy a hoodie, three shirts, a pair of jeans and a lego game.

Mrs. Murray says, "I am so proud of these kids. They truly understand
the meaning of Christmas!"

Center ISD’s youngest students participated in the Jingle Bell Food Drive
once again this year from December 1st-12th.

In the course of two weeks pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students collected enough can goods to fill 18 large boxes to the brim with non-perishable food items.

All donations were received by Shelby County Outreach Ministries to be disbursed within the community.

"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the families who helped our students practice putting empathy into action by showing compassion for those in our community who need it most," said F.L. Moffett Counselor Laura Chandler.

It's time for you to get the credit -capital credits, that is― for helping build, sustain, and grow your local electric cooperative.  When you signed up to receive electric service from Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative you became a member of the co-op.   An electric cooperative operates on an at-cost basis by annually "allocating" to each member, based on how much electricity you purchased during a year, operating revenue remaining at the end of the year.  Each year as financial condition permits, these allocated amounts-capital credits-are retired.  Since a cooperative's members are also the people the co-op serves, capital credits reflect each member's ownership in, and contribution of capital to, the cooperative.

This year, members of Deep East Texas EC will receive capital credit retirements through a check in the mail, reflecting a portion of their contribution to the ownership of the cooperative.  Those funds helped us keep the lid on rates, reduced the amount of money we needed to borrow from outside lenders to build, maintain, and expand a reliable electric distribution system, and covered emergency expenses - now it's time to return the credit back to you!  Over the years, Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative has returned over $20 million to our members and local communities through the retirement of capital credits.

Remember, a member may be eligible for capital credits for several years after they move off our system.  If you move, please be sure that we have an accurate forwarding address.  Also, if you are an heir of one of our past members, please be sure that we have the proper information to forward the deceased member's future capital credit checks to the heirs.  Should you have any questions, please call Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative at 936-229-4000 or 1-866-392-2547.

Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is a non-profit electricity provider serving 8 counties in Deep East Texas: San Augustine, Shelby, Sabine, Panola, Nacogdoches, Rusk, Jasper and Newton.

For the 6^th consecutive year, Tenaha ISD will host the Holiday Hoops Scholarship Classic on December 29, 30, and 31.   Forty of the state’s top Class 1A, 2A, and 3A programs will descend upon Tenaha for an opportunity to battle it out on the hardwood for what has become one of Texas’ top invitational tournament trophies.

Last year’s tournament was record setting.  An estimated 1,100 fans attended the championship rounds in the Tenaha SEC where Kountze recorded its 4^th title over White Oak in impressive fashion.  Lipan’s renowned girls program picked up the girls’ championship by beating perennial state title contender Winnsboro.  Each of these prominent programs return to Holiday Hoops this year and are joined by other playoff contending programs such as LaPoynor, Chireno, Saltillo, Harleton, Tenaha, White Oak, and Elysian Fields on the girl’s side, as well as, San Augustine, Central Heights, LaPoynor, Shelbyville, Saltillo, Laneville, and many many others on the boys’ side. 

In all, this year’s tournament will feature 71 games over three days at five sites.  Monday, December 29 will feature 32 total games. Action will start early at 8:00 AM and will run all day at multiple sites.  Our satellite sites will operate from 8:00 AM until 2:30 PM with games, while the action in Tenaha is all day and the last game is set to tip at 9:00 PM.  The Tuesday schedule is similar to Monday’s, but only 25 total games are on the slate.  Wednesday is all about the trophies as nine games will be played in the Special Events Center for team trophies.  Five additional games will take place in the Tiger Gym as courtesy games for participants. 

Holiday Hoops would not be possible were it not for the great cooperation of local partners and the use of their facilities for games.  Joaquin ISD, Gary ISD, and Carthage ISD have stepped forward and will be hosting games in the morning hours on December 29 and 30.  But, for fans who want to stay in Tenaha and watch the action?  It is time for another great edition of the Tiger Café.  Unbelievable menus for lunch and dinner with better than restaurant quality at way better than restaurant prices will fill everyone’s appetite as they settle into the S.E.C. or the Tiger Gym for great hoops action. 

Mark your calendars and ring in the New Year with Texas’ best small school basketball.  It is sure to be the best Holiday Hoops event yet.  And, this year we are expecting a Texas Shootout in Tenaha.

Find boys' and girls' brackets and other tournament info: 

http://www.tenahaisd.com/www/tenahaisd/site/Hosting/TenahaCustomSite/holiday-hoops---2014.html

Arrest Report

12/15/14—12/16/14

Shelby County:

Summer Wheless, 30, Garrison, Two Charges-Injury to a Child with Bodily Injury

John Paul Gay, 38, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Gregory Frazier, 37, Center, Two Charges-Possession of a Controlled Substance & Driving While Intoxicated

Damien Yarbrough, 31, Timpson, Disorderly Conduct

San Augustine County:

Russell Smith, Jr., 20, Hemphill, Theft & Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

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

To mark the reconstruction completion and opening of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Center, the City of Center and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are holding a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. this morning at the intersection of Hicks Street and MLK Drive, at the four-way stop near Hicks Mortuary.

It was announced last week that the roadway was open to all traffic.

City Manager Chad Nehring said the city received a $1.1 million FEMA grant for the work, and without the funds it would have cost the city taxpayers millions of dollars to reconstruct the street.

Mayor David Chadwick said MLK is very important in that it connects Shelbyville Street and the loop and provides access to homes, businesses and other parts of the city.

Mayor Chadwick added the reconstruction project provided an opportunity for other work in the area, such as the rail spur crossing MLK.

The mayor said the city's Economic Development for Street Improvements is planning a sizable contribution toward funding a sidewalk project for MLK Drive. 

We told you yesterday that San Augustine County authorities have made an arrest with more wanted for the theft of items such as oil, diesel batteries from oil and gas well sites in the county.

A second suspect has now been arrested, as 20-year old Russell Smith, Jr. of Hemphill has been charged with theft and engaging in criminal activity.

Arrested last week was 25-year old Joshua Miles Bearden of San Augustine.

Two other men, 37-year old Roy Edward Marshall of San Augustine and 21-year old Jeremy Bradford Sowell of Hemphill remain at large.

DeSoto Parish authorities are also having issues with thieves taking batteries and solar panels from oil well locations throughout the parish.

According to the DeSoto Parish Crime Stoppers, they are seeking information in locating/identifying suspect(s) wanted from the DeSoto Parish area.

The thefts began earlier this month and among the items stolen include 12-volt Power Patrol brand gel cell batteries and solar panels.

DeSoto Parish Crime Stoppers is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information that results in the suspects arrest, anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stoppers line at 1-800-505-STOP(7867) all calls are confidential.

A man was assaulted with pepper spray after exiting the Nacogdoches Walmart Sunday night and finding another man sitting in his truck.

The complainant said when he approached the man he exited the vehicle and began walking away, and when he confronted the suspect, the complainant was sprayed with pepper spray.

The victim pursued the suspect across the parking lot and was sprayed again.

It’s reported the suspect ran across North Street headed west.

He was described as being white, in his 50s and wearing dark sunglasses, a tan or green jacket and camouflage pants.

The victim refused treatment and reported nothing missing from the vehicle.

While the Garrison ISD goes through a superintendent search process, former administrator Arnie Kelley has returned on an interim basis.

Darren Webb was hired Dec. 8 as superintendent of the Lago Vista ISD, leaving the vacancy. Lago Vista is on the north shore of Lake Travis, near Austin.

Kelley was Garrison superintendent from 2003 to 2009.

The search process for Webb's successor will begin in January. A Center native, Webb was with the Garrison ISD for 10 years-four and a half as principal and five as superintendent.

The Chireno ISD is also in search for a new superintendent as Roger Dees has taken the same job at the Giddings ISD.

The San Augustine City Council will have a regular meeting at 5 p.m. this afternoon, and among the agenda item for discussion and possible action will be the Fiscal Year 2014 Audit, and the council will hear from Louie Des Champs regarding termination of utilities.

The Joaquin City Council will have their regular meeting at 6 p.m. tonight and among the agenda items for discussion and action will be a request by Willie (Dub) Alford to move the water meters & lines located on his property which serves other customers; moving the regular scheduled meetings from the third Tuesday to the third Monday; and discussion and action on extending City Secretary Donna Fitzgerald’s resignation date from Jan. 15 until May 15, 2015.

The council is also expected to decide on setting up interviews for the city secretary applicants in January.

The Timpson ISD Board of Trustees will have a board planning/training meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. this evening. Among the agenda items for consideration and action include approval of TASB Policy Update 101, hiring of personnel, if any.

The Excelsior Christmas Musical will be held at 6:30 p.m., tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 16 at the Excelsior ISD. There will be performances by all grades. Any monetary donation made to the Excelsior Music Department would be greatly appreciated. Music teacher is Alice Howard.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 94-year old Marilyn Odell Lawson of Center was held Saturday at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. She passed away Saturday in Center. Among Marilyn Odell Lawson’s survivors are daughters, Susan Hagler Huddleston and Martha Greer Lawson

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 49-year old Robert Joe Marshall of Timpson. Service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation for family and friends will be from 2 p.m. until service time. Among Robert Joe Marshall’s survivors is his wife, Robin Beavers Marshall of Timpson; mother, Glenda “Granny” Polk of Timpson; son, James Travis Marshall of Timpson; daughters, Jessica Lynn Marshall of Center and Eileen Marie & Kevin Marshall of Carthage; stepchildren, Amada & Zach Muska of Barbers Hill, Travis Goodrum of Timpson, Danielle Brown and fiancé Reginald Davis III of Lubbock and Shelby Brown of Martinsville; brothers, George Marshall, Jerry Marshall and George James “Jimmy” Curtin, Jr. and sisters, Phyllis Defibaugh, Sue Peck, Rebecca Queen, Margaret Jean Hardman, Thrisa “Sue” Wolfe and Vi Ellen Arlene & Frank Bowers. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made at Austin Bank, Timpson to assist with funeral expenses.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces a memorial service for 65-year old Earnie Mae Goodwin, a former resident of Center. Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at Pleasant Grove Church in Center. A wake will be held all day Friday at Community Funeral Home in Center. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday prior to service at Pleasant Grove Church. Following visitation Friday Ms. Goodwin will be cremated. Among Missionary Goodwin’s survivors are, daughter, Gretta L. Goodwin of Washington, D.C.; son, Christopher & Sharon Goodwin of Humble; and brother, Leonard & Wilda Goodwin of Houston; and sisters, Alma Grace of Timpson, Clara & Elray Johnson of Houston, Rose Stephenson of Nacogdoches, Katherine Reed of Center and Horacey Hawkins of Morton.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces pending service for 64-year old Fred Lawrence Brown of Timpson. He passed away Sunday at his home.

In sports,

Tonight's basketball schedule has the Center Roughriders at Hudson starting at 5 p.m. with the freshmen; Diboll will be in San Augustine to take on the Wolves and Lady Wolves; Woden will be in Shelbyville to play the Dragons; the Timpson Lady Bears go to Alto; Jefferson will be in Joaquin to play the Rams; the Tenaha Lady Tigers go to Broaddus; and the Garrison Lady Bulldogs will try to even their district record at 1-1 as they go to Woodville.

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches weekly rankings are out and the San Augustine Wolves have dropped to No. 10, down from No. 7 in the Class 2A poll. In 1A, Laneville is No. 2, with Douglass No. 21 and Mt. Enterprise No. 25. In 3A, Central Heights is No. 19 and Tatum is No. 25 in 4A.

As for girls, Chireno is No. 11 in Class 1A, Central Heights is No. 20 in Class 3A, and Tatum No. 15 in 4A.

A Panola County woman was arrested in Angelina County for Driving While Intoxicated with two children Sunday night.

According to DPS Trooper David Hendry, an Angelina County DPS Trooper assisted Diboll Police with a possible intoxicated driver on US 59 just before 10 p.m.

The officer learned that 45-year old Julie Ann Beam of Gary was stopped for driving erractically. The officer noted that Beam exhibited multiple signs of intoxication and after performing poorly on the field sobriety test was subsequently taken into custody and charged with Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger.

She was accompaned by a five-year female and a two-year old male.

Beam was transported to CHI St. Luke Hospital in Lufkin to provide blood for analysis.

Both children were released to a family member.

Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell states that on Sunday, Dec. 14 at approximately 1:26am, Sheriff’s Deputies Cody Muse and Michael Griffin responded to a call at 20495 FM 139 in the Shelbyville area in regards to a vehicle that had ran into a house. 

Deputies arrived on scene and observed a white Chevrolet pickup sitting in the kitchen area of the residence.  Deputies identified the driver as Craig Crocker, 26 year old white male of Center, who was still in the driver’s seat passed out.

While Deputies conducted an inventory of the vehicle, a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana and a white crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine was found inside Crocker’s vehicle.

Crocker was arrested and booked into the Shelby County Jail for Possession of Marijuana, Misdemeanor B and Possession of Controlled Substance, Felony 3. 

Crocker was arraigned by JP1 Maxie Eaves and has a $3000 bond for Possession of Marijuana and $4000 bond for Possession of Controlled Substance.

It is with regret that we inform you that our Leader, Friend, and Chairman of the City of San Augustine Main Street Advisory Board has passed from this life.  Here is a short biography.

Woodrow "Woody" Harrison, Chairman of the Board---City of San Augustine Main Street

Born in 1942 in Houston, TX, Woody Harrison spent his entire professional
life serving his country via the Defense Department, first  as a career US Army officer and then as an engineering services contractor for various Pentagon projects, finally retiring and settling in San Augustine in 2005, where he and his wife, Glenda, have been extensively involved in community and civic activities (he was the 2012 recipient of the Community Impact Volunteer of the Year Award for the area covering 13 East Texas Counties).

He has a Bachelor of Science degree, a double Masters (Management and Public Administration), and over 40 years of leadership experience in both the Military (decorated Vietnam combat helicopter gunship pilot) and the Defense Industry (senior engineering management executive).  In San Augustine, he served three terms as Chamber of Commerce President, and is currently serving in his fifth term as Post Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, as well as his third term as County Chairman for the Republican Party.

Woody and Glenda have two adult children: daughter Divini, age 46, living in Dallas with her 16-year old daughter, Misty; and son, Houston, age 43 (a disabled US Navy Veteran) living in Texarkana.

No service information is available at this time.

 

Last weekend 10 Tenaha middle school band students and 2 Tenaha high school band students traveled to Rusk and competed for the chance to earn a chair in the Region 21 ATSSB All-Region Band. 

The Tenaha band students competed against the most talented band students from other 1A-4A schools in this region. 

All of the Tenaha band students worked hard over several months to prepare audition music for this competition.  Each students competed on his or her individual instrument as opposed to competing as an ensemble or group. 

Those that made the band will perform in kind of an "all-star" band that will practice together for one day and then will perform a concert that same night in Chapel Hill on January 17, 2015.  The following students from Tenaha made the band:

Middle School Region Band Results:

Jared Tovar:  6th Chair baritone in the Middle School Symphonic Band (Top Band)

Jaurmez Brock:  1st Chair trumpet in the Middle School Concert Band

Cooper Ward:  2nd Chair tuba in the Middle School Concert Band

High School Region Band Results:

Jacob Samford: 4th chair trombone in the High School Symphonic Band and also advanced to area competition.  Jacob will audition on January 10, 2015 to earn a chance for a chair in the All-State band!

Congrats to all of these very talented students!

Arrest Report

12/12/14—12/15/14

Shelby County:

Charles Seth Alexander, 26, Timpson, Two Warrants-Violation of Probation, Original Charges: Theft & Burglary of a Building, Warrants-Theft & Warrant-Burglary of a Building

Zachary Taylor, 20, Joaquin, Bond Surrender, Original Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance

William Stutts, 25, Shelbyville, Public Intoxication

Dandre Thomas, 18, Timpson, Warrant-No Drivers License, Speeding & Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Speeding

Craig Crocker, 26, Center, Possession of Marijuana & Possession of a Controlled Substance

San Augustine County:

Jose L. Moreno, Jr., 30, San Augustine, Assault

Edrick R. Ponder, 39, San Augustine, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Child Neglect

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

One arrest has been made and several others are expected in the theft of supplies from a number of oil and gas drilling sites in San Augustine County.

The San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office arrested 25-year old Joshua Miles Bearden of San Augustine last week on charges of theft and engaging in organized criminal activity.

Bearden and other suspects have targeted eight sites all over the county taking several hundred gallons of oil, diesel and numerous batteries of all sizes.

San Augustine County Chief Deputy Gary Cunningham says a lot of the items have been recovered.

