Due to a water line break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water System, Paxton Water Supply (Jackson Plant), to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption. This is only for the customers on FM 139 and FM 2787.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice.

If you have any questions concerning this matter, you may contact Vince Di Verdi at 936-590-9177 or 936-591-1205.

East: The region had several days of sunshine, warmer temperatures and windy weather, which helped dry out some areas. Fields in other areas still had saturated soils or standing water. More rain was expected this week. Forage conditions improved rapidly with the return of warmer sunny weather. Wet soils hampered fertilizer applications and weed control. Potato growers had to replant after the first sets rotted due to the wet conditions. Fruit trees were in full bloom. Insects of all types were beginning to emerge. Fire ants were an increasing problem due to the saturated conditions. Feral hogs were active. Beaver damage was on the rise in Harrison County. Cattle were holding their weight. Most producers stopped feeding hay and were tapering off feeding supplements. Beef markets remained extremely strong. Calving season continued. Spring cattle work began with producers vaccinating their herds.

The Shelbyville High School One Act Play will compete in bi-district competition at Panola College April 10.

At the March 27th District Competition the company received an "Advancing Play" plaque for its performance of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream".   

Best Actor was awarded to Max Fenton for his role as Oberon. Julian Johnson, Bottom, and Jake Fox, Francis Flute,  were named to the All Star Cast, and Jayne Fuller was named to the Honorable Mention All Star Cast for her performance of Robin  Starveling. 

Yadira Reyes, sound technician,  received a medal for being named to the Honor Crew. 

The Bi-District competition will begin at 1:00 p.m.  Shows will run back to
back.  Shelbyville's approximate performance time as 5th show will be at
4:45 p.m.

There is no charge for admission.

Dates to remember:

JHS Academic Banquet---Saturday, April 18th dinner at 5:30 PM; banquet at 6:00 PM

Methodist Church Senior Luncheon...Wednesday, May 6

March 31, 2015-STAAR; 1st Grade Field Trip to Lufkin Convention Center; Tenaha Baseball vs Mt. Enterprise There 6:30 pm; 

April 1, 2015-Tennis Meet in Center; STAAR

April 2, 2015-STAAR Make Up; Tennis Meet in Center; HS Track vs Center; TelPass Grade 2; End of Grading Period

April 3, 2015-STAAR Make Up; Student Holiday/Teacher In-Service; Tenaha Baseball vs Joaquin in Joaquin 6:30 pm

April 6, 2015- Beginning 6th Grading Period; District JH Track; Optional Tiger Doll Practice

 
7th Grade Band Preparing to attend UIL Concert & Sight-Reading

 
Tenaha's 7th grade band will be attending UIL Concert & Sight-Reading on
April 7 at Chapel Hill. The performance will be at 10:00 A.M. with
Sight-Reading immediately following. The students have been working very
hard to prepare for this contest. They have put in their own practice time,
as well as giving 110% to many clinicians that have come to help them. 

This past Thursday, the band went to Pre-UIL Contest in Carthage and
received a lot of positive feedback from judges. One judge commented
"Wow-impressive work with this band. Well rehearsed - you're doing the right
things just keep moving forward." Another judge stated "Nice reading in low
brass section." referring to our sight-reading piece.

Band Director Brandi Swann stated, "We still have things to fix, but with
their continued hard work, I'm sure they will be successful for UIL. If you
are able to, please come show your support for the continued growth of our
future Roarin' Band from Tigerland."

 
2015-2016 Tenaha Varsity Cheerleaders

Tenaha High School Cheerleader tryouts were held March 13th.  The 2015-2016  Varsity Cheerleader are pictured above from left to right; Bianca Ramirez,
Arlicia Roland, Christina Patterson, Alexis Shires, Calicia Roland, Jaden
Washington, Brooke McClure, Madison Hicks (mascot), Macy Fitzgerald, Rebekah
Potter, Kyesha Perry,LaPorsha Perry and Katelyn Keller.  Cheerleader
sponsors (not pictured) are Amy Collins and Carrie Jenkins.  Congratulations
to the new Tiger Varsity cheerleaders!

Little Dribblers' Fundraiser

They are also raffling off an Easter basket. Tickets are $2.00.  Supporters
can also buy a t-shirt with or without the team names on the back. The teams
will head to the tournament Tuesday evening April 7th  and play their first
game April 8th. 

Prom

Due to many conflicting schedules, the Prom is rescheduled from April 11,
2015 to April 18, 2015.

The District apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.

Pictures:

April 15-Kindergarten cap and gown, Clubs, Who's Who

The CHS Theatre Department will proudly showcase two very different sources of talent in its 2015 Spring Flingfeaturing five excellent scenes from first year students as well as a second-showing of the District Champion One-Act Play by Woody Allen on Tuesday March 31 at 6:30 in the CHS auditorium.

The scenes are from Theatre I students who worked on a "five-minute short" for most of the fourth six-weeks.  They performed these scenes in class for a small student audience, then their classmates chose these scenes to represent them in a night show for the public.  Here are the scenes and their performers:

Point of View--Jerquiita Williams, Haley Denby, Taylor Amburn
Swan Boats--Johan Gonzalez, Jacoryan Jordan, Lily Reynolds, Lexi Baldwin
How Do I Look--Madison Agnew, Macade Perry
Dinner with Daddy--Mitchell Johnson, Lexi Parker
Players Lair--Kyle Parks, Alysen Jefferson, Brennah Berwick, Victoria Duvon

The evening also features the One-Act Company and its One-Act Play by Woody Allen. The district-winning play features performances by Honorable Mention All District performers Chloe Gibson and Brady Wood, All-District performer Austin Wright, and District MVP-Best Actor Chris Caudle.  In addition to tonight's performance, the company will perform at Panola College's Martin Auditorium at 2:00 on Wednesday April 8 for the bi-district competition.

Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for students.  Four of the scenes are rated G and suitable for all ages.  One of the scenes and the One-Act is rated PG for mild language and innuendo.  They are  appropriate for most students 4th grade and up.  The evening should last about 90 minutes,
including a 10-minute intermission during which refreshments will be on sale.

Our current Shelby County Veteran Service Officer Sherry Riley has been
filling this position for about a year but under the currently
qualifications imposed she cannot receive certification and accreditation
through the Texas Veterans Commission.  It has nothing to do with her
understanding of veteran’s needs or commitment, it’s because she is not a
widowed Gold Star Mother or Spouse or the spouse of a 100% disabled veteran.
This limits the hiring pool considerably and eliminates outstanding
candidates like Sherry.

An amendment to the Texas State Code has been proposed to include “the
spouse of a retired veteran who served a minimum of 20 years on active
duty”.  She is married to Wayne Riley who is a 24 year Air Force retiree
with a 40% disability.   The bill, known as an act is currently before the
Defense and Veteran’s’ Affairs committee members awaiting a vote.  Even if
the bill does not receive two-thirds vote it will still go into effect in
September if simply voted on.

If this does not happen the veterans of Shelby County Texas will be the ones
to suffer.  She is a go getter and has during the last 6 months helped two
veteran families find adequate housing before becoming homeless.

I’m asking Shelby County to come together and contact one or all of the
following and let them know you support HB 906.  It needs to come to a vote!


Rep. Susan King, Chairman , Defense & Veterans' Affairs Committee  at (512)
463-0718 

Rep. James Frank Vice Chair Defense & Veterans' Affairs Committee  (512)
463-0534 

Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock Texas House Member (512) 463-0684

Rep. César Blanco Texas House Member (512) 463-0622

Rep. Joe Farias Texas House Member (512) 463-0714 

Rep. Matt Schaefer Texas House Member (512) 463-0584

Rep. Matt Shaheen Texas House Member (512) 463-0594

If you would like to email them go to:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/committees/committee/?committee=305 

To read the bill to to:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/84R/billtext/html/HB00906I.htm

Thank You,

Larry Hume

VFW Post 8904 Quartermaster

CMSgt, USAF (Retired)

Vietnam Veteran 1966 - 1967

chief@chiefimaging.com <mailto:chief@chiefimaging.com> 

936.598.2976

“VFW – No One Does More For Veterans”

http://www.facebook.com/vfw8904

Center Roughrider Baseball goes to Tatum for Dist. 19-4A play today, Tuesday. JV at 4:30 p.m. followed by Varsity at 7 p.m.

Center Broadcasting post local news, events, sports and other happenings on a regular basis on the Center Broadcasting website (cbc-radio.com) and Facebook page Center Broadcasting Co. Inc.

We invite you to check out and "like" both.

In sports,

Soccer:

We know more about the Center Roughrider Soccer team's next playoff game. Center will play Hardin-Jefferson at 3 p.m. Thursday at Allen Academy in Bryan in the Class 4A area championship round. The Riders won their first ever playoff game last Friday with a 3-2 victory over Mexia in bi-district in Crockett. The winner of Thursday's game will be the LaVega-Little Cypress-Mauriceville winner in the region quarterfinals.

Baseball:

Monday's results:

The Timpson Bears take a 12-6 win over the Martinsville Pirates in a Dist. 23-2A game. Timpson improves to 5-1, Martinsville 1-5.

Tuesday's schedule (Dist. Record):

The Center Roughriders (3-1) will look to get back on track after last Friday's loss to Rusk as they GO TO Tatum (1-3) in Dist. 19-4A play tonight. JV starts at 4:30 p.m. followed by Varsity at 7 p.m. This Friday's game in Henderson is being moved to Thursday for Good Friday. The game times will be the same, 4:30 JV and 7 p.m. Varsity.

Joaquin (3-2) at Shelbyville (2-3)

Tenaha (1-4) at Mt. Enterprise (0-5)

San Augustine (3-4) at Chester (4-2)

Broaddus (5-1) at Burkeville (0-6)

Garrison (3-2) at Central Heights (5-0)

State Rankings:

The Center Roughriders have dropped three spots in the Class 4A state baseball rankings out Monday. After the setback to Rusk Friday, the Riders are No. 17 at 9-2-1. Hudson is No. 13 and Carthage No. 24. Pleasant Grove is still No. 1. In 3A, Central Heights is No. 3, Douglass remains No. 1 in 2A at 12-0, Beckville No. 13 at 10-0, and West Sabine No. 21. In 5A, Hallsville is No. 6 and Lufkin No. 15.

Dist. 19-4A Baseball

                           W    L

Center                 3    1

Rusk                     3    1

Carthage              3    1

Tatum                   1    3

Henderson            0    4

Dist. 23-2A

                             W    L

Beckville                 6    0

Timpson                5     1

Gary                      4      2                        

Joaquin                 3     2                        

Shelbyville            2     3                        

Tenaha                 1      4                        

Mt. Enterprise        0      5                        

Martinsville            0      5              

   Dist. 24-2A

                               W    L      

West Sabine           8    0                          

Broaddus               5    1                          

Colmesneil              4    1                          

Chester                   4    2

Zavalla                    3    3                          

San Augustine        3    4                          

Brookeland             1    6                          

Chireno                   1     6

Burkeville                0    6                   

Softball:

Monday’s results:

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons come up short to Zavalla, 3-5. They will start the second round of district today hosting Burkeville. Shelbyville is 5-2.

The Timpson Lady Bears lose to Wells, 4-5. Timpson (0-6) host Douglass today.

Today's schedule:

The Center Lady Riders (0-3) have a bye today and will be home to play Rusk starting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Big game in Dist. 23-2A as the Joaquin Lady Rams go to Cushing. Both teams are 6-1, and are tied with Alto for the district lead.

Shelbyville (5-2) hosts Burkeville

Timpson (0-6) hosts Douglass

Garrison at Central Heights

Dist. 19-4A Softball

Carthage 2-0

Rusk 2-0

Tatum 1-1

Henderson 1-2

Center 0-3

State Softball Rankings:

The Carthage Lady Bulldogs are No. 5 in this week’s Class 4A poll, with Hudson at No. 8. The 5A rankings have Hallsville No. 6 and Lufkin No. 23; 3A, Woodville is No. 11 and Central is No. 25; and in 2A, Beckville is No. 2.

District Golf:

The Dist. 19-4A tournament will be played in Longview Wednesday.

Track & Field:

The Roughrider Relays will be held at Roughrider Stadium starting at 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Joaquin Athletic Boosters:

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

The 37^th annual Center Broadcasting-Shelby County Bass Anglers’ Take a Kid Fishing Bream Tournament will be held on Toledo Bend at Huxley Bay Marina on Saturday, May 9. We invite all children ages 3 to 15 years old to register for the free tournament. Entry forms can be picked up at the Center Broadcasting studios at 307 San Augustine Street in Center, Huxley Bay Marina, Scarber’s Grocery & Trail’s End & RV in Huxley, First Bank and Trust East Texas in San Augustine, or Hometown Tackle in Center.   Participants must be preregistered no later than May 1st.  Trophies will be awarded to each group and prizes will be available for each participant.  Fishing begins at 6am, and all participants must be in the weigh-in line no later than 12:30pm. You can go to the Center Broadcasting Company website, cbc-radio.com to download an entry form. For more information, contact the radio stations at 936-598-3304.

Arrest Report

03/30/15—03/31/15

Shelby County:

Danny Bell, 38, Center, Manufacture & Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Unlawful Restraint, Evading Arrest and Violation of Parole, Original Charge: Possession of a Dangerous Drug

Laquita Casey Watts, 38, Center, Resisting Arrest, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Manufacture & Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Joseph Nash, 34, Center, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance

Chadburn Adams, 39, Joaquin, Possession of Marijuana

Venita Jones, 44, Center, Driving While Intoxicated

Rosendo Gallegas, 33, Center, Warrant-Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

Lashekietha Johnson, 37, Center, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Theft

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Texas and most of deep east Texas continues to maintain an unemployment rate below the U.S. national rate.

According to information released Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission, the February jobless rate was down to 4.3 percent statewide, compared to 5.5 percent nationally.

Here at home, Shelby County's unemployment for February was down to 4.9 percent, compared to 5 percent in January. That rate is well below the 6.6 percent in February a year ago. Texas Workforce says there are 562 looking for work in Shelby County in February.

In San Augustine County, February's rate is down to 8.8 percent from 9.2 the previous month, and 11.2 in February 2014.

In neighboring counties, the February jobless rates were: Sabine County, 8.8 percent; Nacogdoches, 4.5 percent; Angelina, 4.7; and Panola County, 4.1 percent.

The Center Tyson Foods plant recently was awarded a designation from the State of Texas for participation in the Texas Enterprise Zone. 

This award will allow Tyson to receive reimbursement on any state sales tax paid on equipment purchased as part of a multi-million dollar capital equipment purchase and maintenance program.

According to Mayor David Chadwick, “Tyson contacted us some time ago about partnering with the City to sponsor their application to receive this assistance, We partnered with them before in this program and we want to help Tyson be successful in Center.” Tyson agreed to invest up to $5 million and retain 500 jobs of the 1500 currently employed at their plant.

Mayor Chadwick added the City of Center had to nominate Tyson for the program. Chadwick noted, “This is a simple action on our part yet reflects our priority of continually working with our local industries to assist in their expansion plans.”

After a four-week delay, Bernie Tiede is scheduled to be back in a Panola County courtroom this afternoon for a pre-trial hearing.

Yesterday, a motion was filed by Panola County District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson asking to recuse himself and other prosecutors in his office from the case, saying he’s become a witness.

Tiede was convicted of killing wealthy widow Marjorie Nugent. He was released from prison after a judge agreed to reduce his sentence.

Davidson agreed Tiede was wrongly sentenced to life imprisonment. Davidson has asked that a special prosecutor be appointed.

The Nugent family has been asking a judge to throw Davidson off the case, while Tide’s attorney is also asking a gag order be put on the Nugent family.

Former Texas Governor, Rick Perry will be visiting Center at lunch today. Past Shelby County Judge Rick Campbell is organizing the event, and the Shelby County Cookers are preparing the meal. This is not a fundraiser. This is a free event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Windham Civic Center. You’re asked to RSVP (936) 598-3389, or contact Campbell at rcampbell@generalshelters.com.

Friday is taken as a holiday by county and local governments and some businesses in remembrance of Good Friday, the Christian religious holiday during Holy Week commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is not a national or state holiday.

The Shelby and San Augustine County courthouses, as well as local municipalities will be closed Friday. Schools are also closed for the day. 

The CHS Theatre Department will proudly showcase two very different sources of talent in its 2015 Spring Fling featuring five excellent scenes from first year students as well as a second-showing of the District Champion One-Act Play by Woody Allen, at 6:30 tonight in the CHS auditorium.

Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for students.  Four of the scenes are rated G and suitable for all ages.  One of the scenes and the One-Act is rated PG for mild language and innuendo.  They are appropriate for most students 4th grade and up. 

The evening should last about 90 minutes, including a 10-minute intermission during which refreshments will be on sale.

Shelby County Memorial VFW Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will conduct a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse, at 10 a.m. this morning in honor of those who served during humanitarian effort from 1992 to 1995 in Somalia.  Hundreds of thousands were saved from starvation, but unintended involvement in the civil strife cost the lives of 30 American soldiers, four Marines and eight Air Force personnel. As always the public is invited.  

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces 77-year old Barbara Jean Ellis of Tenaha passed away March 26 at her residence. She will be cremated and no service is planned. Among Barbara Jean Ellis' survivors are children, Pattie all and Eddie Miller of Center and Michael & Rose Hall of Montana; mother, Helen Spencer Hansen of New Mexico; brothers, Maurie Hines and Steve Hines; and sisters, Joann Andrews and Debbie Carrol.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 51-year old Penny Diane Hughes of Shelbyville. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. this evening at Watson & Sons Chapel. Service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces a memorial service for 61-year old Isidro Palacios Castillo of Shelbyville. He passed away Sunday in San Augustine County as the result of an automobile accident. The family is planning a memorial service to be held at the San Augustine Catholic Church Wednesday, no time is given. Among Isidro Palacios Castillo’s survivors are brothers, Elias Castillo and Propero Castillo, both of Center and a sister, Tana H. Castillo of San Augustine. He also has other family living in Mexico.

Due to events that have recently come to light, Center Youth Baseball would like to reassure everyone that the safety and well-being of all our children that participate in our program is our number one priority.

We want to be clear that each year our head coaches undergo a background check that includes review of publicly available data on the Texas Department of Public Safety's website.

Effective immediately, Center Youth Baseball will expand this review policy to include running background checks on assistant coaches once each head coach notifies CYB of who these assistant coaches will be. Coaches with an unacceptable background report will not be allowed to participate in any Center Youth Baseball team practice, game, or activity. 

Weekly Calendar of Events –

Mon. March 30 – STAAR Test – Grade 4 – Writing
----------------------------STAAR Test – Grade 7 Writing
---------------------------- End of Course - English I
---------------------------- Softball game vs. Wells – Here @ 5:00 p.m.
---------------------------- Baseball vs. Martinsville – There @ 6:30 p.m.

Tues. March 31 – STAAR test – Grade 4 – Writing – Day 2
---------------------------- STAAR test – Grade 7 – Writing – Day 2
---------------------------- STAAR test – Grade 5 – Reading
---------------------------- STAAR test – Grade 8 – Reading
---------------------------- Progress reports sent home
---------------------------- Softball game vs. Douglass – Here @ 5:00 p.m.

Wed. April 1 – End of Course Exam – English II
------------------------ Spring Pictures
------------------------ Middle School track meet @ Cushing

Thurs. April 2 – Softball vs. Mt. Enterprise – Here @ 3:30  Double Header
-------------------------- High School track meet @ Huntington

Fri. April 3 – Easter Holiday
--------------------- Baseball vs. Beckville

A Texas youth baseball coach was arrested Saturday after driving to Shreveport for the purpose of meeting underage boys for sex, said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator.

Christopher Scott Tyre, 26, of Center, Texas, was arrested in the 8500 block of Youree Drive at a location where he thought he would be meeting two juvenile boys and their father, Prator said.

Sheriff’s Detective Jared Marshall began investigating Tyre this past week after Tyre placed a publicly viewable online ad. Marshall responded to the ad under an assumed identity of an adult male with two juvenile boys, ages 8 and 12. Marshall and Tyre had several text conversations during which Tyre stated his intentions.

Tyre told Marshall’s assumed identity that he would be driving to Shreveport with the intent to perform sexual acts on the two juvenile boys after Tyre finished coaching a baseball team of 7 and 8-year-old boys in Center.

Following his arrest, Tyre was booked into the Caddo Correctional Center for computer-aided solicitation of a minor.

Assisting Marshall with the arrest were Sheriff’s Youth Services Lt. Sam Hall, Detective Trey Keene, and Caddo Sheriff’s patrol deputies.

Set your clocks and mark your calendars for Standard Time!  Celebrate the songs and composers of the Great American Songbook with the Panola College Jazz Band and Pipers on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.  Students will perform jazz standards such as “Cheek To Cheek”, “L-O-V-E”,” September Rain”,“Misty”, “Body and Soul” and  many more.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under.  Light refreshments will be served.

For more information call 903-693-2061.  

On Friday, March 27th, the Center Roughrider Varsity Boys Soccer team traveled to Crockett High School to take on the Mexia Blackcats.

In the first half of play, the Riders went ahead 2-0 with goals by Senior Captain, Gilberto Vega and Freshmen Marcos Lopez. The boys put up a great defense and were able to hold the Blackcats scoreless as they entered the second half of play.

Mexia came out aggressively and tied the game up 2-2. With only eight minutes left to play, Sophomore Aung Thein scored the game winning goal claiming the Bi-District Championship and that would send the Roughriders to the second round.

The Riders will be back in action for the Area Championship  against Hardin-Jefferson. The game will be at Allen Academy in Bryan, TX. on Thursday, April 2nd at 3 PM. The address for Allen Academy is 3201 Boonville Rd. Bryan, TX. 

The Timpson High School one act play “Pink Lemonade for Tomorrow” advanced to bi-district competition to be held Friday April 10th at Panola Junior College. 

In the district competition held Friday March 27th  THS students received the following awards:

Honorable Mention All Star Cast:  Cadey Belrose, Robert Torres
Chorus Ensemble:  Deon Woods, Kiasmin Page, Ty’Kuirra Bryant and Destiny Garner
All Star Cast:  Bethany Lindgren
Honor Crew:  Kaylie Rader

Mrs. Jerrie Strahan, one act play director, said she was very proud of her students’ performance and for representing Timpson High School so well.

Standing: Deon Woods - Chorus; Kiasmin Page - Chorus; Bethany Lindgren - Caroline; Hayden Ramsey - Mr. John Huntington Ramsey; Robert Torres - Tod; Cadey Belrose - Sedonia; Ty'Kuirra Bryant - Chorus; Destiny Garner - Chorus; Sitting: Kristi Clifton - Stage Manager; Kaylie Rader - Sound; Jesse Spruiell - Lights

Panola College is hosting a *Student Spotlight Exhibit *from March 25th-April 7th. It is with the Allison Art Gallery in the M.P. Baker Library. Center High School students original work featured are: LaChina Williams, Morgan Ray, Julie McSwain, Tory Davis, Destiny McKinney, and
Emmalee Tomaszewski.

Everyone is invited to drop by at Panola College to view the work by these students and others from our area.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Shelby County Beautiful Clean chairman, Jodi Fountain, announce the 5th Annual Shelby County Bloomin’ on the Square presented by Hughes Florist will be held on Saturday, April 11. The yearly celebration of Spring will take place from at 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on the downtown historic Center Square. 

The Shelby Beautiful Clean committee is seeking vendors for the event who provide outdoor products and services.  Arts and craft vendors that have Spring items for the house or yard are welcome. To reserve a 10’ x 10’ covered booth space for $35.00 or an open 10’ x 10’ space for $25.00 contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or by emailing secretary@shelbycountychamber.com on or before Monday, April 6.       

The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center will hold a “Butterfly Release” at 11:00 a.m. and Create-A-Critter will be hosting a children’s Tea Party on the courthouse lawn. 

Bloomin’ on the Square is sponsored by Farmers State Bank, Shelby Savings Bank and Sanford & Sons Lawn Service.

For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682

Barbara Jean Ellis, 77, of Tenaha, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2015 at her residence.

Ms. Ellis was cremated and no services are planned.

Ms. Ellis was born August 20, 1937 in Illinois to Orville Hine and Helen Spencer Hine.

She is survived by

Children:

Patti Hall and Eddie Miller of Center

Michael and Rose Hall of Kalispell, Montana

Grandchildren:

Ryan Hein of San Antonio

Shannon and Greg Tomlinson of Jacksonville

Allie Hall of Montana

Great Grandchildren:

Macy Rehbein

Jesselynn Rehbein

Chance Tomlinson

Levi Tomlinson

Preston Henry

Keaton Henry

Sunny Hall

Mother: Helen Spencer Hansen of Roswell, New Mexico

Brothers:

Maurie Hines of Missouri

Steve Hines

Sisters:

Joann Andrews of Arkansas

Debbie Carrol

Preceded in death by

Father: Orville Hines

Don Oller

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

Carthage, TX- The Ponies lose three straight to Roadrunners.  Saturday and Sundays conference match-up between the Panola College Ponies and the Angelina College Roadrunners was one to forget for Pony fans.

In game 1 on Saturday the Ponies fell 5-3 in Lufkin.  Lance Ledeoux, now 4-3 on the season took the loss giving up 5-hits, 4-runs, 2-earned runs, and striking out 3 batters. The Ponies scattered only four hits in seven innings. Austin Sojka led the offense in game one going 1 for 1 with 2-runs, 2-rbi, 1-walk, and a home-run.

In game 2 on Saturday the fell 13-3.  Miguel Ausua, now 0-3 on the season took the loss giving up 2-hits, 4-runs, 4-earned runs, 1-walk, and 1-HBP. The Ponies collected nine hits and was lead by Trent Shelton, Brett Boudreaux, and Jansen McCurdy. Each had 2-hits a piece.

