Wanted By: Mansfield Police Department, Mansfield, LA, 318-872-0520

In the early morning hours of February 11, 2020, the Mansfield Police Department along with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Department responded to a shooting in the 600 block of Martin Luther King Drive.  Officers located a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Detectives were able to gather information which led to an arrest warrant being used for Reginald Richardson Jr. on the charges of Attempted Second-Degree Murder. 

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1000 for information that leads to the arrest of Reginald Richardson Jr.  You may contact Detective David Self at the Mansfield Police Department (318)872-0520 or Sgt. Jordan Ebarb at the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Department (318)872-3956.  All tips are considered confidential.  You may also contact the Crime Stopper line at 1-800-505-STOP (7867) or submit a tip at www. P3tips.com.  Remember we don’t want your name, just your information.   Reginald Richardson should be considered Armed and Dangerous.  Please do not attempt to apprehend or detain this individual by yourself. 

The Shelby County Clerk's Office will be closed for regular business on Monday and Tuesday, March 2nd and 3rd, to handle Election Business only.  We are sorry for any inconvenience.  We will reopen on Wednesday, March 4th, for regular business.

February 28, 2020-Tigers vs @ Big Sandy at Angelina College 7:00pm; PepRally in SEC 1:30 pm

(KGAS will be broadcasting the game tonight on 1590 AM and on easttexastoday.com. If you would like to sponsor or have a shout out, please call 903-693-7176.)

March 2, 2020-HS Robotics in Kilgore

March 3, 2020-Baseball vs Shelbyville (Home) 4:00 pm; Sr Cap & Gown; Kinder Cap & Gown; (Group and Individual) Who’s Who Pictures

March 4, 2020-Student Early Release 1:30 pm; TELPAS Grade 4

March 5, 2020- TELPAS Grade 3; HS Track @ Groveton Relays

March 6, 2020-Baseball vs Shelbyville (There) 6:00 pm; JH Track in Groveton

March 8, 2020-Daylight Saving Time begins. Set clocks ahead 1 hour.

March 10, 2020-Baseball vs Timpson (There) 6:00 pm; TELPAS Grade 5

March 11, 2020- TELPAS Grade 2 and Make-up

March 12, 2020-Businessmen’s Meeting; TELPAS 9-12

March 13, 2020-Baseball vs Timpson (Home) 4:00 pm; Student Holiday/Teacher In-Service

March 16-20, 2020-Spring Break

March 16, 2020-JH Track in San Augustine

March 17, 2020-Baseball vs Martinsville (Home) 4:00 pm

March 19, 2020-HS Track @ San Augustine Relays

March 20, 2020-Baseball vs Martinsville (There) 6:00 pm

March 23, 2020-JH Track in Cushing

March 24, 2020-Baseball in Mt. Enterprise 6:00 pm; HS & MS Bands Pre-UIL in Carthage

March 26, 2020-HS Track @ Cushing Relays

March 27, 2020-Baseball vs Mt. Enterprise (Home) 4:00 pm

March 30, 2020-STARR ALT 2-Grades 3-8 and EOC; 22-2A District Meet in Shelbyville

March 31, 2020- Baseball vs Joaquin (Home) 4:00 pm

April 1, 2020-22-2A District Meet in Shelbyville

April 15, 2020-HS Track-Area Meet in San Augustine

April 24, 2020-HS Regional Meet in Palestine

April 25, 2020- HS Regional Meet in Palestine

May 8, 2020-HS Track-State Meet in Austin

May 9, 2020-HS Track-State Meet in Austin

State of the Union......

Just for informational purposes for all TISD stakeholders.... No fluff... Just facts...

* Highest A-F accountability jump in Shelby County of eleven points to 84 which is a B rating

*  The county's first fully funded Dual Credit tuition program continues and has expanded.  

* Superior rating for FIRST (financial integrity)

* Lowest overall tax rate in Shelby County

* A fund balance that has tripled over the last eight years

* But, a continued commitment to fund facilities projects and transportation, as well as three different Board approved salary scale raises for teachers in that time

* Band makes 1st division yet again in Marching contest.  Sends more kids to All-Region Band in JH than any 4A school that participated.  

* Football program did miss the playoffs for the first time in 14 years, but that comes on the heels of 9 trips to the state quarterfinals or beyond in the last 11 seasons.  (Only Carthage, Mart, Aledo, Falls City, Lake Travis have enjoyed "sustained" success at that level)

* Girls Basketball already at 19 wins.  One more makes the first time in school history to record five consecutive 20 win seasons)

*Boys Basketball-  tied for 1st place in the toughest district in the state. Also a program with 14 Regional Tourney appearances in the last 17 years.  

* Hosts of the largest and best Holiday Basketball tournament in Texas.

* The first and perhaps only school that opens a "restaurant" for stakeholders on event nights with the Tiger Cafe.  

* A state championship contending Barbecue Team in our Ag department.

* Yet another team qualified for the State Robotics Contest

* The first time in school history to qualify a team for the Cross Country State Meet

* Enrollment is holding at 529 students PK-12.  That's a 23% increase of enrollment since the passage of the 2008 bond.  

We are proud of the school we have and we care about continually pushing these kids to reach their fullest potential.  

 Every year, Lifetouch hosts an International Yearbook Showcase Contest to recognize the
outstanding yearbook programs they partner with. The yearbooks are judged based on theme,
creativity, design, photography, and writing. The Shelbyville Dragon Yearbook staff entered
their 2018-2019 yearbook titled, "How We See Ourselves" to Lifetouch's International
Yearbook Showcase Contest "How We See Ourselves" was one of the selected Distinguished
Merit Yearbooks. The staff members that worked on this yearbook are: Brisa Martinez, Brittany
Payne, Whittany Payne, Naquila Barnes, Dana Valencia, CaDayasia Garrett, Brenda Bautista,
Jaelyn Crawford, Laka Sanders. Congratulations on a great yearbook ladies!

The phone call was received around dusk that summer afternoon in 1963.  The caller was a neighbor who explained to my wife, Clara, that she was looking at a man on the roof of our house.  I was watching television when my wife ran into the living room and announced that there was a man on top of our house.  "What?", I questioned, "someone on our roof?"  All kinds of questions popped into my mind.  This was our newly purchased house and why would someone want to get on my roof?

I had bought this, my very first house, just a few months earlier.  It was a three bedroom and one bath house on Evergreen Street in Bellaire, Texas, a suburb of Houston.  I paid all of $12,500 for it, and painted it for the down payment.  As a new homeowner, I was not about to allow someone to disturb my tranquility.

"Call the police", I told my wife.  I retrieved my pistol and walked through the house peering out every window seeking a peek at the perpetrator, but I saw no one.  The police arrived in a few minutes, and they could not locate anyone either.  After a few days I put the incident behind me.

Several weeks later, our telephone rang around dusk again.  It was the same neighbor with the same message.  "I swear that there is a man standing on the top of your house, right above the rear door", she explained.  "I can see him silhouetted against the setting sun."  Again I got my pistol, told my wife to call the police.  Then I eased out the front door ready to confront the invader.

I walked around to the back yard and noticed a teenage boy squatting down in some bushes.  Then I recognized the boy as the son of another neighbor that lived behind us.  I asked him what he was doing in my back yard, and his reply was "I am looking for my lost cat."

As the police came up to me I told them who the boy was and that I probably would not file any charges.  His father was a business associate, and I hesitated to cause problems for the family.  So the police questioned the young man, and then turned him over to his father.

I later learned why the young lad was getting on top of my house.  A pretty young girl lived in the house directly behind ours.  Her bedroom window was directly in line with my back door.  He would climb up on my roof and look past her café curtains into her bed room.  As far as I know, this incident cured him of that little game.  We received no further calls about someone diddling on our roof. 

"DIDDLER  ON  THE  ROOF"

BY: NEAL MURPHY
107 Hemlock Street
P.O. Box 511
San Augustine, TX 75972
936-275-9033
Cell: 936-275-6986
Email: sugarbear@netdot.com

490 words

Logan Cook, of Alto, TX, won the Tie Down Roping, Saddlebronc, and Men’s All-Around this past weekend at the Texas A&M-Commerce Rodeo to lead the Panola Rodeo Team to a third place finish overall.  

Teammates Daylon Swearingen, Blake Griffin, Grayson Royer, Michael Womack, and Macon Murphy added points to the team’s success.  Swearingen, the reigning National Champion Bull Rider, scored big in the long go by winning the bull riding and tied for third in the bareback.  Blake Griffin, a sophomore from Center, Tx, along with his partner took third overall in the team roping.   Grayson Royer, a freshman from Tyler, scored points by placing 2nd in the long go in bareback.  Michael Womack, a sophomore from Bastrop, LA, added points to the team totals with a 5th place finish in the saddle bronc.  Macon Murphy, of Keatchie, LA, wound up the points for the team as he placed 6th in the long go in the tie down roping.  

McKynzie Bush, of Center, TX, finished second in the barrel racing to lead the Women’s Team this weekend.

 As the race for the College National Finals comes down to the final three rodeos, the Panola team is currently sitting 4th in the Southern Region, and only the top two teams qualify for Nationals.  In each event the top three qualify for the National Finals.  The Panola Team has several pushing for those top spots.  Team Roper Healer Clayton Lowery and his partner are ranked #1;  Logan Cook, who has qualified for the CNFR 4 straight years is currently sitting 2nd in saddle bronc;  Freshman, Chase Runfola is 4th in the bullriding;   Blake Griffin and his partner are ranked 7th in the team roping;  McKenzie Bush has moved to 6th in the barrel racing as the only member of the women’s team ranked in the Southern Region.

The Panola Ponies are getting in the practice over the next few weeks before they head to the Texas A&M Rodeo March 14th and 15th. 

SABINE COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on 2-27-20 on SH 184 about one and one-half miles west of Hemphill.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 3:20 p.m., 2009 Toyota pickup was traveling south on FM 1592 and entered onto SH 184, traveling east in the westbound lane and was struck by a westbound 2015 Jeep Wrangler. The driver of the Toyota is identified as 68-year-old Nancy Little from Hemphill. Little was transported to the Sabine County Hospital where she was pronounced deceased a short time later.

The driver of the Jeep is identified as 38-year-old Misty Graffeo from Hemphill. Graffeo was also transported to the Sabine County Hospital with unknown injuries. This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

Please be advised “Officials with the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Sabine National Forest, are conducting a prescribed burn today with Helicopter support, Friday,  February 28, 2020, located at Sabine National Forest Service, off Farm Market 2694 in the Boles Field area, Compartments 15 & 16, ( Blocks C & D ) totaling 3,636 acres.   The area is South of Farm Market 2694, between Shelby County Road 2420 and Farm Market 3471 (Possum Trot Highway) in Shelby County,  Please see the attached map of the projected burn areas (Blocks C & D).  Use Caution for smoke and please have headlights on.”

Winds are predicted from the Northwest @ 6-10 MPH.  Ignition time of 1100 and completion estimated at 1800.

We appreciate you helping us with public concerns when we Burn.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the Sabine Ranger District office (409) 625-1940.

Grand Opening Brand Bash Celebrations of Gordmans’ newest stores, which will debut at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17 in the following Texas cities: Center, College Station, Ennis, Georgetown, Gonzales, Odessa, Round Rock and Waco. There will be two stores opening in Odessa.

At each store Grand Opening, Gordmans will donate a $1,000 check to a local school. 

Early Voting Location:

Center Community House
423 San Augustine Street
Center, Texas 75935

March 3rd, 2020, Shelby County Voting Locations:

Republican Voting Locations:

Precinct 1 North 

First United Methodist Church 
211 N. Porter Street
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 1 South

Church of Christ 
110 Hurst Street
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 1 South East

Pinewoods Family Outreach Center
255 Haley Dr.
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 1 South West

Center Community House
423 San Augustine Street
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 1 West

JOI Ranch
5198 FM 2026
Tenaha, Texas 75954

Precinct 2

Excelsior School
11280 Street HWY 7 West
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 3

Campti Pentecostal Church
6153 FM 414
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 4

Lydia Baptist Church Fellowship Hall
14998 FM 139
Shelbyville, Texas

Precinct 5

First United Methodist Church
Fellowship Hall
175 Faulkville Road
Joaquin, Texas 75954

Precinct 6

Dreka Pentecostal Church Fellowship Hall
1193 FM 2427
Shelbyville, Texas 75973

Precinct 7

First Baptist Church - Shelbyville
Fellowship Hall
5030 SH 87 South
Shelbyville, Texas 75973

Precinct 8

First United Methodist Church
Schiede Hall
256 N. George Bowers Drive
Tenaha, Texas 75954

Precinct 9 North 

Texas State Bank
830 North 1st Street West
Timpson, Texas 75975

Precinct 9 South

Timpson School Gym Foyer
836 Bear Drive
Timpson, Texas 75975

Democrat Voting Locations:

Precinct 1 North

Church of Christ
110 Hurst Street
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 1 South

Church of Christ
110 Hurst Street
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 1 South East

Pineywoods Family Outreach Center
255 Haley Dr.
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 1 South West

Church of Christ
110 Hurst Street
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 1 West

Church of Christ
110 Hurst Street
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 2 

Excelsior School
11280 Street HWY 7 West
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 3

Pineywoods Family Outreach Center
255 Haley Dr.
Center, Texas 75935

Precinct 4 

First Baptist Church - Shelbyville
Fellowship Hall
5030 SH 87 South
Shelbyville, Texas 75973

Precinct 5

First United Methodist Church
Fellowship Hall
175 Faulkville Road
Joaquin, Texas 75954

Precinct 6

First Baptist Church - Shelbyville
Fellowship Hall
5030 SH 87 South
Shelbyville, Texas 75973

Precinct 7

First Baptist Church - Shelbyville
Fellowship Hall
5030 SH 87 South
Shelbyville, Texas 75973

Precinct 8

First United Methodist Church
Schiede Hall
256 N. George Bowers Drive
Tenaha, Texas 75954

Precinct 9 North

American State Bank
830 North 1st Street West
Timpson, Texas 75975

Precinct 9 South

American State Bank
830 North 1st Street West
Timpson, Texas 75975

On Thursday, Feb 20 the Panola College School of Energy hosted its annual high school welding competition on the Carthage campus. Approximately 59 students from Texas and Louisiana high schools competed.

“We put on an annual welding competition in order for area high school students to become better involved in welding technology,” said Clint Cassell, Instructor of Welding Technology at Panola College. “It’s a great opportunity for students to compete against others their age and to better the skills they will need in the welding field down the road.”

Finishing first was Kaden Arvello, Timpson High School; second: Shelton Eaves, Many High School; third: John Meshell, Ebarb High School; fourth: John Glynn, Many High School; and fifth: K.J. Carter, Many High School.

The first-place prize included a handmade trophy buckle, cutting torch set, and a $1,000 scholarship to Panola College. “I’m very happy,” said first place winner, Kaden Arvello. “All those welding rods paid off.”

Veterans with a service-connected disability are encouraged to file an exemption
application form to have their property taxes lowered. Some veterans may even qualify
for a 100 percent exemption of their taxes.

Texas law provides partial exemptions for any property owned by veterans who are
disabled, surviving spouses and surviving children of deceased disabled veterans. An
applicant may claim an exemption on only one piece of property the applicant owned on
Jan. 1. The applicant must be a Texas resident to qualify for a homestead exemption.
The other partial exemption is for homesteads donated to disabled veterans by charitable
organizations at no cost or not more than 50 percent of the good faith estimate of the
homestead’s market value to the disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.
The exemption amount is determined according to the percentage of service-connected
disability.

A disabled veteran who receives 100 percent disability compensation due to a service-connected disability and a rating of 100 percent disabled or individual unemployability
from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is entitled to an exemption from
taxation of the appraised value of the veteran’s residence homestead. Surviving spouses
of veterans who qualified for this exemption or who would have qualified for this
exemption if it had been in effect at the time of the veteran’s death are also eligible with
certain restrictions.

The surviving spouse of a member of the U.S. armed services who is killed in action is
allowed a total (100 percent) property tax exemption on his or her residence homestead if
the surviving spouse has not remarried since the death of the armed services member.
Any eligible person who has not previously received an exemption should file an
exemption application by April 30.

For more information about property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and their
surviving spouses or to file an exemption, contact the Shelby County Appraisal District at
(936) 598-6171 online at www.shelbycad.com.

More information is also available on the Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance Division’s
website at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/. 

AUSTIN – Texas Transportation Commissioners on Thursday approved more than $351.3 million in new construction projects statewide, with $8.4 million approved for San Augustine County. Also approved for the Lufkin District was a $1.1 million maintenance project in Trinity County.

SH 103 in San Augustine County was approved for an $8.4 million construction project that is designed to rehabilitate existing roadway, safety treat fixed objects and add illumination at SH 147 from the Attoyac River to SH 147 North. Moore Brothers Construction Company, Lufkin TX, will serve as contractor. No timeline for completion has been set.

SH 19 and various other roadways in Trinity County were approved for $1.1 million in maintenance funding that will include on-call traffic control services provided by Area Wide Protective, Inc., North Canton, OH.

As these projects begin, motorists are urged to stay alert for work zone signage, workers and moving equipment. Reduce speed through all work zones and obey all traffic control.

For more information on road conditions and closures statewide, visit drivetexas.org.

VFW Post 8904 visited Center High School today to present High School Teacher Nicholas Wheeler with his first place framed certificate and check for $100.00.  Nicholas was selected as the post Teacher of the Year, 2019-2020.

Mr. Wheeler is a graduate of Panola College and Stephen F. Austin State University.  For the past five years he has taught business and finance at Center high School.  His role encompasses leading and developing future business leaders in America.

He is married and has three children.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Heston Avery, 17, of Joaquin. Avery stated that he had accidentally shot his friend Angel De La Rosa, 16, of Joaquin. 

Sheriff Blackwell said deputies and investigators from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene along with ACE EMS. Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Jackie Kirkwood arrived on scene and pronounced the victim deceased. An autopsy was ordered.

Avery and a 14 year-old witness, who was present at the time of the shooting, were brought to the SCSO and gave statements of what occurred. 