Arrest warrants have been put out on three other men still at large involved in the thefts. They include 37-year old Roy Edward Marshall of San Augustine, and 20-year old Russell Dale Smith, Jr. and 21-year old Jeremy Bradford Sowell, both of Hemphill.

Anyone with information about the thefts or the locations of the three suspects are urged to contact the San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office at 936-275-2424.

Joshua Bearden (San Augustine County Sheriff's Dept. Photo)

A man on horseback was taken to a Nacogdoches hospital for observation after the animal was struck by a vehicle in Timpson after dark.

Timpson Police Officer Michael Williams says James Bryant of Nacogdoches was riding south on Garrison Street at the old Hwy. 59 intersection shortly after 6 p.m. when he failed to come to a stop and yield ride-a-way to a Chevy Blazer driven by Kelli Amos Holloway of Timpson.

The impact knocked Bryant from the horse, with the animal apparently OK, but left the scene.

Ms. Amos’ vehicle received substantial damage. She and her three young children were uninjured.

Officer Williams said no citation will be issued.

Bryant was taken from the scene by Timpson EMS.

An unoccupied mobile home was destroyed by fire on County Road 3267, located off FM 414 Saturday morning. Center Firemen responded to find the structure totally engulfed when they arrived just after 8 a.m. It’s reported the mobile home was owned by Brian Borders and was being renovated. The origin of the fire is not known.

Center Fireman also responded to a house fire at 294 Walker Street last night to a wood-frame home belonging to Dwayne Sanford. The fire was said to have originated in the rear of the structure and was coming through the roof when firemen received the call at 8:20 p.m. There’s reported heavy damage to that area. There was also heavy smoke and heat damage to other parts of the house. The cause of the fire was not known this morning, and it’s not known if anyone was home. There were no reported injuries.

The Joaquin Fire Department was dispatched to a grass fire on FM 139 just after 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Fire department units arrived on the scene and had the fire under control by 1:25 pm, and remained on scene another 30 minutes knocking out hotspots. According to Joaquin Volunteer Fireman Stephen Ewing, the fire started when wind gusts caused a pile of burning leaves to spread to a pasture.

A Timpson man has been arrested in Nacogdoches County for an alleged sexual relationship with a 14-year old girl.

Arrest records indicate that 21-year old Jonathan Wesley Carrillo has been charged with second-degree sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child and third-degree enticing a child.

The investigation began when a woman reported catching her daughter sneaking back into the house in the early morning hours last month.

It was revealed the girl had left the home with Carrillo in his truck.

Carrillo was interviewed Dec. 3 and he admitted to having sex with the girl and a previous incident of indecency in August 2013.

His collective bond was $140,000.

Jonathan Wesley Carrillo

The Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees will hold a training session at 4 p.m. this afternoon, and also have a regular meeting at 6 p.m. Among the agenda items for consideration and possible action includes district appraisers and board operation procedures. 

Center High School presents the third annual Christmas Gala at 5:30 p.m. this evening at the Center High School Cafetorium.

The CHS Culinary Department will be cooking a pancake breakfast consisting of pancakes, sausage and a drink.

The event features the CHS Theatre, Choir, Twirlers, Chaparrals, and other Clubs.

Tickets are available at the Center High School front office, or from Center High School clubs and organizations.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

The Community Partners Rainbow Room is collecting toys for children in CPS care. The goal is to help those that are not being served by other organizations. Displays are set up at Farmers State Bank and Shelby Savings Bank. Donors are encouraged to select a tag from the display, purchase a toy and return the unwrapped gift to the bank by tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Obits:

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 49-year old Robert Marshall of Timpson. He passed away Friday in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation for family and friends will be from 2 p.m. until service time. Memorial donations to assist with funeral expenses may be made at Austin Bank, Timpson.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors in Nacogdoches announces service for 67-year old Charles Monroe “Chuck” Armstrong. He passed away Friday at Willis Knighton Medical Center North in Shreveport. Service will be at 9:30 a.m. this morning at Calvary Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, with burial at Tennessee Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Charles Monroe “Chuck” Armstrong’s survivors is his wife, Alice Armstrong; daughters, Shannon & Mitch Menefee, and Christy & Jason Boothe; brothers, Lloyd & Pat Armstrong, Alan & Janie Armstrong, Kevin & Janet Armstrong, and Keith Armstrong; sister, Joyce & Bob Bailey. Memorial Contributions may be offered to Calvary Baptist Church, Building Fund Activity Center in Nacogdoches.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine was in charge of service Sunday for 87-year old Syble Cylesta Newton of San Augustine. Service was held at Wyman Roberts Chapel with interment at Liberty Hill Cemetery. Among Syble Cylesta Newton's survivor are husband, Alvin V. Newton of San Augustine; daughters, Betty & Lane Chambers of San Augustine and Brenda McCurry of Arkansas; sons, Greg & Angela Newton of Martinsville & Alvin K. & Ruth Ann Newton of Beaumont; and sister, Rachael & Howard Mitchell of San Augustine.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 65-year old Miss Ernie Mae Goodwin of Humble, formerly of Center. She passed away Thursday in Humble.

In sports,

A fourth-quarter comeback fell short for the Tenaha Tigers as Bremond hangs on to take a 32-29 Class 2A, Div. II State Semi-Final football playoff win in Nacogdoches Friday night. An attempted on-side kick by Tenaha was recovered by Bremond with just over two minutes to play. It will be a battle of two unbeaten for the title as Bremond moves on to the State Championship game and will play Albany at 10 a.m. Thursday at AT&T Stadium Arlington. Both teams are 14-0. Center Broadcasting congratulates the Tenaha Tigers, players, coaches and fans on your success this season.

Other state final matchups this week in Arlington:

In 2A, Div. I

Canadian vs. Mason

3A, Div. I

Mineloa vs. Cameron-Yoe

3A, Div. II

Waskom vs. Newton 5 p.m. Thursday

4A, Div. I

Argyle vs. Navasota

4A, Div. II

Gilmer vs. West Orange-Stark 12 noon Friday

5A, Div. I

Aledo vs. Temple

5A, Div. II

Ennis vs. Cedar Park

6A, Div. I

Allen vs. Cypress Ranch

6A, Div. II

Cedar Hill vs. Katy

The Center Roughriders won the Gold Bracket Championship at the Central Heights basketball tournament Saturday night with a 53-51 win over Peaster. All -Tournament honors went to CJ Garner, Tyrone Roland, and Kyle Parks, and Octavius Evans was named Tournament MVP. The San Augustine Wolves lost to Bridge City, 71-79 in the third-place game of the Silver Bracket. The Garrison Bulldogs beat Troup, 46-42 for third place in the Bronze Bracket.

Tuesday night's basketball schedule has the Center Roughriders at Hudson starting at 5 p.m. with the freshmen; Diboll will be in San Augustine to take on the Wolves and Lady Wolves; Woden will be in Shelbyville to play the Dragons; the Timpson Lady Bears go to Alto; Jefferson will be in Joaquin to play the Rams; the Tenaha Lady Tigers go to Broaddus; and the Garrison Lady Bulldogs will try to even their district record at 1-1 as they go to Woodville.

In college hoops Sunday, the SFA Lumberjacks beat North Texas, 59-48, while the No. 9 Baylor Lady Bears defeat the SFA Ladyjacks, 96-57. The Lumberjacks are 7-3 on the season and will host Texas State and former Lumberjack coach Danny Kaspar at 7 p.m. Wednesday.  The Ladyjacks’ next game is Dec. 20 at home against Arizona.

Timpson FFA Participates in Texas FFA State Leadership Development Event - Members of the Timpson FFA Chapter traveled to Huntsville recently to compete in Texas FFA’s Leadership Career Development Events.

Timpson’s Greenhand Chapter Conducting qualified for the state competition by finishing first or second in one of the state’s 57 district competitions and first or second in one of ten area competitions. A total of 5,637 entries began the statewide-tournament in 13 different events which reflect classroom instruction in basic leadership skills.

Timpson FFA placed in the top 20 in the Greenhand Chapter Conducting Contest. Team members included: McKenzie Burgay , Tristan Smith, Sara Duke , Hope Milford, Madelyn Ramsey, Ryan Golden, and Macey Jo Hanson

The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA associations with a membership of 106,000 active FFA members. On average there are approximately 18 schools per district. FFA programs teach skills in leadership, career development and personal growth. FFA gives students the opportunity to practically apply classroom knowledge to real-world experiences through local, state and national competitions.

Sam Houston State University has partnered with Texas FFA in hosting these competitions for 79 years.

Timpson Bass Club - The Timpson Bass Club competed in its first ever fishing tournament at Lake Sam Rayburn on Saturday, December 6th. Two teams brought fish to the weigh-in at Umphries Pavilion with the heaviest string belonging to Holly Hughes and Molly Sanford- the string totaled 9.49 lbs. Chandler Burgay and James Marshall weighed in at 8.11 lbs. respectively. Timpson’s Bass Club is comprised of three teams and the club is part of the Shelby County Jr. Bass Anglers. This tournament is part of the Southeast Texas High School Fishing Association’s 2014-15 season and will finish with a championship in June. All tournament locations will be at Lake Sam Rayburn. The tournament was the largest High School Bass tournament in the country to date. Timpson’s Bass Club will compete next on February 7th. 

Timpson Bass Club members:  Molly Sanford, Holly Hughes, Chandler Burgay, Chase Clepper, Jesse Spruiell and James Marshall.

FCCLA News – See the following winning entries for the FCCLA Holiday Mail For Heroes contest.

FIRST PLACE
Dear Service Member,
Thank you! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. You don’t have to go out and fight for our country, but you do it out of the kindness of your heart. Me and the rest of the United States wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May God Bless You and continue to keep you safe. We love you and appreciate all you do! You’re in my prayers! Sincerely, Tootie Bryant

SECOND PLACE
Dear Service Men and Women,
I want to take the time to say that I appreciate your endless hours of hard work and sacrifice. The things that you do for our beautiful country takes bravery and selflessness. Not only speaking for myself, but for our country too, we are extremely grateful for your sacrifice. I can’t wait for your safe return home to family and friends. May God keep you safe and shower you with many blessings. And have a Merry Christmas. Sincerely, Chris Piro

THIRD PLACE
Dear Service Member,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sacrificing your lively hood every single day. For not being home at Christmas I must give all my honor and thanks to you. For risking your life to give us freedom and peace of mind knowing that people like you are protecting us. I know it must be hard not being home at Christmas, but just know people here appreciate you beyond words can describe. I hope you have a happy holiday and many more to come! Sincerely, Cutter Smith

Holiday Mail Contest winners - Chris Piro, Tootie Bryant and Cutter Smith.

THS Students Complete Technical Classes - Timpson High School counselor Mrs. Charlotte Metcalf is pleased to state that THS has two students who have successfully completed the semester in technical courses taught by Panola College.  Junior student, Isaiah Molly has enjoyed welding and plans on continuing his education in the spring and next school year.  If he continues at this remarkable rate, it will be possible for him to obtain his associates degree by his graduation date of May 2016.  Deon Woods has completed the CNA class and will take his state exam in January.  He has been inspired by this class to major in nursing after graduation. The tuition for these classes was paid for by TISD.  THS is grateful the opportunities provided to our students.  Next semester, there will be up to 8 students enrolled in the CNA class and at least one more student taking a welding class.

Bears Care - Agents for Change is sponsoring a Toys for Tots Drive and a Canned Food Drive right now. The FCCLA is working with Agents on these two projects. We will be donating the food to several families in our community and to the Timpson food bank. The toys will be going to some families in our community and to the advocacy center. Toys and canned goods can be dropped off at Timpson Elementary or Timpson High School.  Agents for Change will be going to the Garrison Nursing Home on Tuesday, December 16th to sing carols, pass out homemade Christmas cards, and visit with the residents. Tammy Sparks is the sponsor for Agents For Change and Danielle Smith is the sponsor for FCCLA. These projects are an example of how our campuses work together for the good of others and it shows how Bears Care!

Timpson HS Star Student - Timpson High School has selected junior Sheldon Scroggins as their STAR Student.  Sheldon is the son of Brandy and Eric Harding.  He is very active in the Ag program and an experienced showman.  Sheldon and his family enjoy raising market and breeding sheep.  He is also an Honor Roll student and will take dual credit classes in the Spring.  Outside of school, Sheldon participates in Civil War re-enactments throughout Texas and western Louisiana.  After high school, he plans on attending Stephen F. Austin State University and transferring to Texas A&M to major in Veterinary Science.

THS STAR Student Sheldon Scroggins

THS Students Meet Texas State Representative, District 9, Chris Paddie - Texas House of Representative Chris Paddie met with some of the THS Young Ambassadors and Junior Chamber of Commerce members at the Timpson City Library on December 11, 2014. Representative Paddie is a huge supporter of various youth programs throughout District 9. After meeting with the general public and taking questions from local citizens of Timpson, Representative Paddie spoke with Mrs. Charlotte Metcalf and Mr. Vernett Richardson to answer further questions regarding Timpson’s youth. Representative Paddie gave Mrs. Metcalf and Mr. Richardson some valuable advice and information on how to continue preparing local youth to become productive citizen of Timpson and the state of Texas.

Timpson Young Ambassadors & Junior Chamber of Commerce members who met with Representative Paddie are as follows; Ashlyn Broadway (JCC Member), Blake Johnson (JCC Member), Robert Torres (Young Ambassador), Kiasmin Page (Young Ambassador), Bethany Lindgren (JCC Member), and Darian Hutto (JCC Member).

Today: Patchy dense fog before noon. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 69. South wind around 5 mph.

Tonight: Patchy dense fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Patchy dense fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 71. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 57. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.

Arrest Report

12/11/14—12/12/14

Shelby County:

Cuithahuac Velazquez-Olvera, 58, Houston, Harris County Warrant-Non Child Support

Cheryl Lowery, 53, Shelbyville, Calcasieu Parish, La. Warrant-Criminal Damage & Public Intoxication

Charles Seth Alexander, 26, Timpson, Warrant-Theft & Theft with Previous Conviction

Larry Barrett, 24, Lufkin, Theft

Brandi Wright, 35, Center, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Harassment

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The Center ISD Board of Trustees announced the search committee for a new athletic director and head football coach at their meeting Thursday night.

It will be the committee’s responsibility to filter through the applicants and come up with whom they believe are the best candidates for the position for the board to possibly take action on.

The committee consist of 12 individuals from the community, CISD administrators, and school board members.

Among those named to the search committee are: community members-Greg Hubbard, Holly Burns, Jesse Ruiz, Traci Mettauer, Alvin Davis and Deuce Wulf.

CISD administrators-middle school principal Matt Gregory & high school principal Tim Norman.

School board members-John Henry Holloway & Daphne LaRock.

Ex officio members-Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry and school board president-James Greer.

The search was prompted by the resignation last month of Kevin Goodwin, who left after six years as CISD AD/head football coach.

Greer says the committee hopes to meet before Christmas to organize and discuss procedures and expectations. He added they’ll start reviewing applications after the first of the year when the posting of position ends.

He said the board hoped to hire at the February board meeting.

The Center man who turned himself in four days after fleeing the scene of a shooting at a Nacogdoches residence a week ago was back in Nacogdoches County Thursday for an arraignment hearing.

The suspect, 19-year old Marcus Shawayne Issac appeared before JP Dorothy Tigner-Thompson and was charged with first-degree felony murder. He was also charged with two Class C misdemeanor charges-no driver's license and failure to maintain financial responsibility.

Possible bail is pending until a district court hearing can be scheduled.

Issac turned himself in at the Shelby County Jail Tuesday evening after reportedly shooting 24-year old Dominique Brooks on Dec. 5. Witnesses at the scene identified Isaac as the shooter. He fled the scene after shooting Brooks.

Issac had a number of previous run-ins with the law involving car burglaries and thefts.

A Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s deputy made a stop on a pickup on US Hwy. 59 Wednesday evening and recovered almost $48,000 in crystal meth they believe was headed to Joaquin.

Arrested were 45-year old Jason Shinall of Joaquin and 21-year old Zachary Whitten of Grand Cane, La. They were taken into custody on a first-degree felony possession of a controlled substance.

After stopping the pickup, deputies could smell the odor of burnt marijuana, and the driver admitted having previously smoked the drug. When the men began acting nervous, the deputy received consent to search and allegedly found more than a pound of crystal meth inside the pickup.

Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s investigators believe the meth was destined for Joaquin.

A multi-agency search for a cattle theft in Panola County earlier this week resulted in the arrest of an Arkansas man Tuesday night.

Authorities converged on Panola Livestock Auction Tuesday before noon to the report of possible stolen livestock. As they were inspecting the animals, they saw the man who brought the cattle to the sale barn fleeing in a Dodge pickup.