In game 3 on Sunday the Ponies fell 9-8 in Carthage.  Hunter Stevens, now 1-2 on the year took the loss giving up 5-hits, 3-runs, 3-earned runs, 1-walk, 3-strike outs, and 1-homer-run.  Austin Sojka, Jake Arledge, and Landon Marshall led the offense for the Ponies.  Arledge went 3-4 with
3-runs, 2-rbi, 1-walk, 1-home-run, and a stolen base.  Sojka went 3-5 with 1-run, 3-rbi, 1-strike out, and 1-home-run.  Marshall went 2-3 with 1-run, 1-walk, and 1-double.

The Ponies now 10-18 on the year and 7-8 in conference will be back in action today as they host #2Weatherford College in Carthage TX at 3:00pm.

Beef cattle producers have the opportunity to attend a quality field day that will prepare them for the current market, building their cow herd and better managing pastures. The program will be on Friday, April 17 from 9 am to 2 pm. 

Held in San Augustine County at the Bennis and Maribel Steptoe Ranch, the program will offer 2 CEUs towards pesticide licenses.  Cost is $20, which includes lunch.

The annual event will first address the current market.  With cattle prices at historical highs, the first topic of the day will focus on these new economics of the present beef industry.  The costs to purchase cows and bulls to grow herds will be discussed by Dr. David Anderson. Anderson is professor and Extension specialist at Texas A&M University.  His knowledge of the industry is well respected across the state. 

Anderson’s second topic is outside consideration and an outlook on the market.  With beef prices at current levels, what impact is that making on input costs?  Additionally, Anderson is poised to discuss the long-term market forecast.

Regarding herd development, Dr. Jason Cleere will review selection of bulls and heifers as well as their nutritional development.  Cleere is an Associate Professor and Beef Cattle Specialist in the Animal Science Department at Texas A&M. 

Cleere is a much sought after speaker as he breaks through pre-conceived notions on cattle selection and can speak the language of cattlemen.

Lastly, pasture development regarding forage development and weed control will be covered.  With potential for increased revenue, cattlemen are looking on ways to increase productivity from existing pastures.

The presenter for these topics is Dr. Larry Redmon.  Redmon started his Extension career in Texas in the eastern part of the state and is currently a professor and state forage specialist at Texas A&M. 

The Steptoe Ranch is located at 3326 CR 332.  RSVP is requested by April 13 to prepare for lunch.  For more information, call 936-598-7744. 

The Pineywoods Cattle Congress is a multi-county program coordinated by Shelby, Panola, Nacogdoches, Angelina and Sabine Counties.  This annual event rotates between these counties is always a field day featuring a local beef producer. 

This Friday's Rider Baseball games in Henderson are being moved to Thursday for Good Friday. The game times will be the same, 430 JV & 7 Varsity .

Center High School Sophomore, Octavious Evans  has been selected to the All-Region team for Region 3. To receive a spot on the All-Region team, players must be nominated by their coach and then the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches selection committee chooses the top 20 players out of the eight districts and almost 50 teams. This means that Octavious is in the top twenty players in our region. Congratulations to Octavious and the rest of the Center Roughrider Basketball team!

SHELBYVILLE ACADEMIC UIL TEAM SWEEPS DISTRICT 22AA

Shelbyville High School competed in the District 22AA Academic UIL Spring Meet held at SFA on March 26^th.  Shelbyville competitors are District Champions and qualified thirty students in twenty-one events for the Regional Meet.  Kylee Windham received the plaque for District 22AA High Point Individual by scoring an impressive seventy-five individual points when she placed first in Ready Writing, Feature Writing, News Writing, Headline Writing and Editorial Writing.

District 22AA Schools and Total Points Earned

Shelbyville        686.00            

Timpson           289.00

Joaquin            188.50

Beckville          162.00

Martinsville         97.50  

Shelbyville students who received medals at the district meet include:

First Place

            Ali Baty – Computer Applications

Altobeli Caporali – Calculator Applications

Altobeli Caporali - Mathematics

Altobeli Caporali – Spelling & Vocabulary

Caleigh Sparks – Current Issues & Events

Harlie Hagler – Informative Speaking

Kaci Griffin – Lincoln Douglas Debate

Kylee Windham – Ready Writing

Kylee Windham – Headline Writing

Kylee Windham – News Writing

Kylee Windham – Feature Writing

Kylee Windham – Editorial Writing

Perla Caporali – Literary Criticism

Sam Windham – Computer Science

Savannah Talbert – Persuasive Speaking

Ty Fox – Number Sense

Second Place

            Altobeli Caporali – Number Sense

Sam Windham – Lincoln Douglas Debate

Dee Osby – Computer Applications

Devenne Smith – Informative Speaking

Hannah Nicosia – Literary Criticism

Harlie Hagler - Mathematics

Kaci Griffin – Persuasive Speaking

Lindsey Holbrook – Editorial Writing

Madison Taylor – Poetry Interpretation

Mariana Mendoza – Calculator Applications

Mikel Carter – Social Studies

Odalis Martinez – Accounting

Third Place

            Austin Crocker – Lincoln Douglas Debate

            Christian Schilder – Number Sense

            Jake Bragg – Informative Speaking

Madison Taylor – Persuasive Speaking

            Ty Fox – Computer Science

Fourth Place

            Caleigh Sparts – Social Studies

            Christasha Johnson – Calculator Applications

            Harlie Hagler – Number Sense

            Kaitlin Campbell – Prose Interpretation

Kamaryn Smith – Poetry Interpretation

            Lindsey Holbrook – Feature Writing

            Raylen Black – Literary Criticism

Sam Windham - Science

            Tristan Smith – Ready Writing

            Ty Fox – Spelling & Vocabulary

Fifth Place

            Ryan Alvis – Spelling & Vocabulary

Tristan Smith – Editorial Writing

            Tristan Smith – Headline Writing

Sixth Place

            Courtney Bass – Accounting

            Vivian Mendoza - Accounting

            Cleosha Jeter - Mathematics

            Lindsey Holbrook – News Writing

First Place Team

Altobeli Caporali, Mariana Mendoza, Christasha Johnson, Harlie Hagler - Calculator

     Applications

Altobeli Caporali, Ryan Alvis, Kalina Bradshaw, Ty Fox  – Spelling & Vocabulary

Altobeli Caporali, Harlie Hagler, Cleossha Jeter, Jessica Hemphill – Mathematics

Altobeli Caporali, Ty Fox, Harlie Hagler, Christian Schilder – Number Sense

            Perla Caporali, Hannah Nicosia, Raylen Black, Angel Hubble - Literary Criticism

            Journalism

            Speech

Second Place Team

            Caleigh Sparks, Jake Bragg, Dee Osby, Kennedey Parker - Current Issues & Events

            Mikel Carter, Caleigh Sparks, Kennedey Parker, Ambria Garrett – Social Studies

            Odalis Martinez, Vivian Mendoza, Courtney Bass – Accounting

            Sam Windham, Ty Fox, Randall Dusang – Computer Science

Ali Baty, Altobeli Caporali, Angel Hubble, Caleigh Sparks, Christasha Johnson, Christian Schilder, Cleosha Jeter, Dee Osby, Devenne Smith, Hannah Nicosia, Harlie Hagler, Jake Bragg, Jessica Hemphill, Kaci Griffin, Kaitlin Campbell, Kalina Bradshaw, Kamaryn Smith, Kylee Windham, Lindsey Holbrook, Madison Taylor, Mariana Mendoza, Mikel Carter, Odalis Martinez, Perla Caporali, Raylen Black, Ryan Alvis, Sam Windham, Savannah Talbert, Tristan Smith, and Ty Fox will compete at the 2015 Region III – AA Academic Regional Spring Meet at Panola College on April 24^th & 25^th.

Shelbyville Academic UIL coaches are:  Brooke Harrison (Science), Claire Windham (One Act Play, Ready Writing, Editorial Writing, Headline Writing, Feature Writing, News Writing), Cole Harrison (Number Sense), Crystal Harrison (Mathematics, Calculator Applications), Emily Sowell (CX Debate, Lincoln Douglas Debate, Informative Speaking, Persuasive Speaking), Jeane Taylor (Poetry Interpretation, Prose Interpretation), Mario Osby (Computer Applications), Matthew Gregston (Accounting, Computer Science), Joyce Oliver (Science), Kristie Brown (Spelling & Vocabulary) and Sonya Parker (Social Studies, Current Issues & Events).

“Students who compete in UIL events devote countless hours preparing for UIL academic competition”, said Dr. David Stevens, UIL director of academics.  “Like their athletic counterparts, they practice before, during and after school and attend invitational meets and competitions.  For virtually every school in Texas, it serves as an extension to the regular classroom for highly motivated, intelligent young men and women.”

“In its own way, each contest is intended to teach the thinking skills students will need in college and in their careers,” Steven said.  “We have tremendous anecdotal evidence from students who testify to the importance UIL academic contests played in their high school careers.  We also know that employers want workers who can solve problems, speak effectively and write clearly.  Each contest is designed to help students reach those goals.”

In sports,

Power Lifting:

The boys' state meet was held last Saturday in Abilene with one local lifter bringing home some hardware.

Joaquin’s Case Chambliss took third place in the 148 lb. division in Class 2A with 1,205 total weight lifted and claimed a bronze medal.

Shelbyville – Kal Metcalf was 4^th in the 242 lb. division with 1,545 pounds lifted, and Octavian Burrell was 6^th in the 198 lb. division with 1,385 pounds lifted in Class 2A.

Center - Devincent Hoyt was 6^th in the 242 lb. division in Class 4A with 1,545 pounds lifted.

Soccer:

The Center Rider Soccer team wins it’s first-ever playoff game with a 3-2 bi-district victory over Mexia Friday night in Crockett. The Riders will now take on Hardin-Jefferson tentatively set for Huntsville Friday night.

Basketball honor:

Center Roughrider Basketball stand-out Octavius Evans was recently selected all-region by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. Evans was also named the MVP of Dist. 19-4A.

Baseball:

Friday's results:

The Center Roughriders had their four-game winning streak broken by Rusk as the Eagles leave Roughrider Field with a 3-4 win Friday night. The Riders drop to 3-1 in Dist. 19-4A, tied with Rusk and Carthage for the lead.

The Timpson take a 4-2 win over the previously unbeaten Gary Bobcats. The Bears and Gary are 4-1, tied for second. Timpson goes to Martinsville today.

The Joaquin Rams are shut-out by district leading, state-ranked and undefeated Beckville, 10-0 in 5 innings. The Rams are 3-2, while Beckville is 5-0.

The Shelbyville Dragons get a 13-9 win over winless Mt. Enterprise. The Dragons are 2-3, Mt. Enterprise (0-5)

The Tenaha Tigers lose to the Martinsville Pirates, 10-11 in extra innings. Tenaha and Martinsville are 1-4.

San Augustine (3-5) had a bye Friday and played a tough Broaddus Bulldog team Saturday, losing 3-12 in a district make-up.

In the battle of unbeatens in Dist. 24-2A, West Sabine (8-0) comes away with a 12-1 win over Broaddus (5-1) Friday.

The Garrison Bulldogs get a 4-1 over Woodville. Garrison is 3-2 in district, while Woodville is 3-2. Central Heights beats Diboll, 5-4, and remains on top of Dist. 22-3A at 5-0.

Rider JV Saturday:

The Rider JV loses both games of a double-header against Carthage Saturday, 3-6 and 2-4.

Monday's schedule:

Timpson at Martinsville

Tuesday's schedule:

Center hosts Tatum

Joaquin at Shelbyville

Tenaha at Mt. Enterprise

San Augustine at Chester

Broaddus at Burkeville

Garrison at Central Heights

Dist. 19-4A Baseball

                           W    L

Center                 3    1

Rusk                     3    1

Carthage              3    1

Tatum                   1    3

Henderson           0    4

Dist. 23-2A

                            W     L

Beckville               5     0

Timpson              4     1

Gary                     4     1                          

Joaquin                3     2                          

Shelbyville           2    3                          

Tenaha                 1     4                          

Mt. Enterprise       0    5                         

Martinsville           0     5                

Dist. 24-2A

                               W    L      

West Sabine           8    0                          

Broaddus               5    1                          

Colmesneil              4    1                          

Chester                   4    2

Zavalla                    3    3                          

San Augustine        3   5                          

Brookeland             1    6                          

Chireno                   1    6

Burkeville                0    6                          

Softball:

Friday's results:

The Center Lady Riders are shut-out by district leading Carthage, 4-0. The Lady Riders are 0-3 in Dist. 19-4A.

The Joaquin Lady Rams maintain a share of the district lead with a 5-2 win over Gary. Joaquin is 7-1.

Timpson Lady Bears lose to Cushing, 0-10 Friday. Cushing (7-1) is tied with Joaquin for the district lead.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons are defeated by West Sabine, 6-10 for their first district loss. Shelbyville is 5-1.

Garrison hosts Woodville

Tuesday's schedule:

Center has a bye

Joaquin at Cushing

Shelbyville hosts Burkeville

Timpson at Wells

Garrison at Central Heights

Dist. 19-4A Softball

Carthage 2-0

Rusk 2-0

Tatum 1-1

Henderson 1-2

Center 0-3

Joaquin Athletic Boosters:

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

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

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

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

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

Participants must be preregistered no later than May 1st. 

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

You can go to the Center Broadcasting Company website, cbc-radio.com to download an entry form.

For more information, contact the radio stations at 936-598-3304.

Arrest Report

03/27/15—03/30/15

Shelby County:

Stephen Ray Channel, Jr., 42, Tenaha, Violation of Parole, Original Charge: Driving While Intoxicated

Larry Wayne Cartwright, 47, Shelbyville, Assault-Family Violence

Eddie Lockey, 46, San Augustine, Driving While Intoxicated-3^rd or more

Charles Haessly, 50, Center, Disorderly Conduct

Michael Smith, 37, Center, Violation of Parole, Original Charge: Delivery of Marijuana

San Augustine County:

British G. Porras, 24, Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County Warrant

Wesley C. Tudor, 32, Lufkin, Time Serve-Probation

James Travis Jordan, 19, San Augustine, Assault-Family Violence

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

The Tenaha City Council has a called meeting at 5:15 p.m. today and among the agenda items for action will be accepting balanced budget and forming of an advisory committee for economic development. In addition the council will review water and sewer rates.

We told you Councilwoman Claudine Howard had resigned her position abruptly during the March 16 meeting as she and Mayor Orinthia Johnson had a heated exchange concerning the wording of the last meeting agenda dealing with a reduction in force in the water department.

Ms. Howard said as the mayor began raising his voice that’s when she decided to resign before a vote was taken on possibly reducing the mayor’s salary effective next year. Johnson defeated Ms. Howard to begin his second term in office lat year.

Since tempers have cooled, Ms. Howard said in an interview in Our Town Times newspaper last week she has decided not to resign, saying she’s not accomplished some of the things she had hoped to get done. She added she regrets she walked out of the meeting, and apologizes to the council and city.

In that article, Ms. Howard says there are concerns because the council has not received a financial statement for approval in five months, and adds she feels as being the city’s mayor pro-tem there could be legal risk.

She commented that she feels Mayor Johnson is not performing his duties competently. Saying he would show for meetings with a CPA and auditor and walk out.

Mayor Johnson tells us he’s trying to move on past the public exchange with Ms. Howard this month, but adds, “some of her remarks about me (Johnson) leaving meetings are not true.” He said he left the meeting with the CPA because he had to rush his mother to the hospital.

Money woes have also besieged the City of Tenaha as two CDs have already been cashed in this year. Ms. Howard said she feels there's too much money going out and there's not enough accountability by city employees. Ms. Howard says the city needs to be audited.

She added the citizens of Tenaha need to be involved requiring their elected officials to do their job. “We all need to work together,” Ms. Howard said. 

DeSoto Parish voters gave approval to two property tax renewals Saturday.

A light turnout of some 3,500 gave a 70 percent approval to taxes that generate around $38 million annually, providing approximately 42 percent of the district’s total operations budget.

One of the taxes covers salaries and benefits of all employees, while another is referred to as a maintenance tax and pays for the maintenance department, along with the purchase of school buses.

Center Police were involved in a high-speed pursuit late Friday night that resulted in the arrest of three and recovery of a drug thrown from the vehicle.

According to scanner traffic the chase began on Loop 500 when the Chrysler 300 would not stop.

The pursuit ensued on County Road 2050 (Africa Road) where just before reaching Hwy. 87 south, was stopped with the use of road spikes.

The identity of those arrested have not been made available by Center PD.

Earlier Friday evening, Center Police conducted what’s described as a “street raid” on Mildred Street.

With the assistance of the department’s new K-9 officer “Taz”, a search was conducted for narcotics on a vehicle, house and yard.

It’s reported a substance thought to be PCP, along with marijuana and other drugs were discovered.

The origin of fire that destroyed a mobile home on FM 414 Saturday night remains under investigation.

Center Fire Dept. says the blaze occurred on Brian Borders’ poultry farm property and the occupants of the home were not there when the fire was reported a little after 10 p.m.

The structure was located some six-miles off Hwy. 87 south in the Sardis Community.

Firemen said they were able to contain the blaze from spreading to other buildings on the property.

Shelbyville Volunteer Firemen assisted with water at the scene.

If you've ever thought of serving as a foster parent or know of anyone that may be interested, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services will have an informational meeting to learn more about the agency and how they are able to help one through the verification and approval process.

Trina Williams, a foster and adoptive home developer will be on hand at 912 Nacogdoches Street this afternoon making three presentations.

Attendees have an opportunity from 12 to 1 p.m., 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Ms. Williams at 936-204-5441 or quantrina.williams@dfps.state.tx.us

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 51-year old Penny

Diane Hughes of Shelbyville. She passed away Saturday in Nacogdoches. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Watson & Sons Chapel. Service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Among Penny Diane Hughes’ survivors is her husband, Larry Jack Hughes of Shelbyville; sons, Justin & Elizabeth Hughes and Derek Hughes, all of Shelbyville; parents, Gerel G. & Judy Goings of Shelbyville; sister, Ginger White of Kentucky; and grandmother, Johnnie Cassel.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 91-year old Mary Rosine Parmley Parker of Tenaha. She passed away Friday in Carthage. Service will be at 10 a.m. today at First United Methodist Church in Tenaha, with interment at Old Union Cemetery in Tenaha. Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. Among Mary Rosine Parmley Parker's survivors is her husband, Dick Parker of Tenaha; sons, Mike & Pam Parker of The Woodlands, Bob Parker of Tenaha and Clay & Linda Parker of Carthage; and brother, Steve Parmley of Nacogdoches.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of service Sunday for 76-year old R.C. “Pete” “Buddy” Peterson of Summit, Mississippi. He passed away March 25 in McComb, Mississippi. Service was held at McClellend Community Church, with interment at McClelland Cemetery. Among R.C. “Pete” “Budd” Peterson’s survivors is his wife, Margaret Ann Peterson of Summit, Mississippi; daughters, Deborah Jones of Beeville, Donna & Bill Bynum of Virginia, Deanna & Chris Collins of Center and Dorla Ann & Richard Armstreet of Summit, Mississippi; sisters, Elaine & Bill Penry of Wichita Falls and Joan & Ronald Wingard of Lockhart; and brother, Richard & Johnnie Peterson of Taylor.

Hawthorn Funeral Home of Carthage announces funeral service for 76-year old Mrs. Velta Broadus Bordner of Joaquin. She passed away March 25 in Longview. Service will be at 2 p.m. today at Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel in Carthage, with burial at Sholar Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Velta Broadus Bordner's survivors is a daughter, Pamela Reingold of Houston; brothers, Roy & Linda Broadus of Joaquin, Jerry & Olean Broadus of Carthage; sister, Barbara & Randy Woodcox of Joaquin

Penny Diane Hughes, 51, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2015 in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Wes Hall officiating.  Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.

Mrs. Hughes was born January 17, 1964 in Center to Gerel G. Goings and Judy Cassel Goings.  She was a member of Lydia Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by

Husband: Larry Jack Hughes of Shelbyville

Sons:

Justin Hughes and wife, Elizabeth, of Shelbyville

Derek Hughes of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:

Jeanne Hughes of Shelbyville

Madison Diane Hughes of Shelbyville

Flint Hughes of Shelbyville

Summer Hughes of Shelbyville

Shelby Hughes of Shelbyville

Stormy Hughes of Shelbyville

Parents: Gerel G. and Judy Goings of Shelbyville

Sister: Ginger White of Kentucky

Grandmother: Johnnie Cassel

Mother of Jeanne, Madison Diane, and Flint Hughes: Jennifer Hughes

Preceded in death by

Brother: Flint Goings

Grandfather: Howell Cassel

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

R.C. “Pete” “Buddy” Peterson, 76, of Summit, Mississippi, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2015 in McComb, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 29, 2015 at McClelland Community Church in Shelbyville. Interment will follow at McClelland Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Mr. Peterson was born October 26, 1938 in Rockford, Illinois to Rudolph Ernest Peterson and Emily Hilda Vincik Peterson.  He served in the United States Army Reserve.

He is survived by

Wife: Margaret Ann Peterson of Summit, Mississippi

Daughters:

Deborah Jones of Beeville, Texas

Donna Bynum and husband, Bill, of Troutville, Virginia

Deanna Collins and husband, Chris, of Center, Texas

Dorla Ann Armstreet and husband, Richard, of Summit, Mississippi

Grandchildren:

Codi Jones and wife, Jeannine

William Brandon Leeds and wife, Kelley

Celeste Renee Boggs and husband, Brian

Benjamin Ballard and wife, Jennifer

Daniel Bynum

Jon Collins and wife, Magan

Cory Collins and wife, Hannah

Josh Armstreet

Jordan René Long and husband, Justin

Melody Henderson and husband, Austin

Jason Bynum

Joshua Bynum

Great Grandchildren:

Lyndi Leeds

Valerie Boggs

Moriah Boggs

Alexa Collins

Bryson Long

Grayson Henderson

Matthew Bynum

Katielynne Bynum

Sisters:

Elaine Penry and husband, Bill, of Wichita Falls, Texas

Joan Wingard and husband, Ronald, of Lockhart, Texas

Brother: Richard Peterson and wife, Johnnie, of Taylor, Texas

Preceded in death by

Parents: Rudolph Ernest Peterson and Emily Hilda Vincik Peterson

Grandson: Joel Ballard

Pallbearers will be Jon Collins, Cory Collins, Josh Armstreet, Codi Jones, Brandon Leeds, Brian Collins and Justin Long. 

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

Former Governor of Texas Rick Perry is traveling through East Texas next week. He will be visiting Center on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 for lunch with his friends.

Past Shelby County Judge Rick Campbell is organizing the event. Bobby Daw and the Shelby County Cookers will be cooking for all. This is not a fundraiser. This is a free event.

Governor Rick Perry has been a friend and supporter of Shelby County during his many years of service in Austin. He is attached to his many Shelby County Friends. Despite your political beliefs, we would love a large crowd at the John D. Windham Civic Center to show appreciation to Governor Perry on his visit to Center.

A weak turn out would be embarrassing, so please mark your calendar for 11:30am - 1pm, Tuesday, March 31, at the John D. Windham Civic Center.

Please R.S.V.P. at (936) 598-3389 or rcampbell@generalshelters.com.

So mark your calendar and come out and enjoy a great lunch next Tuesday! He will be talking about the future.

THS Baseball – Due to a conflict with the Beckville track meet, the baseball game against Beckville will be played next Friday at Home with the time to be determined.

Timpson High School Places Second In UIL Academic Meet - According to  Academic UIL Director Pat Crawford, the THS academic team placed second overall in the district UIL meet. The top three places in each event will compete at the Regional meet.

Accounting: Cadie Belrose 4th
Calculator Applications: ConnorTimmons 3rd
Current Issues: Jesse Spruiell 2nd; Jamie Moore 5th
Computer Applications; Vanesa Pacheco 5th, Patience Brannon 6th
Editorial Writing: Cheryl Gossett 4th
Feature Writing;Paytin Dillon 2nd, Darian Hutto 3rd
Headline Writing: Jamie Moore 4th
Literary Criticism: Jarid Barton 3rd
Mathematics; Kaela hudman 3rd
Number Sense: Connor Timmons 5th
Poetry interpretation: Robert Torres 1st, Deon Woods 3rd, Aislyn Kimzey 6th
Prose Interpretation; Whitley Cantrell 3rd, Bethany Lindgren 5th, Molly Sanford 6th
Ready Writing: Kim Lewis 6th
Chemistry: James Marshall 1st
Science: James Marshall 3rd, Martin Meja 5th
Social Studies: Blake Johnson 1st, Hortencia Jimenez 3rd
Spelling and Vocabulary: Mamie Clifton 2nd
TEAM Points: 2nd place journalism, 2nd place number sense, second place science, 1st place social studies, 2nd place speech

Mrs. Crawford said, " The students did a wonderful job and I am very proud of them and their dedication in working hard to prepare for the meet." Principal Ron Lindgren said he appreciates the students and their coaches for representing Timpson High School so well. 

THS staff proudly display UIL plaques. Student photos will be in Monday Bear Updates.

Timpson High School  Boys Cushing TrackMeet Results 

Timpson High School Girls Cushing Track Meet Results - The Lady Bears competed in the Cushing Track Meet on Thursday and performed very well. Overall the Lady Bears finished 4th.  Below are the individual results for the HS Lady Bears.

4x100 Relay – 2nd Place
Alexus Wallace, Justus Osby, Cedesha Curtis, & Jasmine Rogers

4x200 Relay- 3rd Place
Alexus Wallace, Justus Osby, Cedesha Curtis, & Jasmine Rogers

Long Jump
Justus Osby 3rd Place

Shot Put
Kaylie Bush 1st Place
Patience Brannan 5th Place

Discus
Patience Brannan 2nd Place

Triple Jump
Jasmine Rogers 1st Place


Junior High:
The JH Lady Bears competed in the New Summerfield Track Meet on Thursday. Once again, these young ladies performed very well against much larger schools and finished 4th overall. Below are the individual results.