Avery was booked into the Shelby County jail and charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide (SJF).  He was arraigned by Kirkwood on a $10,000 bond and was released after posting bond.

This case is pending and will be sent to the Grand Jury. This is a very sad situation for the family of the victim. This is also very sad for Avery’s family and Avery himself who faces charges for a tragic accident that took the life of a young man who had everything to live for.

Please keep all of these families in your prayers during this time. Each of them will be reminded of this every day for the rest of their lives.

Leah Chase, SCSO Media Relations

The Shelbyville Dragons are Bi-District Champs! They  will play Friday, Feb. 28 @ Hudson High School- Lufkin TX at 8:00 pm vs Broaddus in the Area Playoff round. 
The Dragons will be Visitors.

District and Coaches passes will be accepted.

Notice is hereby given that a special called meeting of the governing body of the City of Tenaha will be held on the 2nd day of March at 5:00 pm at the City Hall, 238 North George Bowers Drive, Tenaha, Texas, at which time the following subjects will be discussed.  If while in the meeting, any discussion on items on the Agenda should be held in executive session, the Council will convene in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code Section 551.101.

Agenda:
1.    Call Meeting to Order
2.    Welcome/Pledge and Prayer
3.    Roll Call to establish that a quorum is present
4.    Public Comments: Must sign in prior to Meeting being called to order.  
5.    Discuss and Consider Approving Cleanup & Restoration of the City Hall Building due to Slab Leak and Flooding. ACTION ITEM
6.    Enter Closed Session per Texas Government Code Section 551.071; Consultation with Attorney.
7.    Return to Open Session with Results of Closed Session
8.    Council Comments 
9.    Adjourn

Tri-County Community Action, Inc. will hold a Board Meeting on Monday, March 2, 2020, in Center, Texas. The meeting will be held at the Central Office located (214 Nacogdoches St.) Center, Texas.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information call Yolanda Neal at (936) 598-6315 Ext: 200.

Looking for something to do Saturday night? Here's a great way to support the Timpson One Act Play/Drama Club & 2020 Jr. Class. Thanks to Cissy Amos for spearheading this event for the kids!

The Timpson High School One Act Play/Drama Club, along with the 2020 Jr. Class will be hosing a Hamburger Dinner and Ticket Pull, Saturday, Feb. 29 at the Timpson Middle School Cafeteria & Gym starting at 5 p.m. Hamburger dinners bought in advance are $8, or $10 at the door.

Ticket pull and big-ticket prizes will start at 6 p.m. until. There will also be some auctions throughout the night and cake auction. Tickets will be $1 for 10 tickets for ticket pull, and $1 a ticket for big-ticket prizes, which include a fire pit made and donated by the Timpson Ag Shop, “Play Ball” basket filled with all kinds of goodies and 2 tickets to the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers game, donated by Timpson JP Tracy Broadway & wife Tammy, and a weed eater donated by Ace Hardware of Center. Tons of prizes donated by local merchants.

Come out and eat and have a fund time winning great prizes and supporting the Timpson school.
For tickets, call Cissy 936-254-4429 or Cindy 936-559-3051. All candidates or welcome to come and meet the public.(no political rally) they can campaign while they are there.

Graduation Protocol

CLICK HERE:

Center High School Scholarship Awards List:

CLICK HERE:

Note that the list is subject to change should additional scholarships be awarded. 
Scholarship awards will be announced as each senior crosses the stage at graduation.  
Center ISD appreciates the generous support provided to members of the Class of 2020 and joins with both the students and their families in expressing our thanks!

3 Garrison boys made the All-Star Football team. Ja'Kedric Watts, Ja'Kadric Watts and Sabastion Porter (not in order) were drafted to play in the All-Star Football game on June 6, 2020, in Tyler.

Early Release Friday at 1:00 p.m.

Lady Bear Basketball – Good Luck Lady Bears at Regional Competition on Friday, at Bryan High School in Bryan @ 6:00 p.m.  Winner of that game will play Saturday at same location for a chance to advance to the State Tournament.  Go Lady Bears!!!!!

One of the easiest ways a homeowner can lower his or her property tax bill is to file a
homestead exemption. A homestead is generally the house and land used as the
owner’s principal residence on Jan. 1 of the tax year.

Homestead exemptions reduce the appraised value of your home and, as a result, lower
your property taxes. To apply for an exemption on your residence homestead, contact
the Shelby County Appraisal District.

Available homestead exemptions include:

School taxes: All homeowners may receive a $25,000 homestead exemption for
school taxes.

County taxes: If a county collects a special tax for farm-to-market roads or flood
control, a homeowner may receive a $3,000 homestead exemption for this tax.

Age and disability exemptions: Individuals 65 or older or disabled as defined
by law may qualify for a $10,000 homestead exemption for school taxes, in
addition to the $25,000 exemption available to all homeowners. Also, any taxing
unit may offer a local optional exemption of at least $3,000 for taxpayers age 65
or older and/or disabled. Older or disabled homeowners do not need to own their
homes on Jan. 1 to qualify for the $10,000 homestead exemption. They qualify
as soon as they turn age 65 or become disabled.

Taxing units may offer a local option exemption based on a percentage of a
home's appraised value. Any taxing unit can exempt up to 20 percent of the value
of each qualified homestead. No matter what percentage of value the taxing unit
adopts, the dollar value of the exemption must be at least $5,000.

Partial exemption for disabled veterans: Texas law provides partial
exemptions for any property owned by veterans who are disabled, surviving
spouses and surviving children of deceased disabled veterans. This includes
homesteads donated to disabled veterans by charitable organizations at no cost
or not more than 50 percent of the good faith estimate of the homestead’s market
value to the disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The exemption
amount is determined according to the percentage of service-connected
disability.

100 Percent Residence Homestead Exemption for Disabled Veterans: A
disabled veteran who receives 100 percent disability compensation due to a
service-connected disability and a rating of 100 percent disabled or of individual
unemployability from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is entitled
to an exemption from taxation of the total appraised value of the veteran's
residence homestead. Surviving spouses of veterans who qualified for this
exemption or who would have qualified for this exemption if it had been in effect
at the time of the veteran’s death are also eligible with certain restrictions. The
residence homestead application must be filed if this exemption is claimed.
? Surviving Spouses of Members of the U.S. Armed Services Killed in Action:
The surviving spouse of a member of the U.S. armed services who is killed in
action is allowed a total (100 percent) property tax exemption on his or her
residence homestead if the surviving spouse has not remarried since the death of
the armed services member. 

Surviving Spouses of First Responders Killed in the Line of Duty: The
eligible surviving spouse of a first responder killed in the line of duty is allowed a
total (100 percent) property tax exemption on his or her residence homestead if
the surviving spouse has not remarried since the death of the first responder.
For more details on homestead exemptions, contact the Shelby County Appraisal
District at (936) 598-6171, online at www.shelbycad.com. The homestead exemption
application is available online at comptroller.texas.gov/forms/50-114.pdf. 

Texas farmers and ranchers can be granted property tax relief on their land. They may
apply to the Shelby County Appraisal District for agricultural productivity appraisal and
for a lower appraisal of their land-based on how much they produce, versus what their
land would sell for on the open market.

The Texas Constitution authorizes two types of agricultural productivity appraisals, 1-d1 and 1-d, named after the section in which they were authorized. For 1-d-1 appraisal,
property owners must use the land for agriculture or timber and the land’s use must
meet the degree of intensity generally accepted in the area. Owners must also show
that the land was used for this purpose at least five of the preceding seven years. 1-d-1
the appraisal does not restrict ownership to individuals and does not require agriculture to
be the owner’s primary business. Most landowners apply for the 1-d-1 appraisal.
Under 1-d appraisal, the land must have been used for this purpose at least three years
and the owner must be an individual versus a corporation, partnership, agency or
organization. The land must also be the owner’s primary source of income.
Penalties in the form of a rollback tax, or the difference between the taxes paid under
productivity appraisal and the taxes that would have been paid if the land had been put
on the tax roll at market value, will be imposed if qualified land is taken out of agriculture
or timber production.

A rollback tax occurs when a landowner switches the land’s use to non-agricultural.
These rollback taxes under 1-d-1 are based on the five tax years preceding the year of
change. Under 1-d appraisal, the rollback extends back for three years.

Texas law allows farmers and ranchers to use the land for wildlife management and still
receive the special appraisal, but the land must be qualified for agriculture use in the
preceding year. Land under wildlife management must also meet acreage size
requirements and special use qualifications.

The deadline to apply for productivity appraisal is April 30. If the last day for the
performance of an act is a Saturday, Sunday or legal state or national holiday, the act is
timely if performed on the next regular business day. Owners of land qualified as 1-d
must file a new application every year. Owners of land qualified as 1-d-1 need not file
again in later years unless the chief appraiser requests a new application.

For more information about productivity appraisal and application forms, contact the
Shelby County Appraisal District at (936) 598-6171, online at www.shelbycad.com.
Information is also available on the state Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance
Division’s website at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/. 

Friday, February 28th Tigers vs Big Sandy @ Angelina College 7:00 pm

TCCA "HARVEST FOR HOMES" PRODUCE DROP

ON FEBRUARY 26, 2020

TIME: 9 AM

IVAN SMITH PARKING LOT NEAR OLD SOMBEROS, PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF ANY BUSINESS.

ON 02/ 22/2020, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Choice public water system, 2100005 to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

  
The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of 02/25/2020.   

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

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Senior interior design students at Stephen F. Austin State University are showcasing their talents during the Essence of Design exhibit on display through March 28 on the second floor of the Steen Library at SFA. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Each of the students is allotted a 64-square-foot area to create a display that showcases his or her personality, skills and design philosophy. The students' areas are equipped with TV monitors that showcase collaborations among all SFA's interior design classes and faculty members.

"This exhibit demonstrates what interior designers do in the real world and how much technical information is required for a design," said Sally Ann Swearingen, associate professor of interior design and construction management in SFA's School of Human Sciences.

The exhibit helps students prepare their portfolios for the job-search process, educate the public about interior design and experience the complete design process, from conceptualization to design development, fabrication, installation and evaluation.

Plano senior Caroline Lebeuf gained construction and troubleshooting skills while working on her double-sided display that includes sitting and shelf areas. "This was a fun way to show my love for design and my use of color and details to liven up spaces," she said.

The interior design seniors will be available to discuss their work in person at a reception from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 29, in the same location as the showcase. Johnson Furniture is sponsoring the reception, and Lufkin Printing is sponsoring the invitations.

The exhibit also offers area high school students a chance to explore the interior design program at SFA.

"Our exhibit runs during an SFA Showcase Saturday event on March 28, so prospective students can see this exhibit and our facility," Swearingen said. "We're also inviting all area high school students interested in art, drafting and design to stop by and see the exhibit."

To schedule a guided tour for future Lumberjacks or high school students, contact Swearingen at (936) 468-2048 or sswearingen@sfasu.edu.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The College of Fine Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University will present the Argentine-based dance company Che Malambo in an electrifying University Series performance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus. Che Malambo's fiery melting-pot performance blends flamenco, tango, tap and Irish step dance with the drumming of traditional bombos, singing and whirling boleadoras lasso work in a powerful production.

Their performance at SFA is sponsored in part by Cataract, Glaucoma, Cornea & Retina Consultants of East Texas/Benchmark Optical/Medical Arts Surgery Center. Ticket prices are $30 for adults, $24 for seniors and $12 for non-SFA students/youth. Tickets for SFA students are $3. Discounts are also available for SFA faculty and staff members.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit finearts.sfasu.edu, stop by the Box Office in Room 211 of the Griffith Fine Arts Building, or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will present a music alumnus in concert at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in the Music Recital Hall on the SFA campus.

Gerald Wood earned a Bachelor of Music Education from SFA in 1997. He then attended the University of Southern Mississippi to earn a Master of Music in performance and completed his doctoral studies at the University of Illinois. He is currently professor of horn at the University of Texas-Arlington. He is a member of the Dallas Opera Orchestra and Dallas Wind Symphony and has performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Wood is a founding member of the Four Hornsmen of the Apocalypse, a quartet that has performed internationally and has recorded a compact disc.

"Gerry is one of the finest horn students to attend SFA," said Dr. Charles Gavin, professor of horn at SFA. "He will perform some of the great current literature for horn."

His program features two concertos, including one by Lars-Eric Larsson and another by Wood's horn professor at the University of Illinois, Kaz Machala.

"In addition to the standard repertoire, he will be performing a beautiful arrangement of 'Send in the Clowns,'" Gavin added.

Wood's performance is a feature of the School of Music's Friends of Music Concert Series.

Concert tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

20th Annual Senior Celebration - Class of 2020

Monday, March 2, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the CHS Cafetorium

Senior Celebration is a chance for friends and family to share in the seniors' celebration of their accomplishments and approaching graduation.  The program consists of the introduction of each graduating senior, announcement of class favorites, and the presentation of a senior class video.

Tickets for the event cost $5.00 at the door.  This is a fundraiser for the Senior Trip and Graduation, therefore, only seniors attending as well as teachers working the event are exempt from a ticket purchase.  Children under the age of 5 are not charged for entry.

Seniors and their escorts will be dressed in semi-formal/dressy attire.  Please be mindful of the stage and stairs when choosing attire.

Parking for guests will be provided beside the Cafetorium, and all guests are to enter through those doors only.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.  We look forward to seeing you there!

65 Employers Set to Participate

Tyler, Texas, February 25, 2020: Workforce Solutions East Texas announces a region-wide Job Fair open to the public on Thursday, February 27th from 9 AM to 12 PM. The event will take place at the Tyler Rose Garden Center, located at 420 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, Texas. Sixty-five employers with positions located throughout East Texas will be set up and ready to speak with job seekers about their employment opportunities.

Job seekers attending the Job Fair will be able to speak with Human Resources representatives and in some cases, complete job applications. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes.

Mary Ann Rojas, WSET Center Director, states, “We’ve had such a great response to this event. All employer booth spaces are filled, and we have a waiting list of employers who would like to participate. I am looking forward to seeing East Texas job seekers and employers connect on Thursday.”

To view a list of the participating employers and positions available, visit www.easttexasworkforce.org/tyler-job-fair-set-for-february-27th. For more information, contact WSET Centers Director, Mary Ann Rojas at (903) 561.8131.

Jerusalem Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will have its annual usher program on Sunday, March 1, 2020, at 2:30 p.m.

For more information call: 936-201-1100.

Center
The Center Roughriders will take on the Mexia Blackcats on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020, an away game at Tyler Jr. College at 7 p.m.

Shelbyville
The Shelbyville Lady Dragons will take on the Timpson Lady Bears at 6 p.m. in Tenaha on Feb 25, 2020, following the Shelbyville boy's varsity team will play the Alto Yellow Jackets at the same location after the girls game.

San Augustine
The San Augustine Wolves will take on the Douglas Indians at Wells High School at 8 p.m.on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020.

Garrison
The Garrison Bulldogs will take on the Gary Bobcats at Panola College at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020.

Carthage
The Carthage Bulldogs will take on the Madisonville Mustangs in Rusk at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020.

Nacogdoches
The Nacogdoches Dragons will take on the Lindale Eagles at LeTourneau University's Solheim Center at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020. 

Logansport
The Logansport Lady Tigers have advanced to the third round of the Louisiana Girls' basketball playoffs after an 82-81 overtime win over Homer. Logansport is the No. 9 seed and will play No. seed, North Central in the state quarterfinals Thursday evening.

The Logansport Tigers boys' basketball team will play their first-round playoff game against Haynesville Friday night in Logansport.

The Logansport Lady Tigers have advanced to the third round of the Louisiana Girls' basketball playoffs after an 82-81 overtime win over Homer. Logansport is the No. 9 seed and will play No. seed, North Central in the state quarterfinals Thursday evening.

The Logansport Tigers boys' basketball team will play their first-round playoff game against Haynesville Friday night in Logansport.

Notice is hereby given that a special called meeting of the governing body of the City of Tenaha will be held on the 27th day of February at 5:30 pm at the City Hall, 238 North George Bowers Drive, Tenaha, Texas, at which time the following subjects will be discussed.  If while in the meeting, any discussion on items on the Agenda should be held in executive session, the Council will convene in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code Section 551.101.
Agenda:

1.    Call Meeting to Order
2.    Welcome/Pledge and Prayer
3.    Roll Call to establish that a quorum is present
4.    Public Comments: Must sign in prior to Meeting being called to order.  
5.    Discuss and Consider Approving Cleanup & Restoration of the City Hall Building due to Slab Leak and Flooding. ACTION ITEM
6.    Council Comments
7.    Adjourn
 

The Shelbyville High School Academic UIL Team competed at the Twelfth Annual Sabine Pass UIL “Shark Meet” on February 22.  Receiving awards from Shelbyville High School:

Hagan Crumpton – 1st Place Persuasive Speaking 
Kara Jones – 6th Place Poetry Interpretation
Ava Silva – 4th Place Informative Speaking, 5th Place Poetry Interpretation
Trey Smith – 3rd Place Number Sense
Myla Wagstaff – 5th Place Computer Applications
Molly Windham – 1st Place Editorial Writing, 2nd Place News Writing, 3rd Place Feature Writing
Trey Smith, Naomi Caporali, Abbi Shofner – 2nd Place Number Sense Team
 

LUFKIN – Work is scheduled to begin Wednesday to install overhead signs on US 59 in Livingston and in Nacogdoches.

Large overhead signs will be replaced on US 59 in Livingston beginning Wednesday that will require single-lane closures. Lanes affected will be closed as work progresses and reopened once work is completed. Once the signs are installed in Livingston, crews will begin the work to install the large overhead signs in Nacogdoches at the intersection of US 59 and US 259. Work there will also require intermittent lane closures as work progresses.

Vaca Underground Utilities, Inc., Houston TX, will serve as contractor for the project that should be completed within a week at each location, weather permitting. Motorists should reduce speed near the work zones and prepare for slight delays. Stay alert to crews working in and over the roadway during this project.

For more information on road conditions and closures, visit drivetexas.org.