A pursuit into Carthage and out Hwy. 149 led to the man abandoning the vehicle on Luminant Beckville Mine property after crashing through a gate. Tracking dogs from Hallsville, a DPS helicopter and numerous authorities on foot combed the area in search of the man.

The suspect is 25-year old Bradley Wayne Guthrey of North Little Rock.

Panola County Sheriff Kevin Lake said the arrest cleared up at least four other cattle thefts between Panola County and the Hearne area.

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Larry Hand and other members of the enforcement division confirmed that the trailer the suspect left at the sale barn is reported stolen out of Falls County, near Waco, and it is believed that the cattle are possibly stolen from the same area, or possibly from a location near Falls County. 

Former DeSoto Parish School Superintendent Walter Lee pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in exchange for resigning from his elected post as member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and making restitution in connection with grand jury indictments accusing him of double-dipping.

The plea to a single misdemeanor count was before DeSoto District Judge Charles B. Adams.

The long-time educator was indicted by a DeSoto Parish grand jury in January on felony theft, malfeasance and public contract fraud charges.

Another grand jury indicted him in August on four misdemeanor theft counts.

The 80-year old Lee was improperly paid for travel and lodging reimbursements received while he was the DeSoto Parish schools superintendent.

Other charges could be forthcoming against Lee.

In an effort to avoid possible cuts in current operations, the DeSoto Parish School Board will be asking voters to approve two property tax renewals in March.

The taxes don't expire until 2016, but taking the issue to voters early will give the board additional chances to put the measure on subsequent ballots. T

he two taxes would combine to produce about $38 million annually, which is some 42 percent of the $88 million budget approved for 2014-15 school operations.

A loss of funds would have the board faced with possibly making funding cuts to employees and would bring academics at each school in the parish to a grinding halt.

DeSoto Parish voters have not failed to approve continuing the taxes.

Time is running out if you want a chance at winning a 50” flat-screen TV, as Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep's 5^th annual “Stock a Ram for Santa” toy collection campaign for the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center comes to an end today.

New, unwrapped toys can be dropped by the dealership on Tenaha Hwy., and they’ll be distributed to the children served by the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center.

For each donation you’ll be eligible to win the TV from Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Drawing will take place Dec. 17.

By the way, an anonymous donor brought in eight bicycles for the “Stock a Ram for Santa” earlier this week.

The Shelby County Child Welfare Board will have their annual fund drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday at the Center Walmart.

For over 20 years the board has collected donations to assist in providing supplies for abused and neglected children in Shelby County and year-round emergency assistance for families in desperate circumstances.

Board member Guy Harrison said your donations go to buy 150 Walmart gift cards that are given to students under the age of 12 in Shelbyville, Timpson, Tenaha, Center and Joaquin. He said these children come from families that can't afford Christmas presents, and are recommended by classroom teachers at each school.

Harrison said at other times during the year, donations help foster children in need of protection in the county receive money for fall clothing and birthday gifts, and case workers receive financial assistance when dealing with emergency situations.

You’re invited to stop by and make a donation Saturday at Walmart, or you can mail them to Shelby County Child Welfare Board, P.O. Box 395, Shelbyville.

Center Broadcasting will be on hand from 10 a.m. to noon during the event broadcasting on Q-100 KQBB.

The San Augustine Main Street and the San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Jubilee Days continue today and Saturday.

It’s a three-day event featuring Christmas scents, sights, sounds, and shopping in historic downtown San Augustine.

A number of businesses are having open house with refreshments, drawings, in-store specials and extended hours.

Among those are: San Augustine Drug where they have food samplings and special deals.

Heart Strings has refreshments and in-store sale today and Saturday; Mill's Ace Hardware and Ace Flowers is serving refreshments today; and Sherry Sue's Resale and Century 21 Tara Smith are also offering special sales and events.

Texas Tumbleweed’s “Cowboy Christmas” will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday evening at Ayish Hall in San Augustine. The evening will feature The San Augustine County Cowboy Church Band and the Texas Tumbleweed Cowboy Poet. That's at the old cotton gin, just off the square in San Augustine at Ayish Bayou.

Huxley Helping Hands, a local mission group from the Huxley Community, are holding a food pantry for the residents of Shelby County tomorrow, Saturday. Sign-in starts at 9 a.m. until food is gone. The food pantry will be held at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 901 Southview Circle in Center. 

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 27-year old Matthew Trevino of Center. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at McClelland Community Church. 

In sports,

The (11-1) Tenaha Tigers meet (13-0) Bremond in a Class 2A, Div. II state semi-final football playoff game at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Nacogdoches at SFA’s Homer Bryce Stadium.

Tenaha is seeking its third state final appearance in four years. The Tenaha-Bremond winner will play the Seagraves-Albany winner (game being played in Snyder Friday) for the state championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington next week.

It's the fourth-straight year Tenaha & Bremond have meet in the playoffs. The Tigers' run of four straight Region III crowns and four straight appearances in the State Semi-Finals began in 2011 when Tenaha defeated Burton 62-28 en route to the 2011 State Championship. In 2012, the Tigers blew out Falls City 42-14, and last year in a heartbreaking rematch, Falls City returned the favor 36-34.

Robert Barton will have a broadcast of the game on Pineywoodssports.com.

In other state semi-final action this weekend:

CLASS 2A DIV. I

Centerville vs. Mason   Friday, 7:30 p.m., Georgetown

Class 4A, Div. I

Navasota vs. Liberty Hill  Friday, 7 p.m., Waco-McLane Stadium

CLASS 4A DIV. II State Semi-Finals

Gilmer vs. Celina   Friday, 7:30 p.m., Ford Stadium, Dallas

West Orange-Stark vs. Sinton,  Friday in Houston

Class 3A, Division I Semi-Final

Shallowater vs. Mineola, Friday, 7:30pm, Brownwood

CLASS 3A DIV. II State Semi-Finals

Waskom vs. Sanora   Friday, 7:30 p.m., Glen Rose

Newton vs. Blanco    Friday, 7:30 p.m., Waller

Class 5A, Div. I Semi-Final

John Tyler vs. Aledo, 2 p.m. Saturday in Mesquite

In basketball:

The Center Roughriders opened the Central Heights’ tournament with two wins Thursday. When God’s Academy didn’t show, Center played the Central Heights JV, taking an 84-32 decision, and last night, a 56-35 win over White Oak. The Riders' opponent(s) and what time they play today is not known.

The San Augustine Wolves are also taking part in the Central Heights' tourney, and they split their two games yesterday, beating Garrison, 80-47, and losing to Diboll, 57-72.

Garrison also lost to Diboll, 41-64.

In the Gary Tournament, Thursday results include Douglass over the Timpson Bears, 60-38 and no score available, but Slocum over the Joaquin Rams.

Action continues thru Saturday in the Central Heights and Gary tournaments.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs are in the Frankston tourney thru Saturday.

The Center Lady Riders will be at Hudson this evening with two games starting with JV at 5 p.m.

The City of Timpson has notified Center Broadcasting that the Boil Water Notice has been rescinded  that was issued Wednesday after the fire hydrant was damaged and forced the water outage.

It's OK to drink or use water as normal from the faucet in the City of Timpson.

Sam Samford Lodge will confer an Entered Apprentice Mason Degree tonight, Thursday.  Sandwiches and deserts will be served at 6:30 and the degree will begin at 7:30.

Arrest Report

12/10/14—12/11/14

Shelby County: No Arrest Reported

San Augustine County:

Joshua M. Bearden, 25, Center, Theft, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity & Order Modifying Community Supervision

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

Water is back on in the City of Timpson and there will be school today after an unexpected outage had the town without service Wednesday morning.

Mayor Debra Smith says Timpson remains under a Boil Water Notice until required test results give an OK. That could come as early as mid-morning today.

Mayor Smith says an unknown tractor-trailer rig apparently left the roadway and ran over the sidewalk, curb and eventually a hydrant, breaking the water line beneath the hydrant just after midnight yesterday.

Quick work by the city’s public works crew had the issued repaired by late morning Wednesday.

As a pre-caution the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires the mandatory Boil Water Notice until test results give the green light.

Superintendent Dr. Mid Johnson said precautions have been taken at the school, and bottled water has been brought in for use by the Timpson ISD until the all-clear is given. 

The Center ISD Board of Trustees will have a regular meeting at 6 p.m. tonight at which time the appointment of a special committee to assist with the search for a new athletic director will take place.

Also, the board will consider procedures to appoint a special committee to review athletic facilities.

Trustees are scheduled to hear a presentation of security/surveillance systems expansion and improvement project.

In addition, the board will recognize several CISD athletic teams at the meeting. Those include the cross country and team tennis squad, as well as recognizing long-time CISD tennis coach Leon Dykes for being named the Texas Tennis Coaches Association Class 4A Coach of the Year.

Citizens of the Broaddus community came out in force of support for Broaddus ISD Superintendent Shane McGown Tuesday night as the board of trustees was considering termination of the administrator.

The special meeting did not have an open forum to answer questions; therefore, the members were non-responsive to questions.

A petition started by parents has over 100 signatures to keep McGown. It's reported McGown has test scores up consistently.

Many parents were concerned about the cost to taxpayers if McGowen were to be terminated. According to their statements, McGowen’s contract was renewed six months prior to the meeting. The cost to the school district to terminate his contract would be $250,000, along with a $250,000 penalty.

San Augustine County Sheriff’s deputies also escorted several out for disturbing the meeting.

After more than two hours in closed session, the Broaddus ISD Board of Trustees took no action on the superintendent's position.

A Joaquin woman was cited for failure to control speed after she struck a pickup from behind on US Hwy. 96 north of Center near the country club just before 8 a.m. Wednesday morning.

DPS Corporal Jimmy Faulkner investigated the accident and said a Chevrolet pickup driven by 46-year old Andres Olvera of Henderson was attempting to make a left turn into a private driveway when he was hit from behind by a 2015 Toyota driven by 32-year old Dayna Swann.

Corpl. Faulkner said Ms. Swann crested a hill and struck the pickup. She, along with a passenger in the pickup were taken by EMS to a Nacogdoches hospital for treatment of unknown injuries.

State Rep. Chris Paddie will be in Timpson at 2 p.m. this afternoon to address the community on the upcoming 84^th Legislative Session, which will convene Jan. 13.

Rep. Paddie will be at the Timpson Public Library. Everyone is invited to attend.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are holding a relocation ribbon cutting at the new corporate office of J.C. Lewis Construction on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m.

Owners are J.C. and Brandy Lewis, and the office is located at 975 Southview Circle in Center.

Fuel prices continue to experience good declines in the past week.

According to gasbuddy.com, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Texas is averaging $2.40 a gallon, that's down a dime in the past week.

In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $2.46, down eight cents in a week.

Nationally, the average is $2.63, which is a dime less than last week and 52 cents less from the same time a year ago.

Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $2.45 at Wal-Mart, down four cents in the past week.

The Jasper man who is believed to have furnished drugs to Alfred Wright over a year ago that subsequently led to his death pleaded guilty to federal drug violations in Beaumont Wednesday.

Court records show that 28-year old Shane Dwayne Hadnot pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

An investigation into the cause of Alfred Wright’s disappearance and death revealed his involvement with Hadnot.

Wright’s body was found by family members in Sabine County almost three weeks after his truck broke down Nov. 7, 2013.

Phone records, witness statements, and drug evidence located during the search of Hadnot's car, indicated that he was selling cocaine to Wright.

U.S. Attorney John M. Bales said the guilty plea signals that the investigation has reached a significant point of closure. Hadnot faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

A sentencing date has not been set.
 

Tonight’s a big night of celebrating the Christmas season and dedication of the new city park in Tenaha starting at 6 p.m.

According to Tenaha Beautification & Events Committee Chairperson Claudine Howard, the Tenaha on the Square event will include the official unveiling of McNeill City Park, located downtown, followed by refreshments, an appearance by Santa, a time for kids to visit with St. Nick and other entertainment.

Ms. Howard said the Tenaha square is lighted and decorated for Christmas and the committee is hoping for a real festive evening.

She added there's been a lot of work, personal donations and volunteer efforts in the past year-and-a-half since the Tenaha Beautification & Events Committee got started.

Ms. Howard said Factory Direct Portable Buildings in Timpson donated use of the Santa building for the occasion.

Ms. Howard is very active in the Tenaha community, where she also serves on the city council as mayor pro-tem and was recently named Tenaha Businessmen's Club "Citizen of the Year" for the second year in-a-row.

San Augustine Main Street and the San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce present Christmas Jubilee Days, today thru Saturday, Dec. 11-13. Its three days of Christmas scents, sights, sounds and shopping in historic downtown San Augustine.

A number of businesses are having open house with refreshments, drawings, in-store specials and extended hours during the three days.

Among those are Pinto Pony today & Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. with free cookies for kids, and free cup of coffee for adults & 2 cookies, and breakfast with Santa from 9 to 10:50 a.m. Saturday. Pre-sale tickets only are $5 per child.

Also, Texas Star Retail with have refreshments and sales all three days; and at Body Shop Fitness, Thursday & Friday morning, guess how many peppermints are in the jar for a chance to win one month free.

We'll have more Christmas Jubilee Days in San Augustine activities tomorrow.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 27-year old Matthew Trevino of Center. He passed away Saturday at his residence. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at McClelland Community Church. Among Matthew Trevino's survivors are his grandmothers, Jerrie Ann Chandler of Center and Eva Trevino of Palacios; mother, Carrie Lynn Moore of Center; and sister, Savana Trevino of Paris.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces the death of 58-year old Joe Bruton of Timpson. He passed away Tuesday in San Augustine. He will be cremated and a memorial service is planned at a later time. Among Joe Bruton's survivors are daughters, Jessica Diane Bruton of Timpson and Jamie Leigh & Frank Hulsey of Timpson; mother, Melva Jean Whitley of Timpson; sisters, Karen Sue & Benny Martin of Tenaha, Darlene & John Cave of Oklahoma City and Pamela & Joe Don Lowery of Crockett; and sister-in-law, Kay Hall of Houston.

Mangum Funeral Home announces a graveside service for long-time Center physician, 81-year old Dr. Steve Oates of Center. Graveside service will be at 4 p.m. this afternoon at Fairview Cemetery in Center. No visitation is planned. In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to the Fannie Brown Booth Library, First Christian Church in Center or any charity of choice.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 82-year old Edith Smith of Center. Service will be at 2 p.m. today at Ramah Baptist Church in Tenaha, with burial at Ramah Cemetery. Visitation will be this afternoon prior to service starting at noon at the church.

In sports,

In a late score from Tuesday night's high school basketball, the Shelbyville Dragons take a 57-44 win over Broaddus.

The Center Varsity Riders will travel to the Central Heights’ tournament today thru Saturday. The Riders play God's Academy at 10 a.m. today and have White Oak at 8:30 p.m. tonight.

The San Augustine Wolves are also taking part in the Central Heights' tourney. San Augustine meets Garrison at 8:30 this morning and will play Diboll at 1 p.m.

Several boys and girls teams are in the Gary Tournament starting Thursday. They include the San Augustine Lady Wolves, the Timpson Bears and Lady Bears, and Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons are scheduled to be in Newton Friday, that could change with Newton's football team in the state football playoffs, as will the Tenaha Lady Tigers' game with Quitman Friday.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs are in the Frankston tourney today thru Saturday.

The Center Lady Riders will be at Hudson Friday with two games starting at 5 p.m.

The Tenaha Tigers are headed to the Class 2A, Div. II state semi-final football playoffs Friday night as they take on Bremond at 7:30 p.m. in Nacogdoches at SFA’s Homer Bryce Stadium. The Tenaha-Bremond winner will play the Seagraves-Albany winner (game being played in Snyder Friday) for the state championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington next week. Robert Barton will have a broadcast of the game on Pineywoodssports.com.

Water is back on in the City of Timpson and there will be school Thursday after an unexpected outage had the town without service Wednesday morning.

Mayor Debra Smith says Timpson remains under a Boil Water Notice until required test results give an OK. That could come as early as mid-morning Thursday.

Mayor Smith says an unknown tractor-trailer rig apparently left the roadway and ran over the sidewalk, curb and eventually a hydrant, breaking the water line beneath the hydrant just after midnight yesterday.

Quick work by the city’s public works crew had the issue repaired by mid-morning Wednesday.

As a pre-caution the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires the mandatory Boil Water Notice until test results give the green light.

Bottled water has been brought in for use by the Timpson ISD until the all-clear is given.

Water service has been restored in the City of Timpson after a vehicle struck a fire hydrant along Railroad Avenue in downtown Timpson after midnight.

According to Mayor Debra Smith,r a truck (or its trailer), left the roadway and ran over/through the sidewalk, curb and fire hydrant, breaking the water line beneath the hydrant early Wednesday morning.