7th Grade 4x100 Relay-2nd Place
Sanaa Curtis, Keke Perkins, Ashton Harris, & Sadie Ramsey

800M Dash
Sadie Ramsey 1st

100M Dash
Tahlia Wallace 5th Place

4x200 relay-3rd Place
Kaleigh Timmons, Sanaa Curtis, Tahlia Wallace, Ke Ke Perkins

4x400 relay- 1st
Tahlia Wallace, Ke Ke Perkins, Ashton Harris, Sadie Ramsey

2400M Run
Ashton Harris 5th Place

 

Rider Baseball head coach David Sheppard advises Saturday's double-header between the Center JV and Carthage JV at Roughrider Field will start at 12 noon.

By the way, the Rider JV will play Rusk JV at 4:30 p.m. today, Friday.

Fred L. Johnson, 82, of Center, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2015 at his residence.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mangum Funeral Home.

He was born October 3, 1932 in Shelby County to Rev. Lewis Johnson and Trudy (Gilchrist) Johnson. He served in the US Army. He retired from the Texas Highway Department where he worked for many years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Center.

He is preceded in death by his Parents, Rev. Lewis and Trudy Johnson and Wife, Loyce Johnson.

He is survived by:
Daughters & Sons-in-law:

Pam & Darrell Sanford of Center

Karen & Darrell Albert of Center

Grandchildren:

Scott Sanford & wife, Allison of Center

Kirk Sanford & wife, Kelli of Center

Todd Albert of Center

Jill Albert & fiancé, Cody Matlock of Center

Great Grandchildren:

Jaxon & Maddox Sanford

Madelyn Sanford

Sisters & Brother-in-law:
Ura Lovell of Center

Vivian & Earl Campbell of Center

Numerous Nieces & Nephews

Pallbearers:
Scott Sanford, Kirk Sanford, Todd Albert,

Cody Matlock, David Gilchrist & Shane Fenley

Honorary Pallbearers:

Don Lovell & Rickey Campbell

You may sign the online registry book at www.mangumfuneralhome.com

Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas

Mary Rosine Parmley Parker, 91, of Tenaha, passed away Friday, March 27, 2015 in Carthage.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 30, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Tenaha with Rev. Carla Reed officiating.  Interment will follow at Old Union Cemetery in Tenaha.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Mrs. Parker was born July 21, 1923 in Central Heights to Joe Parmley and Gertrude Grigsby Parmley.  She was a fabulous cook, an excellent gardener and a St. Louis Cardinal fan.  Ms. Parker was a member of First United Methodist Church in Tenaha.

She is survived by

Husband of 69 years: Dick Parker of Tenaha

Sons:

Mike Parker and wife, Pam, of The Woodlands

Bob Parker of Tenaha

Clay Parker and wife, Linda, of Carthage

Grandchildren:

Katie Novian

Stephen Parker

Richard Parker

Brandi Abernathy

Connie David

Brittany Parker

Eight Great Grandchildren
 

Brother: Steve Parmley of Nacogdoches

Preceded in death by

Parents: Joe Parmley and Gertrude Grigsby Parmley

Pallbearers will be Mitch Menefee, Joe Lynn Williams, Brack Harrison, Richard Parker, Dustin Abernathy and Wade David.  Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Browning, Roland Cross, Charles Hooker, John Griffin, Guy Griffin and Dalton Parker.

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

March 27, 2015-Tenaha Baseball vs Martinsville There 6:30 pm; TelPass Grade 3

March 28, 2015-FFA Livestock Judging in College Station; HS Track in Tatum

March 30, 2015-7th Grade Band Clinic: STAAR Grade 4 & 7-Writing; English I

March 31, 2015-STAAR; 1st Grade Field Trip to Lufkin Convention Center; Tenaha Baseball vs Mt. Enterprise There 6:30 pm; 

April 1, 2015-Tennis Meet in Center; STAAR

April 2, 2015-STAAR Make Up; Tennis Meet in Center; HS Track vs Center; TelPass Grade 2; End of Grading Period

April 3, 2015-STAAR Make Up; Student Holiday/Teacher In-Service; Tenaha Baseball vs Joaquin in Joaquin 6:30 pm

April 6, 2015- Beginning 6th Grading Period; District JH Track; Optional Tiger Doll Practice


Little Dribblers' Fundraiser

The Little Dribblers' teams will be holding a bake sale tomorrow in front of the Tiger Stop beginning at 9am. 

They are also raffling off an Easter basket. Tickets are $2.00.  Supporters can also buy a t-shirt with or without the team names on the back. The teams will head to the tournament Tuesday evening April 7th  and play their first game April 8th. 

Prom

Due to many conflicting schedules, the Prom is rescheduled from April 11, 2015 to April 18, 2015.

The District apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.

Yearbook
Yearbooks are on sale for $40 until today, March 27th! After that, the price
goes up to $45. 

Senior Ad space is also available for purchase in the yearbook.  The
deadline to order a senior ad is also March 27th.  The prices for ads are as
follows:

          1/8 page ad-$40

          1/4 page ad-$65

          1/2 page ad-$120

          1 full page ad-$200

 

Please turn in yearbook and senior ad order forms with payment either to the
office or to Mrs. Helfers in room 34.

       

 

Pictures:

April 15-Kindergarten cap and gown, Clubs, Who's Who

Funeral services for Mrs. Velta Broadus Bordner, 76, of Joaquin, Texas will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2015 at the Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Sholar Cemetery in Shelby County, Texas. Family visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m. Sunday night at the funeral home. Mrs. Bordner died March 25, 2015 in Longview, Texas.

Mrs. Velta Faye Broadus Goodson Bordner was born August 8, 1938 in Overton, Texas. Velta was one of nine children born to the marriage of Emmett and Flossie Wiggins Broadus. She completed schools in East Mt. High School in Gladewater, Texas. Velta devoted her life to home health care. She was a loving person to all, and especially those in need of her care. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband of 23 years Durwood Goodson, sons, Jerry Paul Davis and Walter “Buddy” Davis, siblings, Gayle Broadus, Bobby Broadus, James Broadus and Margarette Alford.

Mrs. Bordner is survived by her grandchildren, Chase Davis of Joaquin, Bubba Davis of Kilgore, Stephanie Davis of Kilgore, Clinton Davis of Carthage, great grandson, Mason Davis of Joaquin, brothers, Roy Broadus and wife Linda of Joaquin, Jerry Broadus and wife Olean of Carthage, Elton Broadus of Carthage, sister, Barbara Woodcox and husband Randy of Joaquin, James Broadus of Nacodoches, sisters, Margarette Alford of Nacogodoches and Barbara Woodcox of Joaquin, many other relatives and a host of friends.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.hawthornfuneralhome.com.

The Timpson High School one act play's cast and crew will perform their play  Pink Lemonade  today  Friday March 27 at 5:00 pm at Panola College.

Crew members are, back row - left to right: Deon Woods, Kaylie Radar, Kiasmin Page, Robert Torres, Ty'Kuirra Bryant, Jesse Spruiell, Hayden Ramsey and Destiny Garner; front row - left to right -Bethany Lindgren, Kristi Clifton and Cadey Belrose.Mrs. Jerrie Strahan is the play director.

Best of luck to the cast and crew. Break a leg!

March 30 – STAAR Writing Day 1 – Grades 4 & 7

STAAR English I

March 31 – STAAR Writing Day 2 – Grades 4 & 7
STAAR Reading – Grade 5 & 8

March 31 – V Rams Baseball vs Shelbyville at Shelbyville 6:30
 

March 31 – JV Rams Baseball vs Shelbyville at Shelbyville 4:30
 

March 31 – V, JV Lady Rams Softball vs Cushing at Cushing 5:00
 

April 1 – STAAR English II

April 1 & 2 District Tennis meet at Center – Times TBA
 

April 2 – Kindergarten Egg Hunt at the Joaquin City Park from 1:30 until 2:30
 

April 2 – HS Track TBA
 

April 3 – V Rams vs Tenaha at Joaquin 6:30
 

April 3 - V Lady Rams Softball vs Wells at Joaquin 5:00

The Dragons' game has been moved to Saturday(tomorrow) @ 1:00 pm in Mt. Enterprise

Softball JV game has been cancelled Varsity will play today @ 5:00 pm in
Shelbyville vs West Sabine

In sports,

Power Lifting:

The boys' state meet is this weekend in Abilene with several local lifters taking part.

Center - Devincent Hoyt

Shelbyville – Kal Metcalf & Octavian Burrell

Joaquin - Case Chambliss

Soccer:

The Center Rider Soccer team will play a first-round playoff game at 5:30 p.m. this evening against Mexia in Crockett.

Baseball:

Friday's schedule (Dist. record):

The Center Roughriders try to make it five wins in-a-row when they host the Rusk Eagles in a District 19-4A game tonight at Roughrider Field. The Riders are atop the district standings at 3-0, while Rusk is a game back at 2-1, tied with Carthage. Tonight's game also marks the end of the first round of three go-rounds of district.

Center (3-0) hosts Rusk (2-1)

The Shelbyville Dragons (1-3) baseball game has been moved to Saturday(tomorrow) @ 1:00 pm in Mt. Enterprise (0-4).

Timpson (3-1) at Gary (4-0)

Tenaha (1-3) at Martinsville (0-4)

San Augustine (3-4) has a bye. The Wolves will play Broaddus at noon Saturday in San Augustine. This is a make-up game.

Garrison (1-2) hosts Woodville (3-1)

Broaddus (5-0 hosts West Sabine (6-0)

Rider JV in action Saturday:

The Rider JV will play a double header Saturday vs. Carthage in Center at 1 and 3 p.m.

Dist. 19-4A Baseball

                           W    L

Center                 3    0

Rusk                     2    1

Carthage              2    1

Tatum                  1    2

Henderson           0    4

Dist. 23-2A

                             W     L

Gary                       4     0                          

Beckville                 4     0                          

Timpson                3     1                          

Joaquin                 3     1                          

Shelbyville            1     3                          

Tenaha                  1     3                          

Mt. Enterprise        0     4                          

Martinsville            0     4                

Dist. 24-2A

                               W    L      

West Sabine           6    0                          

Broaddus                5    0                          

Colmesneil              4    1                          

Zavalla                    3    2                          

Chester                   3    2                          

San Augustine        3    4                          

Brookeland              1    6                          

Burkeville                0    4                          

Chireno                   0    6                

Softball:

Friday's schedule (Dist. Record):

Center (0-2) at Carthage

Joaquin (6-1) hosts Gary

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons (5-0) Varsity Softball game vs. West Sabine will be played today @ 5:00 pm in Shelbyville. Softball JV game has been cancelled today.

Timpson at Cushing

Garrison hosts Woodville

Dist. 19-4A Softball

Carthage 1-0

Rusk 1-0

Tatum 1-1

Henderson 1-1

Center 0-2

Track & Field:

The Timpson Bears win the team championship at the Cushing meet Thursday, while the Timpson Lady Bears take third place.

Team Tennis:

Center will be at the Longview Tournament today.

Little Dribblers:

The Tenaha Little Dribblers Basketball program has two teams headed to the national tournament April 8-11^th in Nacona, Texas. In order to help with lodging and food costs during the tournament, the parents are having a bake sale in front of the Tiger Stop this Saturday, March 28th.  The parents and kids would love for the community to come out and buy some cookies and cake to support their teams.  

Joaquin Athletic Boosters:

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

Arrest Report

03/26/15—03/27/15

Shelby County:

Brittany Marcelin, 28, Atlanta, Ga., Theft

Christopher Cross, 22, Beaumont, Possession of Marijuana

Steve Kelly Murray, Jr., 20, Beaumont, Possession of Marijuana

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Among the 40 other indictments returned this week, Bret Wayne Anderson for criminally negligent homicide, state jail felony. The indictment alleges Anderson caused the death of Taylor Keith Keele by discharging a firearm, striking Keele in the chest in August 2014.

There no rush to replace Center High School Principal Tim Norman after he was named the lone-finalist to become superintendent of the Chireno ISD last week.

Center ISD Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry tells us "it's business as usual". He says Norman remains the high school principal, and as the district approaches the end of the year, any actions necessary to fill the position of CHS principal will be determined.

Dr. Hockenberry commented, "Center High School is a great campus with a great staff and student body. It will be a wonderful opportunity for the next principal."

Hockenberry said he was very happy for Norman and his family. "I'm not surprised he was a candidate to become a superintendent. He has a wealth of experience, sharp mind, clear vision and a big heart for kids. I wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Norman was named the lone finalist for the Chireno ISD job March 17, and must wait 21 days to be formally hired.

DeSoto Parish voters will go to the polls Saturday and are being asked to approve two property tax funds which are responsible for paying the salaries of employees and their benefits, and help provide funding for property and casualty insurance and other expenses.

The Operations Tax and Maintenance Tax require renewal by voters every 10 years.

According To DeSoto Parish School Superintendent Cade Brumley, if voters approve both property taxes renewals, this will keep the same tax rates since 2012. He adds the propositions are not new taxes.

Brumley said he encountered the loss of over $50 million in revenue as the Haynesville Shale's economic impact slowed when he took over as superintendent three years ago.

DeSoto Parish polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

There was a special event in Joaquin Monday as the Pink Heals organization, Gregg County Chapter showed up in their pink fire truck and bunker gear in honor of Mayor Mike Wood.

The long-time city and community leader and volunteer fireman who's been battling cancer, was able to be on hand for the occasion.

The mayor's daughter, Janie Jones contacted the Pink Heals president in Longview, who set up the visit. Ms. Jones said Randy Leidtke, a member of the Carthage Fire Department, who also volunteers for Pink Heals told her they would be in Joaquin for her dad.

The non-profit group doesn't take donations, and any monies received goes to cancer related health organizations. Pink Heal firemen in attendance Monday in Joaquin were from Longview, Kilgore, White Oak and Carthage.

The Pink Heals has some 14,000 volunteers nationwide that travels throughout the U.S. visiting with cancer patients.

Also on hand for the event was another long-time Joaquin volunteer fireman, Elmer Mathews, who’s also had some serious health issues.

Picture courtesy of Our Town Times

The San Augustine Garden Club will have its second annual Home and Garden Show, “Put a Little Zing in your Spring” Gala Garden Fair at 6 p.m. today, Friday, March 27, and at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at 3 p.m. at the Historic Augus Museum Theater in downtown San Augustine.

Tickets are $5 at the door, good for both Friday & Saturday.

There will be home and garden themed merchandise, gardening supplies, veggie/bedding plants, home improvement, yard art, unique birdhouses, speakers, including hands-on sessions and exhibitors. Programs include Grafting, Our Precious Water-Building a Rain Barrel; Growing a Backyard Vegetable Garden and all the Alternatives; Ornamental Plant Design and Bees, Bees, Bees-Life’s Sweetness. 

The 6th Annual Timpson City Wide Easter Egg Hunt will be held at So-So Park at 10 am this Saturday, March 28th brought to you by Timpson Order of The Eastern Star #1144 in partnership with Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce.

Parents be sure and bring a Easter Egg basket for your children and your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny!

Last year over 5000 eggs were hidden this is one of the largest Easter Egg Hunts in the county!

For more information contact Dustin Norris at 936-332-2976.

The Texas County Music Hall of Fame in Carthage has announced that Tracy Byrd will be inducted into the family on Aug. 8.

The announcement came last Saturday in Orange. Byrd joins other notable members such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, The Gatlin Brothers, Mickey Gilley, Tanya Tucker, Jimmy Dean, Ernest Tubb, Neal McCoy, Buck Owens, Gene Autry and more.

The Vidor native has more than 30 hits, including a No. 1 with "Holdin' Heaven" in 1993, and "The Keeper of the Stars", the Song of the Year at the CMAs in 1995.

The induction ceremony and Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Show will be held at 7 p.m. August 8 at the Carthage Civic Center.

Tickets go on Sale May 1. For Tickets or more information call 903-693-6634.

Shelby County Memorial VFW Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will conduct a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse, Tuesday, March 31st at 10:00 am in honor of those who served during the humanitarian effort from 1992 to 1995 in Somalia.  

Hundreds of thousands were saved from starvation, but unintended involvement in the civil strife cost the lives of 30 American soldiers, four Marines and eight Air Force personnel.

As always the public is invited. 

Any veteran who served in Somalia during this time is encouraged to contact Post Quartermaster Larry Hume at 598-2976.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for R.C. “Pete” Peterson. He passed away Wednesday in Mississippi. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at McClelland Community Church in Shelbyville, with interment at McClelland Cemetery.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old Roy Alton McLean of Center. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to funeral service, beginning at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Methodist Children’s Home in Waco or the American Heart Association in Dallas.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 82-year old Fred Johnson of Center. He passed away Thursday at his residence. Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel, with burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Shelby County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Mangum Funeral Home. Among Fred Johnson’s survivors are daughters, Pam & Darrell Sanford and Karen & Darrell Albert, all of Center. 

This week has been the busiest week of the legislative session so far.  But next week will be even busier as we will debate the budget bill on the House floor on Tuesday.  The budget is the only bill that we are constitutionally required to pass each session. There will be wide ranging debates about what the state's priorities are and how to fund them.

This week, the House Energy Resources committee heard two bills that would rein in overbearing cities who have passed ordinances banning oil and gas activity.  These bans are against the Texas Constitution and harmful to the Texas economic engine.  The committee heard almost 10 hours of testimony,  hearing from everyone from city representatives to the oil and gas industry to concerned citizens.

Also this week, the House passed a statewide texting and driving ban.  This ban will make our streets safer, as distracted driving currently accounts for about 20% of all accidents.  Ending this dangerous practice will save lives.  This bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.

The Transportation Committee heard legislation that would take further steps to solve our long term funding needs.  If you will recall, voters passed Proposition 1 last November, which funded $1.75 billion of the additional $5 billion we need annually to maintain our highway system.  There are several bills that would dedicate anywhere from $2.5 to $3 billion dollars to highways, with the remainder of the needed money coming from ending diversions from the gas tax fund.  While we are still debating which specific idea should go forward, I am committed to finding a long term solution for our transportation needs.

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

Fred Johnson, 82, of Center, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2015 at his residence.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mangum Funeral Home.

Among his survivors include:
Daughters:

Pam Sanford & husband, Darrell of Center

Karen Albert & husband, Darrell of Center

Grandchildren:

Scott Sanford & wife, Allison of Center

Kirk Sanford & wife, Kelli of Center

Todd Albert of Center

Jill Albert of Center

Great Grandchildren:

Jaxon & Maddox Sanford & Madelyn Sanford

Additional information will be given at a later time.

Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas

R.C. "Pete" Peterson passed away March 25, 2015 in Mississippi.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 29, 2015 at McClelland Community Church in Shelbyville.  Interment will follow at McClelland Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Timpson High School Baseball – According to THS baseball Coach Billy Bryant, the baseball game scheduled for Tuesday March 31 against Martinsville is rescheduled for Monday March 30 due to state STAAR testing on Wednesday April 1.  The game will be played in Martinsville.  The game scheduled for Friday April 3 against Beckville is rescheduled for Thursday April 2.  The game will be played in Timpson.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Agricultural Mechanics Contest - Submitted by: Kristin Powers

Timpson High School students Isaiah Molloy, Jamie Moore and Taylor Fanguy competed in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Agricultural Mechanics Contest on March 20th-21st.

These students completed a 6X16 foot lowboy trailer during a four week time span that won a Blue Ribbon.  Skills learned and perfected were measuring, welding, cutting and shaping metal, constructing a project from start to finish. 

Installing wiring and lights to DOT standards and completing a project book with pictures, captions and specifications required by the contest.

The Ag Mechanics contest promotes the development of skills in agricultural mechanics through competition.  This contest also provides an opportunity for public appreciation of this important phase of 4-H and FFA Youth Programs.
If anyone is interested in purchasing this project please contact Kristin Powers – Timpson ISD Agricultural Science Teacher at (936) 558-4211.

Tulsa Welding School - Submitted by: Kristin Powers

On Tuesday, March 3rd, Mr. Mac McSwain from Tulsa Welding School presented welding and career information to several Timpson High School agricultural classes.  He explained that Tulsa Welding School (TWS) has been training students for successful careers since 1949. Our dedicated staff has developed a largely hands on curriculum that incorporates real world training. Students were informed about programs that are designed to match employers' needs and are taught by knowledgeable professionals with real world experience.  Mr. McSwain illustrated that TWS are staffed with industry professionals that are focused on helping you get the most out of your education and future career. And also offer flexible scheduling, financial aid assistance, career services, student housing, and we’re a military friendly school.  If your student is interested in TWS go towww.tulsaweldingschool.com<https://www.tulsaweldingschool.com/>

2015-2016 Timpson Varsity Cheerleaders

Left to right:  Macey Hanson, Cedesha Curtis, Rebecca Mathis, Tori Cross, Madelyn Ramsey, Molly Sanford, Hope Milford, Sara Duke, Cadey Belrose, Kara Thorne, Jasmine Rogers, and Kambry Wallace

The 2015 Center Rotary Club 'Fun For Funds' fundraising event for the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation was held at the John D. Windham Civic Center on Tuesday night March 24. The preliminary results are in and indicate at the close of the online auction the event brought in $33,350 for Center students.

For four hours Rotarians worked the phones, commentated on the internet, television, and radio to raise funds to help further the educations of those students worthy of receiving the benefit.

At the end of the night, the highest bid item was the Queen of the Sabine Cruse donated by Pineywoods Seafood which went for $1,610 bid by Will Lucas. The item bringing in the second highest dollar amount was an Axis Doe Hunt donated by Venado Creek Ranch which brought in $1,400 and was won by Richard Fausett.

A special item in the auction was a Cotton Bowl Package which was a college football playoff game and was donated by Blake and Eve (Andrews) Wiley in memory of Eve's dad and former teacher at Center ISD, Doug Andrews. The Cotton Bowl Package raised $500 in memory of Mr. Andrews and was won by Howell Howard. All the auction items together raised over $14,000 of the total amount raised.

Rotary Club President J.J. Ford expressed appreciation of those who helped make the event a success, "Every year the Fun for Funds event relies on the generosity of businesses and residents who donate items for the auction. It was a nerve racking event for me because I feel it is an important fundraiser. Center ISD students are blessed to have this resource, the Catherine Pinkston Scholarship Foundation, and I am glad I had the opportunity to play a small part in helping to raise more scholarship money for the foundation." 

Ford continued, "I don't think we can ever stop raising money for this great cause. As our population grows and the cost of a college education continues to rise, graduating students and their parents have the financial burden immediately put upon them. It is important we have the funds and such a wonderful thing to know that graduating students can turn to the scholarship foundation for assistance."
Roughrider Scholarship Foundation has presented 1,544 scholarships totaling $1,213,800 to graduating CHS students and is funded by donations, not just from Rotary, but from the community.

Businesses, individuals, and others who donated items to the auction were Monco Motor Company, SFA University, Center ISD, Blake and Eve (Andrews) Wiley, Frank Parker, Bill and Pam (Parker) Wall, Rick Campbell, Bob Reeves, Fairchild Price Haley & Smith, Campbell Portable Buildings, Venado Creek Ranch, Pineywoods Seafood, Pineywoods Beverage, All Hours Fitness, General Shelters, McAdams Propane Company, Back Country Furniture Designs, Tyson Foods, Epic Fit (Whitney Scarber), Sassy Red's Bakery, Darrell's Bar-B-Que, Sombrero's Mexican Grill & Cantina, Shelby County Today, East Texas Poultry Supply, Specter Inc., ACE Hardware of East Texas, db Metal Art (Delbert Beckham), Covington Lumber Company, Dr. Dixon Golden, All American Fireworks, Portacool, Light and Champion, Panola College, State Farm Insurance (Sandy Wheeler), East Texas Tilapia, Few Ready Mix, Dr. Keith Miller, Andres Chavez & Sons Landscaping & Mowing, Center Fixtures, Self Defense America, and Center Fire Department. Others who donated items or time for the event was Center Noon Lion's Club, Jason Fulbright, Rick Thompson, Greg Stuever, Tommy Hughes, Lisa McAdams, Pam Howard, Brookshire Brothers, and Chief Imaging.

Even though the auction is over, if you would like to make a monetary donation in honor of someone or in memory of someone, it's not to late. Go to www.funforfunds.org and click on 'Monetary Donation'. Or you can contact J.J. Ford, Rotary Club President, at rotaryclub.center@gmail.com with your donation request.

Monetary donations made during 2015 Fun for Funds
Shelby Savings Bank - $5,000; Farmers State Bank - $3,000; Center Lions Club - $3,000; Janie Cuculic (In memory of Gail Cuculic) - $2,250; AEP SWEPCO - $1,000; Bill "Scooter" and Pam (Parker) Wall (In memory of F.E. & Doris Parker) - $1,000; John Black Insurance - $550; Sabine State Bank - $500; Jerry & Barbara Pinkston - $500; Sharon Nelson & Steve Oates (In memory of Dr. Joe B Hooker) - $250; Doyle, Billie & Selina Luman (In memory of Greg Luman) - $200; Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative - $100; Bound's Insurance - $100; Hardy's Machine & Welding - $100; Mettauer Insurance - $100; Montie Jones Insurance - $100; Paul Pustka / Farm Bureau - $100; Danny & Andy Foster (In honor of all Center Graduates who have crossed the threshold of Center ISD) - $100; Cline Family Medicine - $100; Axley & Rode - $100; Bobbie Nutt (In memory of Charles Nutt) - $100; Eileen Beard - $100; Richard Fausett - $100; Morrison Insurance - $50; Casey Williams / Edward Jones - $50; Gary Rholes (In memory of John Mitchell. Rholes will match up to $50 for any other donations in Mitchell's memory) - $50; Gary Rholes (In honor of Judge Charles Mitchell. Rholes will match up to $50 for any other donations in Mitchell's honor) - $50; Stephen Shires (In honor of Charles Mitchell) - $50; Rick Campbell (In honor of Charles Mitchell) - $50; Wendell Johnson (In memory of Gene Fields) - $50; Wendell Johnson (In Memory of Jack Bell) - $50; Bob Reeves - $50; Rick Campbell - $50; Bob Reeves (In honor of Judy Bowers) - $50; Gary Rholes (In honor of Judy Bowers) - $50; Rick Campbell (In honor of Judy Bowers) - $50; Gary Rholes (In honor of Portia Gaines) - $50; Rick Campbell (In honor of Portia Gaines) - $50; Robbie Williams / A1 Bail Bonds (Challenges all other bondsmen) - $25. 