The Unique Boutique has daily specials to make sure you are getting the best deals around!  Monday: Scrubs are 50 cents, Tuesday: Dresses are $1.25, Wednesday: All Name Brand Clothes are Half Off, Thursday: Purses are $1.00 each, and Friday/Saturday: Jeans for 50 cents, shoes are $1.00, and bags of clothes for $2.00!  Come by and take advantage of our great deals.  For more information, call the store at 936-591-8190.  

Correction the meeting will be Thursday, February 27th at 6 p.m.

Tonight 2-25-20 in the Tenaha Special Event Center 6:00 pm

Shelbyville Varsity Girls vs Timpson; Shelbyville Varsity Boys vs Alto

Tickets $5/Adults $3/Students

Hughes Veterinary Clinic, Hwy. 7 east of Center will have an open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 29. If you're a small pet owner, bring your pet in for a low-cost vaccination by Dr. Becky Hairgrove.

The Dr. Robert Hughes family is hosting the event, and will be on hand. Refreshments will be served, and details available on their new service, Camp Hughes Pet Lodge, a one-stop boarding and daycare facility. Come on out, 9 to 1 Saturday, Feb. 29 to Hughes Veterinary Clinic, Hwy. 7 east of Center.

On January 16, 1991, President George H. W. Bush announced the start of what would be called Operation Desert Storm—a military operation of coalition forces from 34 nations to expel occupying Iraqi forces from Kuwait, which Iraq had invaded and annexed months earlier.   When the war ended on February 28th, 1991, 148 Americans had died in battle.

To remember the service and sacrifice of those Americans who participated in this war, Shelby County Memorial Veterans for Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will conduct a wreath-laying at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Courthouse in Center.  The program will be held Friday, February 28th, at 10:00 am.  As always, the public is encouraged to attend and help honor Desert Storm Veterans.  Questions contact Post Quartermaster Larry Hume at 598-2976.

A traffic stop on Thursday afternoon has resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine from two different locations in Nacogdoches County. On 02-20-20, Deputies with NCSO stopped a Chevy passenger vehicle silver in color for two different traffic violations on Highway 7 West at F.M. 2782. 
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Toni Smith 29 years of age from Nacogdoches, Texas. The driver was extremely nervous and deputies became suspicious of her demeanor. A Sheriff’s Deputy K-9 unit arrived at the scene and conducted a free air search around the vehicle. The certified K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle.  Deputies would then conduct a search of the motor vehicle that led to the discovery of over 10 grams of crystal methamphetamine.  Deputies also discovered other drug paraphernalia inside the motor vehicle.

Toni Smith was transported to the Nacogdoches County Jail and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance a 2nd degree felony. Bond was set at $100,000.00 dollars. 

On Friday, 02-21-20 Investigators with NCSO conducted a follow up on the case investigation.  Investigators believed that Smith possibly had more narcotics hidden at a residence located in the 5000 block of highway 59. Investigators arrived at the residence and obtained consent to search.  Investigators found 67 grams of methamphetamine that was also mixed with Heroin.  Investigators were able to link these drugs to Toni Smith. 

Smith was also charged with Possession with intent to deliver of a controlled substance a 1st degree felony. Bond was also set on this charge at $100,000.00 dollars.  Smith remains in the Nacogdoches County Jail. 
 

The Senior Nutrition Site will be having their Breakfast Fundraiser Saturday, February 29th, from 8-11 am.  A simple donation will get you an all you can eat breakfast feast!  They will be serving eggs, bacon, grits, fruit, pancakes, juice, hashbrowns, and MORE!  Come and support our Senior Nutrition Site and eat the best breakfast around!  For more information, please give us a call at 936-598-7768.  We will see you there!  
 

Shelbyville FFA Ag-Mechanics team participated in San Antonio last weekend and brought home awards. 

Logan Williams -Outdoor Swinging Bench/Pergola-BLUE RIBBON
Austin Vaughtn & Jedd Wagstaff- Wooden Livestock Feeder-BLUE RIBBON
Gage Thompson & Grady Clay- Custom Shop Table- RED RIBBON
Mason Barbee & Matthew Freeman- 6x6 Livestock Feeder-RED RIBBON
Also, particpating were Chet Norton, Clayton Hinton, Toby Taylor, Dylan Robbins and Clayton Powell.

Shelbyville AG teachers : Michael Elliott and Kaelee Fallin

We are Dragon Proud!

Center
The Center Roughriders will take on the Mexia Blackcats on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020, an away game at Tyler Jr. College at 7 p.m.

Shelbyville
The Shelbyville Lady Dragons will take on the Timpson Lady Bears at 6 p.m. in Tenaha on Feb 25, 2020, following the boy's varsity will play the Alto Yellow Jackets at the same location after the girls game.

San Augustine
The San Augustine Wolves will take on the Douglas Indians at Wells High School at 8 p.m.on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020.

Garrison
The Garrison Bulldogs will take on the Gary Bobcats at Panola College at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020.

Carthage
The Carthage Bulldogs will take on the Madisonville Mustangs in Rusk at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020.

Nacogdoches
The Nacogdoches Dragons will take on the Lindale Eagles at LeTourneau University's Solheim Center on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020. 

Music Information:

License:

You’re free to use this song in your videos (including commercial projects), but you must include the following in your video description(copy & paste as it is):

As We Go by The 126ers

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0

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Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109

My Sad Old Heart by The 126ers

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109

Tucson by Silent Partner

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109

As Panola College plans for its 75th anniversary, the Alumni Association asks former students, employees and their families to share photos to be used in the celebration.

“We’re asking for photographs taken from 1947 to 2000,” said Jessica Pace, Director of Institutional Advancement. “We have access to old yearbooks, but we’d love to see personal photographs taken by our students and employees back then.”

The alumni photo submission form may be found at www.panola.edu/alumni. Digital images can also be sent via email to alumni@panola.edu. Please indicate that you are giving Panola College permission to use the photos as well as providing information about the photo.

Copies of photographic prints may be mailed to Panola College Alumni Association, 1109 W. Panola, Carthage, TX 75633, delivered to the Institutional Advancement Office inside the Martha Miller Administration Building or to the main desk at the M.P. Baker Library. Prints cannot be returned, so please make copies of your originals before submitting. Panola College can also scan prints into digital photos of those brought to campus.

“The photo submission form has space for contributors to provide identification for the people in the photographs and tell us what year the photos were taken. We would love to hear your stories about the photos and your time at Panola, so please fill out the form with your experiences,” Pace said.

“In its almost 75 years in existence, Panola College has come a long way. As we look to the future with new programs to serve our students and community, we also want to take time to celebrate our past,” said Greg Powell, Panola College President. “I hope to see many photos and hear many stories from our alumni and their families.”

Notice is hereby given that on the 27th day of February 2020 the Board of Trustees of the Joaquin School District will hold a special meeting at 7:00 p.m., at the Administration building, Joaquin, Texas.

Click here for the agenda.

Baseball tryouts have been cancelled for today 2-24-20.  However, we will have tryouts tomorrow at 5:30 at the Ballpark.  This will be for the 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12 age groups. Any questions, please call 936-590-7196.

Due to a broken water main the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Choice water system ID# 2100005 to notify Choice customers 2/22/2020 that were without water

On Hwy 96 North of 417 W to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions). 

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

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

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

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

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

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Vince Di Verdi 936-591-1205

The Lady Dragons and Dragons Basketball teams will play their playoff games tomorrow night, Feb. 25th  in Tenaha.

The Lady Dragons will begin at 6:00 pm vs. Timpson in a Regional Quarterfinal game.

The Dragons will follow 20 minutes after vs Alto.

Thank you,
Coach Benbow

On February 12-14, 12 students from Excelsior attended the Junior Beta Convention in Grapevine, Texas.  They worked on a variety of projects from academics to visual arts.  In order to advance to the National Convention in Fort Worth, which will be held in June, the students had to place in the top 3 of their category.

Excelsior's 6th-grade student Gracie Gillis advanced to the National Convention by placing 1st with her jewelry.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating an incident that occurred this morning on US 259, resulting in the death of a Nacogdoches man, about twelve miles north of Nacogdoches. 

The preliminary investigation indicates at approximately 11 a.m.; a 2010 International truck tractor semi-trailer was traveling south. A disabled vehicle was parked on the improved southbound shoulder. The driver of the disabled vehicle, for unknown reasons, entered into the southbound (outside) lane on foot when the truck tractor semi-trailer struck him. 

The driver of the International is identified as 33-year-old Luis Moreno from Laredo, TX. Moreno was not injured during the crash. 

The pedestrian involved in this incident is identified as 23-year-old Ethan Smith from Nacogdoches.

No additional information is available at this time. 
### 
 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Stephen F. Austin State University theatre students, from left, Levi Laymance, Skyler Yarbrough, Sedona McDonald, Bayley Owen, Colby Green, Britney Day and Cameron Wall bring to life on stage Kate Hamill’s “Pride and Prejudice,” an irreverent adaptation of the Jane Austen novel. The play is presented at 7:30 nightly through Saturday, Feb. 22, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus. Single tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and non-SFA students and $7.50 for youth. Tickets for SFA students are $5. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.theatre.sfasu.edu.

On Tuesday, February 18, the Diocese of Texas Episcopal Church Women (ECW) gave St. John’s Episcopal Church $2,000 to support Feed the Need, a Panola College program, which strives to assist students and faculty who may be experiencing basic living insecurities.

The Diocese of Texas ECW offers an outreach grant program to assist churches in their ministry efforts. It is one of the many ways that ECW lives into the commitment to support and enable the women of the Diocese to serve the Lord through service, worship, education, evangelism, and pastoral care.

“When we found out that we could write a grant to Episcopal Church Women for an outreach program, this is what came to mind” said Ms. Judy Guthrie, member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. “When we heard there were students at Panola College living in their cars who were in need of food and hygiene products, we thought this would be a great way to spend our money.”

Image: Members of the Diocese of Texas Episcopal Church Women and St. John’s Episcopal Church pose with care baskets in the Panola College Feed the Need comfort closet with Residence Life Coordinator, Katy Chance. Left to Right: Roxanne Brink, Francis Sidel, Judy Guthrie, Jennene Laurinec, Katy Chance, Liz Garrison, Lynda Sidel, Maudie Leach, and Joann Powell. 

Due to a broken water main the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Paxton water system ID# 2100031 to notify Jackson customers 2/20/2020 that were without water.

On CR 3174,3169,3000,3849, a few customers on 3801and FM 2428 to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions). 

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

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

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

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

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

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Stacy Cranford 903-692 4313.
 

With all the talk from candidates on the changes they will make and how things will run if they are elected, I thought it might be helpful for the citizens of Shelby County to know what ACTUALLY is going on at the Sheriff’s office on a day to day basis. Then they can decide if the things candidates are telling them are even possible. As of today, only one candidate has ever actually looked at the numbers and what is going on.

As far as the Sheriff’s office being antiquated and out of date, three years ago we purchased a $250,000 state of the art computer system, the Spillman program. This is the most up to date reporting system of law enforcement that we can get. All deputies and investigators have new body cams and car cameras. They have body armor that was purchased just a few years ago. They have new tasers and any other equipment that they have needed or asked for. We have purchased one-two new vehicles every year for the past seven years. There is so much more to the Sheriff’s office than deputies and investigators, as important as they are. The jail and the running of the jail is the backbone of the office. Without qualified, trained jailers, we would have to shut the jail doors. The jail itself is old and rapidly becoming outdated. However, that is not due to anything other than an aging building and its ability to meet the county’s needs. Right after I took office, we removed all the filthy carpet that was in the front offices and replaced with flooring. The offices were filthy as well; they were cleaned up and painted. In fact, the whole jail received a new paint job inside. Several years ago, we installed locking keypads on the side exterior doors coming into the building and the foyer door for the safety of staff. The AC/heating, electrical and plumbing repairs are almost daily issues that we face. We have replaced all the air conditioning units in the jail over the past seven years at a cost of $25,000 each.

The cost of housing prisoners is another issue we face. We have a capacity of 60, but that is total. Jail standards require male and female prisoners to be separated by a given number of cells and halls. This can and most times does cut down on the total number of prisoners that we can house. If we have to send prisoners to another county for housing, it is a cost of $50 per day which can be a tremendous blow to the budget. Not to mention the extra transportation back and forth for court appearances. This is why we monitor the jail population so closely. This is also why we don’t take every minor violation for arrests. When the day comes that the jail no longer passes inspection, the doors will be locked and all prisoners will go to other counties. Long-range plans need to start now for a new jail in the near future.

Concerning Dispatch, all 911 and any other calls to the Sheriff’s office, come through dispatch. My dispatchers do a tremendous job at handling those calls with few rewards and much criticism. This last year, the SO dispatchers answered approximately 8,000 calls and dispatched to the agency it was directed to. Most times there are two but sometimes only one dispatcher to answer five phones, 911, and radio dispatch. So when you call and get irate at the dispatcher, you have no idea how many calls she may be handling at that moment. I would ask you to please have a little patience for the ladies doing an almost impossible job at times. I would ask this of all officers calling into the Sheriff’s Office as well, whether you are a deputy, constable, city PD, DPS, fire, wrecker, etc.

It is very easy to criticize something you know nothing about. The Sheriff’s office booked in 950 arrests this past year. Of those 950, only 350 were Sheriff’s office. The others were DPS, Center PD, Tenaha PD, Timpson PD, and constables. Our deputies handle mental health issues and transport to mental health facilities. They handle loose livestock calls; assist all other agencies with accidents and arrests, and serving warrants when needed. We do not make it habit of getting into another agency’s business unless they ask. At times, we must be referees for family issues and arguments. Reports must be done properly for cases to go to court. And anyone saying our cases are not good hasn’t read them. We don’t send them unless we have a good case and the evidence to back it up. We are not responsible for what happens once it leaves our office and goes to the DA or the County Attorney. It is then their job to see it through. We prepared over 1,200 reports last year on cases involving burglary, assault, drugs, missing persons, drowning and murder. Officers from the Sheriff’s Office deliver death notification; serve warrants, civil and criminal papers for court and more.

All the candidates are talking about changes for this and that. The truth is that some things will never change. The budget is what it is and no elected official can change it. You have the number of employees you have and that is all. There are no adding employees during the year that are not budgeted. No elected official, other than the County Judge, can enter into a contract of any kind. The talk of a done deal with other counties is definitely not a done deal. There are agreements that must be approved by the commissioner’s court and put in place by them, not the Sheriff. The Sheriff does not have free rein to run the county as he pleases. With that, I thank you for the opportunity to update you on the state of the Sheriff’s office and pray for our county as new officials take office for 2021.

On the morning of February 14, 2020, Tristian Reynolds 29 of Center was arrested in front of Center Broadcasting Company by DPS troopers for the charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon, and Possession of Marijuana.

Shelbyville Lady Dragons 89 – 44 Sabine Pass

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- The Texas Blueberry Festival kicks off with the Blueberry Bluegrass Concert in the Park, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 12 at Festival Plaza in downtown Nacogdoches.

Rex Perry Autoplex is sponsoring Friday's family-friendly bluegrass concert that will feature three well-known musical acts: The Purple Hulls, Hickory Hill and The Farm Hands.

The toe-tapping fun continues with Pickin' on the Square from noon to 3 pm, Saturday, June 13, in the Commercial Bank of Texas lobby and the City Hall Meeting Room. Bluegrass musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam with new friends in air-conditioned comfort.

THE ACTS

The Purple Hulls are identical twins Katy Lou and Penny Lea Clark. The Clark sisters were raised on a working family farm in Kilgore and they paid for college with money from the family's purple hull harvest. After graduation, they moved to Nashville, where they began touring with various country artists and writing songs for Nashville's largest publishing company, Sony Tree. The sisters returned home in 2012 to care for their terminally ill father and they stayed in East Texas after he passed away, helping their mother with the farm while continuing their music career. This will be the Purple Hulls' fourth appearance at the Blueberry Bluegrass Concert.

Celebrating their 40th anniversary in September 2019, Hickory Hill has proven to be one of Texas' most popular and enduring acoustic groups. The band continues to emphasize original material, seldom heard "gems" and songs adapted from other styles of music. Original and classic gospel songs are some of the band's favorites.  

With over 80 national awards and nominations, the Farm Hands are one of the most exciting and in-demand bluegrass bands in America. Touring over 150 dates each year, this talented foursome features veterans of the world famous Grand Ole Opry, Grammy award winners, hit songwriters, and celebrated instrumentalists.

The Farm Hands had a huge presence at the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America awards this year. They were named Gospel Group of the Year, and Tim Graves was presented with a SPBGMA Grand Master award after winning the Dobro player of the year for the tenth time. 

"I'm so excited about bringing the Farm Hands to Nacogdoches!" said Scott Waller, Blueberry Bluegrass Concert in the Park co –organizer. "In only six short years, we are bringing one of the top bands in the country to our concert!"

FOOD, PARKING AND MORE

The concert will also feature food vendors, including some local farmer's market favorites selling homemade items, as well as barbecue, corn dogs, fried green tomato sandwiches, vegetarian options, soft drinks, blueberry lemonade and lots of water. Organizers encourage attendees to bring blankets and lawn chairs. The event is family-friendly, so please leave your coolers and alcohol at home. Pets on a leash are also welcome.

Parking will be available downtown. However, some downtown streets will be closed due to the Blueberry Festival, so concert-goers are urged to visit texasbluegrassfestival.org or www.facebook.com/bluegrassnac/ for parking instructions. Parking with free shuttle service to the concert venue will be available at First Baptist Church, 411 North St. Parking at the venue will be at the Nacogdoches City Garage location at 114 W. Cox St.

Organizers are grateful for the enthusiastic partners that make the concert possible, especially Rex Perry Autoplex, the City of Nacogdoches and the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

The Texas Blueberry Festival presented by Tipton Ford continues Saturday with a full day of activities in downtown Nacogdoches, including a Blueberry pancake breakfast, competitions and more live entertainment. For more information, visit tbf.nacogdoches.org/ or call 936-560-5533.

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will have a Mobile Unit available at the 13th Annual Health and Fitness Fair on March 19th.  To make an appointment to donate blood, contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 936-598-3682.  Walk ins will be welcome.  The Unit will be available from 9:00am until 1:30pm in front of the Civic Center.