She said the identify of the driver and supposed vehicle is not known.

The incident left the City of Timpson with very low water pressure as the city's storage tanks were drawn down considerably. Service was shut-down while repairs were made to the break.

By mid-morning today, water was back on.

The issue forced the cancellation of classes at Timpson ISD.

Due to the major break, a Boil Water Notice has been issued for the City of Timpson until further notice.

Arrest Report

12/09/14—12/10/14

Shelby County:

Orlan Alexander Fuentes-Martinez, 27, Center, Assault Causing Bodily Injury-Family Violence

Massaud Van Williams, 36, Center, Evading Arrest

Jonathan Delacruz, 5 charges Burglary of a Building & Evading Arrest

Marcus Issac, 19, Center, Nacogdoches PD Warrant-Murder

Larry Hendricks, 51, Timpson, Warrant-Theft

Derek Hendricks, 17, Timpson, Warrant-Theft

Lela Mae Davis, 62, Timpson, Driving While Intoxicated

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The City of Timpson’s water supply has been interrupted as city crews work to repair a broken fire hydrant. According to Mayor Debra Smith, the hydrant, located along Railroad Avenue, about a block from city hall, was struck by a vehicle. Mayor Smith says it could be mid to late morning before the repair is complete. Therefore, Timpson ISD schools will not start until 10 a.m. today, Wednesday.

The Center man wanted in connection to the shooting death of a Nacogdoches woman last Friday has reportedly turned himself in to local authorities.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department reports 19-year old Marcus Shwayne Issac walked into the sheriff’s office and was taken into custody without incident around 6 p.m. last night.

It’s reported the Mercury Grand Marquis that Brooks was seen driving the afternoon of Dec. 5 after shooting 24-year old Dominique Brooks in the chest on the porch of a Railroad Street residence in Nacogdoches, was found Tuesday afternoon at the end of County Road 3215 off Hwy. 7 East in the James Community.

The vehicle was towed back to Nacogdoches to be processed.

Officials said Isaac had been involved in an “altercation” earlier on Friday with a resident of the house where Brooks was killed. He returned with a gun and began firing in retaliation as he walked down the street. Several others were on the porch with Brooks when the victim was shot. The victim reportedly was not involved in the earlier disturbance with Isaac.

The suspect served state jail time in June 2013 after pleading guilty to evading arrest with previous conviction. He’s also been convicted of burglary of a vehicle. Issac remains in the Shelby County Jail and is charged with murder.

He’s to be arraigned this morning. He’s then expected to be transferred to Nacogdoches.

State Representative Trent Ashby of Lufkin has introduced legislation that, if approved, will alter a burdensome property tax law that directly affects members of the United States Armed Forces.

House Bill 276 seeks to amend the state tax code for the purpose of allowing deployed military members to keep an agricultural exemption on their land, if they plan to continue using the land for agricultural activities at the conclusion of their deployment.

Rep. Ashby said our brave men and women deserve our respect and gratitude, not the burden of higher taxes and reapplying for the agriculture exemption upon their return home.

Currently, many military members lose their exemption due to the nature and timing of their deployments. 

A casting call is going out to local communities as the TV Show "American Pickers" is coming to East Texas. The History Channel's documentary series explores the fascinating world of antique 'picking'. According to Texas Forest Trail Region Executive Director Marty Prince, this is a great opportunity to have your community featured to a national audience. The last time Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz were in the area, they went to Paul Narren's Junk Barn in Redland, near Lufkin. The show is looking for all sorts of items as the duo scours the country for hidden gems in junkyards, basements, garages and barns. 

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on the History Channel. This hit show follows two of the most killed pickers in the business, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, as they embark on an epic road trip across the U.S. in search of America’s most valuable antiques from motorcycles, classic cars and bicycles to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia.

Hitting the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank earn a living by scouring the country for hidden gems in junkyards, basements, garages and barns. The best part of their journey is meeting the unique characters along the way, each with a story to tell about the history of their collection and their own lives.

Mike and Frank bring the past to life and recycle America as they go. They use their determination, expertise and charm to strike the ultimate deals and discover just what it takes to re-sell a newly founded antique in a competitive market.

AMERICAN PICKERS is produced by Cineflix Productions. New episodes air Wednesday nights at 9pm ET.

The American Pickers are coming to your town!

Here are some of the items we are looking to buy:

-Motor scooters: Vespas, Lambretta, Cushman

-Old advertising signage

-Motorcycles

-Bicycles (Pre 60’s to turn of the

century)

-Old toys: tin, wind-up, cast iron

-Pre 50’s vending machines

-Pinball and slot machines

-Old Movie Posters

-Unusual radios: transistor, tabletop, etc.

-Antique casino/gaming machines

-Vintage movie memorabilia

-Vintage advertising Items

-Taxidermy

-Vintage concert posters & T-shirts

-Early Boy Scout items

-Pre 60’s vintage diner collectibles

-Pre 60’s TV merchandise

-Pre 50’s western/equestrian Gear

-Classic motorcycle memorabilia

-Sports memorabilia

-Casino tables

-Houdini items

-Old rodeo items

-Airline collectibles:

Pan-Am, TWA, Etc.

-Late 70’s & earlier military items

-Extraordinary mobster memorabilia

-Vintage police officer collectibles

-Firefighter collectibles

-Pre 40’s telephones

-Folk art

-Vintage BB guns/cap guns

-Early Halloween items

-Pre 40’s Christmas items

-Hawaiiana/Tiki Collectibles

-Vintage sports collectibles

-Vintage election memorabilia

-Musical instruments

-Civil War antiques

-Vintage gas pumps

-Pre 70’s old neon signs

-Strange woodcarvings

-Vintage collegiate collectibles

We currently are not looking for: Farming/agricultureitems, tools, glassware, appliances, tractors, crocks, stoves or country primitives.

If you have a large collection or want to refer someone to

Mike and Frank, email us your name, number, city, state and a description of the collection. Include photos if possible to americanpickers@cineflix.com

Or call and leave a message at 1-855-OLD RUST.

San Augustine Main Street and the San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce present Christmas Jubilee Days, this Thursday thru Saturday, Dec. 11-13. Its three days of Christmas scents, sights, sounds and shopping in historic downtown San Augustine.

number of businesses are having open house with refreshments, drawings, in-store specials and extended hours during the three days.

Among those are Imogene's Cafe who will be giving away FREE hot dogs Thursday & Friday and a slice of cake; Haley Furniture with wassail and special sale items; M&M Insurance having an open house Friday from 9 to 4:30 with cookies and hot chocolate; San Augustine Motor Company will have a hot chocolate bar with cookies; Bogard's on Broadway Emporium will have a reception from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday; and Judy Humphrey's Buchanan Real Estate will have an open house from 1 to 4 Friday.

More Christmas Jubilee Days in San Augustine activities will be posted tomorrow.

Obits:

Mangum Funeral Home announces a graveside service for long-time Center physician, 81-year old Dr. Steve Oates of Center. Graveside service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at Fairview Cemetery in Center. No visitation is planned. Among Dr. Steve Oates' survivors are sons, Laried Oates of Center and Shepherd & Denise Oates of Mesquite; and sister, Portia Gaines of Center. In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to the Fannie Brown Booth Library, First Christian Church in Center or any charity of choice.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 82-year old Edith Smith. Service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Ramah Baptist Church in Tenaha, with burial at Ramah Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday prior to service starting at noon at the church.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 27-year old Matthew Trevino of Center. He passed away Saturday at his residence. More information will be announced soon.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces the death of 62-year old Weldon (Buddy) Lister of San Augustine. He passed away Tuesday at his residence. There will be a memorial service planned at a later date. Among Weldon (Buddy) Lister’s survivors is his wife, Pat Lister of San Augustine; daughter, Sheryl & David Green of Houston; son, Dwayne & Amy Lister of Houston; father, L.W. Lister, Sr. of San Augustine; sisters, Nina & Andy Barnett of San Augustine and Ann & Alvin Bridges of Deer Park.

In sports,

The showdown in San Augustine last night between two state-ranked basketball teams went the way of the visitors, as Class 1A # 2 ranked Laneville takes a 72-56 win over Class 2A #7 ranked San Augustine.

Elsewhere,

The Center Lady Riders get a 50-27 win over Waskom in varsity action, while the JV Lady Riders come away with a 35-32 win.

Both Tenaha Lady Tiger teams come up with wins last night, as the Varsity Lady Tigers defeat Mt. Enterprise, 44-20, and the JV Lady Tigers over Mt. Enterprise, 38-18.

The Timpson Lady Bears defeat LaTexo, 46-39.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs open district play with Woden coming away with a 40-37 win.

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ weekly rankings have the San Augustine Wolves still at #7 in the Class 2A rankings. Meanwhile, Laneville is #2 in Class A and Douglass #20. In 3A, Crockett is #18, Central Heights #20, and Tatum is #24 in Class 4A.

The Center JV & Freshmen Roughriders will not be playing in the Garrison tournament this week after it was cancelled. The Varsity Riders will travel to the Central Heights’ tournament on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The San Augustine Wolves are also taking part in the Central Heights' tourney. Several boys and girls teams are in the Gary Tournament starting Thursday. They include the San Augustine Lady Wolves, the Timpson Bears and Lady Bears, and Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons are scheduled to be in Newton Friday, that could change with Newton's football team in the state football playoffs, as will the Tenaha Lady Tigers' game with Quitman Friday.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs are in the Frankston tourney Thursday thru Saturday.

The Center Lady Riders will be at Hudson Friday with two games starting at 5 p.m.

Tenaha ISD announced the teams for the 6th annual Tenaha Holiday Hoops Scholarship Classic Dec. 29-31, and the field includes 41 teams--21 girls and 20 boys. Several stated ranked teams from 1A to 3A are included. 

The Tenaha Tigers are headed to their fourth consecutive state semi-final appearance in the high school football playoffs and will take on (13-0) Bremond at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Nacogdoches at SFA’s Homer Bryce Stadium. The Tenaha-Bremond winner will play the Seagraves-Albany winner (game being played in Snyder Friday) for the 2A, Div. II State Championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington next week. 

On Dec. 2 at approximately 1:22am Center Police Department Officers
responded to an active alarm at the La Mecicana Store located at 1145 Tenaha
Street Center.

Upon arrival Officers observed a Hispanic male running out of the closed
business on foot leaving behind identifying evidence of his identity. The
suspect was identified as 18 year old Jonathan Delacruz of Center Texas.
Officers searched the area but after a lengthy search they were unable to
locate the suspect.

On 12-03-2014 Detective David Haley received information that the suspect
was hiding at a residence located off of FM 699. Officers surrounded the
residence as the suspect attempted to evade arrest as he jumped from a
window of the residence. The suspect was quickly apprehended and arrested.

Detective Haley later interviewed the suspect where he confessed to five
burglaries of local businesses La  Mecicana, Rancho Grande, American Grill
and Mi Casita that occurred on the night of November 4, and the
burglary at La Mecicana on 12-02-2014.

Detective Haley did obtained and serve five burglary of a Building warrants
charging Jonathan Delacruz with the crimes.

The Center man wanted in connection to the shooting death of a Nacogdoches woman last Friday has reportedly turned himself in to local authorities.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department reports 19-year old Marcus Shwayne Issac was taken into custody without incident.

It’s reported the Mercury Grand Marquis that Brooks was seen driving the afternoon of Dec. 5 after shooting 24-year old Dominique Brooks in the chest on the porch of a Railroad Street residence in Nacogdoches, was found Tuesday afternoon at the end of County Road 3215 in Shelby County.

The vehicle was towed back to Nacogdoches to be processed.

Officials said Isaac had been involved in an “altercation” earlier on Friday with a resident of the house where Brooks was killed. He returned with a gun and began firing in retaliation as he walked down the street. Several others were on the porch with Brooks when the victim was shot.

The victim reportedly was not involved in the earlier disturbance with Isaac.

We'll have more details when they become available.

Marcus Shwayne Issac

Dr. Steve Oates passed away at his home on December 8, 2014. He was born in Center, Texas on January 23, 1933, to Dr. L.S. Oates and Lucille Weaver Oates. Steve graduated from Center High School in 1950, attended the University of Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston, Texas. It was there that he met the love of his life, Frances Shepherd, who became his wife and the mother of his sons, and a partner in every aspect of his life and work. Their impact on the lives and activities of the people in Center and Shelby County is legend. Dr. Steve’s greatest sorrow was the death of Frances in May of 2010.

Both Dr. Steve and Frances, a registered nurse, joined his dad’s medical practice, Shelby Clinic, in 1958, and Dr. Steve continued to treat his patients until the day of his death. He will be sorely missed by all of those who depended upon him to see to their health needs for so many years as well as by the many friends who relied on him to make their lives brighter and make them laugh at the “punny” jokes that he loved.

Dr. Steve was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church and continued to worship there until the time of his death. He is survived by two sons, Laried Oates, of Center, Shepherd Oates and wife Denise, grandson Stephen D. Oates and wife Leslie, and great granddaughter, Ryiot Kloe Oates, the joy of his life, all of Mesquite, Texas and Sister, Portia Gaines of Center.

It is so hard, indeed, impossible, to say goodbye to a man who has meant so much to so many, but we are deeply grateful to have had him in our lives for so many years as our trusted physician and beloved friend, and our memories of Dr.Steve will continue to live in our minds and hearts. He was a man of honor: kind, modest, smart, funny, one who devoted his life and time to improving the lives of others. Oh, yes, his was a life well spent.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fannie Brown Booth Library, the First Christian Church in Center, or any charity of choice.  

Graveside Services will be 4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 11, 2014 at Fairview Cemetery in Center with Bro. Aubie McSwain officiating. No visitation is planned.

You may sign the online registry book at www.mangumfuneralhome.com

Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas

The boys' game for tonight in Timpson has been cancelled. The girls will still be playing in Timpson tonight against Latexo.

The Center Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Bands will present their annual Christmas Concert at 6:30 PM tonight, Tuesday in the Center High School Cafetorium. Admission is free, and the entire community is invited to attend the fun-filled evening of Christmas classics.

Arrest Report

12/08/14—12/09/14

Shelby County:

Coreen Burt, 42, Logansport, Two Charges-Burglary of a Vehicle

Rodrick Yarbrough, 39, Center, Warrant-Arson, Warrant-Burglary of a Habitation & Warrant-Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity

Jesse Sims, 36, Mansfield, La., Two Warrants-Burglary of a Vehicle and Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Theft of Property

Jeffrey Humphrey, 38, Minden, La., Caddo Parish Warrant-Larceny

Tony R. Smith, 31, Homeless, Driving While Intoxicated-3^rd or more, Driving While License Invalid & Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Indigent Health Care in Shelby County has been moved out of the county judges' office and there's a new full-time coordinator to oversee it.

By a 3-2 vote, the Shelby County Commissioners' Court approved both items during Monday's meeting.

Commissioners Roscoe McSwain and Jimmy Lout were opposed to approving the move and hire.

Commissioner McSwain told Center Broadcasting this morning he felt there was no reason to spend the money on another position, and said the new hire could have waited until County Judge-elect Allison Harbison took office Jan. 1.

He added he felt the position could still be incorporated into the duties of the judge’s administrative assistant.

County Judge Rick Campbell said it's grown into a full-time job, and the money's in the Budget to fund the salary.

The IHC office will be located on the first floor of the courthouse, and hired by Judge Campbell to be the new coordinator is Terry Ford, who's been county treasurer assistant. Continuing on a part-time basis in the department will be Ethel Holder.

Judge Campbell said every Texas County is required to offer indigent health, and with all the healthcare changes, it was taking about 85 percent of former IHC coordinator and County Judge's Administrative Assistant Deanne Sample's time.

Ms. Sample's last day on the job was yesterday. She left to take employment at the Fairchild Law Firm.

Pleading guilty to lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide and having already served the sentencing days, has set a Center woman free after being accused of killing a man in March 2012.

After being charged originally with first-degree murder, 36-year old Rebecca Gale Fountain was able to get out of jail on credit for time served, after pleading guilty yesterday. Fountain was sentenced to 649 days in jail. She's been out for a year.

She was arrested for the stabbing death of 39-year old Mark Allen Ray of Nacogdoches, who was found dead at a home in the 9200 block of Hwy. 7 West.

Fountain’s court-appointed attorney, Robert Goodwin said she acted in self defense.

If you remember, it was during a pre-trial hearing for Fountain that Goodwin and District Attorney Kenneth Florence exchanged words, and Goodwin reportedly threw a binder at the DA, striking DA investigator Bobby Carlsen in District Judge Charles “Brick” Dickerson’s courtroom

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the death of a Shelbyville man whose body was discovered at his residence Saturday morning.

In a press release issued yesterday, the sheriff’s office received a call around 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning concerning a person believed to be deceased.