CITY OF TENAHA CALLED COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA MARCH 30, 2015

If during the course of the meeting any discussion of items on the agenda that should be held in executive or closed, the council will convene in executive or closed session, in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code Section and Revised Civil Statues.

Council will meet in called session Monday 30, 2015 at 5:15 pm at the Tenaha Municipal Building at 238 N. George Bowers Drive, Tenaha, Tx.

1.  Call to Order

2.  Roll Call

3.  Prayer

4.  Welcome Guests

5.  Public Comments

6.  Old Business: Financial statements for December2014, January 2015, February 2015 and Accept Balanced Budget-Action

7.  New Business: Forming of a Advisory Committee for Economic Development -Action

8.  Review of Water and Sewer Rates

9.  Council Comments

10.  Adjourn

Orintha Johnson- Mayor 

We do have a cold front moving in to our area bringing light rain with isolated thunderstorms.  It will exit our area this afternoon leaving us with temps in the 40's this evening. No freezing temps.

It will be slightly cooler with the dry air Friday and Saturday, but will rapidly warm to the 70's thru next week. Additional cool front on Monday will bring cloudy skies 

We have made it halfway through. Monday was the half-way mark of the Legislative session- day 70 of 140. Much like the temperatures around the state which have started to rise, the Capitol is heating up as bills come to the Senate floor. 

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

1.      Eminent Domain Bill

This week, I laid out Senate Bill 178 in the Senate State Affairs Committee which would prohibit governmental entities from exercising eminent domain and taking private land for recreational purposes. In several instances, individuals have lost their private land because governmental entities saw "better use" for the property as a park, greenbelt or trail.

This bill prevents future instances of homeowners losing their property by defining 'recreational purposes'  as creating or putting in new additions to a park or recreation system. I do not believe any homeowner should lose the roof over their head so that others can have a place to play. This issue has and will continue to be a priority of mine. I have filed this bill every session since entering the Senate in 2007.

2.      Savings for Homeowners

Last week I told you about Senate Bill 1 and Senate Joint Resolution 1 which would cut school property taxes by $2.2 billion over the next two fiscal years and set the homestead exemption amount at 25 percent of the median home value. These bills will provide almost $2.2 billion in homeowner tax relief. This week, they were voted out of the Senate with a vote of 25-6.

These measures would bring much needed tax savings to the state's homeowners. Schools will be held harmless, meaning the state will cover the cost of tax relief. The residence homestead exemption would go from $15,000 to $33,500 and would continue to increase as the values of homes around the state increases.

As it is a constitutional amendment, if approved by the Legislature, this proposal will go to the voters in September 2015.

3.      Oil Export Ban

Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, by Senator Seliger, was recently passed in the Senate. This resolution urges the United States Congress and the president of the United States  to end the ban on crude oil exports.

During the 1970s, it was projected the United States had hit a peak in oil production levels and we would not be able to produce as much as in the past. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 was passed by the United States Congress in order to ban domestic crude oil exports among other initiatives. However, since 1975 the oil & gas industry in the United States has changed substantially due to advancements in technology in the energy industry. The economic benefits from these advancements have greatly assisted the state in increasing support for education, infrastructure development, and public health and safety programs.

Numerous studies have found that removing the ban on crude oil and allowing American exports into the global market will greatly benefit U.S. trade and American consumers while also creating more jobs and opportunities for Texans. I was a co-author on this bill and will continue to support this measure.

4.      Stolen Valor Act

In 2011, the Legislature created an offense in response to claims that people were creating false military records for the purpose of receiving benefits usually reserved for those who have served in the military. While a person would receive a misdemeanor, which could include a monetary fine, they were still able to keep the job they obtained through using false records.

Senate Bill 664, also known as the Stolen Valor Act,  by Senator Van Taylor was recently passed out of the Senate. This bill would give employers the authority to fire employees and terminate any contracts if they determine the employees have given them false records. The Stolen Valor Act will ensure that only those men and women who have served our country will be able to receive the benefits they deserve.  

5.      4-H Day at the Capitol

This week it was great to see so many 4-H members for their day at the Capitol. Did you know there are currently over 900,000 students involved with 4-H in the State of Texas? These young men and women represent Texas so well and remind us all how important agriculture is to our state. It is always an honor to meet with organizations like 4-H who are training tomorrow's Texas leaders.

Timpson High School Twirlers - Front (Left to Right) Aislynn Kimzey, Maria Palacios, Bethany Lindgren (Head Twirler), Cassidy Clifton; Back (Left to Right) Ja'Karia Deckard, Kristyn Rader, MaKayla Baker, Rebekah Parks and Jacey Mullins. THS twirler sponsor is Mrs. Kristan Solomon.

2015-2016 Timpson Varsity Cheerleaders are (left to right) Macey Hanson, Cedesha Curtis, Rebecca Mathis, Tori Cross, Madelyn Ramsey, Molly Sanford, Hope Milford,

Sara Duke, Cadey Belrose, Kara Thorne, Jasmine Rogers, and Kambry Wallace

LUFKIN – The April issue of Texas Highways is bursting with beauty as “The Spectacular Wow!” guides readers to four stunning wildflower drives. Featuring lesser-known places across Texas with potential for wonderful photographs and memories, each wildflower tour is comprised of helpful maps, text and astonishing images of the region.

From April 25 through May 31, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in southwest Austin will feature a Texas Highways photo exhibit showcasing the springtime images in the April issue along with highlights from previous years. Stay tuned to TexasHighways.com and social media for more details.

Also in the April issue, visit modern and historic fusion along the Llano River where big-city commodities have been added to this 19^th century ranching community. Readers will discover the South Llano River State Park, Eckert James River Bat Preserve and the downtown Sandstone Cellars Winery.

Readers also learn “the ropes” at Milton Reimers Ranch Park, located 30 miles west of Austin. Offering rock-climbing routes for all skill levels, the park covers more than 2,000 acres along the Pedernales River and truly is an outdoor paradise, complete with mountain biking trails, swimming or paddling in the river, and birding and fishing opportunities.

Long-known for its wealth of innovative chefs, Dallas is now making a name for itself in the world of true Texas barbecue. Restaurants including Pecan Lodge, Lockhart Smokehouse, The Slow Bone and Ten 50 BBQ are opening in what some call an “underserved” area, the DFW Metroplex. 

There’s much more in the April issue, including a special tour of Space Center Houston’s Level 9; the Grand Masonic Lodge in Waco; the “Daytripper’s” guide to Johnson City; the revival of downtown Houston; as well as the rare beauty of Concho River pearls.

Throughout 2015, readers are invited to submit nominations for their favorite Texas comfort food dining establishments. Nominations will be collected over a period of several months and the Top 40 dining destinations will be revealed in a single Texas Highways issue this fall. Votes and suggestions can be submitted at texashighways.com/comfort or letters@texashighways.com. Submissions also may be mailed to P.O. Box 141009, Austin, TX 78714-1009.

Subscribers began receiving the April issue on March 10; the digital edition was released on March 12; and the hard-copy issue is on sale today at hundreds of newsstands statewide, including H-E-B, Target, Walmart, Randall’s and Barnes & Noble.

About Texas Highways magazine
Founded as a travel magazine in 1974, Texas Highways has been inspiring travel in Texas for 40 years. Today, Texas Highways has 200,000 subscribers and 400,000 monthly readers across the United States and around the world.

According to a 2014 economic impact study conducted by Strategic Marketing & Research Insights, approximately 54,000 trips by Texas Highways subscribers can be directly attributed to the magazine over the past two years. In addition, subscribers who already planned to take trips were influenced to extend their visits as a result of reading the magazine. For every dollar spent on operating costs, Texas Highways magazine returns $63 in travel revenue and $3.47 in tax revenue.

Texas Highways’ mission is to encourage travel to and within the state. According to estimates from the Texas Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism division, travelers to and within Texas in 2013 spent more than $67.5 billion, an increase of 3 percent over 2012. This directly supported 601,000 jobs and generated $4.7 billion in state and local taxes.

To learn more about Texas Highways, visit www.texashighways.com. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/texashighways and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/texashighways. 

The CHS Theatre Department will proudly showcase two very different sources of talent in its 2015 Spring Fling featuring five excellent scenes from first year students as well as a second-showing of the District Champion One-Act Play by Woody Allen on Tuesday March 31 at 6:30 in the CHS
auditorium.

The scenes are from Theatre I students who worked on a "five-minute short" for most of the fourth six-weeks.  They performed these scenes in class for a small student audience, then their classmates chose these scenes to represent them in a night show for the public.  Here are the scenes and
their performers:

Point of View--Jerquiita Williams, Haley Denby, Taylor Amburn
Swan Boats--Johan Gonzalez, Jacoryan Jordan, Lily Reynolds, Lexi Baldwin
How Do I Look--Madison Agnew, Macade Perry
Dinner with Daddy--Mitchell Johnson, Lexi Parker
Players Lair--Kyle Parks, Alysen Jefferson, Brennah Berwick, Victoria Duvon

The evening also features the One-Act Company and its One-Act Play by Woody Allen. The district-winning play features performances by Honorable Mention All District performers Chloe Gibson and Brady Wood, All-District performer Austin Wright, and District MVP-Best Actor Chris Caudle.  In addition to tonight's performance, the company will perform at Panola College's Martin Auditorium at 2:00 on Wednesday April 8 for the bi-district competition.

Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for students.  Four of the scenes are rated G and suitable for all ages.  One of the scenes and the One-Act is rated PG for mild language and innuendo.  They are  appropriate for most students 4th grade and up.  The evening should last about 90 minutes,
including a 10-minute intermission during which refreshments will be on sale.

Americans consider themselves to be a compassionate people, and the United States military has a long tradition of humanitarian relief operations both within and outside the continental United States.  Never has this humanitarian impulse proven more dangerous to follow than in 1992 when the United States intervened to arrest famine in the midst of an ongoing civil war in the East African country of Somalia.   Ultimately hundreds of thousands were saved from starvation, but unintended involvement in  Somali civil strife cost the lives of thirty American Soldiers, four Marines, and eight Air Force personnel during the years of 1992 and 1995.

The American military had established the conditions for peace in the midst of a famine and civil war, but, unlike later in Bosnia, the factions were not exhausted from the fighting and were not yet willing to stop killing each other and anyone caught in the middle. There was no peace to keep and the United States pulled all combat troops out in March 1994.  The American GI had, as always, done their best under difficult circumstances to perform a complex and often confusing mission. But the best military in the world can only lay the foundation for peace; they cannot create peace itself.

Shelby County Memorial VFW Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will conduct a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse, Tuesday, March 31st at 10:00 am in honor of those who served during this time in Somalia.  As always the public is invited.  Any veteran
who served in Somalia during this time is encouraged to contact Post Quartermaster Larry Hume at 598-2976.

 

In sports,

Baseball:

Center Roughrider outfielder Taylor Tomlin signed to further his education and play baseball at Panola College during a ceremony Wednesday morning at Center High School. Tomlin is one of the top hitters in East Texas with a .519 batting average heading into play this week. Tomlin makes the fourth Rider on the current team to sign a national letter to play past high school. Tomlin and his Rider teammates are 9-1-1 on the season, 3-0, atop Dist. 19-4A, and will be home play Rusk Friday night.

Friday's schedule (Dist. record):

Center (3-0) hosts Rusk (2-1)

Shelbyville (1-2) at Mt. Enterprise (0-4)

Joaquin (3-1) hosts Beckville (4-0)

Timpson (3-1) at Gary (4-0)

Tenaha (1-3) at Martinsville (0-4)

San Augustine (3-4) bye

Garrison (1-2) hosts Woodville (3-1)

Broaddus (5-0 hosts West Sabine (6-0)

Wednesday action:

The Garrison Bulldogs take a 6-2 win over Hemphill in a make-up game Wednesday. Garrison is 2-2 in district.

Rider JV in action Saturday:

The Rider JV will play a double header Saturday vs. Carthage in Center at 1 and 3 p.m.

Dist. 19-4A Baseball

Center 3-0

Rusk 2-1

Carthage 2-1

Tatum 1-2

Henderson 0-4

Softball:

Friday's schedule (Dist. Record):

Center (0-2) at Carthage

Joaquin (6-1) hosts Gary

Shelbyville (5-0) hosts West Sabine

Timpson at Cushing

Garrison hosts Woodville

Dist. 19-4A Softball

Carthage 1-0

Rusk 1-0

Tatum 1-1

Henderson 1-1

Center 0-2

Power Lifting:

The boys' state meet is this weekend in Abilene with several local lifters taking part.

Center - Devincent Hoyt

Shelbyville – Kal Metcalf & Octavian Burrell

Joaquin - Case Chambliss

Soccer:

The Center Rider Soccer team will play a first-round playoff game at 5:30 p.m. Friday night against Mexia in Crockett. The Riders finished second in district.

Team Tennis:

Center will be at the Longview Tournament Friday.

Track & Field:

Center will be at the Kirbyville meet and the Alumi Relays are scheduled for San Augustine.

Bowling:

The SFA Bowling Team has been selected for the 2015 NCAA Championships. SFA was chosen as one of eight teams to compete April 9-11 in Richmond Heights, Missouri. They will be the number seven seed. SFA is making its first appearance in the national tournament and is currently ranked fifth in the latest coaches’ poll.

Little Dribblers:

The Tenaha Little Dribblers Basketball program has two teams headed to the national tournament April 8-11^th in Nacona, Texas. In order to help with lodging and food costs during the tournament, the parents are having a bake sale in front of the Tiger Stop this Saturday, March 28th.  The parents and kids would love for the community to come out and buy some cookies and cake to support their teams.  

Joaquin Athletic Boosters:

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

Arrest Report

03/25/15—03/26/15

Shelby County:

Jerry Wall, 29, San Augustine, 3 Bond Surrenders, Original Charges: Burglary of a Building

San Augustine County: No Arrested Reported

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

A reported single vehicle accident on Hwy. 87 south of Shelbyville near Hwy. 147 around 10 p.m. last night resulted in an unidentified occupant of that automobile being life-flighted.

The Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Dept. responded to assist with traffic control and then assisted by setting up a landing zone for the helicopter at Shelbyville ISD.

We’ll have more information as it becomes available.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce's 8th annual Health & Fitness Fair is today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Windham Civic Center.

Other than mammograms, all screenings are free.

Meg Camp is chairman of the fair, and says some 47 vendors, will be providing health screenings which include glucose, cholesterol, spinal, heart awareness, and vision.

Information will also be provided on home health, nursing homes, hospice, nutrition and caregiver relief. Mammogram appointment deadline was yesterday.

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is also on site with a donor coach.

Guest speakers include Dr. Dan Wilkins speaking on "stress management' at 10:30 a.m. and Wes Bynum of Hospice of East Texas on "caregiver care" at 12:30 p.m. 

The annual Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo and Steer Show gets underway for the 35th time today at the Nacogdoches County Expo and Civic Center. Rodeo performances will be held tonight through Saturday at 7:45 p.m. as Pete Carr's Classic Rodeo Company is producing. There's no admission tonight, just a $2 donation that goes to Glory Gang Child Ministries. Tickets are $7 a night for Friday & Saturday, or a $10 armband to be used for both nights, and Saturday is "Tough Enough to Wear Pink".

A 30-plus year tradition continues Saturday as the Shawnee Hill Trailriders will make their way through Nacogdoches to a tail-gate party at the expo center Saturday afternoon.

Pam Hamby's husband's uncle, Son Summer's started the ride, and since his passing, James "Hambone" Hamby, Pam's husband has served as trail boss.

Ms. Hamby extends an invitation for anyone to join them Saturday and make the day-long ride by horseback, wagon and even ATV.

For more information on the Shawnee Hill Trailride, contact Pam Hamby at 936-564-1119. She adds it's a very family oriented event.

There's another trail ride that's part of the rodeo, Trail Seekers  will leave from Appleby Saturday.

For more information on the Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo and Steer Show, or the trailrides, go to the expo's website, nacexpo.net.

Southern Grace and Glamour Pageants have announced plans for the 2015 Miss River City Fest to be held on Saturday, April 11 at the Logansport High School Gymnasium, located at 17228 Hwy 5 in Logansport. 

For more information contact directors Sandi Suire @ (318) 947-0447 or Charley Cox @ (318) 464-9795.

And mark your calendar, the 32nd Annual River City Fest is May 15,16, & 17th. 

The San Augustine County Livestock Show & Fair will get underway this afternoon at the San Augustine Expo with the chili cook-off and serving to the public at 5:30 p.m. For $5 its all-u-can eat.

Registration of fair exhibits begins at 7 a.m. Friday, with exhibits on display from 3 to 6 p.m.

The first show will be broilers at 4:30 p.m., followed by market rabbits at 5 p.m.

Saturday's show events get started at 9 a.m. with market hogs, lambs, goats and then steers.

An appreciation fish dinner will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Award presentations are 6:30 p.m. and the livestock & fair auction is 7 p.m.

According to Shirley Brittain, the 10th annual Relay For Life, a major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, will be held May 15th.

Preceding this event will be a catered dinner celebrating cancer survivors. Anyone that has received any type of cancer diagnosis is considered to be a survivor from the time of the diagnosis.

The event will be held Saturday, April 25th at the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church in Center from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

Any cancer survivor is welcome that would like to attend but you will need to RSVP due to it being catered and we will need to know how many to prepare for.

You’re asked to wear the color that represents your cancer diagnosis. If you are not sure of the color, Ms. Brittain said she would be glad to help you with your color when you call to RSVP. Ms. Brittain said they are requesting this as it fits in with the theme of the program for that night.

RSVP to Shirley Brittain at 936 598-6953 by April 10th. 

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces graveside service for 55-year old Donald Ray Barton of Carthage. Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. today at Restland Cemetery in Tenaha.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old Roy Alton McLean of Center. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to funeral service, beginning at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Methodist Children’s Home in Waco or the American Heart Association in Dallas.

LUFKIN – TxDOT crews have announced a lane closure on the U.S. 84 bridge between Joaquin and Logansport, La., that is expected during the next 48 hours.

Contracted bridge inspectors will be conducting the required inspection and TxDOT will oversee traffic movement during that time. The inspection is scheduled for Thursday or Friday, weather permitting.

Motorists should be aware of workers and/or flaggers who will direct traffic and they should be prepared to stop while vehicles are directed to travel through the single lane of traffic. A lead vehicle could be used during this time to guide traffic. Motorists should reduce speed, stay alert to traffic changes and obey all traffic commands.

Minutes of School Board Meeting

March 23, 2015

1  The Joaquin ISD School Board met tonight in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in the Joaquin Boardroom

with the following members present:  Jay Dee Cockrell, Ronnie Belrose, Tam Hearnsberger,

Jimmy Hamilton (arrived at 6:23 p.m.), and Luke Garrett

Board members absent:   Chrisco Bragg, Charles Leflett

Guest(s) Present: Colleen Doggett, Maggie Bowden and Jay Wilson

     Joaquin ISD Employee(s) Present:  Joel Bumback, Director of Finance; Kathy Carrington, Special Programs  Director; Jimmy Jackson, High School Principal/Transportation Director; Bert Coan, Assistant Elementary Principal/Truancy; Donna Vergo, Human Resources; Sheryl Graves, Elementary Principal and Terri Gray, Jr. High Principal; Mark Bonner, Maintenance Director

     Jay Dee Cockrell, President, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2  The invocation was led by Luke Garrett, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America

    by Tam Hearnsberger, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag was led by Ronnie Belrose.

3  Audience Participation – Those signed up and participating were:  None

4  Report and Information items:

4.1           Review Monthly Financial Reports

4.2           Quarterly Investment Report

4.3          Boundary Line Report

4.4           District Academic and UIL/Extra-Curricular Stipends

4.5           Policy CKC – Campus Security

4.6           May 9^th School Board Election            

4.7           Correspondence

5  Agenda Items for discussion, consideration, and possible action:

5.1  It was moved Tam Hearnsberger, and seconded by Luke Garrett, to approve the previous meetings  minutes.  Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion.  It carried unanimously.

5.2  It was moved by Luke Garrett, and seconded by Ronnie Belrose, to take from the table the motion on student transfers.  This motion is not debatable and not amendable.  The vote was taken on the motion.  It  carried unanimously.

       It was moved by Ronnie Belrose, and seconded by Tam Hearnsberger, to approve the student transfers  policy (attached).  Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion.  It carried unanimously.

6  The board entered closed session in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act at 6:25 p.m. on

    March 23, 2015.

6.1  Enter closed session under Texas Government Codes §551.071, §551.074, §551.082, §551.0821, §551.127,

       §551.129           

                6.1.1        Resignations & Retirements

                6.1.2        Teacher Contracts

                                1.  Termination of Probationary Contract

7  The board entered open session in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act at 7:34 p.m. on   

    March 23, 2015.  Agenda Items for discussion, consideration, and possible action:

7.1.1        It was moved by Tam Hearnsberger, and seconded by Luke Garrett, to accept the resignation(s) of

               Daniel Gannon and Jennifer Sipes.  Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion.  It carried unanimously.

7.1.2        It was moved by Tam Hearnsberger, and seconded by Ronnie Belrose, to terminated probationary contracts of Kaprice Hill, Angela Gillis, Ashley Kostra, and Kate Garvin at the end of 2014-15 school year in the best interest of the District.  Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion.  It carried unanimously.

8  Jay Dee Cockrell, Board President, ask for items to be placed on the next board agenda.  

9  Designation of date and time of next meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Joaquin ISD

          – April 20, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. 

10  With no further business on the agenda the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

Please join us for the 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Fundraiser that will benefit the Center ISD Autism Department.

Gina Estes, our local Director with Stella & Dot, will be on hand with the very latest Summer Styles in accessories. She will also share how the proceeds from this show will be used locally.

Desere' Cooper and Jaz Atkins, traveled to Corpus Christi for the state meet over spring break along with their coach, Carrie Obregon. 

Desere' had qualified to participate and once they arrived at the meet they learned that Jaz had the opportunity to participate also. 

Headed into the deadlift, Desere' was in third place and going for a weight that would possibly move her into 2nd she was unable to successfully make her lift. Jaz, however was able to make her lifts and placed 4th in her class. 

Congratulations to both of these young ladies for an outstanding
powerlifting season!
https://www.thswpa.com/meetdetail.aspx?&passedDivisionID=2893&passedGender=1

March 26, 2015-7th Grade UIL Concert/Sight Reading in Carthage; HS Track vs
San Augustine

March 27, 2015-Tenaha Baseball vs Martinsville There 6:30 pm

March 28, 2015-FFA Livestock Judging in College Station; HS Track in Tatum

March 30, 2015-7th Grade Band Clinic

March 31, 2015-STAAR; 1st Grade Field Trip to Lufkin Convention Center;
Tenaha Baseball vs Mt. Enterprise There 6:30 pm

April 1, 2015-Tennis Meet in Center; STAAR

Prom

Due to many conflicting schedules, the Prom is rescheduled from April 11,
2015 to April 18, 2015.

The District apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.

March 24, 2015-Tenaha Baseball vs Shelbyville Score: Tenaha Tigers 6;
Shelbyville Dragons 3

Yearbook

Yearbooks are on sale for $40 until March 27th! After that, the price goes
up to $45. 

Senior Ad space is also available for purchase in the yearbook.  The
deadline to order a senior ad is also March 27th.  The prices for ads are as
follows:

          1/8 page ad-$40

          1/4 page ad-$65

          1/2 page ad-$120

          1 full page ad-$200

 

Please turn in yearbook and senior ad order forms with payment either to the
office or to Mrs. Helfers in room 34.

       

 

Pictures:

April 15-Kindergarten cap and gown, Clubs, Who's Who

Center Roughrider Taylor Tomlin formally signed to further his education and play baseball for Panola College during a ceremony this morning, Wednesday at Center High School. As of last week, Tomlin was batting .519 this season to help lead the Riders to their #14 state ranking and 9-1-1 start, 3-0 in Dist. 19-4A. Pictured with Tomlin is (seated, left) Rider Head Coach David Sheppard and Panola Head Baseball Coach Todd Shelton. Standing is Center ISD Board of Trustees President James Greer. Tomlin is the fourth Rider on the current team to sign a national letter. Photo courtesy of James Greer

Multiple groups representing Center High School competed at the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo. The following explains the contests and results for those who participated:

Toby Fleming and Blake Griffin both exhibited a pen of broilers at the Houston Livestock Show.  This is the first time Center FFA has been represented at the Houston Broiler show is several years.  The boys received their birds on January 29th.  They raised their birds over a 6 week period in the rain and cold.  Out of the near 400 pens of chickens that were shown this year at the Houston show, the boys were called back during the 4th round.  Although they did not make the sale this year, it was a fantastic learning experience for next year!