Why donate blood you may ask.  There at least 12 good reasons to donate blood.

1.  It saves lives.  What else do you need to know?  Every donation can help save as many as 3 lives.
2.  It is not more painful than losing a loved one that you may save by donating.
3.  Because there are too many people who are unable to give blood.
4.  Because some day, you may need someone to do the same for you.
5.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
6.  Because if you need blood one day, you would not hesitate to take it, so why hesitate to give it?
7.  Blood donation is important because maintaining an adequate blood supply in our community          secures blood transfusions for patients.
8.  It gives donors a medical check at no cost.
9.  Because you can.
10.  Free cookies, juice and the satisfaction of helping others.
11.  You can’t discover a cure for cancer, but you can help keep someone alive while they are waiting     for a cure.
12.  The question is, why not give blood?

The Health and Fitness Fair is Sponsored by Cline Family Medicine and hosted by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and A&M Agri-Life Extension Services..  Mark your calendar.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Stephen F. Austin State University student chapter of The Wildlife Society received the Student Chapter of the Year award and defeated universities from across the state to win its second consecutive Quiz Bowl Championship at the statewide Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society meeting held this month in Corpus Christi.

"Based on the feedback I received from colleagues attending the meeting, it is clear our students' success validated the excellence of SFA's forest wildlife management program," said Dr. Daniel Scognamillo, SFA associate professor of wildlife ecology and The Wildlife Society faculty advisor. "Now, the energy and enthusiasm of the chapter is focused on carrying that momentum to the national meeting in Louisville, Kentucky."

The Student Chapter of the Year award recognizes the SFA student chapter's leadership, activities and advocacy related to wildlife management and conservation. Specifically, the SFA student chapter has dedicated considerable time and effort during the past two years to gaining support among Texas legislators for the Recovering America's Wildlife Act. If passed, the bipartisan legislation would make supplemental funds available to states for the management of wildlife most in need of conservation.  

"We've all worked hard during the past year, so it's great to see our hard work pay off," said Mikaela Egbert, forest wildlife management senior and SFA Wildlife Society chapter president.

In addition to the Quiz Bowl, a competition challenging students from across the state with rounds of questions related to the broad range of wildlife biology, management and research, SFA students presented research posters and attended a number of workshops. The student chapter also recognized Taylor McDaniel, forest wildlife management sophomore, as SFA's 2020 Outstanding Wildlife Student.

The Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society is the nation's largest chapter and holds a meeting every February in varying locations across Texas. Hundreds of wildlife and conservation professionals representing state and federal agencies, nonprofits, the private sector and academia attend the meeting to network and learn about the latest wildlife-related research.

Baseball Tryouts will be Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 24th and 25th @ 5:30.  Tryouts will be held at the Baseball Fields at Center Park located behind the college.

Tryouts are for Coach Pitch, (9-10) and (11-12) year olds only.  Tball does not tryout.

The Center Fire Department is responding to a report of a barn on fire on 3051.

FM 138, FM 414 and FM 699 are currently closed in Shelby County due to high water. Use caution and take alternate routes until the water recedes. Visit drivetexas.org for road conditions statewide. #KnowBeforeYouGo

The 13th Annual Health and Fitness Fair, Presented by Cline Family Medicine, will be Thursday, March 19th  from 9:00am until 2:30pm at the Windham Civic Center.

Mobile Mammogram Units sponsored by Trinity Mother Frances and UT Health East Texas will be onsite.  To schedule an appointment contact Tera at the AgriLife Extension Offices at 598-7744

Gulf Coast Regional Bloodmobile will also be available at the Health Fair for blood donations between 9am and 1:30pm.  To schedule a time to donate blood, please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce offices at 598-3682.  Donate blood and help save lives!!

There will be numerous screenings available, lots of vendors and health information available and door prizes.  Participate in the Scavenger Hunt and have a chance to win blue tooth earbuds, a "Health" gift basket or a 32-inch Flat Screen TV.

For more information, contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 598-3682.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The SFA Symphony Orchestra will perform Ottorino Respighi’s “Pines of Rome” in a concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.

Dr. Gregory Grabowski, director of orchestral activities for the SFA School of Music, conducts the orchestra, which will also perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 and Pierre Max Dubois’ Alto Saxophone Concerto, featuring School of Music concerto competition winner Jamal Brown, a senior music education major from Nacogdoches.

The School of Music is collaborating with the Department of Mass Communication to televise the concert on SFA-TV2 and to live stream the event. Dr. Casey Hart, associate professor of mass communications, and his students have developed a pre-concert show that will air at 7 p.m. and will include an interview with featured student performer Brown.

“These collaborations and cross pollination between academic disciplines and departments are valuable opportunities for our students to engage in real-world experiences and learn the importance of team work,” said Dr. John Hendricks, chair of the Department of Mass Communication.

Concert tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

Shelby County is accepting sealed bids on the repair or possible replacement of the roof of the Shelby County Court House. Bids should be submitted to the Shelby County Judges Office at

200 San Augustine Street Center, Texas 75935. Bids must be in by March 20, 2020.

For any further information, you are welcome to call the Shelby County Judges office at 936-598-3863.

Shelby County Commissioner Pct. 3 Charles Barr would like to announce the following county roads are flooded. 

county road 3267, county road 3737, county road 3173, county road 3520, county road 3373.

LUFKIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is continuing their enforcement efforts
across the state focusing specifically on violations of the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law.
These periodic enforcement operations by DPS Troopers are planned throughout the year at
various locations in Texas, with several operations planned in February. One of those operations
will take place in the Beaumont District throughout the day on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The
Department of Transportation will be participating in a non-enforcement capacity.

The law, originally passed in 2003, requires motorists to move over or slow down when certain
vehicles – including police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles
and tow trucks – are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. As a result
of the 86th Legislative Session, highway maintenance or construction vehicles under contract
with TxDOT, utility service vehicles, and stationary solid waste or recycling vehicles were added
to the list of vehicles that require motorists to move over or slow down.

“Our Highway Patrol Troopers and other officers risk their lives every day for the people of
Texas, and their safety is particularly vulnerable while working on the side of the road, where the
slightest mistake by a passing motorist can end in tragedy,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw.
“While our officers are serving and protecting Texans, we’re asking drivers to do their part by
adhering to the law – simply move over or slow down.”
Specifically, Texas law states that a driver must either:

Vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road (if
the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction) or
Slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit. (If the speed limit is below 25 mph, the
driver must slow down to 5 mph)

Drivers should only move over if they can do so safely and legally; otherwise, they should slow
down.

“In light of the numerous vehicle crashes that occur in Texas and across the nation on a daily
basis, and the unfortunate fact that many still violate the state law that has been in effect over 16 years, we are increasing our enforcement and education efforts related to this law,” said Director McCraw. “In addition to complying with the law to protect those who work on the side of the 2 road, we encourage motorists to show the same courtesy to fellow drivers stopped along the roadways. Let’s all get home safely.”

Violations of the law can result in a fine of up to $200; the fine increases to $500 if there is
property damage. If violators cause bodily injury, they can be charged with a Class B
misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and a maximum fine of $2,000.

Data collected from 2019 shows that DPS Troopers issued more than 27,900 warnings and
citations to motorists violating the Move Over/Slow Down law. Since January 2016 through
January 2020, Texas DPS Troopers have been in 65 stationary crashes where their vehicle or the
Trooper was struck while performing a law enforcement duty on a highway.

Shelbyville Dragons will play a  warm-up game,  Friday, Feb. 21 @ 8:30 pm vs Palestine
@ Tenaha.

On February 18, 2020 at approximately 5 p.m., Deputy Josh Tipton with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on Highway 59 in Timpson for a vehicle safety inspection. The vehicle turned onto Church Street and accelerated in an obvious attempt to flee. The vehicle came to a stop and the driver exited the vehicle. Tipton immediately recognized the driver a Tyquwon Bussey, 25, of Timpson.

Bussey continued on foot toward a trail in a wooded area. He was observed knocking on the door of a residence in an attempt to get in the house. As Tipton approached, Bussey again started to flee but was subsequently taken into custody.

Once in custody, Bussey was found to be in possession of marijuana in a bag he was carrying. While searching the vehicle, a substance believed to be methamphetamine was located. A field test positively identified the substance as methamphetamine.

Bussey was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (F-2) Possession of Marijuana (M-A) and Evading Arrest or Detention (SJF). Bussey posted bonds totaling $32,500 and was released February 19.

Deputy Tipton was assisted by Deputy Jake Gross.

Gordon “Peanut” Barrett, 68, of Garrison, Texas passed away on February 18, 2020 in Tyler, Texas.  Born August 15, 1951, in Garrison, Texas, to the late Gordon “Si” Barrett and Renney Clotte (Frederick) Barrett.  Funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 3:30PM at Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas, with Bishop Neal Cox officiating.   

Visitation will be held prior to the service on February 20, 2020 beginning at 2:00 PM at Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net. 

Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.

The Lady Dragons will play Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, at Kirbyville High School at 6 p.m. vs Sabine Pass. Admission is $5 Adult $4 Student.  The Lady Dragons are Home.

The Sabine County Beekeepers will meet for our monthly meeting on Monday, March 2nd at 6:30 PM. We meet every 1st Monday of the month at 6:30 PM at the Sabine County Chamber of Commerce, on the square, downtown Hemphill. We welcome the public to come out and join us. We have no dues or officers. This is for anyone interested in becoming a new beekeeper or an already experienced beekeeper. For more info, call James at (409)625-4787. 

Notice is hereby given that a Regular meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 19th day of February, 2020 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 the minutes of the January 2, 2020 Special meeting, January 8, 2020 Regular meeting, January 15, 2020 Special meeting, January 22, 2020 Special meeting, January 29, 2020 Special meeting of the Shelby County Commissioner’s Court.

2.    Approve and pay weekly expenses.

3.    Approve current payroll.

4.    Approve Officers Report.

5.    Public Comments on Agenda item.

6.    Discuss and possibly take action on fixing the roof of the Courthouse.

7.    Discuss and possibly approve Resolution of Annual review of the County Investment Policy.

8.    Discuss and possible approve adding Financial Northeastern Companies to approve broker/dealer list.

9.    Approve Annual Resolution to Designate County Investment Officer.

10.    Record 15 hours (10 are required) of Continuing Education as the County Investment Officer and member of the County Investment Academy.

11.    Discuss and approve Commissioner Pct. 2 to have a person perform community service work such as cleaning up around barn and picking up trash 5 hours a day with permission from Adult Probation.

12.    Discuss and possibly approve Project Proposal from EZ Way Services to repair the roof of the Juvenile Probation Building.
                                                      
EXECUTIVE SESSION

13.    An Executive Session will also be held  to deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property if deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person. The closed session is authorized by Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Sec. 551.072

14.    Reopen Public meeting.

15.    Discuss and possibly make a decision on issues discussed in the Executive Session.

16.    Adjourn.
 

The Senior Nutrition Site will have a Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, February 29th.  Breakfast will be served from 8 am to 11 am.  A simple donation will get you full on eggs, bacon, fruit, juices, hash browns, grits, sausage, pancakes, and more! For questions or if you would like to volunteer, please call Mrs. Dee at 936-598-7768.  

Due to demand, we have decided to add a bonus pot of $500 to the team with the largest hog caught with dogs.

Rules and Guidelines:

JOAQUIN FFA AND JOAQUIN ISD WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS OR ACTION OF HUNTERS DURING THE HUNT OR AT THE LOCATION OF CHECK-IN.

1.    All animals may be taken anywhere by any means, but must be in accordance to state hunting laws
2.    All animals must be harvested within the time frame
3.    Team members must hunt together at all times, and only hunters entered in the contest may hunt
4.    All team members must be present at weigh-in
5.    All animals must be disposed of legally
6.    Automatic disqualification for any team that violates the law
7.    Any animals that are tampered with to add weight will not be weighed or counted.
8.    Joaquin FFA will use their own scales for weighing
9.    No tobacco or alcohol will be permitted at check-in and weigh in
10.    At least one member of the team must be over the age of 21
11.    All animals must be a minimum of 25lbs. to be eligible for the contest
12.    All boars must be intact
13.    Joaquin FFA reserves the right to disqualify any team
14.    Animals must be harvested prior to weigh in. NO LIVE ANIMALS
15.    ALL DECISIONS ARE FINAL PER THE JOAQUIN FFA ADVISORS

Check-in will be held on the square in Joaquin, TX Friday, February 21, 2020, at 5 pm. At least one representative from each team must be present. Weigh-in will be held in the same location on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at noon. ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST BE PRESENT AT WEIGH-IN. 

Entry fees are divided as follows:
    $300/team
    $150 goes to support the Joaquin FFA
    $75 goes to Pot 1
    $75 goes to Pot 2
1st place – 70% of pot        2nd place – 30% of pot
$500 will be paid to the team with the most hogs. (Minimum of 25lbs./animal to be eligible.)
$100 will be paid to the team with the longest tusks.

I have read and understand the rules listed above. As team captain, I am responsible for the members of my team.

_________________________________________                _____________
    
      (Signature)                                    (Date)

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Future college students will have the opportunity to experience a taste of campus life during a free, action-packed open house Saturday, Feb. 22, at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.

Prospective students can visit with university faculty and staff, tour the campus and residence halls, and preview academic programs during SFA’s Showcase Saturday event.

Showcase visitors can utilize the Guidebook app to stay up-to-date on the full day’s schedule. The app will show the time and on-campus location of each breakout session and special program.

“There is no better way to get to know SFA than the university’s Showcase Saturday event,” said Erma Nieto Brecht, SFA executive director of enrollment management. “We pack the day full of informational sessions and tours so prospective students and their families can learn not only about our quality academic programs but also everything from admission requirements to financial aid and residence life.”

SFA is a comprehensive, residential university located in the heart of Texas Forest Country. Approximately 13,000 students attend SFA, which is within a few hours' drive of Texas' major metropolitan areas.

Showcase Saturday event check-in will begin at 11 a.m. on the first floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center. A Student Services Fair will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the student center Spirit Lounge, located on the first floor.

Guided campus tours will be offered at 11:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. Self-guided residence hall tours also will be offered from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and again from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Opening programs begin at 1 p.m. and will provide an overview of each of SFA’s six colleges. Guests will then be able to visit with representatives from academic departments until 3:30 p.m. during the Academic Fair in the Student Recreation Center.

Thirty-minute informational breakout sessions will take place throughout the afternoon and will cover topics such as financial aid, freshman admissions, residence life, transfer admissions, orientation, VA/Hazlewood Act benefits and admitted students’ next steps.

In addition to receiving a high-energy Lumberjack experience, participating prospective students will receive a free SFA T-shirt after completing an evaluation form through the Guidebook app.

For more information about SFA's Showcase Saturday, contact the Office of Admissions at (936) 468-2504, or email admissions@sfasu.edu.

The Center Noon Lions Club has for sale for a limited time their popular Princess Brooms. They are available at King's Nursery and Florist in Tenaha and Ivan Smith Furniture Store in Center. These brooms are only available for a limited time. For more information, please contact Tim Wulf at 598-6333.

Center

The Center Roughriders will take on Huntington in a home game the first game starts at 4:30 p.m. on February 18, 2020.

Shelbyville

The Shelbyville Dragons will take on the Martinsville pirates in an away game the first game starts at 5 p.m. on February 18, 2020.

Tenaha 

The Tenaha Tigers will take on the Woden Eagles in Tenaha the first game starts at 5:30 p.m. on February 18, 2020.

Carthage

The Carthage Bulldogs will take on the Hudson Hornet in Hudson the first game starts at 4:30 p.m. on February 18, 2020.

Logansport

The Logansport Tigers will take on Lakeview an away for Logansport the game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. on February 18, 2020.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — In recognition of United Nations World Water Day, Stephen F. Austin State University, the City of Nacogdoches, Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful and Resilient Nacogdoches invite the community to participate Saturday, March 21, in cleaning up litter in and along Lanana Creek.

“We are extremely fortunate for the water resources available to us in East Texas, and it is important that we are good stewards of this precious resource,” said Sarah Fuller, outreach coordinator with SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture.

The event, lasting from 9 a.m. to noon, also will include family-friendly activities and educational information related to hydrology. Supplies such as gloves and garbage bags will be provided. Participants are encouraged to help make the stream cleanup a litter-free event by bringing a reusable water bottle.

Refreshments will be provided prior to and following the cleanup.

"Our community prides itself on its beauty, and it is important for us to support and recognize all of the groups that help maintain this beauty throughout the year," said Brian Bray, director of community services for the City of Nacogdoches. "We are thankful this event not only fills a need but also helps to bring all of these wonderful organizations together." 

Because the cleanup will take place in and alongside the creek, participants are advised to dress accordingly and wear proper footwear, such as rubber boots or secure water shoes.     

Event sign in begins at 9 a.m. at the Pecan Park Pavilion located at 826 Starr Ave. Participants are asked to RSVP online at signupgenius.com/go/70a0b4da8a923a7f58-world. Participants under the age of 18 require adult supervision. 

For more information, contact Fuller at (936) 468-1185 or fullersa@sfasu.edu.

The Shelby County Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting on February 18, 2020, at 2:00 P. M. in the Shelby County Museum on Pecan Street.  The speaker this month will be Ms. Carolyn Bounds.  She will speak to us about Raiford Stripling who was a native of San Augustine.  He was a well-known architect who worked all over the world.  There are several houses in Shelby and San Augustine Counties that he designed.  Everyone is invited to attend.

It is almost Summer and time to get your body beach ready!!!  Become the biggest loser in Shelby County — of weight, that is.  There will a CASH prize for the top winner.  Prizes will be awarded to the most successful competitors in the county’s weight loss and physical fitness program.  Please sign up by Monday February 24, 2020 for the Step Up & Scale Down – Biggest Loser of Shelby County.  Please come by the Shelby County Extension office at 266 Nacogdoches Street, Center, Texas. Participants will weigh-in and submit a $40 participation fee. The program will start on Tuesday February 25, 2020 at 5:30 pm at the Shelby County Extension office.