Deputies along with EMS responded to the call and arrived to find the body of 27-year old Matthew Trevino.

Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 Margie Anderson ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Investigator DJ Dickerson told us Monday afternoon he was waiting the results of the autopsy and had no information at this time.

The San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court will meet at 9 a.m. this morning, and among the agenda items for discussion and appropriate action will be a workforce development board nomination, consider having a 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam War commemorative program, and use of county credit card and purchase orders.

Also, at the meeting, County Judge Samye Johnson will give a report from DETCOG on the Jurisdiction Preparedness Profile, report from the sheriff’s office concerning asset forfeiture fund distribution, a report from H&H Resources Civil Engineers concerning bridge replacement hydrologic and hydraulic analysis report, and a report on Next Step Ministries project application.

State Rep. Chris Paddie will be in Timpson at 2 p.m. Thursday to address the community on the upcoming 84^th Legislative Session, which will begin Jan. 13. Rep. Paddie will be at the Timpson Public Library. Everyone is invited to attend.

As we come upon the end of the year there are several City of Center employees that will be celebrating employment anniversaries.

With one year: Meagan Wright at the police department, Linda Thornton at the water plant, Charles Mathews in the water department and Councilman Howell Howard.

With five years: Michelle Ashworth and David Haley at Center PD, and Lucas Cougler in the street department.

With 10 years, Ricky King at Center PD.

City of Center employees with 15 years’ service, Michael Boyd at city hall, Arlon Sanford in the street department and George Reynolds at the water plant.

With 20 years, Debbie Runnels at city hall, John Holt in public works, Fire Chief Keith Byndom and Councilman Jim Forbes.

With 25 years, Glynn Johnson with the fire department.

Center High School presents the third annual Christmas Gala at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 at the Center High School Cafetorium.

The event features the CHS Theatre, Choir, Twirlers, Chaparrals, Culinary and other Clubs. Tickets are available at the Center High School front office, or from Center High School clubs and organizations.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Center Broadcasting is assisting in two toy drives. We’ve joined with Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep for the 5^th annual “Stock a Ram” for Santa, now thru this Friday, Dec. 12.

New, unwrapped toys can be dropped by the dealership on Tenaha Hwy., and they’ll be distributed to the children served by the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center.

For each donation you’ll be eligible to win a 50” flat-screen TV from Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep.

Drawing will take place Dec. 17.

Obits:

Mangum Funeral Home announces pending service for long-time Center physician, 81-year old Dr. Steve Oates of Center. He passed away Monday at his residence. Among Dr. Steve Oates' survivors are sons, Laried Oates of Center and Shepherd & Denise Oates of Mesquite. Additional service information will be announced later.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 27-year old Matthew Trevino of Center. He passed away Saturday at his residence. More information will be announced soon.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 82-year old Edith Smith. She passed away Sunday at CHI St. Luke’s Health in San Augustine. Service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Ramah Baptist Church in Tenaha, with burial at Ramah Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday prior to service starting at noon at the church. Among Edith Smith’s survivors are children, Dalton & Diann Smith of Center, J.K. Smith of Hugo, OK, Linda Murl Parr of Center, Brenda & Robert York of Center, Marie & Harry Perry of Joaquin, Donnie & Charlie Rowan of Ingram, Denice & Ray Dement of Crosby, Rocky Smith of Lovelady Penny Smith of Center; and daughter-in-law, Christine Smith of Santa Fe.

In sports,

Tonight's basketball scheduled has the Center Lady Riders at home against Waskom.

There’s a battle of two state-ranked teams in San Augustine tonight as  the Class 2A #7 ranked Wolves take on Class A #2 ranked Laneville in a 6 p.m. tip-off. The San Augustine Lady Wolves go to Cushing, Broaddus will be at Shelbyville to play the Dragons; the Timpson Bears and Lady Bears host LaTexo; the Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams go to Brookeland; Mt. Enterprise is in Tenaha playing the Lady Tigers; Woden heads to Garrison against the Lady Bulldogs and the Bulldogs will be at Groveton.

The Center JV & Freshmen Roughriders will not be playing in the Garrison tournament this week after it was cancelled. The Varsity Riders will travel to the Central Heights’ tournament on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Saturday night the Panola Ponies fell in overtime to conference foe Angelina, 73-74. The Ponies follow up with action on the road versus Blinn College, Wednesday at 7:30 pm in Brenham.

Meanwhile, the Panola Fillies take a 86-84 overtime win 22nd ranked Angelina Lady Roadrunners Saturday. The Fillies are now 9-3 overall and 2-1 in conference. They'll resume play January 7 against Jacksonville College at 5:30 PM in Jacksonville.

The Tenaha Tigers are headed to their fourth consecutive state semi-final appearance in the high school football playoffs and will take on (13-0) Bremond at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Nacogdoches at SFA’s Homer Bryce Stadium. The Tenaha-Bremond winner will play the Seagraves-Albany winner (game being played in Snyder Friday) for the 2A, Div. II State Championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington next week. 

Pizza Hut in Center is teaming up with the Center High School Beta Club tonight, Tuesday, December 9th from 4 PM to 10 PM. 20% of each purchase will go to the CHS Beta Club. If you would like to support these students and the organization, Below is a voucher you can print and take into Pizza Hut on Hurst Street. 

Center Garden Club recently held a National Garden Club poster contest
where several of Center Elementary students placed, advancing their posters
to the national level.   The students were asked to depict their interpretation of Woodsy Owl or Smokey the Bear's environmental messages, helping to share information to others on how to help keep our land beautiful.   A special thank you goes to Center Elementary G/T and Fine Arts teacher, Mrs. Inez Hughes!

The first grade students that placed were:  1st, Hope Nehring, 2nd, Avery Lawrence, and 3rd, Nathan Cole. 

The second grade students that placed were:  1st, Holden Stone, 2nd, Daisy Moreno, and 3rd, Gracie Boyd.

The third grade students that placed were:  1st, Kevin Morin, 2nd, Ava Flores, and 3rd, Sayre Hall. 

Dr. Steve Oates, age 81 of Center, passed away peacefully at his home, Monday, December 08, 2014.

Services are pending at this time at Mangum Funeral Home.

Among his survivors include:

Son, Laried Oates of Center

Son & Daughter-in-law: Shepherd & Denise Oates of Mesquite

Grandson: Stephen Daniel Oates & wife, Leslie of Mesquite

Great Granddaughter, Ryiott Chloe Oates

Additional information will be announced at a later time.

Flyer by Adam Ramirez

2014 Santa's Christmas Parade Float Winners

School

1-Center Christian Academy
2-Shelbyville High School Jr. Chamber
3-CHS Chapparrals

Business

1-Huxley Bay Marina
2-Joey Ross Towing

Church Category

1-St. Therese Catholic Church
2-Antioch Baptist Church
3-Lonestar Baptist Youth

Civic Category

1-Shelby County Sheriff's Dept.
2-Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts
3-East Texas Disciple Motorcycle

Individual Category

1-Miss Shelby County Pre-Teen
2-Mr. Happy Holidays Braxton Harkness
3-Rihana Lane

Best Overall Show

Polar Express presented by Center Christian Academy

Arrest Report

12/05/14—12/08/14

Shelby County:

Jesse Gann, 33, Sulphur Springs, Resisting Arrest & Bond Surrender

Micha Nutt, 50, Timpson, Driving While Intoxicated-1st

Jason Samford, 26, Center, Driving While Intoxicated-2^nd & Evading Arrest in a Vehicle

San Augustine County:

Martin Rodriguez, 27, San Augustine, Driving While Intoxicated & No Drivers License

Alejandro Serrato-Castillo, 37, San Augustine, Public Intoxication

Guadalupe Farias, 56, San Augustine, Public Intoxication & Disorderly Conduct

Note: All subjects are presumed 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 to be discussed and for possible action will moving the Indigent Health Care department from the county judge’s office.

This matter has been discussed for some time and paying another person to handle the duties was even included in the recent Budget.

In addition, current IHC Coordinator and County Judge Assistant Deanne Sample has announced her departure, with her last day on the job at the courthouse today.

Ms. Sample tells Center Broadcasting she’s accepted a position as a legal assistant to Jim Payne at Fairchild Law Firm.

She advised the IHC coordinator position has been full-time in itself.

There’s also expected discussion and possible action at today’s meeting for County Judge Rick Campbell to hire an employee to fill the vacancy as IHC coordinator.

We spoke with County Judge-elect Allison Harbison Friday and she said she would be filling the county judge administrative assistant position when she took office Jan. 1.

In another agenda item, commissioners are expected to pass a resolution in support of refundable deposits on aluminum, glass & plastic beverage containers sold in the state. This is a state-wide effort to help with keeping litter from ditches and along roadsides.

The commissioners’ court is also to approve bonds for newly elected officials at today’s meeting.

The Shelbyville ISD Board of Trustees has a meeting at 6 p.m. this evening, and among the agenda items for consideration will be a resolution for the investment policy annual review and the independent audit report for 2013-14.

Center City Council will meet at 5 p.m. today with a rather lengthy agenda.

Among the items will be administering the oath of office to the four council positions beginning new terms, they include Charles Rushing, Jim Forbes, Leigh Porterfield and Jerry Lathan. The selection of a Mayor Pro Tem will also take place.

Council may possibly award a bid on the construction of the Hutcherson Drive street project at the new Center Motor Company site.

City Manager Chad Nehring said TxDOT has made some request/demands that have “significantly impacted” the projected budget. He said the city is attempting to appeal those demands, which includes a deceleration lane necessitating relocation of sidewalks.

Nehring said timing is important, and the bid could be tentatively awarded pending the funding options.

Center City Council is also expected to award bid on utility treatment chemicals, adopting a Water Conservation & Drought Contingency Plan and application for US HUD funds, authorizing land acquisition for sewer system rehab work, authorizing the OK on phone and computer system upgrades and improvements, authorizing a contract for sludge lagoon maintenance at the water treatment plants, and award grant management contract to Gary Traylor & Associates for the 2014 Downtown Revitalization Texas Capital Fund Project.

Time is running out to get donations of new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls, ages 3 thru 13 or monetary donations to Shelby County Attorney Gary Rholes for his annual County Attorney Toy Drive. Today, Monday, Dec. 8 is the final day for donating. Donations can be left at Rholes’ office behind the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Gaddy's Medical Equipment & Supply in Center and Center Broadcasting are sponsoring a coat drive for local children. Donations of new or gently used children's coats are being accepted at Gaddy's Medical Equipment & Supply on Hurst Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Monday thru Friday. If you're children are in need of a free coat, you're encouraged to stop by Gaddy's Medical Equipment & Supply in Center, give the ladies  your name, and your children will be outfitted.

The Center Middle School 6th grade Band, the Center High School Concert Band, and the Center High School Symphonic Band will present their annual Christmas Concert tonight, December 8th beginning at 6:30 PM in the Center High School Cafetorium.

Also, The Center Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Bands will present their annual Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 9th beginning at 6:30 PM in the Center High School Cafetorium. Admission is free to both, and the entire community is invited to attend the fun-filled evenings of Christmas classics.

The Community Partners Rainbow Room is collecting toys for children in CPS care. The goal is to help those that are not being served by other organizations. Displays are set up at Farmers State Bank and Shelby Savings Bank. Donors are encouraged to select a tag from the display, purchase a toy and return the unwrapped gift to the bank by Dec. 16.

Center Broadcasting is assisting in two toy drives. We’ve joined with Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep for the 5^th annual “Stock a Ram” for Santa, now thru this Friday, Dec. 12. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped by the dealership on Tenaha Hwy., and they’ll be distributed to the children served by the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center. For each donation you’ll be eligible to win a 50” flat-screen TV from Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Drawing will take place Dec. 17.

Also, Toys for Tots is collecting new, unwrapped toys and we have a drop-box here at the radio station on San Augustine Street where you can leave donations. In addition, monetary gifts in the form of checks made out to “Toys for Tots” can be left at the station this week.

San Augustine Main Street and the San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce present Christmas Jubilee Days, this Thursday thru Saturday, Dec. 11-13. Its three days of Christmas scents, sights, sounds and shopping in historic downtown San Augustine. There will be demonstrations, refreshments, free food, special drawings and games, music, bargains, extended store hours and charitable giving locations. For more information contact Main Street Executive Director Tracy Cox at 275-3172.

Texas Tumbleweed’s “Cowboy Christmas” will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13 at Ayish Hall in San Augustine. The evening will feature The San Augustine County Cowboy Church Band and the Texas Tumbleweed Cowboy Poet.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 27-year old Matthew Trevino of Center. He passed away Saturday at his residence. More information will be announced soon.

Services are pending at Mangum a Funeral Home for 82-year old Mrs. Edith Smith, age 82, who passed away at CHI St. Luke’s Health in San Augustine. Additional information will be announced later.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 64-year old James E. “Bud” Parker of Joaquin. He passed away Friday in San Augustine. Service will be at 3 p.m. today at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel, with burial at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Among James E. “Bud” Parker’s survivors is wife, Sheila Parker of Joaquin; daughter, Meschelle Parker & Eric Raybon of Joaquin; son, Clint & Amanda Parker of Joaquin; mother-in-law, Katherine McGee of Joaquin; sisters, Lerea & Melvin Foster of Canton, Mae & Jimmy McGown of Center, Katherine Jernigan of Center and Debra Waller of Joaquin; brother, David Paul & Micha Parker of Colorado; sister-in-law, Laquannah Parker of Joaquin; brothers-in-law, Buddy & Rosemary McGee of Joaquin, Kevin & Susie McGee of Martinsville and Olan Ray Cockrell of Martinsville.

In sports,

The Tenaha Tigers are headed to their fourth consecutive state semi-final appearance in the high school football playoffs after holding off Iola, 35-28 Friday night in the Class 2A, Div. II Region III Final in Tyler. (11-1) Tenaha will take on familiar foe (13-0) Bremond at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Nacogdoches at SFA’s Homer Bryce Stadium. Bremond defeated Bruni, 46-7 in LaVernia in the Region IV Final. The Tenaha-Bremond winner will play the Seagraves-Albany winner (game being played in Snyder Friday) for the 2A, Div. II State Championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington next week. This will be the 4th consecutive playoff meeting between Bremond and Tenaha.

In other region final action from the weekend:

CLASS 2A DIV. I Region III Final

Centerville 23  Alto 20

State Semi-Final

Centerville vs. Mason   Friday, 7:30 p.m., Georgetown

Class 4A, Div. I Region III Final

Navasota 34  Henderson 14

State Semi-Final

Navasota vs. Liberty Hill  Friday, 7 p.m., Waco-McLane Stadium

CLASS 4A DIV. II Region II Final

Gilmer 64  Atlanta 25

Region III Final

West Orange-Stark 42  LaGrange 7

State Semi-Final

Gilmer vs. Celina   Friday, 7:30 p.m., Ford Stadium, Dallas

West Orange-Stark vs. Sinton,  Friday in Houston

CLASS 3A DIV. II Region II Final

Waskom 49  Gunter 15

Class 3A Div. II Region III Final

Newton 32  Rogers 7

State Semi-Finals

Waskom vs. Sanora   Friday, 7:30 p.m., Glen Rose

Newton vs. Blanco    Friday, 7:30 p.m., Waller

Class 5A, Div. I Semi-Final

John Tyler vs. Aledo, 2 p.m. Saturday in Mesquite

John Tyler beat McKinney North, 64-40 to advance.

In basketball, it was a real good weekend for the Center sub-varsity teams, as both the JV & Freshmen Roughriders came away with the Tatum Tournament Championship trophies Saturday.

The JV Riders defeated Woden, Whitehouse and Marshall to make the championship game, where they beat Lindale, 46-34.

Meanwhile, the Freshmen Riders beat Central, Chapel Hill and Mt. Pleasant in the semi-final, and in the championship game, beat Marshall, 62-54.

Tatum Tournament Results

JV:
Center 46 Woden 32
Center 53 Whitehouse 51
Center 65 Marshall 55
Center 46 Lindale 34

Freshmen results:
Central 47-41 Win
Chapel Hill 43-34 Win
Mt Pleasant 50-34 Win (semi finals)
Marshall 62-54 Win (Championship)

In non-tournament varsity action Friday, Class 4A #23 Tatum defeats Class 2A #7 San Augustine, 63-48 and Chireno 72, Pollok Central 67.

Tuesday night’s basketball scheduled has the Center Lady Riders at home against Waskom.