Kam and Alec Lucas received a blue ribbon this past weekend for their â€‹cattle ​feeder at the Houston â€‹Livestock Show and Rodeo

But the biggest news is that they placed *4th overall* in the feeder class
out of the WHOLE state of Texas. For their accomplishment, the contest gave
our department all kinds of new tools and a NEW stick welder.

Center FFA Livestock Judging Team competed in the Houston Livestock Judging
Contest on March 15th.  This contest is the biggest contest in the *country *with 1559 competitors.  Center's team did fantastic placing 49th in the State and 3rd in our area out of 475 teams.  This is a huge accomplishment and a great start to our judging season!  Leading the team was Whitlee Reed, following close behind her was Konner Windham.  Neck and neck were seniors Alec Lucas and Kamden Lucas, and making her judging debut was Megan Dunn.

The Center FFA and advisors are extremely proud of all members that competed at the Houston Livestock show this year.

 

The Henderson County Whizbang was held at Rose City Flying Clays on Saturday, March 21. 

Shelby County 4H Shooters had twelve kids that participated in the shoot.
 

Juniors:  Collin Lloyd and Seth Shamblin 

Intermediates:  Aidan Arwine, Colton Gutermuth, Corey Denney, Cutter Milford, Jacob Cox, Lance Holloway and Logan Holloway

Senior I:  Konner Windham and Nic Lambert
 

Senior II: Wade Baty

In the Junior division Seth Shamblin won 1st in Skeet, Trap, Whizbang and Sporting clays.  He was also high point overall (HOA) and won a belt buckle.
In the Intermediate division Logan Holloway won 1st in Skeet,   3rd in Trap and 2nd in Whizbang.  He was also the HOA winner and won a belt buckle.
In Senior I Nic Lambert placed 4th in skeet and 2nd in sporting clays.  Konner Windham placed 3rd in sporting clays.

I got my first bee swarm call of the year last week.  With spring underway, this is the time for honey bee colonies to divide and multiply. 

A swarm of honey bees can range in size from 4 to 5 thousand to 20 to 30 thousand.  They hang together here in a cluster, their little legs hanging on to one another.

It is an incredible process that takes place every spring and is often repeated well into the summer.

And while it is an awesome sight, it may be a little scary if you don’t know what is happening. 

A swarm of bees consists of roughly half the bees from a colony with their queen, looking for a new home.  They leave behind the other half of the colony, who then raises a new queen in their old home. 

Before half the hive leaves, they’re careful to make sure that there is plenty of brood to keep the hive functioning properly until another queen is raised.

They leave several queen cells in the hopes that one will emerge, live through the maiden flight, successfully mate in mid-air with drones (male bees), and return home safely to start her egg-laying.

For some time before the bees leave the hive, they run the original queen around so she will lose weight and thus be able to fly.  When the queen is in “egg laying” mode, she is too large to fly.

On the appointed day, that only the bees know, half the hive of worker bees, along with the queen, fly out from the hive to a nearby site to scout a new home.  Often they stop on a branch, but they can choose a number of places such as mailboxes, the side of a building, under a birdbath, on the side of a car, and others.

Usually within 100 to 200 yards of the original hive, the bees alight on an object and form a cluster, which looks like a seething, fuzzy glob of insects. Sometimes bees fly from the cluster to collect water and food, but most workers leaving the cluster are scouts that search out potential new home sites for the swarm. When they return from a good site, they dance on the cluster to communicate the location of their find.

In a bee swarm, they are at their most docile state as a whole.  They have no place to call home and therefore, no hive to protect. 

A departing swarm looks like a grey-ish cloud that seems to drift along through the air. People not familiar with honey bees are generally frightened by such a sight, but unless a bee becomes tangled in someone’s hair, it isn’t likely to sting. The queen is in the group, but not leading it. 

Beekeepers have a love/hate relationship with swarming.  They love to catch a swarm as they can add another hive to their apiary.  They hate it when one of their own hives swarm as they have lost half the workforce in that particular hive. 

If you find a swarm outside your home, remember that they don’t plan on staying there.  They have scouts out looking for their new home.  Their time together as a swarm will range from a few hours to a couple of days.  While they did gorge themselves with honey prior to leaving, they are eager to find a new home. 

Additionally, remember that many beekeepers are quite happy to collect a swarm of bees.  Our office keeps a list of “swarm chasers” that love to collect them and give them a new home.  You can call 936.598.7744 and we will give you some names. 

Lane Dunn is the County Extension Agent for agriculture and natural resources for Shelby County. His email address is jldunn@ag.tamu.edu. 

On Tuesday, March 24th, the Center Vet Med class traveled to Tyler, TX. to
tour the Caldwell Zoo.

The tour started by walking the zoo from a spectator point-of-view, then they met up with a Zoo employee (Mrs. Judy who has worked in Zoos for over 30 years). She took the students behind the scenes.

She also informed the students of zoo data including number of animals, funding, and number of employees. Mrs. Judy gave them descriptions of everyday tasks of various jobs at the zoo, including education needed and internship opportunities.

She then showed the students where they keep extra animals or animals that are not behaving well. They learned about the horticulture department which is responsible for the up-keep of all exhibits, growing endangered species and beautifying the park, and they toured the commissary where meals are prepared for over 3500 daily. 

The students also toured the vet clinic and got to speak with one of the full
time vet techs that work at the zoo. The trip was very informative and
enjoyed by all!​

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo  Timpson ISD FFA Results

Broiler Show
James Marshall, Amanda Yates, Chandler Burgay and Logan Yates exhibited broilers.
 

Beef Heifer Show
 

Santa Gertrudis Show
Grand Champion – Ally Kimbro
Reserve Sr. Division – Keaton Bush
1st in Class One – Baylor Kimbro
 

Simmental Show
10th in Class – April Ramsey
 

Market Steer Show
1st in Class – Keaton Bush
Premium Sale - $16,000
 

Market Hog Show
Holly Hughes and James Marshall exhibited hogs.

Kristin Powers is the Timpson ISD AST/FFA advisor.

It appears Center High School Principal Tim Norman will be leaving his position to return to his roots and accept the superintendent’s job at Chireno ISD.

According to an article in today’s The Daily Sentinel, Norman has been chosen as the lone finalist to succeed Roger Dees.

The article says Norman was chosen from some 33 candidates. Chireno ISD trustees selected Norman March 17.

Norman has been in education 10 years and started his teaching career at Chireno.

Center ISD Board President James Greer said, "The district certainly hated to loose the leadership that he (Norman) has provided to Center High School and to CISD over the past years, but understand his desire to take on new challenges and responsibilities in his new role.”

Greer wished Norman the best at Chireno.

Roger Dees left as Chireno ISD’s chief for the superintendent’s position at Giddings ISD.

Law requires Norman wait 21 days before signing a contract.

The Garrison ISD is expected to name a superintendent lone finalist by Thursday for the job vacated by Center native Darren Webb. He’s taken a similar position with the Lago Vista ISD.

In sports,

Baseball:

Tuesday’s scoreboard:

Center (3-0) had a bye last night and will hosts Rusk Friday. Carthage beat Rusk last night, 11-1. Center’s on top of the district standings, with Carthage and Rusk at 2-1.

The Tenaha Tigers pick up their first District 23-2A win, a 6-3 decision over the Shelbyville Dragons. Both teams are now 1-3.

The Joaquin Rams get a 12-2 win over the Timpson Bears. Joaquin and Timpson are 3-1.

Gary beats the Martinsville Pirates, 9-8, and Beckville over Mt. Enterprise, 30-1. Gary and Beckville are tied for the 23-2A lead at 4-0.

In Dist. 22-3A, Woden knocks off the Garrison Bulldogs, 10-2. Garrison is 1-2, while Woden is 3-1.

Central Heights (4-0) over Central, 15-5.

The San Augustine Wolves are 3-4 in Dist. 24-2A after Zavalla comes away with a 9-8 win. Zavalla is 3-2.

Broaddus (5-0) had a bye. West Sabine leads 24-2A at 6-0.

Friday's schedule:

Center hosts Rusk

Shelbyville at Mt. Enterprise

Joaquin hosts Beckville

Timpson at Gary

Tenaha at Martinsville

San Augustine bye

Garrison hosts Woodville

Broaddus hosts West Sabine

Rider JV in action Saturday:

The Rider JV will play a double header Saturday vs. Carthage in Center at 1 and 3 p.m.

Dist. 19-4A Baseball

Center 3-0

Rusk 2-1

Carthage 2-1

Tatum 1-2

Henderson 0-4

Softball:

Tuesday’s Scoreboard:

The Center Lady Riders are 0-2 in Dist. 19-4A, after Henderson comes away with a 19-1 win last night in Center.

The Joaquin Lady Rams take a 12-2 five-inning win over the Timpson Lady Bears. Joaquin improves to 6-1 in district and is in a three-way tie with Alto and Cushing for the district lead.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons are off to a 5-0 start in district play with a 27-3 five inning win over the Broaddus Lady Bulldogs.

Garrison at Woden

Friday's schedule:

Center at Carthage

Joaquin hosts Gary

Shelbyville hosts West Sabine

Timpson at Cushing

Garrison hosts Woodville

Dist. 19-4A Softball

Carthage 1-0

Tatum 1-0

Henderson 1-1

Center 0-2

Rusk 0-0

Power Lifting:

The boys' state meet is this weekend in Abilene with several local lifters taking part.

Center - Devincent Hoyt, who was second at region in the 240 lb. division.

Shelbyville – Kal Metcalf was gold medalist in the 242 lb. division at region, while Octavian Burrell was silver medalist in the 198 lb. division.

Joaquin - Case Chambliss was gold medalist in the 148 lb. division at region.

Soccer:

The Center Rider Soccer team will play a first-round playoff game Friday night, March 27 at 5:30 p.m. against Mexia in Crockett. The Riders finished second in district.

Track & Field:

Weather permitting Thursday, the Alumi Relays are scheduled for San Augustine.

Little Dribblers:

The Tenaha Little Dribblers Basketball program has two teams headed to the national tournament April 8-11^th in Nacona, Texas. In order to help with lodging and food costs during the tournament, the parents are having a bake sale in front of the Tiger Stop this Saturday, March 28th.  The parents and kids would love for the community to come out and buy some cookies and cake to support their teams.  

Joaquin Athletic Boosters:

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

Arrest Report

03/24/15—03/25/15

Shelby County:

David Cox, 31, Shelbyville, Assault-Family Violence

Brandie Wright, 36, Shelbyville, Bond Surrender, Original Charge: Exploitation of Child/Elderly/Disabled

James Alfred Johnson, Jr., 23, Center, Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle

Denisa Huskey, 60, Shelbyville, Assault-Family Violence

San Augustine County:

Henry Alexander, 54, Broaddus, 2 Warrants - Failure to Appear, Original Charges: Driving While Intoxicated & Possession of Marijuana

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

Center Rotary Club President J.J. Ford says preliminary numbers indicate the annual “Fun for Funds” auction event last night brought in $33,000 for the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Fund for graduating Center High students.

Ms. Ford reminds you, if you would like to make a monetary donation in honor of someone or in memory of someone, it’s not too late.

She said go to fundfordunds.org, click on “Monetary Donation”. Or, you can contact her at rotaryclub.center@gmail.com with your donation request.

Last year's event netted $40,000.

The 35th annual Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo and Steer Show is Thursday through Saturday at the Nacogdoches County Exposition and Civic Center. The Nacogdoches Jaycees help present the event. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with action starting at 7:45 p.m. each night. The rodeo is produced by Pete Carr's Classic Rodeo Company.

Rodeo announcer Andy Stewart says a lot things come together to make the Nacogdoches rodeo a great event. He adds with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo just wrapping up there's a good draw of cowboys, Carr's stock is some of the best in the business, and folks in this area appreciate a good rodeo.

Specialty act is Wrangler National Finals Rodeo clown and PRCA Clown of the Year nominee John Harrison.

Thursday night is Family Night and no tickets will be sold. They’re asking for a $2 donation to go to Glory Gang Child Ministries. Tickets may be purchased for Friday and Saturday at Outhousetickets.com or at Boot Barn in Nacogdoches for $7 a night or a $10 armband may be purchased for both nights, and Saturday Night is "Tough Enough to Wear Pink".

There are also two family oriented trail rides being held Saturday as part of the rodeo, the Shawnee Hill Trail riders off FM 1275 in Nacogdoches and the Trail Seekers that will leave from Appleby.

It's going to be the biggest gathering of healthcare providers the immediate area has seen as the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce's 8^th Annual Health and Fitness Fair is held tomorrow, Thursday, at the Windham Civic Center. The free event is presented by Cline Family Medicine and sponsored by Center Chiropractic and Nacogdoches Medical Center, with doors open from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  

Meg Camp is fair chairman, and says some 47 vendors will be providing health screenings which include glucose, cholesterol, spinal screenings, heart awareness, and vision. Information will be provided on home health, nursing homes, hospice, nutrition and caregiver relief.

She adds all health screenings are free except for mammograms, with financial assistance available. The deadline for making an appointment for a mammogram is today by calling 598-7744.

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be on site as sign-up are being accepted by calling the chamber office.

Guest speakers include Dr. Dan Wilkins speaking on "stress management' at 10:30 a.m. and Wes Bynum of Hospice of East Texas on "caregiver care" at 12:30 p.m.

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

The San Augustine Garden Club will have its second annual Home and Garden Show, “Put a Little Zing in your Spring” Gala Garden Fair on Friday, March 27 at 6 p.m., and Saturday, March 28 at 3 p.m. at the Historic Augus Museum Theater in downtown San Augustine.

Tickets are $5 at the door, good for both Friday & Saturday.

There will be home and garden themed merchandise, gardening supplies, veggie/bedding plants, home improvement, yard art, unique birdhouses, speakers, including hands-on sessions and exhibitors.

Programs include Grafting, Our Precious Water-Building a Rain Barrel; Growing a Backyard Vegetable Garden and all the Alternatives; Ornamental Plant Design and Bees, Bees, Bees-Life’s Sweetness.

For more, contact Janice Moore at 936-675-1072. 

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce has planned their annual job fair for Wednesday, April 1st from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Community Center in So So Park.

Shelby County Work Force, Vernett Richardson, Kent Hutchison and others will be presenting short seminars that will help applicants find employment and be more appealing in the job market.

School seniors are invited as well as anyone looking for a job now, or for the future.

Between short seminars, applicants will be free to visit with different prospective employers.

In an effort to make this event even more successful, they hope to attract many different employers to our Job Fair.

Each participating employer will have a 6 foot table for information and applications for their company.

Additionally, some may conduct on-site interviews. 

For company table reservation and more information, contact Paul Smith / Chamber President at 936-254-3160 or Chamber office: 936-254-3500.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 51-year old Kimberly Rene McNeil Richards of Center. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to service beginning at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old Roy Alton McLean of Center. He passed away Saturday in Center. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to funeral service, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Alto McLean and his late brother, Donald, owned McLean Tax and Bookkeeping Service in Center for many years. Among Roy Alton McLean’s survivors are nephews, Terry & Jan Allen of Joaquin and Michael Allen of Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Methodist Children’s Home in Waco or the American Heart Association in Dallas.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces graveside service for 55-year old Donald Ray Barton of Carthage. He passed away Monday in Dallas. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Restland Cemetery in Tenaha. Among Donald Ray Barton’s survivors are daughter, Cassie & Chip Lovell of Tenaha and Jodi Barton of Carthage; step-sons, Michael Tibbs of Carthage and Chris & Jamie Graham of Longview; sister, Joann & Ronnie Smith of Center; and brother, Robert & Janice Barton of Tenaha.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 64-year old James Benton “Ben” Coyle of Center will be held at a later time. He was cremated. Among Ben Coyle’s survivors is his father, Walker Rush “Dub” Coyle; sister, Matilda Calzada of McKinney; and brother, Keith Gale & Renee Coyle of Wyoming.

Shelby County Chamber of Commerce President, Derek Pierce, recently announced that the 93rd Annual Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be held on Monday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m. at the Windham Civic Center.  

During the awards dinner the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will present the Farm Family of the Year award, Young Citizen of the Year award and the Distinguished Service Award.   

Nominations are being solicited from residents of Shelby County for the Young Citizen of the Year and the Distinguished Service Award.  The Young Citizen of the Year was established in 1966 to recognize and encourage the young people in the area involved in community service.  To be eligible, the nominee must be at least 18 up to 39 years of age, a resident of Shelby County during at least six months of the year for which the award is given, and not a previous recipient.

The Distinguished Service award is presented to an individual who has shown faithful and outstanding service to the community over a number of years.  The selection criteria process for these awards include personal involvement that enriches the general welfare of our communities, participation in a wide variety of community activities, specific contributions to some area of the community, leadership, personal or business progress, ability to cooperate with individuals, and civic, religious or social organizations.  Candidates must be considered to be of integrity, sound character and generally well respected.

Written nominations including additional letters of support regarding the qualifications of the nominee should be sent to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, 100 Courthouse Square, A-101, Center, Texas 75935 by Wednesday, April 8.

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Rainbow Room Volubteers will again sponsor a "Blue Ribbon Tree."

Participants will tie a blue ribbon on the tree for each confirmed victim of abuse or neglect in Shelby County during the past year.

Also, a small cross will be placed at the base of the tree as a remembrance of those children who died as a result of their injuries.

The public is invited to attend the brief ceremony which will take place on Thursday, April 2nd at 4:30pm on the southeast corner of the Historic Courthouse square.

East: The region had significant rains. Many producers were reporting that pastures were more saturated than they have ever seen. They were finding it difficult to access pastures and hay yards. Most counties reported both subsoil and topsoil moisture as surplus. Smith County reported cattle bogged down in the mud. Cattle were slowing down on hay consumption with the warmer weather bringing grass growth, and were in fair to good condition. Spring calving continued. Calf prices continued to fluctuate; prices for slaughter cattle remained strong. Peach trees were blooming. Harrison County reported beaver problems with the higher water levels. Feral hogs continued to be active.

Bear Baseball – The Timpson High School baseball team won their first district game against Shelbyville on Monday March 16th with a score of 5-4.  Last night the team won against Mt. Enterprise 15-10.  

Left to right:  Coach Billy Bryant, Hunter Smith, Cutter Smith, Hayden Smith, James Marshall, Jaden Johnson, Chandler Burgay, Keaton Bush, Brandon Torres, Kaeson Gentry, Brandon Addison, Chris Piro, Chase Clepper, Blake Johnson, Coach Chad Lawrence. The team has a 6-0 record and 3-0 in district.

Lady Bear Softball – The Lady Bears played hard last night against Gary but fell a bit short with a score of 6-4.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will host a ribbon cutting for the new Garden Center at the Ace Hardware downtown location on Thursday, April 2 at 10:00 a.m. Ace Hardware is located at 128 Tenaha Street in Center, one block off the Center Square.

Ace Garden Center will offer a large selection of trees, shrubs, mulches, soils, bedding plants, yard art and decorative flags, concrete fountains and statuary.

The public is invited to attend.  There will be refreshments, special sales and giveaways.

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

James Benton “Ben” Coyle, 64, of Center, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2015 in Center. He was born November 5, 1950 in Pampa to Walker Rush “Dub” Coyle and Eva Dean Veach Coyle. 

Mr. Coyle was cremated and a private family memorial will be held at a later time.

He is survived by

Father: Walker Rush “Dub” Coyle

Sister: Matilda Calzada of McKinney

Brother: Keith Gale Coyle and wife, Renee, of Gillette, Wyoming

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by

Mother: Eva Dean Veach Coyle

Brother: Kelly Lynn Coyle

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

Roy Alton McLean, 80, of Center, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2015 in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Mr. McLean was born December 14, 1934 in Guadalupe County to Roy Vance McLean and Rachael Lakey McLean.  He served in the United States Army. Mr. McLean, along with his brother, Donald McLean, owned McLean Tax and Bookkeeping Service in Center for many years.  He was a lifelong musician and was of the Methodist faith.

He is survived by

Nephews:

Terry Allen and wife, Jan, of Joaquin

Michael Allen of Center

Great Nieces and Nephews:

J.B. Raymond and wife, Jennifer, of Center

Alyse Allen of Houston

Christina Fulsom of Carthage

Great Great Nieces and Nephews:

McKynzie Bush of Center

Justin Raymond of Center

Jaxon Raymond of Center

Avery Prudhomme of Houston

Landon LaGrone of Carthage

Kali Fulsom of Carthage

Numerous other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by

Parents: Roy Vance McLean and Rachael Lakey McLean

Brother: Donald V. McLean

Sister: Iris M. Allen

Special Aunt: Eva Lakey

Pallbearers will be Terry Yates, Bennie Baugh, Billy Yates, Don Wheeler, Alan Ray, Bill Hairgrove, Roy Peace and Michael Warren.   Honorary pallbearers are Jack Yates and Bill Hughes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Methodist Children’s Home

1111 Herring Ave.

Waco, Texas 76708

American Heart Association

PO Box 841125

Dallas, Texas 75284-1125

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

Donald Ray Barton, 55, of Carthage, passed away Monday, March 23, 2015 in Dallas.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 26, 2015 at Restland Cemetery in Tenaha with Bro. Alan Ketchum officiating. 

Mr. Barton was born August 2, 1959 in Longview to Lee Roy Barton and Glaydis Ramey Barton.  He was of the Assembly of God faith.

He is survived by

Daughters:

Cassie Lovell and husband, Chip, of Tenaha

Jodi Barton of Carthage

Stepsons:

Michael Tibbs of Carthage

Chris Graham and wife, Jamie, of Longview

Grandchildren:

Camryn Lovell of Tenaha

Caden Lovell of Tenaha

Daegan Williams of Carthage

Step Grandchildren:

Alex Graham of Longview

Noah Graham of Longview

Sister: Joann Smith and husband, Ronnie, of Center

Brother: Robert Barton and wife, Janice, of Tenaha

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by

Parents: Lee Roy Barton and Glaydis Ramey Barton

Brother: Douglas Barton

Sister-in-law: Janet Barton

Nephew: Brady Barton

Pallbearers will be Kalen Smith, Michael Tibbs, Brent Barton, John Ramsey, Jackie Rickman and Tommy McMahon.  Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Foster and William Carroll.

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

Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on Monday March 16, 2015 Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kurtes Lawrence, while on routine patrol in the Joaquin area, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on County Road 3315. 

During the course of the traffic stop, Deputy Lawrence received information that the driver has been known in the past to be in possession of narcotics. Deputy Lawrence conducted a consensual search of the vehicle and found a small plastic bag that contained a white crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamines.  A field test was conducted and showed a positive result.

The driver, Benjamin “Bubba” Malone, 28yr old white male from the Joaquin area was arrested for possession of a controlled substance as well as two outstanding warrants and transported to the Shelby County Jail. Justice of Peace Pct 1, Maxie Eaves, set bond at $3000 for the Possession of Controlled Substance.

Center High School FFA recently participated in the Shelby County Livestock Show. According to one of the FFA sponsors, Jessica Shadix, "These kiddos don't just "feed an animal". They raise a livestock animal by some of the strictest standards in hope of making that animal the best they can! It is an amazing experience to see the joy that comes from their success!"

The following students placed:
Madison Kirby- GRAND CHAMPION HOG PROJECT- with "Linda"
Hageo Capareli- 3rd Overall Lamb!
Dalton Alexander- RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION Pen of Market Rabbits
Abbie Muckleroy- 3rd Overall Pen of Market Rabbits
Domonique Bauer- 6th place Pen of Market Rabbits

The CHS FFA is under the direction of Brittany Hall, Jerrett Cobb, and Jessica Shadix.

According to a press release from Center Police this morning, the man who lost his life in an industrial accident in Center Monday afternoon has been identified as 24-year old Steven Lawrence Garcia of Chireno.

Center Police responded to CENTEX Manufacturing (Dragon Inc.) at 946 Loop 500 to an employee being trapped under a piece of machinery around 2:30 p.m. The release says it was discovered Garcia had fallen into a piece of equipment and suffered injuries that resulted in his death.

JP Pct. 1 Maxie Eaves pronounced Steven Lawrence Garcia dead at the scene. An investigation into the incident is ongoing by Center Police and CENTEX Manufacturing.

March 24, 2015-Tenaha Baseball vs Shelbyville There 6:30 pm

March 26, 2015-7th Grade UIL Concert/Sight Reading in Carthage; HS Track vs
San Augustine

March 27, 2015-Tenaha Baseball vs Martinsville There 6:30 pm

March 28, 2015-FFA Livestock Judging in College Station; HS Track in Tatum

March 30, 2015-7th Grade Band Clinic

March 31, 2015-STAAR; 1st Grade Field Trip to Lufkin Convention Center;
Tenaha Baseball vs Mt. Enterprise There 6:30 pm

April 1, 2015-Tennis Meet in Center; STAAR


Prom

Due to many conflicting schedules, the Prom is rescheduled from April 11,
2015 to April 18, 2015.

The District apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.


Middle School Activity

Mrs. Elizabeth Ward's  7th grade students were assigned an article to write
highlighting local stories in our area.  Jared Tovar chose to interview Mr.
Sours about their upcoming band competition.  

Tenaha Prepares for U.I.L. Spring Band Contest

Then Tenaha Middle School and High School bands will be performing at the U.I.L. spring contest in April.  The middle school contest will be on April 9th or 10th at Lindale I.S.D. and the high school will perform on April 28th at Troup I.S.D.  Mr. Brian Sours, Mrs. Brandi Gilbeau, and Mr. Rhett Pilcher will be the conductors.

Both bands will be performing stage and sight reading.  Stage music is where students play their own music that they have been practicing on at school.  In sight reading, the band has to learn how to play a sheet of music in seven minutes.  Sight reading should be the most difficult task in the competition.  Mr. Sours said, "To get a 1st division in sight reading, students must sight read daily to ensure their music reading skills are strong.  The students must put in extra time and effort; they must want to be successful." On stage, he suggests music that fits the band's strengths and weaknesses.  