Winners of the 12-week challenge will be determined by the percentage of body weight they lose during the three-month competition, not by lost pounds.  All participants will weigh-in bi-weekly to chart their progress (weights will be kept confidential), which ends with a final weigh-in at the Extension office the week of April 27th.  The winners will be awarded prizes for 1st – 3rd places, respectively, and recognized at a celebration event on May 7th.

Shelby County Extension Agent, Feleshia Thompson, says the Step-Up Scale Down program will also include:

•    “weekly Walking with a Purpose fitness program, 
•    weekly healthy cooking nutrition classes, 
•    guest speakers on various topics,
•    health screenings,
•    weekly door prizes
•    fun, hands-on cooking demonstrations and tastings,
•    5K Fun Run and Walk, and a
•    fitness component designed specifically for churches.”

Thompson says she expects the weight-loss program to make a big impact again this year.  “This is a challenge designed to be fun” she says, “but at the same time help people achieve their weight-loss goals and although there are prizes, everyone who reaches a healthier weight is a winner.”  

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

Despino’s Tire Children’s Miracle Network Bass Team Tournament will be held Sunday April 5th @ San Miguel Toledo Bend.

1st Place: $20,000 Dollars Guaranteed, you heard right, that’s $20 GRAND GUARANTEED!
Plus 30 Places Pay Back & 100% Pay Out! Awesome Prizes & Giveaways.

All proceeds go to the local Children’s Miracle Network.

Register for tournament online now @ www.despinotire.com.

Or register over the phone @ (318) 445-4561 M-F from 8:00am - 4:30pm. That’s (318) 445-4561.

Due to the construction on the Center square, Early Voting for the upcoming Primary Election will be moved to the Center Community House, 423 San Augustine St. in Center. Early voting will begin Tuesday, February 18th, through Friday, February 28th. Hours will be weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. We will also include weekend voting, which will be Saturday, February 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 23rd, from 12:00-4:00 p.m.

On behalf of the Shelby County Clerk's Office, we would like to extend a huge thank you to the City Of Center for working with us and allowing us to move early voting to he Community House. We hope this will encourage everyone to come out and vote!

Republican Sample Ballot 

Democratic Sample Ballot

Plans for the 2020 Annual Shelby County Livestock Show are set. The show will be held on Thursday, March 5th at the Shelby County Expo Center. The sale will be held Saturday, March 7th at the John Dean Windham Civic Center, meal starting at 6:00PM.

Weigh in of the market animals will begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue until 9:00 a.m. The show will start at 10:00 a.m. with Rabbits and the Lambs, the Goats, Swine and Cattle will follow. The Rabbits will be judged by Frank Farrow. Texas A&M Livestock Judging Coach Keaton Dodd will judge lambs, goats, swine and cattle. Margo Hooper, Show Emcee, stated, “I am excited about this year’s show with all the hard work and dedication that the exhibitors have put towards their animal projects. There are over 90 entries at this show which are trying to be selected for the auction and premium awards.”

Last year’s sale Champion steer was purchased by Hawkeye Hunting Club. XTO won the bid for the Champion Swine. Farmers State Bank purchased the Champion goat, and Shelby Savings Bank along with General Shelters bought the Champion lamb.

The Bar-B-Que for the buyer’s and exhibitors will start at 6:00 p.m. followed by the auction at 7:00 p.m. at the Windham Civic Center. “If you have a chance, come and see what the youth of Shelby County have been doing with their time. The Shelby County Livestock show continues to grow each year which in part is due to the continued support of our youth by local businesses and the community.” Stated Lane Dunn, County Extension Agent. The public is invited to attend the events of the day and support the youth of our county.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Only a few seats are still available for the afternoon performance of the widely popular Super Scientific Circus scheduled to be presented on Friday, Feb. 28, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.

The SFA College of Fine Arts’ Children’s Performing Arts Series has brought the exciting science-related show featuring Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime to Turner stage many times, and every visit is always well-received by students and their teachers, according to Diane Peterson, Fine Arts Box Office manager and director of the series. This year, the morning show is sold out, but limited seating is available for the afternoon, Peterson said.

The program, which targets students in kindergarten through 12th grade, is designed to “help students understand that science can be appreciated in everything we see and do,” Peterson said.

Super Scientific Circus’ appearance at SFA is sponsored by Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry.

“We want to thank Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry for helping us bring this program back to the SFA campus so East Texas area students of all ages can better understand how science can be fun,” Peterson added.

The program features circus skills, magic tricks, comedy and mime to illustrate fundamental scientific concepts such as gravity, air pressure and ultraviolet light.

Performance times are 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $7.50 for individuals and $6 per person for groups of 20 or more.

This year’s children’s series concludes on Tuesday, April 28, with the beloved story of “Cinderella,” presented by The Panto Company USA. Bullied by her two mean stepsisters, Cinders’ future looks bleak until her Fairy Godmother casts a spell and sends her to the ball. True to the story, “Cinderella” is full of original modern songs, bursting with hilarity and has a happy ending. This show is for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and will be presented at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in Turner Auditorium.

For tickets or more information, call the Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.cpas.sfasu.edu.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Honors will host a lecture by its former director, Dr. Allen Richman, professor emeritus of history, at 3 p.m. Feb. 26 in the McKibben Education Building, Room 131.

Richman will present “The Origins and Significance of the Epic Work: Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus and the Path to Reformation,” discussing the profound influence Erasmus had on the church. Following the discussion, he will read selected passages from “Praise of Folly.”

“One figure stands out in the pre-Reformation era, and that’s Desiderius Erasmus, a Dutchman who was very high in the Catholic Church to the point where his publications were seen as seminal to spreading idealism and religious truth,” Richman said.

Richman began teaching in SFA’s Department of History in 1965, where he taught for 43 years. He was named the 2006-2007 Regents Professor and was among the original organizers of the School of Honors program.

“Dr. Richman is a respected authority on the Renaissance and the Reformation,” said Dr. Michael Tkacik, director of the School of Honors. “He is a gifted lecturer, and his talk on Erasmus is sure to be entertaining and enlightening.”

The event is free and open to the SFA and Nacogdoches communities.

For more information, contact Jennifer Crenshaw in the School of Honors at (936) 468-2813 or jmcrenshaw@sfasu.edu.

Timpson Bears will take on the Joaquin Rams in basketball in Joaquin on 2-17-20 jvb,VB start at 4:30 p.m.

The Timpson VFD hosted a meet the candidates event on Saturday, February 15, 2020. The candidates got to speak to the public. The event was held at the Timpson VFD in Timpson, TX.

Click here for photos:

Tenaha Lady Tigers vs Douglass Tuesday, February 18th at 5:30 PM at Panola College in Carthage

Coincidentally, because of the coin flip, the Tiger Boys will be playing at the same time in a District game vs Woden at 6:00 PM at home.

The Golden Harvest Ministries Club will meet Monday February 17th, 2020  in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church at 11:30 AM.  Harold Hanson will be in charge of the program.

Visitors are always welcome to join us for a delicious covered dish luncheon, an enjoyable program and time of fellowship.

Center 80, Jasper 71

Shelbyville 71, San Augustine 58

Joaquin 40, Martinsville 27

Garrison 81, Tenaha 49

Woden 67, Timpson 37

Rapides Parish/Acadia Parish – The Louisiana State Police has issued a Silver Alert on behalf of the Alexandria Police Department and the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office.  They are requesting assistance in locating James Gunnels, reported missing on Thursday, February 13, 2020 from the Canterbury House (an assisted living facility) located in Alexandria, LA.

James Gunnels is an 89-year-old white male.  He is bald, approximately 5’11” and weighs approximately 180 pounds.  Mr. Gunnels was last seen at the assisted living facility on the evening of February 12, 2020. He left during the night to go to the store and never returned. He left driving a red 2005 GMC extended cab truck, displaying Louisiana license plate X589823.  His vehicle was located this morning, stuck in a field in Acadia Parish, near Mermentau, LA, just a few miles from his hometown of Jennings, LA.

Family members confirm Mr. Gunnels suffers from dementia, and his medical condition may impair his judgment.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of James Gunnels should immediately contact the Alexandria Police Department at 318-441-6559, or the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-458-0268.

Contact Information:

S/T Casey Wallace

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

Office: (318) 239-0912

Casey.wallace@la.gov      

The Louisiana State Police on behalf of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office have issued a Level II Child Endangerment Alert.  Detectives are requesting assistance in locating 12-year-old Andreana Miller, white female, DOB 08-24-07.  Andreana is approximately 4’7” and 135lbs. She was taken at gunpoint from 1516 Jefferson Highway at Ochsner Hospital in Jefferson Parish at approximately 5pm on Friday February 14, 2020.  Andreana was last seen leaving the hospital wearing a white Ochsner hospital gown.

Andreana was abducted at gunpoint by her grandmother identified as 66-year-old Evelyn Miller, white female, DOB 10-01-1953.  She was last seen wearing a purple shirt and black pants.  It is believed Evelyn was carrying a revolver style pistol.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office has recovered the vehicle that was used in the initial abduction. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of either subject is encouraged to contact the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office at 504-227-1400. No additional information is available at this time. 

Contact Information:

Sgt. Dustin Dwight

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

Office: (985) 893-6250

Dustin.Dwight@LA.Gov

Sheriff Richardson wants to update the public on the planned service times for the funeral of Deputy Donna Richardson-Below. It is with heavy hearts, we will soon lay our sister to rest. We ask that you join us in celebrating her life, and the light of joy she has shown on all of us at the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office.

Wake Service:
Friday, February 21st. 6pm-9pm
Restoration Apostolic Ministries
175 Fairgrounds Rd. Natchitoches, La 71457

Funeral Service:
Saturday, February 22nd. 11:00am
Temple Baptist Church
1515 S. Service Rd. W., Ruston, La 71270

Burial Service:
Saturday, February 22nd. Following Funeral.
New Pilgrim Rest Cemetery
Arcadia, La
(Google address is incorrect, please follow procession)

Repass Service:
Saturday, February 22nd. Following Burial.

Arcadia Events Center
630 Factory Outlet Dr. Arcadia, La. 71001

Center

The Center Roughriders will take on the Jasper Bulldogs in Jasper the first game starts at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020.

Shelbyville

The Shelbyville Dragons will take on the San Augustine Wolves in Shelbyville the first game starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020.

Tenaha

The Tenaha Tigers will take on the Garrison Bulldogs in Garrison the first game starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020.

The Timpson Bears will take on the Woden Eagles in Woden the first game starts at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020.

Joaquin

The Joaquin Rams will take on the Martinsville Pirates in Joaquin the first game starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020.

Carthage

The Carthage Bulldogs will have a bye.

*The deceased has been identified as 42-year-old Jeremy Fox of Bossier City.

See below for the news release issued yesterday. 

Bossier City – On Thursday, February 13, 2020, Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations/Bossier Field Office (LSP BFO) responded to an officer involved shooting in Bossier City.  LSP BFO was requested to investigate the shooting by the Bossier City Police Department (BCPD). 

The preliminary investigation revealed an officer from BCPD responded to an attempted carjacking that occurred near the Century Link Center.  Upon the officer’s arrival, he observed a subject who matched the description of the carjacking in the parking lot of the Century Link Center.  The officer made contact with the subject and a struggle occurred.  During the altercation, the subject was shot.  The subject was pronounced dead at the scene. 

No officers were injured during the incident. 

The Spanish-American War lasted a little less than four months, April 21st – August 13th, 1898 and ended Spain’s worldwide empire.  It ended with America easily defeating Spain and signaled the United States emergence as a world power.  The blowing up of the battleship USS Maine in Havana harbor on February 15th, 1898 with the loss of 266 crewmen and marines, in essence, was the start of the war.

The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898, which established the independence of Cuba, gave Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States and allowed the US to purchase the Philippines Islands from Spain for $20 million.  The brief war cost the United States $250 million and 3,000 lives of which 90% perished from yellow and typhoid fever and other infectious diseases.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars traces its roots back to these veterans who founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service.  There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.  These formed organizations would become what is now known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

In observance of the sacrifices made by the Veterans of the Spanish American War and those who died aboard the USS Maine, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Auxiliary held a wreath-laying ceremony on February 14, 2020, at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial on the downtown Center City Square.

Did you receive a letter in the mail about paying a fee to get your Homestead Exemption?

The Shelby County Appraisal District is the only entity that can add any property tax exemptions to your property.

There is NEVER a fee to apply for an exemption. 

If you ever have any questions about your property tax exemptions, contact the Shelby County Appraisal District office.

724 Shelbyville Street
Center, Texas 75935
(936) 598-6171
scad@sbcglobal.net

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Stephen F. Austin State University Office of Multicultural Affairs will present "The Mountaintop: A Journey to True Unity," the second installment in its Brave Space Series of the spring semester, at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center's Multimedia Room.

The Brave Space Series provides a forum for open and honest discussion concerning difficult topics. This meeting will educate attendees about the issues in their communities that divide them and the ways a community-centered perspective can create true unity. It also will feature topics covered in “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” the last speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"I believe that many of the issues we see within our communities today could be solved if we leaned into a community-centered perspective," said Andrea Flores, OMA student ambassador. "If we all came together and created true unity among ourselves, the amount of healing and liberation that would bring would be unimaginable."

The discussion is free and open to the SFA and Nacogdoches communities. For more information, visit www.sfasu.edu/multicultural/480.asp

AUSTIN – Nearly half of Texas teens killed in vehicle crashes in 2018 were not wearing a seat belt. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of deaths among teenagers, but one simple click could help change that. That’s why TxDOT’s “Teen Click It or Ticket” campaign urges teens to click it each time they are in a vehicle.

In 2018, of the 264 teen drivers and passengers killed in vehicle crashes in Texas, 111 were unrestrained.

“For teens, getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage, but when they start driving, they aren’t thinking about how their lack of experience places them at greater risk of getting in a crash,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “Tragedy can strike in an instant which is why we hope all parents, teachers and other influencers are urging teens to buckle up each and every time no matter how short the trip may be.”

The “Teen Click It or Ticket” campaign will reach out to Texas teens through TV, radio, digital advertising and social media. The campaign will also feature interactive events at six Texas high schools, a virtual reality game and an augmented reality experience to share the campaign’s safety message in a highly engaging manner.

Students will also see a mangled truck from a rollover crash where two teens were able to walk away with only minor scratches thanks to wearing their seat belts.

Texas law requires drivers and all passengers to wear a seat belt. Unbuckled drivers and passengers — even those in the back seat — face fines and fees of up to $200.

Seat belts prevent drivers and passengers from getting ejected from a vehicle, which is almost always deadly. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying in a crash by 45%. That number jumps to 60% for pickup truck crashes.

Teen Click It or Ticket” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit and never driving after drinking or doing drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.

To learn more about “Teen Click It or Ticket,” visit https://www.txdot.gov/driver/kids-teens/teen-clickit.html.

The Center Alumni Baseball game scheduled for tomorrow 2-15-20 has been canceled.

Every time I go into our high school football stadium here in the piney woods of East Texas, I always take a glance to the northeast and let my memory take a short stroll.  Though torn down many years ago, there once stood a rather large baseball grandstand, rustic, yet functional.  During the 1940s and early 1950s many a baseball game was played on that diamond.  The proud San Augustine, TX Wolves fought “tooth and toenail” with teams from neighboring towns.

The Wolves were a Semi-Professional club, class D at that time.  They played in the “Red River Valley League” with such teams as the Leesville, La. Indians, the Center, Tx. Lions, the Diboll, Tx. Merchants, the Natchitoches, La. Indians, and other teams from Many, La., Nacogdoches, Tx., Beaumont, Tx., Zwolle, La., and DeRidder, La.  The record shows that the San Augustine Wolves won the pennant in 1948.

In the early days of the team, all games were played during the afternoons, usually Saturday and Sunday. Most of the players were in their late twenties and early thirties, and had other jobs.  The stadium was usually full of enthusiastic fans who eagerly followed the team to the out of town games as well.

A “red-letter” day was Tuesday, June 1, 1948, as the Wolves played their first baseball game under lights.  It was a “red-letter” day for me because I started my first job that night.  I was all of twelve years old, and a big fan of the team.  My father somehow managed to convince the manager to give me the job of selling ice cold soda to the crowd during the games.

Unfortunately, the Wolves lost their first game under the lights to the Center Lions by a score of 20-8.

The crowds at these games were a thirsty bunch.  They had a need, and I had the answer to that need – cold drinks.  The gentleman who manned the snack bar had a large metal, kidney-shaped container which he filled with bottled drinks, and sprinkled crushed ice around them.  I would place the container strap around my neck and walk all through the stadium yelling, “Soft drinks! Get your soft drinks here!”  When a customer beckoned me, I would uncap the bottle and send it up his way.  I made 1 cent per each drink sold.

When business was slow, I enjoyed watching the Wolves play baseball.  At my young age I thought they were real professionals.  G. W. Woods handled third base very well.  Hugh Sparks was a good “lefty” pitcher, and when his brother, Leroy Sparks, was the catcher, I would hear the crowd yell to the batter, “You don’t stand a chance!  You are between two sparks!”

Joe Bickley was a good late inning pitcher, as was A. J. Luqwette.  The manager was an older brother to Hugh and Leroy Sparks, Mr. Beeman Sparks, who always did a fine job in my book. Wilhite scooped up grounders at short stop, while Williamson did the same at second base, both throwing runners out to the first baseman, Baxter Cartwright, who was an in-law of the Sparks brothers.

I particularly enjoyed one of the local umpires. He had lost half of his right index finger in an accident.  This made for some interesting looking signs as he held up the “strike and ball” count on the batters.

Young boys would almost fight each other to get the job of turning on and off the “strikes”, “balls”, and “out” lights on the scoreboard.  Others would fight over getting to put the numbers up on the score board in right field.

You are probably asking yourself how one could make any money at 1 cent per bottle?  Actually, I did quite well.  I usually went home with from $3.50 to $5.00 per game.  At 1 cent per bottle, well, you do the math.  Needless to say, I was quite tired at the end of the game.  In 1948, that was a pretty good night’s work for a twelve year old boy.  I was able to start a savings account and purchase a few things that a young lad would like.