There’s a battle of two state-ranked teams in San Augustine tomorrow night, as the Class 2A #7 ranked Wolves take on Class A #2 ranked Laneville in a 6 p.m. tip-off. The San Augustine Lady Wolves go to Cushing, Broaddus will be at Shelbyville to play the Dragons; the Timpson Bears and Lady Bears host LaTexo; the Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams go to Brookeland; Mt. Enterprise is in Tenaha playing the Lady Tigers; Woden heads to Garrison against the Lady Bulldogs and the Bulldogs will be at Groveton.

The SFA Lumberjacks defeated Long Beach State, 74-45 Friday and beat Ouachita Baptist, 84-60 yesterday to improve to 6-3 on the season.

The Ladyjacks are 5-3 after a 70-59 win Saturday over Rice.

The Shelbyville High School Dragon Players would like to announce the performances of their upcoming musical, Aladdin. The play will take place on December 11 and December 12, at 7 p.m. each night. Aladdin will be performed in the Theatre Department’s theatre building located at the high school campus.

Tickets are $10 each and available for reservation. For more information about reserving your ticket or any additional questions you may have, contact the high school campus at (936) 598-7323.

Shelbyville High School theatre students pose onstage, in costume for their
roles in *Aladdin.*

Junior Samuel Windham, Aladdin, and junior Jessica Hemphill, Jasmine, are
the leading roles for the first time for a Shelbyville ISD play.

Center High School is excited to announce it's 3rd Annual Christmas Gala
Dinner and Show set for Monday, December 15th at 5:30 PM in the Center High
School Cafetorium. The CHS Culinary Department will be cooking a Pancake
Breakfast consisting of Pancakes, Sausage, and a drink. Featured that
evening will be the CHS Choir, CHS Chaparrals, CHS Twirlers, and the CHS
Theatre Department. The Rider Express will feature the following booths
with Christmas related products and food items available:
*Reindeer Food-*
*Popcorn Fun*
*Cookie Decorating*
*Kid Coloring Station*
*Face Painting*
*Sodas and Water*
*Hot Cocoa and Coffee Bar*
*Santas wish list*
*Reading by the fireplace*
*Silly Elf Photo Station *
*Glazed Pecans*

Prices will be from 25 cents to $2.00.

The Christmas Gala also features the CHS Theatre production of *A Christmas
Carol High School, *a retelling of the Charles Dickens classic.  In this
version, instead of an old miserly business man, Scrooge is a wealthy and
conceited high school cheerleader named Meredith Priestly who terrorizes
her teachers and peers with her spoiled meanness.  The Christmas Ghosts are
cheerleaders from the 1950s who show her the way her peers actually see
her.  It should be fun for all ages!

Tickets are available now from CHS Cheerleaders, Chaparrals, Twirlers,
Culinary Arts students and at the front office at Center High School. Adult
tickets are $10 and students from ages 5 through twelfth grade are $5.

Center Middle School is set to perform their One Act Play on Monday,
December 8th at 2:30 PM n the middle school auditorium. they will be
performing *A Toby Show* by Aurand Harris.

"*A Toby Show* is a pastiche of a type of entertainment popular in a
colorful era in American drama that began in the early years of the
twentieth century and began a precipitous decline after the Great
Depression.  Before the development of radio, talking pictures, and
television, troupes of traveling actors brought live entertainment into
rural areas of the country - especially the mid-west and South.

Toby was a red-headed, freckle-faced country comedian, a country bumpkin
who outsmarted the city slicker.  Just as Harlequin in European drama
became the stellar attraction Commedia dell'arte's company of stock
characters, Toby developed into the chief attraction of the rural Toby
troupes.  The plays they presented may have utilized familiar plots and
drawn their stock characters in poster colors, but they entrtained
unsophisticated audiences and in many ways approximated America's version
of the Commedia dell'arte.  *A Toby Show *is a re-creation of a classic
form, no extinct, in a period of early American theatre."

They invite the community to attend their final performance before they
take the play to competition.

Arrest Report

12/04/14—12/05/14

Shelby County:

Jeffery Burris, 50, Carthage, Driving While Intoxicated-3^rd or more

Maegan Flowers, 26, Lufkin, Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon & Theft

Belinda Greene, 43, Center, Theft

Crystal Smith, 37, Bacliff, Theft

Jonathon Hurst, 24, Tenaha, Assault-Family Violence

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

A Center woman wanted by Illinois authorities was taken into custody in Shelby County at her place of employment Wednesday.

According to Sheriff Willis Blackwell, 53-year old Donna Evans of Center was arrested by Deputy Jim Ed Mathews at her downtown Center workplace just before 3 p.m.

Sheriff Blackwell said he was contacted by DeWitt County, Illinois Sheriff's Chief Deputy Mike Walker in reference to a wanted person living in Shelby County.

Shelby County Deputy Roy Bailey went to the address given by Illinois' authorities on County Road 2572, in the McClelland Community, south of Shelbyville, and spoke with Evans' boyfriend, who advised she was at work. In hopes of not tipping off Evans while Bailey was at the residence, Deputy Mathews arrived at the business and arrested Evans on a warrant of Theft of over $10,000 and Official Misconduct.

Evans is to be extradite back to Illinois. 

We understand Evans served as the village treasurer of Farmer City, Illinois and the warrant resulted from a year-long investigation into the theft of funds.

After pleading not guilty in August, the Jasper man who was arrested in connection to the death of Alfred Wright is scheduled for a change of plea hearing next Wednesday in Beaumont.

According to court documents, 28-year old Shane Dwayne Hadnot is expected to plead guilty for his part in Wright's death.

Wright went missing on Nov. 7, 2013 in Hemphill, and family members found his body in a wooded area of Sabine County on Nov. 25.

According to the indictment, an investigation revealed Wright's involvement with Hadnot. Phone records, witness statements and drug evidence located during the search of Hadnot's car, indicated Hadnot was selling cocaine to Wright.

A federal grand jury indicted Hadnot on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death.

Center’s newest retail shopping outlet will open its door officially this morning. Goodwill Industries of East Texas is planning on a 9 a.m. opening at their 12,000 sq. ft. facility in the former Walmart building at the north traffic intersection.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will have a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m.

Center Broadcasting will be there from 1 to 3 p.m. with a live broadcast on Q-100 KQBB.

The Shelby County Outreach Ministries helps those that are in need all through the year, but during the winter months the needs are even greater.

Their senior nutrition sites receive partial funding from DETCOG, but with budget cuts Outreach Ministries still needs help. They currently serve 140 meals daily meals to senior citizens at their two nutrition sites and through their meals on wheels program.

At this time of year they are asking for help with providing heaters for the elderly, monetary contributions and support for children's Christmas presents. New unwrapped toys can be donated at the Shelbyville St. location and the Outreach also has Angel Trees set up at Bealls and in Walmart.

Guidelines for children to receive gifts include proof of household income, and proof the child lives in the household.

Deadline is Dec. 19. 

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Lighted Christmas Parade Saturday evening in Center is coming right from the North Pole and of course Jolly ol’ Saint Nick will be among the parade participants.

County Judge Rick Campbell is parade grand marshal, and Parade Committee Chairman Dr. Randy Collard encourages everyone to arrive early and enjoy holiday events on the downtown square.

Dr. Collard said over 30 lighted floats from individuals, business and civic groups were included in the parade.

We’ll be posting the parade winners Monday morning.

Dr. Collard thanked the City of Center for making sure the lights on top of the buildings were in working order and said the new decorations inside the courthouse square were very nice.

Vendors open at 4, parade starts at 6 p.m. Saturday in Center. By the way, the weather is forecast to be dry and temperatures in the low 50s.

The 19^th annual Miss Merry Christmas and Mister Happy Holiday’s Pageant will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Center Middle School Auditorium.

The Timpson Chamber of Commerce is planning a day with Santa Saturday. Come join Santa for a pancake breakfast and photo opportunity between 8:30 and 10 a.m.—Santa should arrive around 9 a.m. at Frontier Café on the square in Timpson. The annual Timpson Christmas Parade will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

The San Augustine Chamber of Commerce is hoping the weather cooperates today for their annual Christmas parade and other outdoor events. The Garden Club Chili Supper is at 4 p.m. at The Meeting Place downtown, and the lighting of the square and Christmas parade is at 5 p.m. Saturday’s events include a Christmas open house from 10 to 2 at Texas Star Retail Store, and the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant is at 6 p.m. at the Museum Theater.

Center Broadcasting will be live on location at the Nacogdoches Wal-Mart Saturday morning to assists with the Toys for Tots collection effort of new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to children in Deep East Texas. The all-day toy drive will assist in providing toys to some 3,500 youngsters from ages one to 12 years. Benefiting from the effort will be "Santa Rides a Motorcycle" and the Boys & Girls Club in San Augustine. If you can donate a toy or even monetary help, stop by Nacogdoches Wal-Mart Saturday and assist Toys for Tots. Center Broadcasting's Q-100 KQBB will be on location from 10 a.m. to noon.

The 18^th annual Nacogdoches Nine Flags Christmas Festival will be tonight & Saturday. Millard’s Crossing Historic Village’s “An Old Fashioned Christmas” will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, The Jingle Bell Run 5K will begin at 8 a.m. in downtown Nacogdoches. The inaugural Tour of Museums will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the lighted Christmas parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Celebrities Johnathan and Drew Scott of HGTV’s Property Brothers and JD Scott of Great American Country TV’s All-American Amusement Parks will be the guest judges for the parade.

Christmas on the Square in Garrison will be held in Sunday. Vendors are welcome - free booth space. There will be food, a 5K run, train rides and games for the kids, a Christmas parade at 2 p.m., Santa telling the Christmas Story, band concert and cake auction among other events.

Still Waters Cowboy Church in Carthage is sponsoring a Motorcycle Run, Reason for the Season Bible/Bicycle Drive to benefit the children of Panola & Shelby County tomorrow. Registration is $20 per motorcycle/car, with an additional $15 per person. The goal is 1,500 Bibles and 1,500 bicycles. For more info contact Bo Chandler at 903-690-6616.

Obits,

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 72-year old Russell Stone of Shelbyville. He passed away Thursday in Nacogdoches. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Wimberly Chapel in Shelby County. Service will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday at Wimberly Chapel, with interment at Wimberly Cemetery. Survivors will be announced later.

Mangum Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 98-year old Irene Wilson of Center. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson announces service for 77-year old Jo Ann Burrows of Timpson. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment in the Weaver Cemetery, Timpson. Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m. service time Saturday at Taylor Funeral Home.

In sports,

The (10-1) Tenaha Tigers are not in an unfamiliar position when they face (11-0) Iola at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium in Tyler in the Class 2A, Div. II Region III Football Final.

Tenaha is making its fourth consecutive state quarterfinal appearance. It’s the third time Iola has been at this round.

The Tigers last played Iola in 2011 enroute to a state championship. It looks like it’ll be Tenaha’s potent rushing attack against Iola’s defensive front.

The winner of tonight’s game will advance to the state semi-final to take on the winner of the Region IV Final between (12-0) Bremond vs. (10-2) Bruni, being played tonight in La Vernia.

Tiger fans are reminded the Pep Rally will be at 2:40 p.m. this afternoon in the SEC. School will release at 3pm.

You can hear a broadcast of the Tenaha-Iola game on the Internet as Robert Barton will have the play-by-play on pineywoodssports.com.

Other Region Final action:

Class 4A, Div. I Region III Final

    Henderson (11-2) vs. Navasota (13-0), 2 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 6), Lufkin’s Abe Martin Stadium

 CLASS 4A DIVISION II

Region II Final

    Gilmer (13-0) vs. Atlanta (12-1), 7 p.m. Friday (Dec. 5), Longview’s Lobo Stadium

 CLASS 3A DIVISION II

Region II Final

    Waskom (12-1) vs. Gunter (12-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday (Dec. 5), Van Memorial Stadium

Region III Final

    Newton (10-3) vs. Rogers (11-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday (Dec. 5), Shenandoah’s Woodforest Bank Stadium

CLASS 2A DIVISION I

Region III Final

    Alto (11-0) vs. Centerville (9-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Wildcat Stadium, Palestine

Most of our local basketball teams continue play in tournaments thru Saturday.

The Center 9^th & JV Riders are in Tatum. Thursday, the JV Riders take a 56-44 win over Woden, and the Freshmen defeat Centeral, 48-41. Today, JV plays Whitehouse at 8:30 p.m. and Freshmen take on Chapel Hill at 7:15 p.m.

The Lady Riders are playing in the Hudson tourney, while the San Augustine Wolves are playing in Huntington.

The Timpson Bears and Lady Bears and Garrison Bulldogs are taking part in the Mt. Enterprise Tournament. Yesterday, Douglass defeated the Timpson boys, 63-56, Martinsville Pirates over Hull-Daisetta, 55-29 and the Garrison Bulldogs beat Zavalla, 43-39.

The Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams are in the Apple Springs Tourney; the Tenaha Lady Tigers are playing in the Lipan Tournament, the Shelbyville Lady Dragons are in the West Sabine Tourney, and the Garrison Lady Bulldogs are in the Winona Tournament.

Also tonight, the Shelbyville Dragons are in Broaddus where the Bulldogs are celebrating homecoming.

A Center woman wanted by Illinois authorities was taken into custody in Shelby County at her place of employment Wednesday. According to Sheriff Willis Blackwell, 53-year old Donna Evans of Center was arrested by Deputy Jim Ed Mathews at Morrison's Insurance Agency in Center just before 3 p.m.

Sheriff Blackwell said he was contacted by DeWitt County, Illinois Sheriff's Chief Deputy Mike Walker in reference to a wanted person living in Shelby County. Chief Walker advised they would extradite Evans back to Illinois.

Shelby County Deputy Roy Bailey went to address given by Illinois' authorities on County Road 2572 and spoke with Evans' boyfriend, who advised she was at work.

In hopes of not tipping off the boyfriend not tipping off Evans, Deputy Mathews arrived at Morrison's Insurance and arrested Evans on a warrant of Theft of over $10,000 and Official Misconduct.

No other information is available at this time.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Willis Blackwell states that on
12/04/2014 his office was contacted by Chief Deputy Mike Walker of DeWitt
County, Illinois in reference to a wanted person living in Shelby County.
Chief Walker spoke with Deputy Jim Ed Mathews in reference to a  Donna
Evans, 53 year old, white female, of Center. Chief Walker advised Deputy
Mathews that they would extradite Donna Evans and gave a home address
located on County Road 2572. Deputy Roy Bailey proceeded to the address
where he spoke with Evans boyfriend who advised that she was at work at
 Morrison' s Insurance Agency in Center, Texas. Preventing a tip from Evans
boyfriend to her, Deputy Jim Ed Mathews proceeded to Morrison's Insurance
Agency and arrested Donna Evans at around 255pm for warrants out of Dewitt
County, Illinois for Theft over $10,000 and Official Misconduct.

The Timpson Youth Advisory Council (YAC) officers selected Mrs. Evelyn Tinsley, a local 93 years old Silas resident, to become their newest YAC Advisor and awarded her an official YAC Advisor’s T-shirt. The 2014-15 Youth Advisory Council totals 60 members, who are all students at Timpson ISD. The YAC Mentors who presented Mrs. Tinsley with her Advisor’s T-shirt are as follows; Chase Lilly (YAC Mentor), Savannah Lindley (YAC Treasurer), Jesse Spruiell (YAC President), Ana DeLeon (YAC Mentor), Destiny Yarbrough (YAC Mentor), and Shelby Richey (YAC Mentor).
 

Mrs. Tinsley has been an active supporter of the Youth Advisory Council’s community activities and have encouraged the YAC members to maintain their core values of community service including personal responsibility, and setting a good example for others to follow.

The recent “Get To Know Texas A & M” college campus visit was financially sponsored by Mrs. Tinsley and the American Legion Post 90.  Mr. John Tinsley (Evelyn’s husband) graduated from Texas A & M in 1942 and served in the U. S. Navy during World War II.  Over the past year, Mrs. Tinsley has volunteered her time to bake and help the American Legion Post 90 sell desert items to fund YAC activities. Some of those YAC activities include; a Video Game Tournament, the Youth Activity Day in SoSo Park, Garrison Nursing Home, and as mentioned, the Texas A&M College campus visit.
     

Mrs. Evelyn Tinsley is dearly loved by the Timpson Youth Advisory Council members and the other YAC Advisors; Vernett Richardson (Go Center Director), Charlotte Metcalf (High School Counselor), and Robin Conway (Coach/Teacher). The YAC and Advisors all look forward to seeing her at their next YAC event.

On December 3, Panola College celebrated 330 years of combined service
throughout the careers of many long-term employees at its annual Christmas
buffet.

Those with 10 years of service include Ernie Davis, Corey Johnson,
Karen McClellan, Dr. Jeff McInnis, Dana White, and May Whitten.