A first division is really difficult to accomplish.  Mr. Sours added, "It's very difficult to get a 1st division because you must put on as close to a perfect performance as possible.  There is little room for errors.  Notes, rhythms, pulse, balance, blend, intonation, ensemble sound (group sound), and musicality must be one of the highest qualities.  Not every performance is worthy of a 1st division.  You must step up to the challenge and put the work in to get the results you want."

The middle school band will play Fortis, Cortlandt County Festival, and Honor March.  The high school band will play Knights of Dunvegan, Maesong, and Crosswinds March.  These songs will be played for stage.  The judges will select the sight reading copy for the bands to play. Students are practicing daily during class, as well as after school to get ready for contest.  

Mr. Sours came from San Saba I.S.D. before arriving in Tenaha this year.  When asked why he came to T.I.S.D., he replied, "I came from San Saba I.S.D. to Tenaha I.S.D. in order to build the Tenaha Roarin' Band into a more successful and prideful band program."

The Center High School One Act Play under the direction of Chris Watlington has advanced to Bi-District after a fabulous first showing at District. The company received many accolades. Chris Caudle was named Best Actor. Austin Wright was named to All-Star Cast. Chloe Gipson and Brady Wood were named to Honorable Mention All-Star Cast and Dallas O'Donnell was named to All-Star Crew.

This year's show is Woody Allen's *God*, a farcical comedy about theatre, writing, life, and the lives of people who write for the theatre.
​     â€‹
Set in ancient Greece on a stage in New York, the cast is anchored by Chris Caudle as the Greek actor Diabetes and Austin Wright as the Greek writer Hepatitis. The rest of the cast is Emma Tomaszewski, Chloe Gibson, McKenzie Dockens, Brylee Hendricks, Megan Reynolds, Sarah Lindsey, Jasa Rodgers, Briana Suell, Emily Jolly, Brittany Lawrence, Mallory Sims, Braden Wood, and Montana Woodard.

On Friday and Saturday, March 20th and 21st, Center High School Senior Powerlifters, Rachel Andrews and Rylee Hudspeth traveled to Corpus Christie for the State Powerlifting Meet.

According to Coach Bryan Clay, "Rylee competed in the single most competitive weight class." Despite a few set backs, she still finished in the top 20 lifters in the state. Her teammate,
Rachel Andrews, took 5th place overall with lifts of 395 in squat, 155 in bench, and 340 in deadlift. Both of her maximum lifts in squat and deadlift were personal bests.

Coach Clay described Rachel's experience as "her best day ever." Not only did she come home with a 5th place medal, but she also was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Congratulations to the Lady Rider Lifters on an amazing season!

Arrest Report

03/23/15—03/24/15

Shelby County:

Bobby Cassell, 52, Shelbyville, Driving While Intoxicated

Terry Burch, 39, Center, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Theft by Check

Therrin A. Keele, 23, Tenaha, Two Warrants-Burglary of a Habitation & Warrant-Theft of Copper

Daniel Wayne Barton, 41, Timpson, Theft

Angela Smith Barton, 41, Timpson, Warrant-Theft

Aubrey Calvin Pearson, 46, Timpson, Warrant-Sex Offender Duty to Register

Nathan Randall Peace, 20, Center, Nacogdoches County Warrant-Possession of a Controlled Substance

Brittany Humphreys, 27, Nacogdoches, Warrants-Assault, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Arson & Burglary of a Habitation

Amy Windham, 38, Center, Warrant-Theft of Service

Brandie Wright, 36, Center, Theft

Letosha Vasquez, 33, Center, Theft

Kinshana Cartwright, 35, Houston, Warrant-Forgery of Government Instrument

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

In sports,

Baseball:

The #14 state-ranked Center Roughriders rally for a 6-5 walk-off win over the #24 ranked Carthage Bulldogs last night at Roughrider Field. The Riders improve to 9-1-1, 3-0 in Dist. 19-4A, while Carthage drops to 4-7, 1-1 in district.  Jacob Mitchell got the win, as the senior threw 119 pitches in a seven-hit, complete game. At the plate Dalton Horton had two singles and a double; Caiden Rainbolt had a double, and bunt for hit; Josh Burns picked up a single and scored; Brent Clark had a double, and squeeze bunt to score; and Taylor Tomlin added a single. The Riders are idle today and will host Rusk Friday.

The Rider JV will play a double header Saturday vs. Carthage in Center at 1 and 3 p.m.

The Tenaha Tigers (0-3 dist.) are handed a 2-17 loss at the hands of state-ranked Beckville (3-0 dist.) last night.

The Timpson Bears are 3-0 in district after a 15-10 win over Mt Enterprise.

The Shelbyville Dragons pick up their first district win, (1-2 dist.) a 9-3 decision over the Martinsville Pirates (0-3).

In Dist. 23-2A, Gary, Beckville and Timpson are 3-0, Joaquin is 2-1, Shelbyville 1-2, and Tenaha, Mt. Enterprise and Martinsville are 0-3.

Today's schedule:

Center has a bye

Tenaha at Shelbyville

Joaquin at Timpson

Garrison (1-1) at Woden (2-1)

San Augustine (3-3) at Zavalla (2-2)

Broaddus (5-0) has a bye

Dist. 19-4A Baseball

Center 3-0

Rusk 2-0

Carthage 1-1

Tatum 0-2

Henderson 0-3

State Rankings:

The Center Roughriders have moved up to No. 14 in the Class 4A state rankings out Monday. Carthage drops to No. 24, Hudson is No. 12, while Spring Hill is No. 21 and Pleasant Grove remains No. 1. In 3A, Central Heights is still No. 4, Lufkin is No. 20 in Class 5A, Hallsville No. 4, and in 2A, Douglass is still No. 1, Beckville is up to No. 13, and the Broaddus Bulldogs are No. 21.

Softball:

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons get a 15-0 run-ruled win in three innings over Brookeland Monday. Shelbyville improves to 4-0 in district.

The Joaquin Lady Rams come up short to Alto, 6-8.

Timpson Lady Bears lose to Gary, 4-6.

Today's Schedule:

Center hosts Henderson

Joaquin at Timpson

Shelbyville at Broaddus

Garrison at Woden

Dist. 19-4A Softball

Carthage 1-0

Tatum 1-0

Henderson 0-1

Center 0-1

Rusk 0-0

Soccer:

The Center Rider Soccer team will play a first-round playoff game Friday night, March 27 at 5:30 p.m. against Mexia in Crockett. The Riders finished second in district.

Bass Fishing:

Two local high school bass anglers did well last Saturday competing in the Southeast Texas High School Fishing Association tournament in Orange. Center High School senior Jared Wiggins and junior Brett Clark were among 12 teams paired with Bassmaster Pro Anglers. Despite the rainy conditions, Wiggins and Clark weighed in a three fish limit of 8lbs. 11oz. earning them second place overall.

Basketball Honors:

Shelbyville Junior J.J. Boykins has been selected to the Class 2A Region III Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region team. Boykins was the unanimous Dist. 22-2A MVP and help to lead the Dragons to their first district title in 26 years.

Little Dribblers:

The Tenaha Little Dribblers Basketball program has two teams headed to the national tournament April 8-11^th in Nacona, Texas. The Tenaha Sr. Boys’ Team (7^th & 8^th graders) beat Lovelady in the regional tournament championship game last Saturday to qualify. They are coached by Marcus Bowman. The Jr. Boys (2^nd-4th graders) were runner-ups to advance to the national event. Their coach is Jay Moore. Both squads will be competing against 13 other teams across the state of Texas. In order to help with lodging and food costs during the tournament, the parents are having a bake sale in front of the Tiger Stop this Saturday, March 28th.  The parents and kids would love for the community to come out and buy some cookies and cake to support their teams.  

College Rodeo:

Panola College Rodeo team competed in the Southern Region Rodeo last week in Bryan as Bareback rider Wyatt Denny to win the event.

Denny is on his way to a dominating Southern Regional title where he leads the rest of the field by over 400 points. Caleb Cogbill, a freshman at Panola placed in steer wrestling with a time of 5.7, while Nicole Reeves and Kagen Cassaday took part in Team Roping, and Gannon Ivy in Bull Riding to take over second place in the regional standings. Ivy is a sophomore from Hampton, Arkansas. Panola will be back in action at the next regional rodeo in Hillsboro, April 17-18.

Power Lifting:

The boys' state meet is this weekend in Abilene with several local lifters taking part.

Center - Devincent Hoyt, who was second at region in the 240 lb. division.

Shelbyville – Kal Metcalf was gold medalist in the 242 lb. division at region, while Octavian Burrell was silver medalist in the 198 lb. division.

Joaquin - Case Chambliss was gold medalist in the 148 lb. division at region.

An industrial accident at a Center manufacturing facility Monday afternoon resulted in the death of a Chireno man.

No identity or details have been released by Center Police concerning the incident at Cen-Tex Tank on Loop 500 that occurred a little after 2 p.m.

From information we have received the individual is 24-years old and was reported to be working in the sand-blasting area of the facility.

JP Pct. 1 Maxie Eaves was called to the scene, as was Mangum Funeral Home.

Center Broadcasting was told last night it would be this morning before Center PD would issue a press release.

Shelby County Commissioners tabled action on Tri-County possibly assuming utilities and liability insurance on the gym at the county owned old elementary school on Nacogdoches Street during its meeting Monday.

Instead, the court voted to go ahead and change locks on the gym since there appears to be a large number of people with keys to that building, and then make a decision on use at a future meeting.

County Judge Allison Harbison says Sheila Reeves holds the current lease on the gym and it expires the end-of-the month. Therefore, no action was taken on renting the gym to Denetra Slaughter & Celia Aguilar for their fitness classes.

In other business, commissioners approved utility reimbursement to JP Pct. 5 Mike Crouch for $790.33 for his current office in Timpson, and continue to pay his utilities there until a manufactured building is placed on City of Timpson owned property adjacent to city hall.

The court did agree to purchase that building from General Shelters for $19,878, with a six-week delivery date. The building will be placed rent-free, with utilities paid by the county.

Shelby County Commissioners also gave approval to purchase of a Chevy Tahoe for the sheriff's department for a base price of $28,000, and an additional $5,000 to outfit. In explanation to the court, Chief Deputy Shad Sparks says the department is virtually piecing together vehicles with one unit in the shop, facing costly repairs and two other high-mileage vehicles they hope don't break down.

Commissioners also tabled a decision on a request by Don & Tina McGuffin to resume county maintenance on a portion of County Road 4670. A family member is attempting to sell a parcel of property along the road, and a title company is reportedly not picking up on it to clear the way for financing, since it’s not recognized as a county road.

Approval was also given for construction of a dividing wall in the county treasurer's office for $1,900. Treasurer Ann Blackwell said her job calls for more privacy, and with the way the office is now, that’s not possible.

In other business approved:

*County Judge Allison Harbison and Center Mayor David Chadwick were approved for appointment to the Deep East Texas Rural Transportation Planning Organization.

*Dr. Florencio Singson was appointed as the Local Health Authority for Shelby County.

*Recognition was given to Sheriff Willis Blackwell, Jail Administrator William "BB" Cox and employees for the certificate of compliance from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.

Shelby County Commissioner Pct. 2 Jimmy Lout says reminds residents that County Road 2335 off of FM 417 remains closed until further notice as work continues to replace a bridge.

Center Firemen were called to a reported barn fire on Hwy. 96 south near Bounds Hill Monday afternoon around 4:30 p.m.

Fire Chief Keith Byndom says they arrived to find the owner of the property had already extinguished the blaze. He said the barn belonged to Center Police Sgt. Duane Gordon and Mrs. Gordon had put out the fire inside the barn by the time they arrived.

Chief Byndom said the source was apparently fresh shavings that had been spread on the floor of the structure that apparently became wet, combined with animal manure, and direct sunshine caused a spontaneous combustion.

Several 2x4s on pens were damaged by the fire.

The Center ISD Board of Trustees will have a special called meeting at 6 p.m. tonight, and among the agenda items will be a presentation, analysis and discussion on the district’s financial profile and outlook and discussion of child nutrition program expectations.

The San Augustine County Commissioners' Court will meet at 9 a.m. this morning, and among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be a San Augustine County Day Proclamation, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Fair Housing Proclamation.

In addition, the bank depository, renew appointment of Dr. John H. Oglesbee, III as San Augustine County Health Authority for 2015-16, county clerk contract for Data Use Agreement with the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Indigent Burial Policy.

There will also be discussion and action on granting a request by the San Augustine County Farmer's Market for use of southside of the courthouse parking area on Saturdays from May 2 thru Aug. 29, and accepting a donation on behalf of the 1919 Jail Restoration.

Nacogdoches County Commissioners' Court has given approval to two bridge replacement projects along FM 95 south of Garrison in Pct. 1. TxDOT will begin plans to replace the existing bridges at Parallel Creek and Dog Creek on FM 95. The project is scheduled to let to contract in July, with construction beginning in the following weeks. Existing bridges where the two creeks intersect FM 95 will be torn down and new bridges built in their place. Estimated time of closure is four months. The bridges will be closed separately so that they are both not closed to traffic at the same time.

The Center Rotary Club’s 28th annual Fun for Funds auction will be held tonight at the Windham Civic Center. Monies raised from the auction benefit the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Fund to help students at Center High School pursue a higher education. Rotary club president J.J. Ford says there's something for everyone, and to view a list of auction items go to www.funforfunds.org.

Ms. Ford said "Fun for Funds' pulled in $40,000, and they'd like to beat that amount by at least $10,000 tonight.

Many more items will not be announced until the auction begins. Registration for the Fun for Funds auction is open, and there's already early bidding. The live online benefit auction begins at 6pm tonight. The number to use for bidding tonight is 936-598-9320.

The auction will be viewable online via a live webcast at fundforfunds.org. The event is also broadcast on Center Broadcasting Company stations KQBB FM 100.5 and KDET AM 930 and on television via Suddenlink Cable Channel 2.

The San Augustine County Livestock Show & Fair will get underway Thursday at the San Augustine Expo with the chili cook-off and serving to the public at 5:30 p.m. For $5 its all-u-can eat.

By the way, they have space for two more chili cook-off teams. Contact the San Augustine Agri-Life Extension office at 275-3644.

Registration of fair exhibits begins at 7 a.m. Friday, with exhibits on display from 3 to 6 p.m. The first show will be broilers at 4:30 p.m., followed by market rabbits at 5 p.m.

Saturday's show events get started at 9 a.m. with market hogs, lambs, goats and then steers.

An appreciation fish dinner will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Award presentations are 6:30 p.m. and the livestock & fair auction is 7 p.m.

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will conduct a wreath laying at the Veteran's Memorial on the grounds of the History Shelby County Courthouse at 10 a.m. this morning, Tuesday, March 24th, to honor those who served in the Kosovo Campaign.  It was sixteen years ago on March 24, 1999 NATO launched an air campaign called "Operation Allied Force" to halt the humanitarian devastation that was then unfolding in Kosovo. As always the public is invited.  If you are a Kosovo veteran and would like to participate call post quartermaster Larry Hume at 598-2976.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 51-year old Kimberly Rene McNeil Richards of Center. She passed away Sunday in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to service beginning at 12 noon. Among Kimberly Rene McNeil Richards’ survivors is her husband, David Richards of Center; son, Bradley & Rose Richards of Center; mother, Necia & Buddy Armstrong of Carthage; sisters, Karla Rochelle & David Henley of Shreveport and Kristy McNeal of Nacogdoches; brother, Kevin Richards & Pam McNeil of Beckville; mother-in-law, Brenda & Gene McDaniel of Carthage; father-in-law, Rex & Suzanne Richards of Center; and sister-in-law, Donna Randolph of Carthage. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old Roy Alton McLean of Center. He passed away Saturday in Center. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at Watson & Sons Chapel, with visitation that morning from 11:30 a.m. until service time.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 64-year old James Benton Coyle of Center. He passed away Sunday at his residence.

March 23, 2015-JH Track vs San Augustine; Regular Board Meeting; TelPass
Grades 8-12; Tenaha Baseball vs Beckville There 6:30 pm

March 24, 2015-Tenaha Baseball vs Shelbyville There 6:30 pm

March 26, 2015-7th Grade UIL Concert/Sight Reading in Carthage; HS Track vs
San Augustine

March 27, 2015-Tenaha Baseball vs Martinsville There 6:30 pm

March 28, 2015-FFA Livestock Judging in College Station; HS Track in Tatum

March 30, 2015-7th Grade Band Clinic

March 31, 2015-STAAR; 1st Grade Field Trip to Lufkin Convention Center;
Tenaha Baseball vs Mt. Enterprise There 6:30 pm

April 1, 2015-Tennis Meet in Center; STAAR

Tenaha Sends Little Dribbler's Teams to Nationals

The Little Dribbler's season began in February and has culminated with two of their six teams qualifying for the National Tournament in Nacona on April 8th-11th.  Coach Greg Jenkins, Coach Garry Davison, and Mr. Tyner began a Little Dribbler's chapter in Tenaha as a way to get  younger athletes involved in basketball.  Mrs. Carrie Jenkins and
her husband were involved in Little Dribblers in Cayuga and brought their
knowledge of the league here.  "We are very proud of our kids and community
for their efforts and achievements," Coach Jenkins said. " It took hard work
from the Tenaha staff and volunteers to work the clocks, referee games,
coach the teams, and give up their weekend for Little Dribblers to happen."

Girls and boys in grades 1 through 8 participated in the local league, and grades 3-8 were able to compete at the Regional Tournament last weekend in Central Heights.  Out of the six teams that traveled to the three-day tournament, two advanced to Nationals.  The Senior Boys team beat a very talented Central Heights, Grapeland and finally Lovelady to win the championship Saturday morning.  The Tenaha Senior Boys team members are 8th
graders: Jaurmez Brock, Nictavian Calloway, Ja'Qualin Franks, Ke'Myson Gray,
Trenton Hass, Jaquavion Lloyd, and TyCorreus Villegas.  The 7th graders are
Jatorian Calloway, Hayden Jenkins, Zacc Smith, and Cooper Ward.  Their coach
is Marcus Bowman. 

The Junior Boys team beat Lovelady in their first game, lost to Grapeland on Saturday morning, and battled  back to beat a talented Central Heights team to win the runner-up trophy and a spot at Nationals.  The Junior team consists of:  4th graders Luke Ward and Takavion Wilson; 3rd graders Ja'Tyrian Moore, Jordan Reese, Gauge Jordan, Kamarion Ross, Tra Scourton, and Dawson Williams; 2nd graders Brikelian Kenney and Ja'Torian
Moore.  Their coach is Jay Moore.  Both squads will be competing against 13 other teams across the state of Texas.  Jenkins added, "While we are very proud of the kids that made the national tournament, we are just as proud of the participation we had for all kids 1st through 8th grade.  We look forward to building this thing into an even better experience for the kids and community as we move forward over the next few years."

In order to help with lodging and food costs during the tournament, the parents are having a bake sale in front of the Tiger Stop this Saturday, March 28th.  The parents and kids would love for the community to come out and buy some cookies and cake to support their teams. 

Yearbook

Yearbooks are on sale for $40 until March 27th! After that, the price goes
up to $45.

Senior Ad space is also available for purchase in the yearbook.  The
deadline to order a senior ad is also March 27th.  The prices for ads are as
follows:

          1/8 page ad-$40

          1/4 page ad-$65

          1/2 page ad-$120

          1 full page ad-$200

 

Please turn in yearbook and senior ad order forms with payment either to the
office or to Mrs. Helfers in room 34.


Pictures:

April 15-Kindergarten cap and gown, Clubs, Who's Who

2014-2015 School Calendar Attached

March Menu Attached

Baseball Schedule Attached

  

On Saturday, March 21st, Jared Wiggins, Senior at CHS, and Brett Clark, Junior

at CHS competed in the Southeast Texas High School Fishing Association tourna-

ment in Orange, Texas. Twelve teams were paired with Bassmaster Pro Anglers,

and despite rainy conditions, Jared and Brett weighed in a three fish limit of 8lbs.

11oz. earning them 2nd place overall. For a televised interview with the boys, fol-

low the link below:

​https://kfdm.com/sports/local/stories/vid_3165.shtml
​

-- 

The Shelbyville High School Lady Dragons Powerlifting program made history by producing the school’s first gold medal state champions, Harlie Hagler and Katie Casey, at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association State Meet held in Corpus Christi on Saturday March 21.  Savannah Talbert also won a  fourth place medal at the state meet. 

The seven member team Shelbyville High School Lady Dragons Powerlifting team consisting of Freshman Katie Casey, Sophomores Hannah Hall and Kennedy Parker, Junior Cleosha Jeter, and Seniors Harlie Hagler, Savannah Talbert, and Tristan Wilburn, had all seven girls finish in the top 10 of their respective weight classes at the state meet.  The Lady Dragons finished third as a team in the state, trailing only Champion Hawley High School and Runner-up Seagraves High School. 

Savannah finished her senior year with her best total of the season of 715 pounds in the 123 pound division.  She had her best squat and deadlift of the season at 285 pounds and 305 pounds respectively. She also set a regional record of 300 pounds in deadlift.  Savannah also earned her way on to the Academic All State 2^nd Team.

Katie also saved her best day for the state meet, posting her best total of 955, best squat of 415 and best deadlift of 385 pounds.  She was in 2^nd place 60 pounds behind the leader going into her last lift.  The stage was set for a come from behind win and Katie needed to deadlift 25 more pounds than her previous best of 360 in order to take gold.  She rose to the occasion and pulled 385 pounds from the floor giving her the win.

Harlie was the silver medalist last year at the state meet and added 110 pounds to last years state total for a 910 pound gold medal performance.  Her 400 pound squat was good enough for her to earn the ‘’Outstanding Squat’’ award for the heavy weight platform.  Harlie had her best bench of the season at 185 pounds leading her to a 35 pound victory.  Harlie added an Academic All State 1^st Team selection to her Championship day.

There's been the report of an industrial accident at Cen-Tex Tank Company on Loop 500 in Center within the past hour with a reported fatality accident.

The Center Fire Department responded.

JP Pct. 1 Maxie Eaves has been called to the scene and Mangum Funeral Home is also responding.

No other details are known at this time.

The Center Varsity baseball team will play a district game vs. Carthage tonight at 7pm. This is to make up the game missed last Friday from inclement weather.
 

The J.V. will play a double header in Center on Saturday to make up games
missed. The double header will be at 1 pm and 3 pm.

Weekly Calendar of Events –

Mon. March 23 – Baseball game vs. Mt Enterprise – Here  @ 6:30 p.m.
-------------------- Softball game vs. Gary – There @ 5:00 p.m.

Tues. March 24 – Softball game vs. Joaquin – Here @ 5:00 p.m.
--------------------- Baseball game vs. Joaquin – Here @ 6:30 p.m.

Thurs. March 26 – High School District UIL Academic Meet  @ SFA
---------------------- Austin Heifer Show
---------------------- FFA Tarleton Judging Contest
---------------------- Middle School track meet at Winona @ 3:30 p.m.
---------------------- High school track meet at Cushing @ 3:30 p.m.

Fri. March 27 – Baseball vs. Gary – There @ 6:30 p.m.
------------------ Softball vs. Cushing – There @ 5:00 p.m.
-----26th & 27th – UIL One-Act Play @ Panola College
------------------- End of three weeks of 4th six weeks

Shelbyville Junior J.J. Boykins, was selected as an All-Region

performer for Class 2A, Region III by the Texas  Association of Basketball

Coaches. J.J., the unanimous 22-2A Most Valuable Player, avergaged

18.0 points per game and led the Dragons to their first district title in 26 years.

Jeron was awarded Newcomer of the Year his freshman year and 1st Team

All District his sophomore year.  During the summer he plays for the Amateur

(AAU) for the Shelby County Hoop Squad and Houston Goldwire Elite. 

J.J. plans to pursue basketball in college.
 

Panola College Rodeo team was in Bryan,Tx. March 20,21 for the 8th out of
10 Southern Region Rodeos.

Bareback rider Wyatt Denny of Minden, NV. has had a record breaking year. Wyatt won the first round of competition by scoring 77 points, followed by a second round score of 78 points, to win the average race by three points. Denny is on his way to a dominating Southern Regional title where he leads the rest of the field by over  400 points.

Caleb Cogbill, freshman at Panola, placed in the steerwrestling , with a great time of 5.7 seconds. The steerwrestling is an event which is usually dominated by athletes over 200 pounds. Caleb, 160 pounds soaking wet ,  was able to maintain perfect form , and compete with the giants of rodeo.

Nicole Reeves and Kagen Cassaday performed well in the team roping, turning a great time of 7.9 seconds in the first go round and 18 seconds in the short round. Reeves and Cassaday  have just began to rope together, and we are looking for great things from them in the future. Reeves an outstanding athlete, competes in several womens events in rodeo, and has a very
realistic shot at making the C.N.F.R.  in Casper, WY.

Bull Rider Gannon Ivy , made an outstanding ride for a first round score of 74 points, to win a 3,4 place split. Gannon  moved to second place in the regional standings by a close 25 points between him and the number one spot. Gannon , a sophomore at Panola, from Hampton,AR. is  working on a degree in Petroleum Technology.

Panola will be back in action at the next regional rodeo held in Hillsboro,TX. , April 17-18.

Kimberly Rene McNeil Richards, 51, of Center, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2015 in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Doug Fincher and Bro. Richard Fleetwood officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.  Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 noon.