Now, back to reality.  As I look around the new modern football stadium of today, the old baseball stadium to the north east has been gone for many years, with no evidence that it ever existed.  Most of the baseball players of the late 1940s are gone to their eternal reward.  But, I still get a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach as I recall those distant memories of days long past, and my very first REAL job.

“MY  FIRST  JOB”

BY: NEAL  MURPHY
PO Box 511
107 Hemlock Street
San Augustine, Texas 75972
936-275-9033
cell: 936-275-6986
Email: sugarbear@netdot.com
779 words
 

AUSTIN -- The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $928,816 in fines involving 327 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners' conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state's oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.
 
Twelve dockets involved$75,917 in penalties after operators failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Details on these Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC website here.
 
Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $172,774 for oil and gas, LP-Gas or pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $680,125 for violations of the Commission's Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Details on all these Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC website here.
 
In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!
13TH ANNUAL HEALTH AND FITNESS FAIR
SPONSORED BY CLINE FAMILY MEDICINE
THURSDAY, MARCH 19

 The Annual Health and Fitness Fair, will be held on Thursday, March 19 at the Windham Civic Center from 9:00am until 2:30. The Event is hosted by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension Services.

This year’s theme is “Healthy Living. Healthy Living is when our physical and mental health are in balance and functioning well.  Healthy Living is a lifestyle choice which includes healthy eating, regular exercise and good sleep habits.  Experts will be available at the Fair with information to help you achieve your Healthy Living goals

The purpose and goal of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Committee and the Health and Fitness Fair is to educate Shelby County and the surrounding areas about health care resources available in the area and about their personal health.  There will be a variety of health screenings available including glucose, cholesterol, bone density, spinal screenings, heart awareness, diabetes information, allergy testing information and vision.

There will be two mobile mammogram units on site: hosted by Christus Trinity Mother Frances and UT Health East Texas.  All mammogram appointments must be made prior to March 13 by calling the Agri-Life Extension Offices at 936-598-7744.  There is a charge for the mammograms and most health insurance is accepted.

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 also be a Scavenger Hunt again this year with three great prizes!

Thank you to our Gold Sponsors: Focused Care of Center, Hope Community Medicine and Nagocdoches Medical Center.

For more information regarding becoming a vendor or attending as a guest, please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.
 

The Spanish-American War lasted a little less than four months, April 21st – August 13th, 1898 and ended Spain’s worldwide empire.  It ended with America easily defeating Spain and signaled the United States emergence as a world power.  The blowing up of the battleship USS Maine in Havana harbor on February 15th, 1898 with the loss of 266 crewmen and marines, in essence, was the start of the war.

The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898 which established the independence of Cuba, gave Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States and allowed the US to purchase the Philippines Islands from Spain for $20 million.  The brief war cost the United States $250 million and 3,000 lives of which 90% perished from yellow and typhoid fever and other infectious diseases.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars traces its roots back to these veterans who founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service.  There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.  These formed organizations would become what is now known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

In observance of the sacrifices made by the Veterans of the Spanish American War and those who died aboard the USS Maine, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Auxiliary will conduct a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial on Friday, February 14, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.  As always the public is invited.  Call Post Quartermaster Larry Hume, 598-2976 for more information.

Come get your raffle tickets today for your chance to win a Steel Building!  This would be great for a storage building and you know you can always use more storage room!  Tickets are $10 each or 11 tickets for $100.  You can purchase tickets at Shelby County Outreach Ministries M-F, from 9-2.  The drawing will be on Friday, April 3rd.  The winner is responsible for moving costs.  Come by the Outreach today to show your support and buy a raffle ticket!  For more information, please call us at 936-598-4990.  

Girls Basketball will play a playoff game on Monday 2/17/20 vs Fairfield.

The game will be at the Rusk Coliseum.

495 Eagle Drive 
Rusk Tx 75785

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Works by Peteris Plakidis, Cherise Leiter, George Crumb and others will be presented in a flute, cello and piano guest recital to be performed at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, in Cole Concert Hall on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.

The recital features Bethany Padgett, flute; Molly Goforth, cello; and Amanda Albert Hughes, piano. The program opens with Plakidis’ “Dedication to Haydn.” Padgett and Goforth will perform Leiter’s “Chroma” for flute and cello. The performance will feature the world premiere of Shane Lamb’s “Fragile Landscapes.” Crumb’s “Vox Balaenae,” or “Voice of the Whale,” concludes the performance.

Padgett is an active teacher and freelancer in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She has been professor of flute at Navarro College since fall 2017. She has been an adjudicator for numerous competitions including for the Texas Community College Band Directors Association, Floot Fire Solo Competition and the Texas Music Teachers Association Performance Competition. She has performed with the Fort Worth Symphony, Shreveport Symphony, Texarkana Symphony, South Arkansas Symphony, Las Colinas Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic and Baton Rouge Symphony orchestras.

Goforth is a performer and teacher based in Lafayette, Louisiana. She is an active chamber and orchestral musician, performing in more than 50 events annually. She is the principal cellist of the Baton Rouge Symphony and is a frequent performer of chamber music with the Baton Rouge-based group Magnolia Strings. Goforth performs with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and the Lake Charles Symphony. She has worked as a recording artist for various groups, including the Grammy-nominated artist Marc Broussard and the Grammy-nominated group Bonsoir, Catin.

Hughes has distinguished herself in the field of piano performance and has given recitals across the U.S. and Europe. In May of 2013, she premiered the music of the Russian composer Vladimir Drozdoff at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. In addition to having an active performance life, Hughes has composed more than 80 works. She was a prize winner in the Madelyn Savarick Piano Competition and was chosen as the alternate winner in the senior state division of the Music Teachers National Associate Competition. In 2006, she was chosen to represent the U.S. as the International Music Laureate.

Recital tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.'

Tenaha Game Notice for Friday, February 14th: JVB/VB in Garrison 6:00 pm; VG in Timpson 6:00 pm.

Dear SAISD Community,

An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, has caused an outbreak of respiratory illness and the United States has confirmed a handful of coronavirus cases related to travel. I want to assure you that SAISD is keeping track of this situation through proven and trustworthy sources: our local health department, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These health officials believe the risk to our school community is low at this time.

Updated information from the CDC on coronavirus in the United States can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. The most recent information about coronavirus in Texas may be found at: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

Much is being learned about this newly emerged virus. Based on the current information, health officials are recommending local communities and schools take the same steps to protect against coronavirus as we take to prevent the spread of everyday illnesses like the common cold or flu:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The 2019 novel coronavirus is believed to be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, much in the way the flu and other respiratory viruses are spread. Symptoms can be fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. At this time, persons considered at risk are those with travel to China, or those in close contact with persons infected with novel coronavirus. While a new type of illness can be scary, we can protect our students, teachers, and the community by using simple everyday actions that protect people from other types of respiratory viruses. Our teachers, school nurses, and staff are working carefully to encourage these simple and effective habits of frequent handwashing, covering every cough or sneeze, and cleaning classroom tables/surfaces frequently. This is important not just to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, but to help prevent the spread of other infections that can lead to student illness and absences. Thank you for your support of our district.

Sincerely,
Dr. Virginia Liepman, Superintendent of Schools

The Senior Nutrition Site will have a Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, February 29th.  Breakfast will be served from 8 am to 11 am.  A simple donation will get you full on eggs, bacon, fruit, juices, hash browns, grits, sausage, pancakes, and more! For questions or if you would like to volunteer, please call Mrs. Dee at 936-598-7768.  

The Lady Dragons will play Monday, Feb 17 @ 6:00 pm at Angelina College vs Cushing
Admission is $5 Adult
$3 Student and Senior Citizen
All District Passes will be accepted

DeSoto Parish – On February 12, 2020, just before 8:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. Highway 84 west of Louisiana Highway 3248.  This crash claimed the life of a 43-year-old DeSoto Parish Deputy Donna Richardson-Below.   

The initial investigation revealed a 2008 Jeep Cherokee, driven by 33-year-old Richard Wimer of Stonewall, was entering a curve while traveling east on U.S. Highway 84.  At the same time, an unmarked DeSoto Parish Sherriff's Office's Ford Crown Victoria, driven by Deputy Richardson-Below, was traveling west on U.S. Highway 84.  For reasons still under investigation, Wimer lost control of his vehicle and crossed a double yellow line which resulted in the collision with the Deputy's vehicle.  Deputy Richardson-Below, who was properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. 

Wimer, who was unrestrained, received moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital.  Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.  The crash remains under investigation. 

Motorists need to use caution when driving in inclement weather.  Speeding increases the chances of motorists to lose control of the vehicle.  Louisiana law allows law enforcement to issue citations to motorists for driving too fast for road conditions.

In 2020, Louisiana State Police Troop G has investigated two fatal crashes resulting in two deaths. 

It is with extreme sadness that we report the death of Deputy Donna Richardson-Below who lost her life in a tragic two-vehicle crash while on duty.  Deputy Richardson-Below was a beacon of light and impacted all who knew her.  Deputy Richardson-Below had been with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office since January of 2019.  She had previously been an agent with Louisiana Probation and Parole. We ask you to keep her family as well as her DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office family in your prayers.

The Dragons record is 28-3 overall, 11-1 in District 22-AA and are ranked #3 in the TABC Poll. We are Dragon Proud!

The Joaquin scrimmage vs Cushing has been canceled. Due to the girl's basketball playoff game, the softball game vs Timpson has been changed to Monday, Feb. 17 at 1:00 at Shelbyville *weather permitting* 

The Joaquin High School UIL Academic team traveled to the San Augustine Invitational UIL Tournament on Saturday, February 8th. The team competed in 13 events and brought home 19 medals. Congratulations to all of the event medalist!

Medalists:

Calculator Applications:
1st Place Team - Andre Brown, Bryer Holloway, and Lucia Ruiz

Current Issues and Events:
Luisa Ruiz, 2nd Place

Mason Hughes, 4th Place

Hannah Holt, 6th Place

1st Place Team - Luisa Ruiz, Mason Hughes, and Hannah Holt

Copy Editing:

Lucia Ruiz, 5th Place

Headline Writing:
Lucia Ruiz, 1st Place

Luisa Ruiz, 2nd Place

Bryer Holloway, 4th Place

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Luisa Ruiz, 1st Place

Mariel Luna, 6th Place

1st Place Team - Luisa Ruiz, Lucia Ruiz, and Mariel Luna

Social Studies:

Mason Hughes, 5th Place

Rusty Wilson
Science Teacher
HS UIL Academic Coordinator
Joaquin High School Joaquin

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Dr. David Creech, Stephen F. Austin State University professor emeritus of agriculture and director of SFA Gardens, will discuss plant propagation techniques during a budding and grafting workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 29 at the Brundrett Conservation Education Building, located at 2900 Raguet St. 

“Budding and grafting is an ancient practice that is part science, part art and always fun,” Creech said. “We bud and graft when cuttings won’t root or when they root or grow off too slowly. We also bud and graft to take advantage of a superior rootstock — one that dwarfs the top, provides disease or insect resistance, or allows a plant to grow in a soil that is generally not suitable.”  

Participants will practice on a variety of plants and will take home their own grafted Japanese maple tree. Attendees should bring a small, sharp pocketknife. All additional needed materials will be provided.

The cost is $30 for SFA Gardens members and $40 for nonmembers. Space is limited. Register by calling (936) 468-4129 after 1 p.m., or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The SFA Friends of the Visual Arts announces the return of the fabled Art Prom on Saturday March 21. The Art Prom, last held in 2004, was an annual tradition for area artists and art lovers for more than 20 years.

“The Art Prom event was created by the SFA art students and local artists who felt like their high school proms were never as interesting or creative as they could be,” recalled Gary Parker, retired lecturer with the SFA School of Art. With themes like “Come as Your Alter Ego,” the “Mirror Ball” and the “Hair Ball,” attendees wore their most clever, complex and sometimes over-the-top costumes to fit the theme.

By popular demand, Art Prom is coming back as a fundraiser for The Friends of the Visual Arts, an SFA external affiliate that promotes the visual arts in the local community and East Texas region, especially by supporting the art faculty and art students of SFA.

“The FVA hosted the event from 1998 to 2004. For years, past attendees have asked that we bring this this fabled event back because it was such a fun and quirky night,” said Crystal Hicks, FVA president.

This year’s theme, the “Odd Ball,” will give prom-goers the latitude they need to wear their oddest formal attire and dance the night away to tunes spanning the late 1960s to today, according to Hicks. Nacogdoches’ own Pat Casey will DJ the event, complete with a light show and disco ball.

The Odd Ball Art Prom is scheduled for 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. March 21 at the Rebellion Barn at Millard's Crossing Historic Village, 6020 North St. Tickets for the fun and frivolity are $50 per person and include heavy hors d'oeuvres. A cash bar and photo booth will be available. Attendees must be age 21 or older. Proceeds from the event will be used to support the SFA School of Art through scholarships.To purchase tickets, call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS, or visit boxoffice.sfasu.edu. Deadline for purchasing tickets online is March 19. Tickets will be available at the SFA Fine Arts Box Office until March 20. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

Cutline: In costumes from a previous art prom themed “Come as Your Alter Ego” are local art lover Greg Sieg, left, and former SFA art professor the late Gary Frields. The art prom is back this year as a fundraiser for The Friends of the Visual Arts and is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Rebellion Barn at Millard’s Crossing.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – A recital of new solo works for trombone and piano will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, in Cole Concert Hall on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.

Dr. Deb Scott, professor of trombone in the SFA School of Music, and Dr. Thomas Nixon, SFA collaborative pianist, will perform works that were selected for performance last summer at the International Trombone Festival at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Scott is the director of the ITF Composers Workshop and is in a unique position to help select current repertoire for the trombone.

For the ITF Composers Workshop, more than 60 new compositions were submitted for consideration. Five solos were selected by a panel of judges for performance at the conference. Scott performed one of the new solos at the conference and will perform it again on this recital. “The Scomorokhs” (A Tragicomic Scene) composed by Dmytro Malyi of Ukraine depicts traditional Russian street musicians.

“It is a highly energetic and entertaining piece that uses some unusual techniques on the trombone,” Scott said.

“Brazilian Pictures” by Jimmy Kachulis, another solo selected by the workshop, combines Brazilian rhythms and melodies with modern jazz chord changes of John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” and Ray Noble’s “Cherokee,” Scott explains. Kachulis teaches songwriting and lyric writing at Berklee College of Music and conducts clinics nationwide.

Lauren Bernofsky was one of the featured composers/artists/teachers for the 2019 ITF Composers Workshop. Her composition from 2018, “From a Mother’s Journal,” features movements written about different aspects of motherhood, including “Love Letter,” “A World of Worry,” “Bedtime Battle,” “Contentment” and “Little Imp.” Bernofsky’s music has been performed across the United States as well as internationally in major venues from New York City’s Carnegie Hall to Grieg Hall in Bergen, Norway.

A piece by another female composer not connected to last year’s workshop will be featured on the recital. Scott will perform the highly technical composition “A Dream of Fire” by Saksia Apon, arranger-in-residence for the Rotterdam Philharmonic Brass.

Recital tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

On February 12, 2020, at approximately 9:30 a.m. the Center Police Department dispatched a unit to respond to a wreck that occurred.

GMC pickup-truck crashes through house

A copper-colored GMC Sierra pickup-truck crashed into a building located near the old Handy Andy's Package Store in Center, Texas on Hurst St.

GMC Sierra pickup-truck

According to the Center Police department 43-year-old, Jeremy Hammers was traveling northbound on Hurst St. when he failed to maintain a single lane of travel, which caused him to run into a residence, and it is believed at this time to be due to a medical condition that the driver was not admitting to. There were no other vehicles or people involved in the wreck. The driver did receive apparent injuries during the wreck but refused medical treatment. No citations were issued as of the time of this report.

Center PD responds to wreck

Allegiance Mobile Health

The wreck is still under investigation. Allegiance Mobile Health responded in addition to the Center Police Department, and the Sand Hill Wrecker service arrived to tow away the vehicle.

Sand Hill Wrecker Service

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The more than 30 Nacogdoches County eighth graders in the Leaders of Tomorrow program, or LOT Crew, will participate in robotics and stomp rocket activities to explore principles of science, technology, engineering and mathematics while visiting the Cole STEM Building at Stephen F. Austin State University on March 3.

The LOT Crew program began nearly 20 years ago as a leadership development collaboration among SFA, the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Nacogdoches and the nine Nacogdoches County independent school districts. Since then, the program has provided immersive, community-based experiences for hundreds of local students.

Dr. Judy Abbott, dean of SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education and chair of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce education committee, said the program’s concept is to develop leadership skills and introduce youth to what it means to be an engaged citizen of the community.

“We make selections of the experiences on a monthly basis to introduce the students to different aspects of the city and show them areas where citizens might have influence in serving on boards or through leadership to help the community,” Abbott said.

The LOT Crew has already explored city and county government, manufacturing and large industry, health and medical services, Nacogdoches tourism and hospitality, and community theatre during its field trips this school year. In April, the LOT Crew will visit local public safety organizations and volunteer for a day of service at Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary School in Nacogdoches.

SFA students who are members of the university’s leadership honor society, Omicron Delta Kappa, serve as mentors for these eighth graders. LOT Crew members and ODK leaders begin their work in early September during a Saturday orientation retreat, continue their leadership development at monthly meetings and complete the program with a graduation ceremony in mid-May.

To learn more about LOT Crew, contact the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 560-5533.

LUFKIN – A Child Passenger Safety Certification Course will be held in the Lufkin District Feb. 18-21 that will help those wanting to be certified as a safety technician gain certification in how to properly install and inspect a child safety seat.

The certification class will be held in the Lufkin Texas Department of Transportation, 1805 North Timberland Drive, Lufkin, TX 75901. The cost of the class is $95.

To register, visit www.cert.safekids.org and click on “FIND A COURSE”. Type Course ID # TX2020011362 into the search field. Applicants can also contact Lufkin District Traffic Safety Specialist, Melissa McKnight at (936) 633-4303 for more information.

Three out of four children are not buckled correctly in a car safety seat and the need is growing for parents and agency representatives to be certified to make sure children are restrained properly. Seats for the training are limited and those interested are encouraged to register.