Employees with 15 years of service are Sherri Baker, Cristie Ferguson, Dr. Kevin Rutherford, Vanessa Walls, and Dr. Kathy Watlington. Shannon Baker, Karie Lindsay, Freddy Mason, and Sheila Ritter have each served 20 years.

Don Clinton and Carolyn Lawson each have 25 years of service.

Jeff Brooks was identified with 30 years of service.

Shirley Ingram was recognized for 35 years of service.

Dr. Joe Shannon, Vice President of Instruction presented each with a token of the College’s appreciation.

*35 Years – Shirley Ingram*

*30 Years – Jeff Brooks*

*25 Years – Don Clinton and Carolyn Lawson*

*20 Years – (L to R) Shannon Baker, Freddy Mason, Karie Lindsey, and Sheila Ritter*

*15 Years – (L to R) Dr. Kathy Watlington, Dr. Kevin Rutherford, Sherri Baker, Cristie Ferguson, and Vanessa Walls*

*10 years – (L to R) Dana White, May Whitten, Karen McClellan, Corey Johnson, Dr. Jeff McInnis, and Ernie Davis*

Book Club Trip - Tina Samford took several members of the THS Book Club  to Nacogdoches on November 23 to see Mockingjay (Hunger Games part 2).  All members have read the trilogy and were very excited to see the movie (and it did not disappoint!). Mrs. Samford then took everyone to Asian City for a hibachi dinner and some great entertainment by the chef!

THS Yearbook Deadline - The deadline to order a yearbook for $45 is Friday 12/5 if you want to order in person. If you want to order online at jostensyearbooks.com , the deadline is Sunday 12/7. The price will be $48 starting Monday 12/8.

Bear Hospitality – Timpson ISD Superintendent Mid Johnson recently received a note from the Fruitvale ISD Superintendent Jennifer Jones to thank the TISD students and staff for their hospitality to Fruitvale visitors at the Timpson vs. Fruitvale game this fall.  In the note Superintendent Jones said, “I want to personally thank you for the hospitality your Bear family showed our Bobcats.  What wonderful character and compassion you showed our team and fans.”  She went on to say, “A special thanks to the cheerleaders who cheered for us, the visiting team.”  The Fruitvale cheerleaders were at a volleyball game and could not be present for the game.  Superintendent Jones also expressed thanks for the free hot chocolate given fans saying it warmed their hearts.  Dr. Johnson appreciates Superintendent Jones for taking the time to write the note.  He believes it reflects the outstanding character of Timpson students, staff and community.

Bears Care – At Timpson ISD the staff provides a strong academic program, a comprehensive athletic and extracurricular program and opportunities for students to be involved in community service and leadership. 

This year students have been involved in many community service activities.  Students on all three TISD campuses worked with the Timpson Chamber of Commerce to collect food for community residents in need during Thanksgiving.  All three campuses also participated in raising funds for the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life. 

The Youth Advisory Council sponsored by Vernett Richardson and Charlotte Metcalf assisted with the Veterans Day Program, presented a Veteran’s Day Program for Garrison Nursing Home and helped Woodland Christian Church with food distribution to those in need. 

The Junior Chamber of Commerce members sponsored by Charlotte Metcalf are helping Ring the Bell for the Salvation Army’s annual project. 

The FCCLA sponsored by Danielle Smith have participated in several community service projects including Alzheimer’s Awareness, Pink Pride game, American Cancer Society Great American Smoke-Out, Operation Christmas Child, Teens in the Driver Seat, collecting box tops for elementary school and collecting non-perishable food items for the local food pantry. 

Timpson Elementary School counselor Tammy Sparks sponsors Agents for Change and this group will visit the nursing home to bring Christmas cheer to the residents.

Timpson ISD staff and students are proud to be a part of the Timpson community and want to continue to give back to those who serve them.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office is seeking information to some burglaries that occurred in the Huxley Area.

Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that sometime between 11/06/2014 and 11/07/2014 some unknown suspects broke into Scarber's Grocery Store located in the Huxley
Community. Once inside the suspect stole several items including cigarettes
and tobacco products as well as some currency.

Then between the dates of 11/21/2014 and 11/24/2014 some unknown suspects broke into Huxley City Hall and entered through a rear window. Once inside the suspects destroyed a safe and stole currency out of it. Evidence was collected at both crime scenes and is being processed. S

helby County Investigator Kevin Windham states that this took a considerable amount of time. If anyone has any information on these or any other burglaries or thefts please contact the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 936-598-5600 or Center Crime Stoppers.

Center Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for
information. Anyone who has information regarding this crime should call
Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at
www.centercrimestoppers.com. Remember you don't have to give your name. All
calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous. Rewards will only be paid
on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.

Goodwill of East Texas will be hosting a "Sneak Peek" of their new location in Center at 1233 Tenaha St. from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today, Thursday, December 4. They will be introducing the team members to the community and be giving a tour
of the new facility.

Arrest Report

12/03/14—12/04/14

Shelby County:

David Tillotson, 46, Joaquin, Warrants-Driving While License Invalid with Previous Convictions, Failure to Stop and Render Aid & two charges-Driving While License Invalid

Donna Evans, 53, Center, Warrant-Theft

Rick Warren, 39, Center, Possession of a Dangerous Drug & No Insurance

Joseph Gipson, 25, Center, Assault-Family Violence & Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

San Augustine County:

Brandy E. Williams, 36, Broaddus, Burglary of a Building, Theft of Material & Motion for Adjudication, Original Charge-Assault

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

State Senator Robert Nichols and State Representative Trent Ashby were among the state officials on hand in Lufkin Tuesday that announced that state funding through the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas was now available for rural East Texas.

Officials with the Water Development Board said funding would allow for Texas to have a stable water system for the next 50 years.

The funding was approved at the last legislative session in Austin and frees up $2 billion.

Rep. Ashby said the fund and House Bill 4 will help the rest of Texas, and take their eyes off of East Texas water by allowing them to develop ways locally to go about funding their projects within their territory, within their region.

With the 84^th Legislative Session convening on Jan. 13, Sen. Robert Nichols has recently filed legislation that would limit the growth of property taxes and prohibit the use of eminent domain for recreational purposes.

Sen. Nichols said the first bill is a constitutional amendment designed to slow rapidly rising taxable values on Texas homes. He added it was important to limit the increase in people’s property taxes even when the value of their home increases.

Nichols said his second bill would prohibit state or local governments from taking private land for recreational purposes. The senator said, “No homeowner should lose the roof over their head so others can have a place to play.”

The Center ISD Board of Trustees will have a special meeting at 5 p.m. today and among the agenda items will be discussion on procedures to appoint a special committee to assist with the search for an athletic director.

Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry told us earlier this week no appointment to that search committee is expected at this time, just a discussion concerning the procedure.

He said by the first of February, a committee should be in place and the search process will be underway.

The Center ISD is looking to replace former AD/Head Football Coach Kevin Goodwin who resigned last month due to personal reasons.

Also on today’s agenda will be school board training provided by Region 7 Service Center.

Fuel prices have seen another fairly good drop in the past week as prices are at four-year lows.

According to gasbuddy.com, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Texas is averaging $2.50 a gallon, that's down seven cents in the past week.

In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $2.54, down six cents in a week.

Nationally, the average is $2.73, which is seven cents less than last week and 48 cents less from the same time a year ago.

Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, it remains below the statewide average as the lowest we found was $2.49, down six cents this week at both Wal-Mart, and Brookshire Brothers.

It was $2.47 in Timpson.

Goodwill Industries of East Texas will open their new retail store in Center at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning.

The store is located in the former Wal-Mart building at the north traffic intersection.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will host a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m.

Store hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Center Broadcasting will be on hand from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday with a live broadcast on Q-100 KQBB.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will be at Back Country Furniture Designs for a first year anniversary ribbon cutting at 10:30 this morning. Owners are Roderick and Lisa Jones. The store is located at 401 Hurst St. in Center.

The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center is in need of toys to be distributed to the children they’ve served in the past year.

Assisting with the effort is Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center as they’re conducting the fifth-annual “Stock a Ram” for Santa.

Not only would you be helping to make it a Merry Christmas for children, but are eligible to win a 50" flat-screet TV from Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep.

General Manager Jeff Baker encourages you to get by the dealership with your gifts to assist in the efforts at the advocacy center.

“Stock a Ram” for Santa at Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center now till Dec. 12 to help out the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center. Drawing for the TV takes place Dec. 17.

The Center Middle School 6th grade Band, the Center High School Concert Band, and the Center High School Symphonic Band will present their annual Christmas Concert on Monday, December 8th beginning at 6:30 PM in the Center High School Cafetorium.

Also, The Center Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Bands will present their annual Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 9th beginning at 6:30 PM in the Center High School Cafetorium. Admission is free to both, and the entire community is invited to attend the fun-filled evenings of Christmas classics.

Today: Areas of fog through the morning, with a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tonight: A 30 percent chance of late-night showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday: A 60 percent chance of showers and possibly afternoon thunderstorms, with a high near 71. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: A 60 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.

Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.

In observance of Pearl Harbor Day, this Sunday, Dec. 7, the Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will dedicate a new flag pole at the home of Mr. Glenn Prince. The dedication will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Mr. Prince’s residence, 12019 Hwy. 7 East, Joaquin. The public is cordially invited.

In addition, Earl O. Wood, father of Debbie Grimes of Center was at Hickman Field, Hawaii with the U.S. Army during WWII, and he will be recognized by VFW Post 8904 and Ladies Aux. during services Sunday at Central Baptist Church in Center.

Obits,

Mangum Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 98-year old Irene Wilson of Center. She passed away Wednesday at East Texas Medical Center in Carthage. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Among Irene Wilson’s survivors are son, Kenneth & Helen Wilson of Center; daughter, Pat & Lee Fry of Kerrville; and sister-in-law, Doris Wilson of Center.

Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson announces service for 77-year old Jo Ann Burrows of Timpson. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment in the Weaver Cemetery, Timpson. Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m. service time Saturday at Taylor Funeral Home.

In sports,

The (10-1) Tenaha Tigers will face (11-0) Iola at 7:30 p.m. Friday night at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium in Tyler in the Class 2A, Div. II Region III Football Final. The Tigers last played Iola in 2011 enroute to a state championship. The winner of tomorrow night’s game will advance to the state semi-final to take on the winner of the Region IV Final between (12-0) Bremond vs. (10-2) Bruni, Friday, 7:30pm, La Vernia. Tiger fans are reminded the Pep Rally will be at 2:40 p.m. Friday in the SEC. School will release at 3pm. You can hear a broadcast of the Tenaha-Iola game on the Internet as Robert Barton will have the play-by-play on pineywoodssports.com.

In Tuesday night’s high school basketball, a couple of other scores to add, Pineywoods Academy over the Timpson Bears, 92-83, and

The San Augustine Lady Wolves defeat Mt. Enterprise, 42-40.

Most of our local basketball teams are playing in tournaments today thru Saturday.

The Center 9TH GRADE & JV Riders will be in Tatum and the Lady Riders in Hudson, while the San Augustine Wolves are playing in Huntington, the Timpson Bears, Lady Bears and Garrison Bulldogs are taking part in the Mt. Enterprise Tournament; the Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams will be in the Apple Springs Tourney; the Tenaha Lady Tigers will be playing in the Lipan Tournament, the Shelbyville Lady Dragons are in the West Sabine Tourney, and the Garrison Lady Bulldogs are in the Winona Tournament.

On Friday, the Shelbyville Dragons go to Broaddus where the Bulldogs will be celebrating homecoming.

Mt. Zion CME Church's annual Christmas Musical to be held on Sunday, December 14th @ 4p.m.

Special guests include The Temple Mass Choir of Shreveport, LA, Mrs. Leigh Porterfield of Center and Deon Woods of Timpson. 

Rev. Robert Gipson, Pastor,  Jonathan Fountain, Musician, Veronica Berry, Choir President.

NACOGDOCHES – Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce and the Pineywoods Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) invite you to the Chamber's Friday Luncheon presented by Express Employment Professionals.

Mick Normington, Business Specialist, Texas Workforce Commission is the
guest speaker for the topic "Working Texas Style - 2015 Employment
Outlook." The luncheon is from noon to 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12, at Quality
Inn & Suites, 3400 South St.

"I'll discuss occupations and skills in demand as well as workplace trends
in the modern economy," Normington said.

Normington interviews company presidents and human resources for the state
labor department. He works in the Labor Market & Career Information
department of the Texas Workforce Commission in Austin. Mick is the
co-author of “Working Texas Style,” a book about the changing jobs market
in Texas since the Great Recession. He is also co-author of the follow up
book, “An Atmosphere of Enterprise,” which is about job creation trends in
Texas.

Luncheon reservations are required by noon, Dec. 10. Lunch is $16. Contact
the Chamber at 936-560-5533.

Bring a business card for a chance to win $50 sponsored by Commercial Bank
of Texas and all Chamber members are entered in a $250 drawing sponsored by
Axley & Rode, LLP.

Mick Normington

It's voting time at The Little Fox a Marketplace!  Local artists have made some spectacular creations with their metal stockings.  Now it's your turn to choose the winner!!!!  Deadline to cast your vote at The Little a Fox Marketplace is Wednesday, December 10th at 4 pm. By voting, you are also entering into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate!!

The public is also invited to an Open House/awards presentation from 5 to 6 on Thursday, December 11th, with awards presented at 5:30. Treats will be provided by Sassy Red's Bakery.  

The Little a Fox Marketplace is located on the historic Center Square. The contest is sponsored by db Metal Art and The Little Fox Marketplace. Please call 936-590-4422 for more information.

Center High School Floral Design classes will be busy in Santa's workshop
over the next few weeks making Holiday Wreaths and gifts! Attached are a
few examples of what they can do! If you are interested in a wreath and
would like to order, please stop by the Ag Shop to pick out your
colors/themes ( tons to chose from)! They are limited on "decorations," but can order these and have them here "next day" if you want something
specific!

Prices start at $20+tax and go up from there! (Examples of prices of
attached wreaths: $30 plus tax each) We can do custom orders (it would help if we had a picture to go off of).

These wreaths make great gifts!

They will stop taking orders next Wednesday, 12/10.

*Jessica Shadix*
*Agriscience Teacher*
*Center High School*
*X 2228*
*Jessica.Shadix@centerisd.org <Jessica.Shadix@centerisd.org>*

Arrest Report

12/02/14—12/03/14

Shelby County:

Ashley Samford, 30, Tenaha, Gregg County Warrant-Theft

Annie Brown, 45, Kerens, Navarro County Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Possession of Marijuana

Kelly Carr, 39, Bay Cliff, Theft

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The search process for a new Center ISD athletic director and head football coach will start taking shape at a special board of trustees meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Per the agenda, the board is to discuss procedures to appoint a special committee to assist with the search.

Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry tells us he does not expect a committee to be appointed at the meeting, just a discussion on the procedures. He said after the committee is appointed and meets, a profile and timeline will be developed.

Dr. Hockenberry added he expects the appointment process of a committee can be completed by the first of February. He said he was confident that the AD/head football coaches’ opening will attract highly qualified candidates.

Former AD Kevin Goodwin resigned the position Nov. 21 after a separation agreement was accepted by the board. He was with the CISD six years.

Also, at Thursday's meeting, there will be school board training provided by Marvin Thompson of Region 7 Service Center, this includes Boardsmanship Basics 101 and Board Operation Protocols.

The death of a Nacogdoches County woman and fire at her residence in October is still leaning toward an attempted murder-suicide.

A preliminary autopsy is reporting 61-year old Margi Lyn Goff shot herself after setting fire to her home on FM 1878, northeast of Nacogdoches on Oct. 27.

Her body was found with a close-contact wound to the chest, and gun nearby. G

off's common-law husband, 65-year old Hal David Parris, who's bed-ridden, was treated at a hospital and released.

An investigation continues.

Texas State Bank continues to hold the note on Hotel Fredonia in Nacogdoches after no bids were received at the foreclosure sale yesterday.

Texas State Bank entered a bid of $1,670,000 as potential buyers are said to be concerned over the debts and renovation costs for the property.

The bank holds the first and third liens and owns the hotel furniture.

The Hotel Fredonia was closed a year ago by previous owner Susan Pack Reents.

There’s more than $2 million owed on the first lien with interest building up at over $800 ad day. The taxes for 2014 are almost $38,000.

It’s not the first time the almost 60-year old facility has been shut down. It was closed for four years in the 1980s.

A DeSoto Parish man has been arrested and charged with two counts of Cruelty to Animals after several head of malnourished horses were found in a pasture in Mansfield.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office reports 60-year old Roger Dale Ross of Mansfield was charged after deputies responded for a second time in as many days to complaints the horses had no access to food or water.

Six horses were observed at the property, with one being put down last Friday.

The remaining horses were taken by Four Folks Shelter.