Mrs. Richards was born November 26, 1963 in Mobile, Alabama to George Henry McNeil and Necia Marie Fleetwood McNeil.  She loved working at the law firm of Don Wheeler, fishing, shopping, crocheting and raising money for cystic fibrosis.  Mrs. Richards was a member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by

Husband: David Richards of Center

Son: Bradley Richards and wife, Rose, of Center

Mother: Necia Armstrong and husband, Buddy, of Carthage

Grandchildren:

Kiersten Richards

Natalie Peace

Connor Richards

Sisters:

Karla Rochelle Henley and husband, David, of Shreveport, Louisiana

Kristy McNeal of Nacogdoches

Brother: Kevin Richard McNeil and wife, Pam, of Beckville

Mother-in-law: Brenda McDaniel and husband, Gene, of Carthage

Father-in-law: Rex Richards and wife, Suzanne, of Center

Special Niece: Kellie Henley of Shreveport, Louisiana

Sister-in-law: Donna Randolph of Carthage

Special Friends:

Joyce Bush of Center

Cindy Eubank of Center

Friends from the office

Numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by

Grandson: Bradley Kent Richards

Father: George Henry McNeil

Nephew: Patrick McNeil

Pallbearers will be Chase Henley, Cody Rawls, Anthony Fleetwood, Don Wheeler, David Eubank and David Henley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

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

According to Center City Manager Chad Nehring, the water leak repairs near CVS on were less extensive than initially feared and repairs were completed by noon and all services should already be restored.  The damages were caused by unintentional damage to a valve and concrete base being run over and bent most likely by mowing equipment around significantly rain saturated areas.

 

Rider Varsity Baseball will hosts Carthage in a Dist. 19-4A game at 7 p.m. at Roughrider Field. There will be no JV game.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 8^th Annual Health and Fitness Fair, presented by Cline Family Medicine and sponsored by Center Chiropractic and Nacogdoches Medical Center, Thursday, March 26 at the Windham Civic Center from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Mobile mammogram units will be at the fair.  The deadline to make an appointment has been extended to Wednesday, March 25.  All appointments must be made by calling Daphne at 936-598-7744.  There is a charge for the mammograms and financial assistance is available. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be on site with a blood mobile taking donations, to sign up to donate please contact Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 936-598-3682.

There will be two guest speakers at this year’s event. Dr. Dan Wilkins, Wilkins Counseling, will be speaking on “Stress Management” at 10:30 a.m. and Wes Bynum of Hospice of East Texas, will have a presentation on “Caregiver Care” at 12:30 p.m. in the Civic Room. The booth area of the fair will be closed to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. during the breakout sessions which will allow vendors to attend. The fair is free to the public featuring over 45 vendors with give aways and door prizes.    Vendors will be providing health screenings which include glucose, cholesterol, spinal screenings, heart awareness, and vision. Information will be provided on home health, nursing homes, hospice, nutrition and caregiver relief. 

For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at

(936) 598-3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.

The team of senior, Savannah Talbert and freshman Ty Fox competed in The Class 2A State Debate Meet on March 15-16 in Austin.

Savannah and Ty are State Octa-Finalists. Savannah also received  the Bronze Gavel Speaker award.

Congratulations!  We are Dragon Proud!

 Minutes of Regular Meeting

The Board of Trustees

Center ISD

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center Independent School District (CISD) was held on Thursday, March 19, 2015 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at CISD Administration Board Room located at 107 Private Road 605 Center, Texas  75935.

1.         Call Meeting to Order and Establish a Quorum

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

Present: James Greer; John Henry Holloway; Daphne LaRock; Sharon Nelson; Stephen Shires; Traci Willoughby; Dan Wilkins; Rayford Copelin, Deputy Superintendent; Betty McDaniel, Director of Finance and James Hockenberry, Superintendent

Absent:            None

Visitors:  Jill Albert, Light and Champion; Heather Brink, Southwest Foodservice      Excellence; Mike Brister; Barry Bowman, CISD Athletic Director; Chris Maggard, Southwest Foodservice Excellence; Elliott Minshew, Southwest    Foodservice Excellence and Mickey Wulf, CISD Special Services Director

2.         Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

            James Greer gave the invocation and Mickey Wulf led the Pledge of Allegiance.

3.         Public Comment/Audience Participation

            None

4.         Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Stephen Shires, seconded by Sharon Nelson to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes from the regular meeting – February 12, 2015, February Investment Report (2014-2015), Tax Collection Report (February 2015) and Financial Reports (February 2015), Amendments to the Budget and Overnight Student Activity Trips (as approved by Campus Administrators).

            The motion carried 7-0.

5.         Presentation TASB Climate Survey Administration

            The Board received a sample of an employee engagement and opinion survey which is conducted by TASB.  Dr. Hockenberry indicated that the information would be very beneficial to the District and could be returned in early June 2015. 

            Sharon Nelson made the motion, seconded by Traci Willoughby for Superintendent          Hockenberry to contact TASB to conduct an employee engagement and opinion survey and  obtain additional examples of survey questions.

            The motion carried 7-0.

6.         Review of 2013 CISD Future Facility Report

            The 2013 CISD Future Facility report was presented.  Dr. Hockenberry pointed out that the HVAC at FLM was upgraded during the summer of 2014.  The Board discussed various  ideas regarding the different campuses.  Dr. Hockenberry suggested that the District’s   financial advisor make a presentation to the Board in order to better inform Trustees on the  financial condition and outlook of the District. 

7.         Update on Progress of Athletic Facility Committee

            The Board received an update on the progress of the Athletic Facility Committee and some of the findings.  The Athletic Facility Committee will be putting the final touches on their   report to be presented at the April Board meeting.

            As part of the discussion, the current condition and abuse of the Roughrider Stadium track and field and District tennis courts were discussed. 

            A motion was made by Daphne LaRock and seconded by Sharon Nelson for         correspondence be sent to the community asking for their help to protect the communities’   investment in the District’s athletic facilities.

            The motion carried 7-0.

8.         Presentation and Discussion of Grade Level Alignments

            The Board discussed information regarding grade level alignments.

9.         Consideration and Approval of PreK Resolution

            A motion was made by Dan Wilkins, seconded by Daphne LaRock to approve the PreK   resolution.

            The motion carried 7-0.

10.       Consideration and Approval to Certify the Superintendent, James Hockenberry, to the     Region 7 Regional Advisory Committee 2015-2016

            A motion was made by John Henry Holloway, seconded by Sharon Nelson to approve to   certify James Hockenberry to the Region 7 Regional Advisory Committee for 2015-2016.

            The motion carried 7-0.

The Board adjourned at 7:13 p.m. and reconvened at 7:25 p.m.

11.       Closed Session

            Mr. Greer called for a closed session at 7:25 p.m. under Texas Government Code §551.071, §551.074 and §551.129 for employment of contracted personnel and extended emergency sick leave.

12.       Open Session

            The Board returned into open session at 8:40 p.m.  No action was taken in closed session.

 A motion was made by Sharon Nelson, seconded by Daphne LaRock to approve the employment of contracted personnel (Dana Irvin, CHS teacher/coach, Jimmy Irvin, CHS teacher/coach, Richard Mitchell, CHS teacher/coach, Kim Umbrell, CMS teacher, Royce Ann Wiggins, CIS teacher and Sarah Yarbrough, CIS teacher) and the extended emergency leave (Gabriela Flores, CMS Special Education Life Skills Aide) as recommended by Superintendent Hockenberry.

            The motion carried 7-0

13.       Adjournment

A motion was made by Dan Wilkins, seconded by Stephen Shires to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 p.m.

            The motion carried 7-0.

Staff just located a water leak on Hwy 96 in front of CVS.  Lines will be isolated to allow for the repair on this main line which will interrupt some services while others will likely experience some reduced pressure and rate of flow.  Unless customers experience complete water loss, area wide or system boil water notices are NOT being issued at this time.  All assistance in reducing water consumption this morning would be appreciated.

Softball today @ 5:00 pm vs Brookland in Shelbyville
Baseball game has been moved to Martinsville 6:00 start
Jr High Track Meet today at San Augustine

Letter to the Editor:

Center ISD Facilities

Center ISD appreciates the display of support by the community over the past few years as we have improved several of our buildings and facilities. We are especially pleased that many of our patrons use roughrider stadium, the tennis courts, and surrounding areas as a place of gathering, fellowship, and physical activity. We are proud of the quality, appearance, and the educational experiences each provide.  In order for our facilities to retain its quality for our students and community members both now and in the future, special care and attention to the usage regulations must be followed.  The life expectancy of the stadium track and field, the tennis courts, and other school properties will be extended if the regulations are followed. Currently, the facilities are being abused and the regulations are being ignored by many. To be more specific, strollers, bikes, skateboards, gum, colored drinks, and pets are not allowed on the stadium track, field, and tennis courts. Center ISD is asking you to join us in our effort to keep our facilities clean, well maintained, and accessible for all to enjoy. If the abuse and rapid deterioration of our investment in quality facilities continues, the district may be faced with the difficult decision of closing the stadium to the public. Please keep in mind that the City of Center has constructed wonderful parks and recreation options, including a superb walking trail, for our community to enjoy and use. Again, please help us by encouraging others to respect the regulations that are in place at our outdoor venues.

Respectfully,

Center ISD Administration

According to Center official weather observer Jim Forbes, Center has received 8.01 inches of rain for March, with the record rainfall for the month, 9.07 inches in 1997.

Forbes says 1.93 inches of rain fell Friday thru Saturday evening.

Grand Champion of Grill Fest – All Smoked Up from Jacksonville, Texas. Head cook was Oley Willis.
 

Reserve Champion of Grill Fest – Team Rage from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was Braun Cyr.

Chicken Cooking Category Winners:
1st place, $1,000 – Team Rage from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was Braun Cyr.

2nd place, $750 - All Smoked Up from Jacksonville, Texas. Head cook was Oley Willis.
3rd place, $500 – Up In Smoke from Bullard, Texas. Head cook was John Paine.
4th place – Bayou BBQ from West Monroe, Louisiana. Head cook was Benjy Lewis.
5th place – Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas. Head cook was Joey Lawson.
6th place – Midnight Smokers from Tenaha, Texas. Head cook was Joshua Campbell.
7th place – Githca Creek Country Cookers from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was David Chandler.
8th place – Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas. Head cook was Will Lucas.
9th place – Uncle Willy’s Redneck Mafia from Hemphill, Texas. Head cook was Tommy McGee.
10th place – 3 B Bar B Que from Center, Texas. Head cook was James Bridges.

Pork Spare Rib Cooking Category Winners:
1st place, $1,000 - Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas. Head cook was Joey Lawson.
2nd place, $750 - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas. Head cook was Will Lucas.
3rd place, $500 - All Smoked Up from Jacksonville, Texas. Head cook was Oley Willis.
4th place - Team Rage from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was Braun Cyr.

5th place - Up In Smoke from Bullard, Texas. Head cook was John Paine.
6th place - Githca Creek Country Cookers from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was David Chandler.
7th place - Bayou BBQ from West Monroe Louisiana. Head cook was Benjy Lewis.
8th place - Midnight Smokers from Tenaha, Texas. Head cook was Joshua Campbell.
9th place - Uncle Willy’s Redneck Mafia from Hemphill, Texas. Head cook was Tommy McGee.
10th place – 3 B Bar B Que from Center, Texas. Head cook was James Bridges.

Brisket Cooking Category Winners:
1st place, $1,000 -  All Smoked Up from Jacksonville, Texas. Head cook was Oley Willis.

2nd place, $750 - Bayou BBQ from West Monroe Louisiana. Head cook was Benjy Lewis.
3rd place, $500 - Midnight Smokers from Tenaha, Texas. Head cook was Joshua Campbell.
4th place - Uncle Willy’s Redneck Mafia from Hemphill, Texas. Head cook was Tommy McGee.
5th place - Team Rage from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was Braun Cyr.

6th place - Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas. Head cook was Joey Lawson.
7th place - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas. Head cook was Will Lucas.
8th place - Up In Smoke from Bullard, Texas. Head cook was John Paine.
9th place – 3 B Bar B Que from Center, Texas. Head cook was James Bridges.
10th place - Githca Creek Country Cookers from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was David Chandler.

Bean Cook-Off Winners:

1st place – Farmers State Bank, Cook, Vickie Barnes

2nd place – 3 B Bar B Que, Cook, James Bridges

3rd place – Uncle Willy’s Redneck Mafia, Cook, Tommy McGee

4th place – All Smoked Up, Cook, Oley Willis

5th place  – Team Rage, Cook Braun Cyr

6th place – Gitcha Creek Country Cookers, Cook, David Chandler

7th place  – Shelby Savings Bank, Cook, Will Lucas

Dessert Cook-Off Winners:

1st place – Gitcha Creek Country Cookers, Cook, David Chandler

2nd place – Farmers State Bank, Cook, Camille Cooper

3rd place – Uncle Willy’s Redneck Mafia, Cook, Shonda McGee

4th place – Bonnie Lucas

5th place  – 3 B Bar B Que, Cook, James Bridges

6th place – All Smoked Up, Cook, Oley Willis

7th place  – 3 B Bar B Que, Cook, James Bridges

42 Champs

Don Lovell and Royce Johnson

Washer Pitching Champs

Rusty Jones and Jacob Best

Arrest Report

03/20/15—03/23/15

Shelby County:

Jimmy Jack Turner, 46, Timpson, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Driving While License Invalid

Glenna Harpin, 53, Center, Theft

Gina Furra, 37, Center, Warrant-Credit/Debit Card Abuse against the Elderly & Warrant-Theft by Check

Roy Anding, Jr., 34, Joaquin, DeSoto Parish Warrant-Possession of a Controlled Substance

Juan Moreno, 39, Center, Driving While Intoxicated & Failure to ID

Fa Ro, 25, Lufkin, Driving While Intoxicated

San Augustine County:

Angela D. Keely, 38, Zavalla, Theft & Assault

Valentine Perez, 57, San Augustine, Public Intoxication

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

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old Roy Alton McLean of Center. He passed away Saturday in Center. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at Watson & Sons Chapel, with visitation that morning from 11:30 a.m. until service time.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 64-year old James Benton Coyle of Center. He passed away Sunday at his residence.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 51-year old Kimberly Richards of Center. She passed away Sunday at Nacogdoches Medical Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 75-year old Ara Belle English Anthony of Center. She passed away Friday at her residence. Service will be at 10 a.m. this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Center. Among Ara Belle English Anthony’s survivors are sons, Frankie & Valerie Anthony of Center, Mark Anthony of Denton and Mitchell & Sonya Anthony of Center; daughter, Laresa Livingston of Center; sisters, Bobbie & O.C. Campbell, Judy English and Vernell English, all of Center; sister-in-law, Brooksie McGee of Center; and brothers-in-law, Elmer Ray Wilburn and E.A. Tomlin, both of Center.

In sports,

Power Lifting:

Two Shelbyville Lady Dragons picked up gold medals and state championships at last week’s Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association State Meet in Corpus Christi in the Class 2A competition. Shelbyville’s Harlie Hagler was first in the 181 lb. division and Katie Casey in the 220 lb. division. Hagler had 910 lbs. total weight lifted, while Casey finished with 955 lbs. As a team, the Lady Dragons were third overall, missing second place by a point.

Joaquin Lady Ram Jaz Atkins was fourth in the 181 lb. division with 815 lbs. lifted. Desere Cooper bombed out.

Other Shelbyville finishes included: Cleosha Jeter-6^th; Hannah hall 9^th; Savannah Talbert 4^th; and Kennedy Parker 6^th. Tristin Wilburn bombed out.

Center Lady Rider Rachel Andrews was fifth in the 220 lb. class with a total combined weight of 890 lbs. in Class 4A. Teammate Ryley Hudspeth bombed out.

The boys' state meet is this weekend in Abilene with several local lifters taking part.

Baseball:

The Center Roughriders and Carthage Bulldogs will attempt to get their games in today after being cancelled Friday. The Dist. 19-4A action has been moved to Center at 4: 30 p.m. and Varsity at 7 p.m. Rider Head Coach David Sheppard says Roughrider Field is soft, but is hopeful some sun today will help. He said a final decision on the game will be made at 11 a.m. this morning. Center is 2-0 and Carthage is 1-0 in Dist. 19-4A play. Center is idle Tuesday.

The Joaquin Rams (2-1 dist.) lost to Gary, 4-1 Thursday.

The Tenaha Tigers’ (0-2) games vs. Beckville (2-0 dist.) is tentatively scheduled to be played at 6:30 p.m. tonight (Monday), weather permitting.

No word has been received on the Timpson Bears (2-0 dist) at Mt Enterprise and The Shelbyville Dragons (0-2 dist.) at Martinsville make ups from Friday.

The San Augustine Wolves beat the Chireno Owls Friday.

Tuesday's schedule:

The Center Riders have a bye

Tenaha at Shelbyville

Joaquin at Timpson

Garrison at Woden

San Augustine at Zavalla

Broaddus has a bye

Dist. 19-4A Baseball

Center 2-0

Rusk 2-0

Carthage 1-0

Tatum 0-2

Henderson 0-3

Softball:

The Center Lady Riders' district opener at Tatum was cancelled Friday. No word on when the game will be made-up.

The Joaquin Lady Rams were to have hosted Alto. No information on a make-up.

Tuesday's Schedule:

Center Lady Riders host Henderson

Joaquin at Timpson

Shelbyville at Broaddus

Garrison at Woden

Dist. 19-4A Softball

Carthage 1-0

Tatum 1-0

Henderson 0-1

Center 0-0

Rusk 0-0

Soccer:

The Rider Soccer team closed out the regular season with a 1-0 win at Hudson Friday. The Riders finish the season 16-4 and will play a first-round playoff game Friday night, March 27 against Mexia in Crockett.

The Shelby County Commissioners' Court will re-visit several items of business that were tabled earlier this month concerning JP Pct. 5 Michael Crouch's office when they meet at 9:30 a.m. this morning.

These include reimbursement for utility bills at his current office, in addition to payment of utilities for the present office in Timpson, and purchasing and placement of a portable building for office on City of Timpson property. Timpson City Council gave approval to locating a building on their property last week.

Also, Shelby County Commissioners will discuss and take action on Sheriff Willis Blackwell's request for a new automobile for the sheriff's department; appointment of Judge Allison Harbison and Center Mayor David Chadwick to the Deep East Texas Rural Transportation Planning Organization, and appointing Dr. Florencio Singson as the local health authority for Shelby County.

Other agenda items include recognizing income received from the sale of seized vehicles and adjust Constable Pct. 3 Bryan Gray's Forfeiture Budget to $1,655, allowing Tri-County to use the gym at the county-owned old Center Elementary campus and assume responsibility for utility payments and liability insurance, approving Denetra Slaughter and Celia Aguilar to rent the gym for a year, and County Treasurer Ann Blackwell's request for funding to have a dividing wall placed at her office.

In other items, Don and Tina McGuffin are to address the court regarding the county resuming maintenance on a portion of CR 4670, and recognizing the certificate of compliance from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and commend the sheriff, jail administrator and employees in the jail.

A Timpson family lost their home in a pre-dawn blaze early Sunday morning.

Timpson Volunteer Fire Department personnel tell us they responded to find the double-wide mobile home of Bud Hendricks on Rose Hill Road already engulfed in flames around 5 a.m.

The fire was reported to have started in the kitchen area, with occupants attempting to knock-down the flames with a water hose and fire extinguisher with no success before fireman arrived.

The Tenaha Volunteer Fire Dept. responded with water assistance.

The origin of the fire is under investigation. There were no injuries reported.

Firemen returned to the fire station by 8 a.m.

The Center City Council at its regular meeting at 5 p.m. this afternoon will consider discussion and take possible action on a resolution opposing Senate Bill 343, opposing revenue caps and legislative interference with local services, and an engineering agreement with Klotz & Associates.

Council will also consider Center Softball Association request for waiver of annual contract fee, and purchase of automated light control system for Center Park Baseball Fields.

In addition, Center City Council will discuss and possibly take action on the airport water line construction agreement and project and authorize retirement of Center Police Dept. K-9 unit-Zitan.

In executive session, council will discuss city-owned property at 305 Nacogdoches Street.

The jury that has been summoned for today, Monday, March 23, for the 123rd District Court, Honorable Charles "Brick" Dickerson presiding has been cancelled due to the scheduled cases being resolved or passed. Anyone receiving a summons for that day is released from jury service until they receive a future summons.

The Center ISD Board of Trustees will have a special called meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, and among the agenda items will be a presentation, analysis and discussion on the district’s financial profile and outlook and discussion of child nutrition program expectations.

The City of Joaquin announces the Recycle Trailer will be in Joaquin all this week, March 23 -March 30.

he trailer will be located on the Joaquin City Square in front of the Ram House.

Recyclable materials include: paper, aluminum, plastic, and cardboard. 

Unacceptable items include glass, batteries, and electronics.

The Tenaha ISD Board of Trustees will have a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. tonight and among the agenda items for consideration and approval will be a resolution calling the Texas Legislature to expand the state's investment in Pre-Kindergarten Education; the 2015-16 School Calendar; and calling a public board meeting at 5:15 p.m. May 12 to discuss federal programs.

In addition, the Tenaha school board will consider acceptance of a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria from the City of Tenaha; and also consider administrative contracts and any possible resignations, new hires and/or discipline.

The Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees will have a regular meeting at 6 p.m. this evening, and among the agenda items for consideration and possible action will be the Joaquin ISD Transfer Agreement Policy.

The Center Rotary Club’s 28th annual Fun for Funds auction is coming up from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow night, Tuesday from the Windham Civic Center.

Monies raised from the auction benefit the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Fund to help students at Center High School pursue a higher education.

Rotary club president J.J. Ford says the event is turning out to be an auction full of unique opportunities. She said among the items in a one-of-a-kind custom Taylor Made golf bag produced in limited quantity for the George W. Bush Institutes "Warrior Open 2014" in Las Colinas, and is autographed by the former president "No. 43"--the value is priceless.

Also, the family of late Center High School teacher and tennis coach, Doug Andrews have given a Cotton Bowl Football Game package in his memory. Doug's daughter, Eve Andrews Wiley and her husband Blake of Dallas made the donation.

The auction's website, funforfunds.org and the Rotary Club's Facebook will contain more auction items. Early bidding for auction items begins today. The live online benefit auction starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday for four hours.

Ms. Ford said to be sure and keep up with the auction because some items are only available for bidding for one hour before a new list is offered. She noted some items will be available for bidding all four hours up until the 10 p.m. deadline.

The event will be aired on Center Broadcasting Company stations KDET 930 AM and KQBB 100.5 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Also, viewable online via a live webcast, and on Suddenlink Cable Channel 2.

Over the years, the event has raised over $1 million for the Roughrider Scholarship Foundation. Last year's Fun for Funds raised some $40,000. All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

The Center Rotary Club is also celebrating its 90th anniversary this month.

The Healthcare committee of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 8^th Annual Health and Fitness Fair, sponsored by Cline Family Medicine, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, March 26 at the Windham Civic Center. 

The fair is free to the public featuring over 35 vendors with give-a-ways and door prizes.  Cline Family Medicine is the presenting sponsor of this year’s event along with gold sponsors Center Chiropractic and Nacogdoches Medical Center. 

Vendors will be providing health screenings which includes glucose, cholesterol, spinal screenings, heart awareness, and vision. Information will be provided on home health, nursing homes, hospice, nutrition, and caregiver relief. 

Both the ETMC Cancer Institute and Ross Breast Center from Trinity Mother Frances Hospital Mobile Digital Mammography Units will be at the Health and Fitness Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 at the Windham Civic Center. Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first serve basis. To schedule a digital mammogram, you’re urged to contact Daphne or Jheri-Lynn at 936-598-7744. There is a charge for the mammograms and financial assistance is available.

This year the fair will feature two guest speakers, Dr. Dan Wilkins, Wilkins Counseling, will presenting information on “Stress Management” and Wes Bynum of Hospice of East Texas, will have a presentation on “Caregiver Care”.

For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682. You can also visit the chamber’s website www.shelbycountychamber.com.

The Nacogdoches County Exposition and Civic Center along with the Nacogdoches Jaycees present the 35^th annual Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo this Thursday thru Saturday, March 26-28.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with action starting at 7:45 p.m. each night.

Specialty act is Wrangler National Finals Rodeo clown and PRCA Clown of the Year nominee John Harrison.

Thursday night is Family Night with no tickets sold. They’re asking for a $2 donation to go to Glory Gang Child Ministries.

Tickets may be purchased at Outhousetickets.com or at Boot Barn in Nacogdoches for Friday and Saturday Night for $7 a night or a $10 armband may be purchased for both nights. Saturday Night is "Tough Enough to Wear Pink". 

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will conduct a wreath laying at the Veteran's Memorial on the grounds of the History Shelby County Courthouse at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24th, to honor those who served in the Kosovo Campaign. 

It was sixteen years ago on March 24, 1999 NATO launched an air campaign called "Operation Allied Force" to halt the humanitarian devastation that was then unfolding in Kosovo.

As always the public is invited.  If you are a Kosovo veteran and would like to participate call post quartermaster Larry Hume at 598-2976

Grand Champion of Grill Fest – All Smoked Up from Jacksonville, Texas. Head cook was Oley Willis.
 

Reserve Champion of Grill Fest – Team Rage from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was Braun Cyr.

Chicken Cooking Category Winners:
1st place, $1,000 – Team Rage from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was Braun Cyr.

2nd place, $750 - All Smoked Up from Jacksonville, Texas. Head cook was Oley Willis.
3rd place, $500 – Up In Smoke from Bullard, Texas. Head cook was John Paine.
4th place – Bayou BBQ from West Monroe, Louisiana. Head cook was Benjy Lewis.
5th place – Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas. Head cook was Joey Lawson.
6th place – Midnight Smokers from Tenaha, Texas. Head cook was Joshua Campbell.
7th place – Githca Creek Country Cookers from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was David Chandler.
8th place – Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas. Head cook was Will Lucas.
9th place – Uncle Willy’s Redneck Mafia from Hemphill, Texas. Head cook was Tommy McGee.
10th place – 3 B Bar B Que from Center, Texas. Head cook was James Bridges.