This program is a joint effort hosted by Texas Kid Safe, Baylor Scott & White Health and the Texas Department of Transportation.

Today's 2-11-20 Tenaha Soccer game is rescheduled to Thursday, Feb. 13th in New Diana

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office has received several phone calls in regards to a social security scam. The telephone number being used is 800-875-0827. The caller states he is with the Investigative Department of the Social Security Administration.

It has been reported that the caller is very assertive, has a very aggressive demeanor and demands the last four (4) digits of your social security number and the exact spelling of your name. Failure to comply with the demands will result in a warrant for your arrest.

PLEASE KNOW THAT THIS IS A SCAM. The Social Security Administration will not call you demanding information. Do not give the caller any information. Hang up on the caller and, if possible, block the number from being able to call you back.

Shelbyville FFA students participated in the  2020 Ft. Worth Junior Breeding Rabbit Show

Collin Lloyd- 1st Place Intermediate Doe, Best Fur in breed
Chloe Musico-4th Place Junior doe
Celeste Holloway-1st Place Junior doe
Rylie Ross-4th Place Intermediate Buck
Brylee Scarborough-5th Place Intermediate Buck
Jedd Wagstaff-6th Place Intermediate Buck
Katelynne Risinger-7th Place Intermediate Buck
Gracie Leach-6th Place Intermediate Buck
Kendall Murry-8th Place Intermediate Buck

Other exhibitors were Logan Williams, Kela Barnes, Makenzi Lyons, Gracie Slocum, Brittany Bass and Delaney Dunn 

These rabbits were donated by the Nacogdoches FFA , and now we will begin to breed all these rabbits ourselves and create a program that’ll last year after year.  We are Dragon Proud!
Shelbyville AG teachers are Kaelee Fallin and Michael Elliott

Dear SAISD Community,

An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, has caused an outbreak of respiratory illness and the United States has confirmed a handful of coronavirus cases related to travel. I want to assure you that SAISD is keeping track of this situation through proven and trustworthy sources: our local health department, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These health officials believe the risk to our school community is low at this time.

Updated information from the CDC on coronavirus in the United States can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. The most recent information about coronavirus in Texas may be found at: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

Much is being learned about this newly emerged virus. Based on the current information, health officials are recommending local communities and schools take the same steps to protect against coronavirus as we take to prevent the spread of everyday illnesses like the common cold or flu:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The 2019 novel coronavirus is believed to be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, much in the way the flu and other respiratory viruses are spread. Symptoms can be fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. At this time, persons considered at risk are those with travel to China, or those in close contact with persons infected with novel coronavirus. While a new type of illness can be scary, we can protect our students, teachers, and the community by using simple everyday actions that protect people from other types of respiratory viruses. Our teachers, school nurses, and staff are working carefully to encourage these simple and effective habits of frequent handwashing, covering every cough or sneeze, and cleaning classroom tables/surfaces frequently. This is important not just to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, but to help prevent the spread of other infections that can lead to student illness and absences. Thank you for your support of our district.

Sincerely,
Dr. Virginia Liepman, Superintendent of Schools

Come shop at the Unique Boutique to find the best deals around!  They have great specials every Friday and Saturday!  They have jeans for .50 cents a pair, $1.00 for a pair of shoes, and $2.00 for a bag of clothes!  These sales run all day long on Friday and Saturday.  The Unique Boutique is open from 9-4 M-F and from 9-2 on Saturday. 

For more information, please call us at 591-8190.

Excelsior Reads One Book:  Excelsior 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students kicked off Texas Reads One Book on February 10.  This program is a fun way to get kids and parents involved in Reading together.  The book for this year is "The Lemonade Crime" by Jacqueline Davies.  Pictured with the students is Superintendent Johnny Lewis.

FFA NEWS - Cale Cornelius was 2nd at the recent Fort Worth Show with her Santa Gertrudis heifer! 

Cheer Tryout Clinic Information

The TJH (middle school) cheer tryout clinic will be this Thursday, February 13th from 3:30-6:15 in the Middle School cafeteria. Parents may come at 6:00 to video.

The Varsity (high school) cheer tryout clinic will be this Thursday, February 13th from 6:16-8:30 in the Bear Drive gym. Parents may come at 8:15 to video.

All participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes and should have hair pulled back out of their face. Students should bring drinks and a snack.

*This clinic is for students that have signed up for cheerleader tryouts and have turned in the proper paper work and parental consent. It is not open to the public.

Basketball Action – JVG/JVB/VG/VB tonight, February 11, @ 4:30 p.m. in Garrison  

Panola Rodeo Team wins the Team Roping, Bullriding, and Saddlebronc at TVCC rodeo this past weekend to kick off the Spring semester! 

Panola’s Clayton Lowry, of Wills Point, TX and his partner showed out as they won the Team Roping by sweeping the long go, the short go and the average.  Logan Cook, of Alto, TX took the saddlebronc trophy and Micheal Deshotel, of Cleveland, TX, took home the belt buckle for the bullriding.

Clayton and his partner from Hill College roped a 5.9 in the long and a 7.1 in the short. Clayton roped in the points and it is paying off, he is now siting first in the Southern Conference standings as he chases that return trip to the College National Finals!

In the saddle bronc, Cook won again as he solidified his rankings in the top of the conference and is looking for his 4th trip back to the CNFR.  Panola had 2 other teammates place in the saddle bronc.  Michael Womack, of Bastrop, LA, was 4th in the long go which moved him to 6th in the standings, and Garret Golliher, of Stoutland MO, was 6th in the long go. 

Desthotel took home the belt buckle as he scored a 76 in the finals to get the win.  His teammate Chase Runfola was the only other cowboy to cover a bull in the finals and finished second in the bullriding.  

The Ponies found more points for the team in the bareback riding with Isaac Ingram, of Basile LA. taking third place.  

 
We also had some girls show up and show out in the goat tying and breakaway roping. Maison Davis, of Kilgore, tied her goat in 7.1 seconds to split 8th/9th in the long go. Sadly, Maison was down on her luck in the short go with an 8.2 second run.  Kat Mackenzie, of Grand Prairie, TX was ready to rope in the long go with a 2.1 on her calf. Her sharp roping had her split 2nd/3rd.  Regrettably Kat missed her short go calf. 

The Panola team finished second overall at the rodeo hosted by Trinity Valley Community College this weekend and will return to action February, 21st and 22nd in Sulphur Springs at the Texas A&M – Commerce Rodeo!
 

Jimmy “Jim” Ray Anderson, 74, of Tenaha, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020, in Shelbyville.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with E.B. Adams officiating.  A military honors service will follow under the direction of VFW Post #8904.  Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at noon.  Interment will be at Anderson Family Cemetery in Tenaha.

Mr. Anderson was born November 8, 1945, in Houston, to Byron Anderson Jr. and Louis E. Edwards Anderson.  He served in the Texas Army National Guard.  His hobbies included fishing, welding, fabricating, and most of all, spending time with grandkids. Mr. Anderson was a member of First Assembly of Timpson.

He is survived by his children, Michael R. Anderson and wife Sherry of Dayton, Belinda McDonald and Wayne Stokes of Garrison, Betty Basham of Tenaha, Jimmy Anderson and wife Crystal of Silsbee, Lonnie Anderson and wife Amanda of Katy, Troy Anderson of Tenaha, and Bret Anderson of Texarkana; a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives; and a host of friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sandy Anderson; grandson, Joe Clyde Smith; parents, Byron Anderson Jr. and Louis E. Edwards Anderson; brother, Clyde Anderson; uncle, Bill and Neil Anderson; and mother-in-law, Opal Dobos.

Pallbearers will be Michael Smith, Steven Anderson, Jimmy Anderson II, Tristen Anderson, Bret Anderson, Kaden Foster, and Ashton Anderson. Honorary pallbearer will be Joe Clyde Smith.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

ANGELINA COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a two vehicle fatal crash last night 2-10-20 on US 69, just north of Lufkin. The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 8:10 p.m., a 2010 Peterbilt truck tractor semi-trailer was traveling north. A 2013 Chrysler passenger car was traveling south. For unknown reasons the driver of the Chrysler crossed over into the northbound lanes and struck the Peterbilt head-on.

The driver of the Peterbilt is identified as 46-year-old Jairo Rodas from Siler City, North Carolina. Rodas was not injured during the crash.

The driver of the Chrysler is identified as 27-year-old Austin Christmas from Diboll. Christmas was pronounced deceased at the scene by an Angelina County Justice of the Peace.

This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at
this time.

Center 

The Center Roughriders will have a bye.

Shelbyville

The Shelbyville Dragons will take on the Tenaha Tigers on February 11, 2020, in Shelbyville the first game starts at 4:30 p.m.

Timpson

The Timpson Bears will take on the Garrison Bulldogs on February 11, 2020, in Garrison the first game starts at 4:30 p.m.

Joaquin

The Joaquin Rams will take on the Woden Eagles on February 11, 2020, in Woden the first game starts at 4:30 p.m.

Carthage

The Carthage Bulldogs will take on Huntington Red Devils on February 11, 2020, in Huntington the first game starts at 4:30 p.m.

Logansport

The Logansport Tigers will take on LaSalle Tigers in a home game for Logansport on February 11, 2020, the first game starts at 6 p.m.

Please visit our district web page for other details on our school and activities: www.tenahaisd.com (The calendar provides the most up to date events)

Tenaha ISD also has a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Tenaha-Independent-School-District-486433751368156/

February 11, 2020-JVB/VB/JVG/VG in Shelbyville 4:30 pm

February 13, 2020-Businessmens’s Meeting

February 14, 2020-JVB/VB in Garrison 5:30 pm

February 17, 2020-Board Meeting 5:30 pm

February 18, 2020-JVB/VB vs Woden in Tenaha @ 5:30 pm

February 18, 2020-Spring Pictures; Student Early Release 1:30 pm

February 21, 2020-End of 4th Grading Period; Boys Preview

February 24, 2020-Beginning 5th Grading Period; TELPAS Grades K-12 Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing

February 3, 2020-Baseball vs Shelbyville (Home) 4:00 pm; Sr Cap & Gown; Kinder Cap & Gown; (Group and Individual) Who’s Who Pictures

March 4, 2020-Student Early Release

March 6, 2020-Baseball vs Shelbyville (There) 6:00 pm

March 10, 2020-Baseball vs Timpson (There) 6:00 pm

March 12, 2020-Businessmen’s Meeting

March 13, 2020-Baseball vs Timpson (Home) 4:00 pm

March 16-20, 2020-Spring Break

March 17, 2020-Baseball vs Martinsville (Home) 4:00 pm

March 20, 2020-Baseball vs Martinsville (There) 6:00 pm

Senior Class Valentine Fundraiser!

The Senior Class will be selling carnations and candy grams for Valentine's Day! Carnations and candy grams will be delivered Friday, February 14, 2020. Order forms have been sent home with students. All order forms are due to homeroom teachers by February 12, 2020 along with $2.00 for each carnation or $1.00 for a candy gram. If you would like to order more than one flower or candy gram, please attach the information for each additional item on the back of the order form. Thank you for supporting the Class of 2020!

Tenaha Roarin Band from Tiger Land

25 Band Students are STATE BOUND!!

Results from the Region 21 UIL Solo & Ensemble contest:

53 first division medals and 25 students advancing to STATE Solo & Ensemble Contest in Austin on June 1st! Additionally, 14 students medaled in two events! All of these numbers are records.

Three first division percussion ensembles not pictured. Two of those percussion ensembles are advancing to state!

Tuesday, Feb. 11th-JVB/VB/VG in Shelbyville 5 pm (3 games only)

Tri-County Community Action Agency, Inc. "Harvest for Homes"  is seeking volunteers to assist with our Produce Drop every 4th Wednesday of each month, as well as the Food Pantry every Thursday of month.  The Produce Drop requires that you be able to lift up to 25 pounds and assist clients with carrying bags, boxes, etc. to their cars.  It also consists of clean afterwards.  The Food Pantry hours are from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. each Thursday.  

Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and assist clients with carrying their bags to their cars.  If you could sacrifice at least 3 hours each Thursday that would be greatly appreciated!  For more information, please contact: 

Tri-County Community Action Agency, Inc.

Brenda Allen @ (936) 598-6315, ext. 502

The Shelbyville Dragon Band competed in the UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest on Saturday, Feb. 8th in Nacogdoches. Both high school and middle school students competed with high school bringing home 9 medals and middle school earning 23 medals. Jackson Dawson, Tanya Santana, Logan Williams, Naomi Caporali, Aubree Camp and Randall Bailee also qualified for the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Competition in Austin. Congratulations to all these Dragon Band members. 

Saturday, February 15th at 1 pm, the Fire Dept. will be hosting "Meet the Candidates" at the fire hall. This gives the Candidates that are running for offices within Shelby County to present their platforms and the community to ask questions. This will be one of the last chances to hear them speak before early voting begins.

NOTE: The Fire Department is in no way endorsing or promoting any of the candidates.

This is an opportunity for our community to be involved and to be able to address any candidate on concerns that they may have with regards to the office they are running for.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University's Office of Multicultural Affairs will host an event celebrating Black History Month at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Twilight Ballroom.

"We renamed this event from MLK Celebration because we want to recognize all black history figures – past, present and future," said Veronica Beavers, director of OMA.

Dr. Willie Trotty, professor emeritus in the Prairie View A&M University Whitlowe R. Green College of Education, will deliver the keynote speech. Trotty holds bachelor's degrees in biology and political science and master's degrees in biology and secondary education from SFA. He received his doctoral degree in educational administration and supervision from Purdue University.

A former vice president for research and dean of the graduate school at Prairie View A&M, Trotty has held various offices throughout his career. At the state and national levels, he served as a member of the board of directors for the Texas Society for Biomedical Research, former chair of the Steering Committee for the Science and Engineering Alliance, and councilor and trustee for the Texas A&M Research Foundation. He also served terms as president of both the Association of Texas Graduate Schools and the Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools.

In addition to the keynote speech, attendees will enjoy dinner and various SFA student performances. Dress is business casual.

Tickets are $10 for faculty, staff and community members. Student tickets are $3 or a canned good, which can be dropped off in the OMA office, located in the student center, Room 3.101. Tickets can be purchased until Feb. 17.

For more information, email oma@sfasu.edu or call (936)468-1073.

The Piney Woods Photographic Society will be holding their regular monthly meeting this Saturday, 2/15/2020,at the First United Methodist Church,211 Porter St., Center, TX. from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.  The workshop will be on "Photographing Winter" that will give tips and techniques on how to get the most out of your wintertime photography. The club Challenge is "Red Hot" featuring photographs showing the color Red as the main focal. 

 Anyone interested in learning more about how to take better photographs or how to better handle your camera or equipment, join us at any PWPS meeting the third Saturday of every month.  Visitors are always welcome.  

Our goal is to help you become a better photographer and give you a place to meet others who share your passion for photography.  Featuring programs and activities with information and instruction for all skill levels in an environment of support and cooperation.

For more information on memberships or meetings, call or text, Billie F. Jones, 936-591-2426.

According to Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell, on February 9, 2020, the body of Jimmy Anderson was located in a wooded area of a pasture off County Road 2135. His pickup was stuck in a heavily wooded area and his body was located next to the pickup as if he was attempting to get it unstuck.

The subject who noticed the vehicle was in the woods retrieving scrap metal from an old burn pile. A subject at the scene recalls there being a white pickup in the pasture around 3 a.m. on November 17, 2019. The subject stated the vehicle seemed to have been stuck, then freed and continued to travel down in the pasture. The subject did not report the incident.

At this time, there appears to be no sign of foul play but the body has been sent for an autopsy. This case is still pending investigation.

No further information is available at this time.

Leah Chase, SCSO Media Relations

Tenaha Girls Soccer vs Carlisle in Price at 5:00 pm Cancelled.

Bossier Parish – On February 9, 2020, just before 8:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a fatal pedestrian crash on U.S. Highway 80 near Chandler Road.  This crash claimed the life of a Haughton man.   

The initial investigation revealed a pedestrian, later identified as 59-year-old Kirk Reedy, was attempting to cross the westbound travel lanes of U.S. Highway 80 near Chandler Road.  At the same time, a 2016 Audi A3 was traveling west on U.S. Highway 80 in the inside travel lane.  Reedy walked into the path of the Audi A3 and was struck by the vehicle.  Reedy was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. 

The driver of the Audi, who was properly restrained, was not injured in the crash and submitted to toxicology tests; however, impairment is not suspected.  Toxicology samples obtained were submitted for analysis.  The crash remains under investigation. 

Pedestrians walking near a roadway should always make themselves visible to drivers by wearing bright and reflective clothing.  They should carry a flashlight at night for added safety.  If no sidewalk is available, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder or roadway edge facing traffic. 

This is the first fatal crash Troop G has investigated this year.

The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is searching for Linda Christine Wheeler a white female who is 67 years old. Linda has been reported missing from her residence since early Sunday morning. Wheeler left her residence on foot in the 700 block of Cr. 154 and has not been seen since. 

Wheeler is believed to have been trying to go to San Augustine, Texas to see other family members. Linda has been known in the past to hitchhike.  Linda has a history of suffering from mental illness and we are very concerned for her safety. 

Linda is 5’ 3” in height and 140 pounds.  She has brown eyes with black hair.  She was last seen wearing a navy blue shirt, blue jeans, carrying a black purse, with socks on and no shoes. 

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Linda Wheeler, please contact the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office at 936-560-7777. 

Excelsior ISD PTO hosted a political rally on February 8th, 2020. The event started at 6 p.m. at the Excelsior ISD school gym.

Click here for more photos:

The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is waiving day-use fees at recreation sites Feb. 17 for Presidents’ Day.

“We hope this free day offers an incentive to all people to experience the great outdoors in our forests and grasslands,” Forest Supervisor Eddie Taylor said.

Camping fees remain in effect, but day-use fees will be waived on Feb. 17 at these recreation areas and trails:

Angelina National Forest – Caney Creek and Townsend.

Sabine National Forest – Haley’s Ferry, East Hamilton, Indian Mounds, Lakeview and Willow Oak.

Davy Crockett National Forest – Ratcliff Lake and Piney Creek Horse Trail.