Roger Dale Ross (Photo courtesy of DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office)

Goodwill Industries of East Texas will be opening their newest retail store in Center this Friday morning. The location is in a portion of the former Wal-Mart building at the north traffic intersection. Goodwill Industries of East Texas Executive Director Kimberly Lewis says the business community has already given the organization a good welcome and they're looking forward to doing business here.

She added they can't wait to open their doors and let you see what they have to offer.

Ms. Lewis says the store will be nearly 12,000 sq. ft. and will employee 20, who are already on the job preparing for Friday's opening at 9 a.m.

She added the Center Goodwill store will also offer a "Good Assist" program, which can provides a number of opportunities to an individual.

These include one-on-one help for applying for Medicaid, jobs and other benefits.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador's ribbon cutting takes place at 11:30 Friday morning. Store hours will be 9 to 6, Monday thru Saturday, and 1 to 5 Sunday.

Center Broadcasting will be on hand from 1 to 3 p.m. with a live broadcast on Q-100 KQBB.

The Panola College Board of Trustees officially honored the Charles C. Matthews Foundation for their continuous generous donations by naming the new Student Life Center after the foundation Monday.

The new facility will receive an official ribbon cutting after the building's completion in early fall 2015.

The Matthews Foundation has awarded one million to Panola College to equip fully the new student center.

The Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center will be approximately 53,000 square feet to house the Student Life program. 

Center Broadcasting received a call from Katie Davis of Logansport Tuesday saying the response to efforts to assist her family, including her husband, Kevin and their three children who lost their belongings to a house fire week-before-last has been wonderful, and she says they want to thank everyone for their help.

She added they are in need of household items, such as dishes, pots, towels and even appliances such as a microwave and possible washer & dryer.

If you could assist Kevin and Katie Davis with any of those items, you can contact them at 318-871-7822.

Obits,

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 72-year old Fran Williams of Garrison. She passed away Monday at her home. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Cold Spring Baptist Church in Garrison. Among Fran Williams' survivors is husband, Roddy Williams of Garrison; son, Rex & Missy Williams of Garrison; daughter, Angie Williams of Garrison; brother, Robert Sanders of Terrell; and brother-in-law, David Williams of Garrison.

Mangum Funeral Home announces a memorial visitation for 86-year old Fannie Choate of Center. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at Mangum Funeral Home.

Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson announces service for 77-year old Jo Ann Burrows of Timpson. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment in the Weaver Cemetery, Timpson. Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m. service time Saturday at Taylor Funeral Home. She was a banker and retired as Vice President of Austin Bank-Timpson, and served many years as treasurer of the Timpson Chamber of Commerce. 

In sports,

Basketball last night the Center Roughriders lost all three games, Freshmen, JV and Varsity at Marshall. Freshmen, 55-57, JV, 59-70, and Varsity, 71-90.

The #7-state ranked San Augustine Wolves beat Mt. Enterprise, 74-65; #20 ranked Douglass over the Joaquin Rams, 87-45; and the Martinsville Pirates beat Rusk in overtime, 32-29.

Girls: The Joaquin Lady Rams are defeated by Douglass, 45-37.

Most of our local basketball teams are playing in tournaments Thursday thru Saturday.

The Center Riders will be in Tatum, the San Augustine Wolves are playing in Huntington, the Timpson Bears, Lady Bears and Garrison Bulldogs are taking part in the Mt. Enterprise Tournament; the Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams will be in the Apple Springs Tourney; the Tenaha Lady Tigers will be playing in the Lipan Tournament, the Shelbyville Lady Dragons are in the West Sabine Tourney, and the Garrison Lady Bulldogs are in the Winona Tournament.

On Friday, the Shelbyville Dragons go to Broaddus where the Bulldogs will be celebrating homecoming.

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches released its weekly rankings Monday and the San Augustine Wolves remain No. 7 in Class 2A. In Class 3A, Central Heights is No. 19, Tatum is No. 23 in the Class 4A poll, and Laneville is No. 2 and Douglass No. 20 in Class A.

On the girls’ side of the state rankings, Chireno is No. 10 in Class A, and Tatum No. 19 in Class 4A.

San Augustine has two big early-season test this month. Laneville will be in town on Dec. 9, and Class 2A’s No. 2 ranked team, Martins Mill will take on the Wolfpack in SA Dec. 22.

The SFA Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks both take wins last night. The men upset Memphis, 64-52, and the ladies take a 90-50 win over A&M-Kingsville. The Jacks return home for a 7 p.m. tip-off Friday against Long Beach State. The Ladyjacks are in Houston to play Rice on Saturday.

At Panola College, the Ponies split a pair of games at the Guy Davis Classic at Angelina College last weekend. Panola opened with a loss to Southwestern Christian College, 72-81 last Friday, and came back Saturday to take a 101-60 win over Lone Star College-Tomball. The Ponies return to action at 7:30 p.m. tonight against the Texas Riders, and will be home Saturday at 6 p.m. against Angelina College. Home games are being played at Carthage High School.

Meanwhile, the Fillies are 8-3 on the season with back-to-back wins. Panola College beat Texas Storm, 79-29, Friday and took a 67-62 win over Arkansas Baptist College Saturday. The Fillies will be home at 4 p.m. Saturday against Angelina College at Carthage High School Gym.

The Tenaha Tigers will face Iola at 7:30 p.m. Friday night at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium in Tyler in the Class 2A, Div. II Region III Football Final. The winner will advance to the state semi-final to take on the winner of the Region IV Final between (12-0) Bremond vs. (10-2) Bruni, Friday, 7:30pm, La Vernia. Tiger fans are reminded the Pep Rally will be at 2:40 p.m. Friday in the SEC. School will release at 3pm.

The First United Methodist Church of Center will present its annual Sacred Sounds of the Season program, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 in the church sanctuary.

There will be a variety of talented musicians and singers from around the county.

Jim Green and Ann Harmon will display their considerable talents with piano solos, the Excelsior Eighth Grade Hand Bell Choir will ring hand bells, a skill Alice Sue Howard teaches them in music class.

Mt. Zion Youth Choir will sing what promises to be soul stirring Emmanuel and Michelle and Sedarian Weatherford will sing a beautiful duet to Mary Did You Know.

You will also hear the beautiful soloist voice of Leigh Porterfield and a presentation by Chris Watlington as only he can perform.

The First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir will also sing two songs from their upcoming cantata that will be sure to get you in the Christmas spirit and prepare us for the upcoming season as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Everyone is invited to attend this very special program.

Timpson High School principal Ron Lindgren and his staff are so proud of another Timpson High School graduate.  Sarah McCracken (right) is a pharmacy technician at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. Sarah took her pharmacy tech classes while a student at THS with the district paying her tuition. She is pictured with Mrs. Jerrie Strahan her high school monitor.

At 6:11 a.m. Monday, DPS Troopers responded to the scene of a two vehicle crash on US 96 approximately 8 miles South of San Augustine in San Augustine County.

The preliminary investigation indicates a 2000 Chevrolet truck driven by
62-year old Jimmy Minor from Beaumont was traveling northbound on US 96 when he drove into the south bound lanes of US 96 and struck a 2013 Freightliner truck tractor semi-trailer. The Freightliner was driven by 47-year old Candyce Gay Porter from Fordland Missouri.

Minor was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Ardis Mosby.

Porter was not reported as being injured in the crash.

Jennifer Hartung, a passenger with Porter, was transported to CHI St. Luke's Health in San Augustine and later released.

The crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

On November 24th, the Tenaha ISD third grade enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast in the elementary gym.  The classes had watched videos of etiquette and the First Thanksgiving.

Their meal consisted of dressing, chicken leg, cranberry sauce, corn, English peas, chicken and spaghetti, meatballs, corn on the cob, corn bread, fruit salad, and rolls.  For dessert they enjoyed cookies, pie, and cupcakes. 

The third grade students used their manners and the meal
was enjoyed by all.

Third grade teachers would like to thank parents who helped provide the meal, Mrs. Elizabeth Ward, Ms. DeDe, Mrs. Winter McCawley, Mrs. Amie Mathis, Mrs. Kim Reese and Ms. Phyllis for all of their help. 

The Timpson High School Youth Advisory Council recently toured the Texas A&M campus in College Station along with their sponsors Go Center Director Vernett Richardson and counselor Charlotte Metcalf.

The core values of the Youth Advisory Council is to become involved in community service, to learn the importance of personal responsibility, setting a good example for others to follow and develop leadership skills.

The Youth Advisory Council meets each afternoon during activity period.  The Youth Advisory Council has been involved in several community based projects including participation in the Timpson Veteran's Day Program, presenting Veteran's Day program at Garrison Nursing Home and helping Woodlands Christian Church with food distribution for those in need.

The Youth Advisory Council Officers are as follows:
President – Jesse Spruiell
Vice President – Kristi Clifton
Secretary – Marcus Gossett
Treasurer – Savannah Lindley

Top Row (Left to Right)
Marcus Gossett, Bethany Lindgren, Brandon Addison, Bill Belrose, Ana DeLeon, Cadey Belorse, Madison Lee, Nathan Barr, Kylie Powdrill, Stephen Upchurch, Brandon Torres, Anna Fountain, Cassidy Chrshire, Vanessa Pacheco, Chase Lilly, Kristen Lee, Ambrasha Paige, Josheph Hendricks, Marc Carroll, Connor Timmons, Savannah Lindley

Bottom Row (Left to Right)
Datrein Bendy, Paris Taylor, Mammie Clifton, Shelby Richey, Hortencia Jimenez, Connor Hairgrove, Kimberly Lewis, Kristi Clifton Brandon Torres, Kamarious Johnson, Jesse Spruiell, Hannah Wolf, Makayla Parker, Destiny Yarbrough, Jaden Johnson, Kaeson Gentry, Dakota Watts

Arrest Report

12/01/14—12/02/14

Shelby County:

Morgan Ann Magee, 31, Center, Parole Violation

Joseph Olenik, 63, Joaquin, Warrant-Assault-Family Violence

Harold Christopher, 30, Garrison, Driving While Intoxicated-1^st

Travis Goodrum, 27, Timpson, Burglary of a Habitation

James M. Hook, 33, Tenaha, Bossier Parish Warrant-Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile

San Augustine County:

Krystal Tanner, 29, San Augustine, mandated turn-in Texas Department of Criminal Justice

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

A search for a missing hunter who was thought to be possibly kidnapped ended without incident Sunday morning.

Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell said in a press release Monday his office received a call after 4 o’clock Saturday afternoon from the brother of 54-year old Terry Harrington of Vidor, stating that Harrington had been hunting off of County Road 1012 and started texting him about persons holding him hostage.

The multi-agency search involved Sheriff's deputies, investigators, a Texas Department of Correction K-9 Unit, Shelby County Game Wardens, Texas Rangers and a number of volunteers from Shelby County and Vidor assisted in searching the area off of U.S. Hwy. 96 south near the county line.

The search continued all night Saturday until 5:30 a.m. Sunday, and resumed a few hours later.

Sheriff Blackwell said at approximately 10:20 a.m. Sunday, Terry Harrington was located, safe but extremely confused. He was released to his family.

Sheriff Blackwell thanks all involved in the search, thankfully with a good outcome.

The sheriff said the search was difficult for many reasons, primarily due to safety concerns with searchers being in the woods and deer hunters not knowing they were in the area.

Sheriff Blackwell said there was complete cooperation among all agencies.

The Sabine County man that been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend’s five-month old daughter says he shook the baby after she became unresponsive after coughing up milk.

The arrest affidavit says that 25-year old Matthew Hudson dropped baby Sophia Candanosa’s mother off at work early the morning of Nov. 7, went back home to a Hemphill residence and gave the baby formula while she lay on her back, he said the child started bubbling milk and noticed she was unresponsive, and allegedly started to shake the child in an effort to get a response.

The baby died at Texas Children’s Hospital. Hudson remains in the Sabine County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

With many cold days and nights still ahead this season and a number of children having to bare the outside elements without a warm coat, Gaddy's Medical Equipment & Supply in Center and Center Broadcasting are teaming up to sponsor a coat drive for local children.

Donations of new or gently used children's coats are being accepted at Gaddy's Medical Equipment & Supply on Hurst Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Monday thru Friday.

Chuck Gaddy and Amanda Bush tell us they've received a number of requests for children's coats, and wanted to do their part in helping with the cause.

If you're children are in need of a free coat, you're encouraged to stop by Gaddy's Medical Equipment & Supply in Center, give the ladies  your name, and your children will be outfitted as supplies are met.

Santa Claus is coming to Center this Saturday, December 6.

Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade Committee Chairman Randy Collard reports that vendors will be serving hot chocolate, sweet tea, grilled chicken sandwiches, chocolate covered pretzels and baked goods on the historic downtown Center square beginning at 4:00 p.m. prior to Santa’s Christmas Parade.

Vendors include Center High School Junior Chamber of Commerce and Culinary Arts students, Providence Missionary Baptist Church and Jackson Missionary Baptist Church.

According to Collard, Grand Marshal Rick Campbell will lead the parade at 6:00 p.m. North Pole themed floats and features will make their way through the heart of town to delight the young and old alike.

Parade winners will be announced via media on Monday.

Also, the 19^th annual Miss Merry Christmas and Mister Happy Holiday’s Pageant in Center will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Center Middle School Auditorium.

Breakfast with Santa hosted by Xi Alpha Delta Rho sorority will be held in Center Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Windham Civic Center. Doors open at 9 a.m. and tickets are $12, and includes breakfast, a candy ornament a 4x6 photo with Santa, face painting and BOOM BOOM Photo Both fun. No tickets will be sold at the door. Get tickets from Kerri Ramos at 591-2975, Angie Turk at 591-8575 or see any sorority member.

The San Augustine Chamber of Commerce Miss Merry Christmas Parade and Pageant and Business Decorating Contest is coming up. This year's Theme is: Santa's Workshop. The parade will be at 5 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 5, and the pageant at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

The Timpson Chamber of Commerce is planning a day with Santa this Saturday, Dec. 6. Come join Santa for a pancake breakfast and photo opportunity between 8:30 and 10 a.m.—Santa should arrive around 9 a.m. at Frontier Café on the square in Timpson. Breakfast is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (65 & older) and children (12 & under), and free for children under 4 with parent, with group or family discount available. Proceeds benefit the City of Timpson Parks. The annual Timpson Christmas Parade will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Center Broadcasting has joined with Toys for Tots to assist in collecting new, unwrapped toys to distribute to needy children in the community this Christmas.

Nacogdoches County Toys for Tots coordinator Ronnie Bowser has been heading up efforts for 12 years, and says its his goal is to give at least three toys each to some 3,500 youngsters from age one to 12 years.

This Saturday, efforts will focus on the Nacogdoches Wal-Mart where a toy drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bowser says he prefers to take toy donations, but also takes monetary help.

There's several other events taking place around Nacogdoches before Christmas to assist with Toys for Tots efforts.

Bowser says he's assisting with the Shelby County based, "Santa Rides a Motorcycle" and the Boys & Girls Club in San Augustine to help in giving toys to area children.

Bowser adds the next two weekends are his largest collection periods as he attempts to collect around 12,000 toys for children in Deep East Texas.

Center Broadcasting's Q-100 KQBB will be live on location from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Nacogdoches Wal-Mart assisting in toy and monetary collections for Toys for Tots.

A financial aid for college program will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8 at the Shelbyville High School Library.

A representative from SFA Financial Aid Office will be the presenter.

Students and parents of the Class of 2015 are invited to attend and learn about financial aid for colleges, technical schools and other institutions of postsecondary education and how to complete the free application for Federal Student Aid.

For more information, contact Ms. Bays at Shelbyville High School, 598-7323.

The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center is conducting their annual Toy Drive through Dec. 12. They’re asking for contributions of toys and clothing to be distributed to the children they have served in the past year, ranging in age from 3 to 17. Donations can be dropped by the Advocacy Center at 220 Field Street in Center. In addition, Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center is "Stocking a Ram" for the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center this Christmas. The dealership is accepting donations of new, unwrapped gifts through Dec. 12. For each donation, you'll be registered for a chance to win a TV.

Shelby County Attorney Gary Rholes’ annual County Attorney Toy Drive continues through Dec. 8. Donations of new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls, ages 3 thru 13, or monetary donations are being accepted. Rholes says his staff works with Shelby County schools to obtain names of deserving children. The toys are then distributed by his office. Anyone needing further information call the County Attorney’s Office at (936-598-6100).

The Community Partners Rainbow Room is collecting toys for children in CPS care. The goal is to help those that are not being served by other organizations. Displays are set up at Farmers State Bank and Shelby Savings Bank. Donors are encouraged to select a tag from the display, purchase a toy and return the unwrapped gift to the bank by Dec. 16.