Pork Spare Rib Cooking Category Winners:
1st place, $1,000 - Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas. Head cook was Joey Lawson.
2nd place, $750 - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas. Head cook was Will Lucas.
3rd place, $500 - All Smoked Up from Jacksonville, Texas. Head cook was Oley Willis.
4th place - Team Rage from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was Braun Cyr.

5th place - Up In Smoke from Bullard, Texas. Head cook was John Paine.
6th place - Githca Creek Country Cookers from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was David Chandler.
7th place - Bayou BBQ from West Monroe Louisiana. Head cook was Benjy Lewis.
8th place - Midnight Smokers from Tenaha, Texas. Head cook was Joshua Campbell.
9th place - Uncle Willy’s Redneck Mafia from Hemphill, Texas. Head cook was Tommy McGee.
10th place – 3 B Bar B Que from Center, Texas. Head cook was James Bridges.

Brisket Cooking Category Winners:
1st place, $1,000 -  All Smoked Up from Jacksonville, Texas. Head cook was Oley Willis.

2nd place, $750 - Bayou BBQ from West Monroe Louisiana. Head cook was Benjy Lewis.
3rd place, $500 - Midnight Smokers from Tenaha, Texas. Head cook was Joshua Campbell.
4th place - Uncle Willy’s Redneck Mafia from Hemphill, Texas. Head cook was Tommy McGee.
5th place - Team Rage from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was Braun Cyr.

6th place - Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas. Head cook was Joey Lawson.
7th place - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas. Head cook was Will Lucas.
8th place - Up In Smoke from Bullard, Texas. Head cook was John Paine.
9th place – 3 B Bar B Que from Center, Texas. Head cook was James Bridges.
10th place - Githca Creek Country Cookers from Rusk, Texas. Head cook was David Chandler.

Bean Cook-Off Winners:

1st place – Farmers State Bank, Cook, Vickie Barnes

2nd place – 3 B Bar B Que, Cook, James Bridges

3rd place – Uncle Willy’s Redneck Mafia, Cook, Tommy McGee

4th place – All Smoked Up, Cook, Oley Willis

5th place  – Team Rage, Cook Braun Cyr

6th place – Gitcha Creek Country Cookers, Cook, David Chandler

7th place  – Shelby Savings Bank, Cook, Will Lucas

Dessert Cook-Off Winners:

1st place – Gitcha Creek Country Cookers, Cook, David Chandler

2nd place – Farmers State Bank, Cook, Camille Cooper

3rd place – Uncle Willy’s Redneck Mafia, Cook, Shonda McGee

4th place – Bonnie Lucas

5th place  – 3 B Bar B Que, Cook, James Bridges

6th place – All Smoked Up, Cook, Oley Willis

7th place  – 3 B Bar B Que, Cook, James Bridges

42 Champs

Don Lovell and Royce Johnson

Washer Pitching Champs

Rusty Jones and Jacob Best

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SHREVEPORT LA
328 PM CDT SAT MAR 21 2015

...A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF DEEP EAST
TEXAS...AND NORTHERN LOUISIANA...UNTIL 7 AM SUNDAY MORNING...

A SLOW MOVING UPPER TROUGH APPROACHING OUR AREA FROM THE WEST
WILL CONTINUE TO PRODUCE NUMEROUS SHOWERS AND ISOLATED
THUNDERSTORMS...THROUGH THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. AN ADDITIONAL ONE TO
TWO INCHES OF ADDITIONAL RAINFALL...SOME HEAVY AT TIMES...MAY
CAUSE FLASH FLOODING.

LAZ017>022-TXZ152-153-165>167-221200-
/O.CON.KSHV.FF.A.0004.000000T0000Z-150322T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
SABINE-NATCHITOCHES-WINN-GRANT-CALDWELL-LA SALLE-NACOGDOCHES-
SHELBY-ANGELINA-SAN AUGUSTINE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...MANY...ZWOLLE...PLEASANT HILL...
NATCHITOCHES...WINNFIELD...COLFAX...MONTGOMERY...DRY PRONG...
CLARKS...GRAYSON...COLUMBIA...JENA...MIDWAY...OLLA...
NACOGDOCHES...CENTER...LUFKIN...SAN AUGUSTINE...HEMPHILL...
PINELAND
328 PM CDT SAT MAR 21 2015

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING...

THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR

* PORTIONS OF LOUISIANA AND TEXAS...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING
  AREAS...IN LOUISIANA...CALDWELL...GRANT...LA SALLE...
  NATCHITOCHES...SABINE AND WINN. IN TEXAS...ANGELINA...
  NACOGDOCHES...SABINE...SAN AUGUSTINE AND SHELBY.

* THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING

* A LARGE AREA OF SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WILL PERSIST
  WITH ONE TO TWO INCHES OF RAINFALL FOR THE WATCH AREA THROUGH
  THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. SOME HEAVY RAINFALL MAY OCCUR OVER AREAS
  THAT ALREADY HAVE SATURATED SOILS FROM PREVIOUS HEAVY RAIN
  EVENTS...LEADING TO A THREAT FOR FLASH FLOODING.

* FLASH FLOODING IN LOW LYING AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS MAY MAKE
  SOME ROADWAYS AND UNDERPASSES IMPASSABLE. RAPID WATER LEVEL
  INCREASES IN SMALL STREAMS...CREEKS AND BAYOUS MAY ALSO OCCUR.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS ARE IN PLACE THAT MAY
LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS
SITUATION.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION
SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.

A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through 1 PM Sunday... 

The Flash Flood Watch continues for * much of Louisiana and Texas... including the following parishes in Louisiana Bienville... Bossier... Caddo... Caldwell... Claiborne... De Soto... Grant... Jackson... La Salle... Lincoln... Natchitoches... Ouachita... Red River... Sabine... Union... Webster and Winn. 
In Texas, counties included... Angelina... Cherokee... Gregg... Harrison... Nacogdoches... Panola... Rusk... Sabine... San Augustine... Shelby... and Smith.

Many areas have higher totals than here in San Augustine where we have picked up .17 this morning....1.12 inches for the two days...5.80 for the month of March and...15.03 for our 2015 rainfall total.  The rain continues to develop to our South and West and train toward the Northwest.  
 

LUFKIN – With 146 people killed in Texas work zone crashes last year – an increase of more than 20 percent from 2013 – the Texas Department of Transportation urges drivers to slow down, pay attention and be extra cautious when driving through work zones and construction areas. TxDOT’s call-to-action, “Drive Safe in Work Zones So We All Get Home,” coincides with National Work Zone Awareness Week, March 23-27.

At 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, employees of the nine-county Lufkin District, area law enforcement officials, members of the media and other guests will gather at the Lufkin District offices at 1805 N. Timberland Drive to remember the 146 people who lost their lives in work zones last year.

“People often think work zone crashes result in the deaths of roadside workers, but last year, 87 percent of work zone fatalities were motorists,” said TxDOT Deputy Executive Director John Barton. “Our TxDOT employees and contractors are obviously at risk, but so too are drivers and their passengers. We urge everyone to be careful and responsible in work zones so our roadside workers and passing motorists, alike, can arrive safely at home to their loved ones.”

The top two factors of work zone crashes are failure to control speed and driver inattention. Traffic fines in work zones double when workers are present and can cost up to $2,000.

By law, drivers are required to move over or slow down when approaching work crews, emergency vehicles or tow trucks stopped on the roadside or shoulder with flashing blue or amber lights.

During National Work Zone Awareness Week, TxDOT’s permanent message signs along state highways and roadways will remind drivers to use caution in work zones.

Ara Belle English Anthony, 75, of Center, passed away Friday, March 20, 2015 at her residence.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2015, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 23, 2015, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Tim Perkins officiating.  Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Center.

Ms. Anthony was born May 26, 1939 in Shelby County to Lynn English and Bernice Payne English.  She loved to cook, quilt and spend time with her grandchildren. Ms. Anthony was a member of Hurst Street Church of Christ.

She is survived by

Sons:

Frankie Anthony and wife, Valerie, of Center

Mark Anthony of Denton

Mitchell Anthony and wife, Sonya, of Center

Daughter: Laresa Livingston of Center

Ten Grandchildren

Eleven Great Grandchildren

Sisters:

Bobbie Campbell and husband, O.C., of Center

Judy English of Center

Vernell English of Center

Sister-in-law: Brooksie McGee of Center

Brothers-in-law:

Elmer Ray Wilburn of Center

E.A. Tomlin of Center

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by

Husband: Grover F. Anthony

One infant child: James Kirk Anthony

Parents: Lynn English and Bernice Payne English

Sister: Johnny Wilburn

Pallbearers will be Grover Lynn Anthony, Brandon Anthony, Doug Eaves, Cody Anthony, Wil Blackshear, Cameron Anthony, Russell Sowell and Ryan Hall.

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

Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that Shelby County Sheriff's Department Investigators DJ Dickerson, Kevin Windham and Constable Pct. 5 Stanley Burgay have been investigating theft of property from the Timpson area.

During the course of the investigation, it was found that a 39-year old Kenneth Dewayne Hendrick and a 41-year old Horace Roger Hendrick, both of Timpson, had sold property that was positively identified as the property that was stolen from the Lawrence Edwards' property.

Kenneth Dewayne Hendrick (left) and Horace Roger Hendrick were recently arrested and charged with theft of property.

Both were arrested and charged with Theft, Enhanced, Felony 3.The property that was recovered, being 150 creosote poles* and (4) rolls of barbed wire were recently relinquished to the owner.

Lawrence Edwards with property recovered after the arrest of Kenneth Dewayne Hendrick and Horace Roger Hendrick.

All games tonight in Carthage have been postponed due to weather, and rescheduled for Monday.

COMMISSIONERS’ COURT

SHELBY COUNTY, TEXAS

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing Body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 23 day of March, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1.      Approve and pay monthly expenses.

2.      Public Comments on Agenda items.

3.      Recognize the Certificate of Compliance from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and commend the Sheriff, Jail Administrator, and employees working in the jail.

4.      Approve the reimbursement of utility bills to Mike Crouch, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5.

5.      Discuss and possibly take actions on the purchase and placement of an office for Precinct 5, Justice of the Peace.

6.      Authorize the payment of utilities for the present office of Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5.

7.      Discuss and possibly take action on Sheriff Blackwell’s request for a new automobile for the Sheriff Department.

8.      Appoint Allison Harbison and David Chadwick to the Deep East Texas Rural Transportation Planning Organization.

9.      Appoint Florencio Singson M.D. as the Local Health Authority for Shelby County.

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

11.  Take action to recognize Income Received from Sale of Seized Vehicles and adjust the Constable #4 Forfeiture budget for increase in income and Proposed Expenses in the amount of $1,655.00.

12.  Discuss and possibly take action on allowing Tri County to use the gym and assume responsibility for utility payments and liability insurance.

13.  Discuss and possibly take action on rental of old Elementary School gym to Denetra Slaughter and Celia Aguilar for one year.

14.  Discuss and possibly take action on Ann Blackwell’s request for funding to have a dividing wall placed in the Treasurer’s office.

15.  Adjourn.

NACOGDOCHES, TX – Nacogdoches Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Nancy Windham will speak on economic development at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Fourth Friday Luncheon, noon to 1 p.m., March 27 at Quality Inn & Suites, 3400 South St. Gold sponsors are Axley & Rode, LLP, Manpower Group and Nacogdoches E.D.C.

Windham is responsible for the activities and operations of the corporation and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to Nacogdoches E.D.C. officers and board. The activities include the promotion, recruitment and assistance of retail, industrial and manufacturing business locating to the City of Nacogdoches and Nacogdoches County and the expansion and retention of existing local business.

Prior to returning to her “roots” of Nacogdoches, Windham was Vice President of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation for 10 years where her primary duties included business attraction, recruitment and incentive negotiations on a national and international level. Her strategic
partnership skills were instrumental in establishing thousands of jobs and potentially billions of dollars of investment. Her professional background includes 11 years in the banking industry which began at the Commercial State Bank in Garrison and 29 years in economic development, site selection and association management where she has served on numerous local, regional and national committees and boards.

The information presented is vital for all local businesses. This economic development-themed luncheon serves as the Chamber’s monthly membership meeting. Attend and stay on top of what is going on at the Chamber and around town. RSVPs are required by noon, March 25. Lunch is $16 at the door. Find the secure “pay online and register” option in Hot News at www.nacogdoches.org call 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.

The Center Lady Rider sistrict softball games scheduled today in Tatum have been cancelled.

The cold front movement is ever so slowly Eastward as it sags to the South.  The rain is expected to begin by mid afternoon today due to the slow movement of the cold front. The NWS forecast is for T-storms from 3-9 pm today and an increase in rain amounts up to 1" from the previous forecast for our area. 75 to 100% chances for light to moderate rain through Sunday afternoon.  Still no severe weather is expected although some lightning will occur.... once again, little wind or hail associated with this event Flash Flood WatchStatement as of 4:59 AM CDT on March 20, 2015
... Flash Flood Watch in effect from 4 PM CDT this afternoon
through Sunday morning... 

The National Weather Service in Shreveport has expanded the

* Flash Flood Watch to include portions of Louisiana and Texas...   
   - in Louisiana... Bienville... Bossier... Caddo... Claiborne... De Soto... Jackson... Lincoln...  Natchitoches... Red River... Sabine... Webster and Winn.    

   - In Texas... Angelina... Cherokee... Gregg... Harrison... Nacogdoches... Panola... Rusk... Sabine... San Augustine... Shelby and Smith.
* a large area of showers and thunderstorms is expected to bring two to four inches of rainfall to the watch area over the next 48 hours. This heavy rainfall will occur over areas that already have saturated soils from previous heavy rain events...  leading to a threat for flash flooding.

* Flash flooding in low lying and poor drainage areas may make some roadways and underpasses impassible. Rapid water level increases in small streams... creeks and bayous may also occur. 

Precautionary/preparedness actions... 

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

The Tenaha Tiger baseball team will play Beckville at 6:30 p.m. Monday. That's a change from the earlier information received this morning.

Hippity Rabbit will be at Texas Star Retail Store, 108 W. Columbia Street,
San Augustine, Texas,  today and next week too!   

 

March 20, 2015     from 3-4:40

March 27, 2015     from 3-4:30

March 28, 2015     from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. 

 

Bring your own camera!

LOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SHREVEPORT LA
459 AM CDT FRI MAR 20 2015

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST
TEXAS...FOR DEEP EAST TEXAS AND FOR NORTHWEST LOUISIANA FROM 4 PM
CDT THIS AFTERNOON UNTIL 7 AM SUNDAY MORNING...

.THE COMBINATION OF RICH DEEP LAYER MOISTURE...A STALLED FRONTAL
BOUNDARY AND A SLOW MOVING UPPER TROUGH WILL RESULT IN A LARGE
AREA OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPING LATER TODAY AND
CONTINUING INTO SATURDAY DAY AND NIGHT ACROSS THE REGION. SOILS
ARE STILL SATURATED AND MANY RIVERS AND STREAMS ARE STILL NEAR OR
ABOVE FLOOD STAGE DUE TO OTHER HEAVY RAINFALL EVENTS DURING THE
LAST FEW WEEKS. THESE CONDITIONS COMBINED WITH AN ADDITIONAL TWO TO
FOUR INCHES OF RAINFALL MAY LEAD TO A RENEWED THREAT FOR FLASH
FLOODING OVER THE WEEKEND.

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON
THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SHREVEPORT HAS EXPANDED THE

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH TO INCLUDE PORTIONS OF LOUISIANA AND TEXAS...
   INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...IN LOUISIANA...BIENVILLE...
  BOSSIER...CADDO...CLAIBORNE...DE SOTO...JACKSON...LINCOLN...
  NATCHITOCHES...RED RIVER...SABINE...WEBSTER AND WINN. IN
  TEXAS...ANGELINA...CHEROKEE...GREGG...HARRISON...NACOGDOCHES...
   PANOLA...RUSK...SABINE...SAN AUGUSTINE...SHELBY AND SMITH.

* FROM 4 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING

* A LARGE AREA OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IS EXPECTED TO BRING
  TWO TO FOUR INCHES OF RAINFALL TO THE WATCH AREA OVER THE NEXT
  48 HOURS. THIS HEAVY RAINFALL WILL OCCUR OVER AREAS THAT
  ALREADY HAVE SATURATED SOILS FROM PREVIOUS HEAVY RAIN EVENTS...
  LEADING TO A THREAT FOR FLASH FLOODING.

* FLASH FLOODING IN LOW LYING AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS MAY MAKE
  SOME ROADWAYS AND UNDERPASSES IMPASSIBLE. RAPID WATER LEVEL
  INCREASES IN SMALL STREAMS...CREEKS AND BAYOUS MAY ALSO OCCUR.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION
SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.

Arrest Report

03/19/15—03/20/15

Shelby County:

Keyun Lakendrick Southall, 30, Lufkin, Driving While License Invalid

Kachasmon Moore, 29, Center, Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Joshua LaKeith Harper, 37, Center, Three Charges-Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Bryce Alan Harris, 17, Center, Assault-Family Violence

Shelby Whittington, 23, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Bobby Ray Harper, 56, Center, Two Charges-Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Ronnie Darnell Harper, 48, Center, Delivery of a Controlled Substance

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The four individuals arrested in Tuesday morning’s pre-dawn search warrant executed by the Center Police Dept. Tactical Narcotics Team at an East Center residence have been identified.

According to arrest records at the Shelby County Jail this morning all are from Center and have been charged with at least one count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, they are: 37-year old Joshua LaKeith Harper, 48-year old Ronnie Darnell Harper, 56-year old Bobby Ray Harper and 29-year old Kachasmon Moore.

The arrest occurred at 1202 Union Street after several months of investigation and various types of illegal drugs were discovered at the residence.

A search warrant at another East Center residence in February during a Tactical Narcotics Team resulted in another arrest where drugs were being sold.

Baseball (Today) Weather Permitting:

The #16 state-ranked Center Roughriders and are scheduled to be at district rival Carthage. Center is 2-0 in Dist. 19-4A play. Action begins at 4:30 p.m. with JV.

The Joaquin Rams (2-0 dist.) go to Gary.

The Timpson Bears (2-0 dist) go to Mt Enterprise.

The Tenaha Tigers (0-2 dist.) go to Beckville (2-0 dist.).

The Shelbyville Dragons (0-2 dist.) go to Martinsville.

The San Augustine Wolves host Chireno.

The Broaddus Bulldogs at Colmesneil.

Dist. 19-4A Baseball

Center 2-0

Carthage 1-0

Rusk 1-0

Henderson 0-2

Tatum 0-2

Softball (Today) Weather Permitting:

The Center Lady Riders are to open district at Tatum.

The Joaquin Lady Rams are to host Alto.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons (3-0 dist.) are idle Friday.

The Timpson Lady Bears (0-3 dist.) are idle Friday.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs played Hemphill Wednesday. They will be idle Friday.

Dist. 19-4A Softball

Carthage 1-0

Tatum 1-0

Henderson 0-1

Center 0-0

Rusk 0-0

Softball Opening Day Delayed:

According to Feather Andrusick, opening day games for Center ASA Softball originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21 has been postponed due to weather. They will reschedule at a later date.

Power Lifting:

The girls' state power lifting meet is being held today through Saturday in Corpus Christi. There’s a good representation of local lifters participating.

Center - Lady Riders Ryley Hudspeth & Rachel Andrews.

Shelbyville Girls – After placing second as a team at region the Lady Dragons have 7 at state. Qualifying for the state meet are Cleosha Jeter, Savannah Talbertt, Tristin Wilburn, Kennedy Parker, Harlie Hagler, Katie Kasey and Hannah Hall.

Joaquin Girls’- Lady Ram Desere Cooper.

The boys' state meet is next week in Abilene.

Soccer:

The Rider and Lady Rider Soccer teams will close out the regular season at Hudson tonight. Action starts at 5 p.m. The Riders are 15-4 on the season and will advance to the state playoffs. Their first round game will be next Friday, March 27 against Mexia and will be played in Crockett.

College Hoops:

Both the SFA Lumberjacks and Lady Jacks were bounced from the post-season last night. The men lose to Utah, 57-50 in Portland, Oregon in a NCAA first-round game. The women were defeated by TCU, 85-80 in Ft. Worth.

The San Augustine County Ducks Unlimited Banquet to be held Saturday, March 21 at the San Augustine County Fair Grounds' Show Barn. Doors open at 5:30pm, dinner served at 6pm and Auction starts at 7:15pm. The event will feature a live auction, silent auction, raffles, and games! Tickets prices: 6 years and younger free, Greenwings - $20, Single ticket - $40, and Couple tickets - $60. For more information or to buy tickets, contact Tyler Jackson at 936-275-3414 or Will Mathews at 936-240-3010.

There will be a haze of great smelling barbecue smoke floating over the Windham Civic Center as the the Shelby County Grill Fest Barbecue Cook-off is held tomorrow.

Organizers say the event goes on rain-or-shine.

Gates open at noon for spectators with a $10 come-and-go wrist band for indoor and outdoor activities.

Cook-off chairman Kim McElroy says weather will not be a problem for attendees.

She adds the spacious room availability at the civic center will keep attendees dry and warm. Ms. McElroy said if they need to they would move the washer pitching inside.

Ms. McElroy says the Lone Star Barbecue Society sanctioned cook-off is sponsored by Farmers State Bank with cook teams vying for over $6,750 in prize money and trophies. The competition is sponsored by Tyson Foods.

Cook-off events begin at 7 p.m. tonight with the 42 Tournament at Sombreros Restaurant.

Washer Pitching begins at noon Saturday sponsored by Shelby Savings Bank.

Danny Paul Windham and the Pine Hill Review are to play at 3 p.m.

Weather permitting a classic car exhibit hosted by the Shelby County Cruisers.

Awards will be presented at 5 p.m. sponsored by the City of Center.

Get more on Grill Fest from shelbycountychamber.com.

Weather cancellations:

The 11th Annual Jasper Air Show & Fly-In has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 3rd & Sunday, October 4th at Jasper County Bell Field Airport, on Highway 190 West in Jasper. The air show was originally scheduled for this weekend, but it had to be cancelled due to a forecast of rain on today, Saturday, and Sunday.

The Shelby County Ducks Unlimited Green Wing event scheduled for Saturday was cancelled earlier this week due to weather and a wet venue. Organizers are hoping to reschedule possibly in late April.

Also, according to Feather Andrusick, opening day games for Center ASA Softball originally scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, March 21 has been postponed due to weather. They will reschedule at a later date.

Obits:

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 91-year old Floyd Elmer Boatman of Garrison. Service will be at 11 a.m. this morning at Garrison Funeral Home, with interment at Cold Springs Cemetery in Garrison.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 76-year old Jean Whitley of Timpson. Service will be at 2 p.m. this Saturday at her home.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 58-year old Joe Bruton of Timpson. Service will be at 2 p.m. this Saturday at his home.

Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home in Carthage announces service for 76-year old Andre Dwain Hall of Gary. He passed away Monday after a long illness. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home with the celebration of life to immediately follow at 1 pm. He will be laid to rest at the Mount Bethel Cemetery in Gary. Among Andre Dwain Hall’s survivors is a daughter, Tonya & Cris Aruffo of Houston; son, Shawn Hall & Pam Belrose of Center; sister, Elna Gosnell of Royce City; brother, James Roszell Hall III & wife, Molly of Port Allen, La.; and brother-in-law, Pete Kunkel of Gary.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces a memorial service for 72-year old Mrs. Hellen Sickels of Nacogdoches, formerly of San Augustine. A service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Wyman Roberts Chapel with visitation prior to service. She served as a clerk in the San Augustine District Clerk's office.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 58-year old Mrs. JoAnn Lockett of Center. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Abundant Love Ministries in Center, with interment at Westview Cemetery in Center. A Wake will be held frm 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at Community Funeral Home in Center.

Memorial service for Roger Guyton "Guy" Hopkins of Georgia will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday in Stockbridge Georgia. His ashes will be buried with his parents at a graveside service in July at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Guy Hopkins was born in Center and graduated Center High School in 1965.

Hicks Mortuary of Center and Timms Funeral Home of Lufkin announces service for 82-year old Mrs. Maxine Waterhouse Greer of Lufkin. She passed away March 13 at a Lufkin nursing home. Service will be at 12 noon Saturday at Long Chapel CME Church in Lufkin, with burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Lufkin. A repass will be held at Long Chapel CME Church. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Among Maxine Waterhouse Greer's survivors is a daughter, Connie Greer of Lufkin; brothers, Sam Waterhouse of Ohio and Joe Willie Waterhouse of Center; and sisters, Ann Turner of Ohio, Onie Alexander of Carthage and Gwendolyn & C.W. Garrett of Center.

A second cold front has developed out West in Arizona and New Mexico and is pushing ever so slowly toward the East.  If you look closely at the graphic, you can see the temperatures are about 20 degrees cooler on the North side and along the frontal boundary.  It's along that line where the heavier rain and T-storms will continue to form during this storm.   

- Rain here in Deep East Texas is now forecast to begin mid afternoon on Friday and continue through Sunday evening late.  We can still expect to see 2 1/2 to 3 inches of rain from this event in our area.  RAIN: 1/2 inch tomorrow...2 inches Saturday with steady rain all day...Sunday another 1/2 inch before the storm moves out of the area. 

   - No strong winds or hail of any significance is anticipated for our area.  Just a few T-storms and most of those will be along the convergence line to our North.  
   - Flooding will be an issue as our ground is saturated.   

   - Our temperatures will stay in the 70's for highs and low 60's for lows.
   - Monday through Wednesday plenty of SUN and 80's??