Sam Houston National Forest – Double Lake, Stubblefield, Cagle boat ramp, Scotts Ridge boat ramp and the Multi-Use Trail.

Caddo and Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands – Coffee Mill Lake, East Lake Crockett, Black Creek Lake.

For more information, visit us on the web at www.fs.usda.gov/texas

It is time for the James Antioch Community meeting.  We will meet on Feb. 15, 2020, at 5 PM in the James-Antioch Community Building.  Bring a covered dish and a friendly smile for your friends and neighbors.  Last time we had a game and the winner received a prize!  So come and see what is happening.   Ellen Manning  598-3081 

San Augustine Lions Sporting Clay Shoot will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2020, on Fairway Farm. Five miles East of San Augustine on Highway 21.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. the entry fee is $100 per shooter.

Shells will be available at $7.50 per box for 12 and 20 gauge.

Food, drinks, and prizes will be provided!

Notice: Consumption of alcohol before or during shooting is prohibited.

For more information contact:

Norrell Thomas

936-275-6015

Marshall McMillan

936-275-6781

The Still Waters Cowboy Church will present a built Roughstock Series Tough Rodeo Bullriding on March 14, 2020, at 7 p.m. at the Shelby County Expo Center & Rodeo Arena.

Signup will be February 11th - February 13th, 2020.

For more information call: Bobby Daw at 936-591-4212.

The Shelby County Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting on February 18, 2020, at 2:00 P. M. in the Shelby County Museum on Pecan Street.  The speaker this month will be Ms. Carolyn Bounds.  She will speak to us about Raiford Stripling who was a native of San Augustine.  He was a well-known architect who worked all over the world.  There are several houses in Shelby and San Augustine Counties that he designed.  Everyone is invited to attend.

TYLER, Texas –A 53-year-old Tyler, Texas woman has been sentenced to federal prison for violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown and FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno today.

Virginia Colis Rodriguez pleaded guilty on Sep. 30, 2019 to conspiracy to produce and transfer false identification documents and was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle.  The court also ordered forfeiture of  firearms and ammunition; a computer and three printers; $30,961.09 in currency and bank accounts; and two pieces of real property in Flint, Texas. 

According to information presented in court, beginning in April 2009, Rodriguez conspired with others, including her husband, Jose Luis Marquez Rodriguez, to produce and sell fictitious U.S. identification documents to others.  The false documents included U.S. Social Security cards and Permanent Residence cards. Rodriguez admitted to being personally responsible for the transfer of over 25 false identification documents as part of this conspiracy. Marquez Rodriguez will be sentenced later this month.  The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on April 23, 2019.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Tyler Resident Agency, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Texas Department of Public Safety.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan R. Jackson.

######

Davilyn Walston

@WalstonDavilyn

Public Information Officer/Law Enforcement Coordinator

U.S. Attorney's Office

Eastern District of Texas

350 Magnolia Suite 150

Beaumont, TX 77701

O 409-981-7902

C 409-553-9881

Davilyn.walston@usdoj.gov

The Pastor and members of the House of Refuge would like to invite everyone to their 18th Church Anniversary on Sunday, Feb 9, at 3 p.m. the guest speaker Pastor Johnny Jones of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Center, TX and dinner will be served.

Liam's BBQ Fundraiser at NAPA in Center, Texas. This was to support Liam Hill a young boy with cancer. 

The Logansport Krewe of Aquarius will have a parade on Saturday, February 8, 2020, starting at 6 p.m.  

The Town of Logansport currently has one Mardi Gras Krewe, the Krewe of Aquarius. The Krewe has an annual parade during the Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana. The parade consists of a varied number of floats, motorcycle groups, antique cars and any other approved group wanting to March or participate as a part of the parade. Each float entry decorates their float with the theme of the celebration, which is announced by the Krewe of Aquarius. Each float entry pays a fee to participate in the parade and purchases all of their own throws.

The Krewe of Aquarius selects a theme for the coming years Mardi Gras Ball and Parade. The Krewe also nominates and selects the King and Queen of Mardi Gras. It is an honor to be selected as the King or Queen of Mardi Gras. That years King and Queen Reigns supreme over the annual Mardi Gras celebration, reaches out to the children of the community by visiting children in area schools and other facilities within the Parish. The King and Queen participate in all other events and parades in an official capacity held or organized by the River City Events Planning Committee and the Krewe of Aquarius. Visit our photo gallery to view some of the Kings and Queens of celebration past.

The parade is a fun safe event for all of DeSoto Parish and surrounding communities. Come to Logansport, spend the day in our River City and then line the streets at 6:00 PM to join the Krewe of Aquarius and the crowd. Be ready to shout “Throw Me Something Mister “!

The parade begins at the Logansport High School, with lineup of float entries beginning at 3:00pm, judging of floats starting at 4:30 and the parade rolls at 6:00pm.  The parade will turn south on Hwy 5, then west on Hwy 84/Main Street, turning north on Second Street to Veterans Memorial Blvd., where the parade will disband. Parade watchers are reminded that the throws will only be thrown from the right side of the floats.  

For more information on the Town of Logansport’s Krewe of Aquarius parade please see our News and our calendar for actual dates each year. 

If you would like to be a part of our annual celebration please contact:

Mailing Address
PO Box 926
Logansport, LA 71049

Teresa Stephens (Chariperson) (318) 518-2775  

It’s not too late to live on campus. Panola College offers three housing options for students enrolled in the spring semester. Classes began on January 13, so students who move into the residence halls now will pay a prorated amount for the room and meal plan.

Katy Chance, Residence Life Coordinator, says space is available in Sharp Hall, the campus apartments, and O’Neal Hall (the newest apartment on campus.) Depending on residence hall choice, weekly cost ranges from about $160 to $200, which includes the room and 19 meals per week in the dining hall.

“The meal ticket is $5.58 per meal. It’s hard to beat that at home,” said Don Clinton, Vice President of Student Success.

Chance said living on campus helps students become more engaged in the learning process and build a sense of community. “Studies have shown that students who live on campus tend to have higher graduation rates, achieve greater academic success, are more involved in campus life, and tend to use campus resources more frequently than those not living on campus,” she said.

Campus resources include the M.P. Baker Library, the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center, computer labs, high-speed WiFi, study rooms and recreational facilities including the weight room and Fitness Center gym.

Chance encouraged commuting students to consider the cost of fuel along with wear and tear on their vehicles in addition to the time wasted on the road. “Living on campus is a safer alternative, and when students really look at the numbers, they often realize they could save money and time by living in the residence halls,” she said. “Where else can you find a rental unit that provides safety, convenience, all utilities including high-speed internet and cable, and 19 meals a week for less than $1,000 a month?”

Living on campus expands opportunities to participate in cultural and academic events sponsored by the College, according to Clinton. “Students can walk from their dorm rooms to the auditorium for fine arts performances or to the Arthur Johnson Gym for games,” he said. “Living on campus gives you an opportunity to experience the complete collegiate environment that you would get at a university. We encourage all our students to get involved on campus, whether it is in the residence halls, extracurricular programs, student activities or intramural games, as well as attend athletic and performing arts events, and get involved in clubs and organizations.”

Find out more by contacting Katy Chance at kchance@panola.edu, or 903-693-1176.

Notice is hereby given that a special called meeting of the governing body of the City of Tenaha will be held on the 10th day of February at 5:30 pm at the City Hall, 238 North George Bowers Drive, Tenaha, Texas, at which time the following subjects will be discussed.  If while in the meeting, any discussion on items on the Agenda should be held in executive session, the Council will convene in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code Section 551.101.

Agenda:

1.    Call Meeting to Order
2.    Welcome/Pledge and Prayer
3.    Roll Call to establish that a quorum is present
4.    Public Comments: Must sign in prior to Meeting being called to order.  
5.    Discuss and Consider Approval of Resolution No. 02-24-2020: Council approval to apply for Grant #4015301 CJD Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Program, FY2021. ACTION ITEM
6.    Council Comments
7.    Adjourn

Center

The Center Roughriders will take on the Hudson Hornets in Hudson on February 7, 2020, the first game will start at 4:30 p.m.

Shelbyville

The Shelbyville Dragons will take on the Timpson Bears in Timpson on February 7, 2020, the first game will start at 4:30 p.m.

Tenaha

The Tenaha Tigers will take on the San Augustine Wolves in Tenaha on February 7, 2020, the first game will start at 4:30 p.m.

Joaquin

The Joaquin Rams will take on the Garrison Bulldogs in Joaquin on February 7, 2020, the first game will start at 4:30 p.m.

Carthage

The Carthage Bulldogs will take on the Jasper Bulldogs in Carthage on February 7, 2020, the first game will start at 4:30 p.m.

Logansport

The Logansport Tigers will take on St. Mary's in away game for Logansport on February 7, 2020, the first game will start at 6 p.m.

On February 6, 2020, they held a political forum at the Rio Theatre in Center, Texas. The doors opened at 5:30 p.m. and the event began at 6 p.m. The event was mediated by Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian.

Both the District Attorney Candidates spoke and all of the Shelby County Sheriff Candidates.

For more photos click here:

The Nacogdoches Police Department is currently investigating a single-vehicle auto fatality accident in the 3000 block of NW Stallings Dr. at W. Austin St. The NPD 911 Dispatch Center received a call of the accident just after midnight on Friday. 

A 2017 Chevy Camaro driven by Kevin Jose Silva, 32, of County Road 6104, Nacogdoches was westbound on W. Austin St. and failed to negotiate the “T” intersection with the northbound lanes of NW Stallings Dr. Silva continued through the intersection colliding with the concrete barrier wall that divides the northbound and southbound lanes of the loop.  Silva was pronounced deceased at the scene by JP David Perkins and an autopsy has been ordered. 

NW Stallings southbound traffic was closed for several hours while the investigation took place. Northbound traffic remained open and flowing. It is expected the roadway will be open by daylight Friday morning. 

Information Provided by Pennie Ferguson Daily News & More

The San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Texas Rangers, are investigating the death of 52-year-old Melanie Estelle Pike.  Pike’s family members had not heard from Pike since Friday, 01-24-2020.  Pike lived alone at her residence located off of Private Road 5025.  On the morning of 01-28-2020, Pike’s family members located her deceased outside of her residence and notified authorities.

San Augustine County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Ardis Mosby ordered an autopsy.  Preliminary autopsy results indicated there was no trauma significant enough to cause her death.  Cause and Manner of Death are pending.  Toxicology results are pending.  The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone having seen or had contact with Pike since Friday, 01-24-2020, should contact the San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office at (936) 275-2424. 

Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (CCSWB) is committed to investing in our business in Texas. We remain focused on providing the highest quality products and best customer service.

Effective January 30, 2020, to optimize our supply chain network and bring greater efficiencies to our local operations, we are moving production volume from our Nacogdoches facility to our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas.   This will enable our company to more effectively utilize our production capacity.  While we are discontinuing use of four production lines within the manufacturing operations in Nacogdoches, our Distribution & Sales Center operations will continue for our frontline salespeople, warehouse, distribution, drivers, and merchandisers.  

We’ve informed our associates of this consolidation which could result in 74 job reductions, which will be made through attrition, filling roles in other locations, and where necessary, job elimination.   While difficult, these changes are helping us create a faster, leaner and more agile organization to accelerate growth in the local marketplace.  We do not take decisions about job impacts lightly and are committed to treating our people with dignity, fairness and respect throughout this process.

Eligible associates will be given an opportunity to apply for current open roles in our new Houston manufacturing facility and access job postings for roles at the Nacogdoches Distribution & Sales Center as well as across CCSWB.  

We remain committed to making a positive difference in the local Nacogdoches community where we live and work.  We’ll continue to support organizations and community initiatives as we’ve done for decades.
 

NAME: Chawana C. Adams
DOB: September 25, 1989 (30 y/o)
HEIGHT: 5 feet 4 inches
WEIGHT: Appx. 220lbs
EYES: Brown
HAIR: Black, Shoulder Length

Chawana C. Adams was last seen on January 20, 2020 when she left a residence at 783 Hwy 5 in Grand Cane, La. Chawana is believed to have left the residence in the middle of the night wearing pajama pants and a pajama shirt. She was reported missing by her family on January 29, 2020 and no one has heard from her since January 20th.

If you have information that could assist investigators in bringing Ms. Adams to safety, please contact Lt. Reggie Roe at the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office at 318-872-3956.

Serving on a jury can be an exciting and interesting experience.  I have been summoned to jury duty many times but only once have I been picked as a jurist.  The year was 1959 when I received a jury summons from San Augustine County District Court to join about forty other people to be vetted for jury duty on a murder case.

I was around twenty-one years old at the time and quite frankly did not really believe that I would be selected as a juror for this trial.  As it turned out, I was completely surprised when both attorneys approved of my jury service, and was immediately sequestered in the third floor dormitory of the court house.  Again, to my surprise, I was selected as foreman of the jury.

The State of Texas was prosecuting an elderly gentleman for murdering his son-in-law.  This could turn out to be quite interesting, I thought as the trial process began.

It seems that Mr. Smith* was accused of shooting his son-in-law after an altercation, and the victim died as a result of the wound.  The testimony began in the trial, which lasted three days.

On the day of the shooting, Mr. Smith had come home from work late in the afternoon.  His wife was boiling a large pot of water on the stove intending to cook up a mess of collard greens.

However, Mr. Smith took the water and used it to wash himself.  This made Mrs. Smith boiling mad and they had what we call now a “family disturbance”.  She kicked him out of the house as a result of that collard green incident.  Having no where else to go, Mr. Smith decided to spend the night in his vehicle parked in the front yard.

Seemingly so far this would have had an innocent conclusion except for another “family disturbance” directly across the street from Mr. Smith’s vehicle.  Mr. Smith’s grown daughter and her husband lived in a small house across the street, and they got into a rather loud argument during the night.

In direct testimony, Mr. Smith indicated that he listened to the loud arguing for as long as he could stand it, then yelled at them to “ stop the arguing so I can sleep”.  Apparently he did this several times.  Finally, the son-in-law responded with some unprintable choice words at Mr. Smith to mind his own business.  He threatened to come over and beat Mr. Smith to a pulp.

Suddenly, the son-in-law stalked out of his front door and headed toward Mr. Smith’s parked car, yelling obscenities as he approached.  After he crossed over the street into his yard, Mr. Smith testified that he retrieved a shotgun in the back seat of his vehicle, and shot his son-in-law as he reached the car. 

Mortally wounded, the young man crossed back over the street and collapsed on his own front porch and expired.  That, in a nutshell, was Mr. Smith’s story.  His defense was, of course, self preservation.

We on the jury had to decide this older man’s fate.  There were no actual witnesses, so the evidence was basically Mr. Smith’s story, and that of his daughter, who acknowledged the loud fight with the deceased.  As I recall, we found Mr. Smith not guilty as he was simply defending himself against a much younger aggressor.

I think the lesson I learned from this story out of the past is that whenever we guys see a pot of boiling water on the stove, don’t use it as our own.  You don’t want another “collard green incident” to place you in deep trouble.

As for me, I have never served on a jury since, nor have I eaten any collard greens.

* Name changed 
 

NACOGDOCHES, TX – Alton Frailey, interim superintendent at Nacogdoches Independent School District, will present “Pulled from the Edge but Still in the Water” at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues breakfast meeting.

“The presentation will focus on three perspectives,” Frailey said. “Candid thoughts on my time here in Nacogdoches, the forecast of challenges and opportunities in the future and the hope for the impact of my tenure here.”

Eggs & Issues is 7:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 28 at The Fredonia Hotel and Convention Center in historic downtown Nacogdoches. Registration is requested by 4 p.m., Feb. 26. Breakfast is $20 for Chamber members or $24 for non-members, and online registration is available at www.Nacogdoches.org. 
Attend and enter a $50 cash drawing sponsored by Commercial Bank of Texas. All Nacogdoches County Chamber members are entered in a $250 drawing sponsored by Axley & Rode, LLP but you must be present to win. 

FFA News - Emmalee Richardson (sophomore) was chosen out of 600 applicants to attend the 2020 Texas A&M Veterinary Enrichment Camp. Students were selected based on GPA, Community Service, Essays, references, and must have at least 48 hours of formalized animal experience. Congratulations, Emmalee, on this huge accomplishment. We are very proud of you!!!

Team Store and Print Shop News - The Team Store will be opened tomorrow @ 4:15 p.m. for basketball games against Shelbyville. 

***Don't forget we are still raffling off 2 Timpson Bear  t-shirts.  Two winners will be announced @ half time of the girls game.****

***TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER A TLB BASKETBALL PLAYOFF SHIRT*** The Team Store will have order forms at the game tomorrow and you can also stop by any campus secretary and pick up an order form.

Also softball shirts are now for sale. Please stop by any campus secretary and pick up an order form.

Softball Shirt

TLB BBall Playoffs

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 10th day of February 2020 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1.    Approve and pay weekly expenses.

2.    Public comments on Agenda item.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

3.    An Executive Session will also be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, hearing complaints against personnel, or to deliberate the appointed, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee. The closed session is authorized by Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.074.

4.    Reopen public meeting.

5.    Discuss and possibly make a decision on issues discussed in the Executive Session.

6.    Adjourn. 
 

Sherif Richardson would like to announce that the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office recently hosted Phill Groff with VIGR Training for their "2 Gun Fighting Movements Course."  The course, taking place at our Training Facility, jumped head first into realistic and relevant application of movement principles with both the duty handgun and patrol rifle.  

It uses the information obtained from real Law Enforcement Officers lethal force encounters to mold the drills to match realistic movement patterns.  Sheriff Richardson partnered with VIGR Training to donate two of the slots available to Panola County Sheriff's Office in light of a recent tragedy in their county. VIGR (which translates to "Able in Battle") is dedicated to such training so that law enforcement who attend can take what they have learned back to their agencies.  

VIGR Training was formed more than 20 years ago to provide relevant, effective, and realistic training.  It has been a great week of training and learning from one another, shared with our law enforcement partners from Panola County Sheriff's Office. We thank Phill Groff with VIGR Training for coming out to instruct everyone in efficiency as we strive to keep our communities safe.

Effective immediately I am resigning as Constable. I have had some health issues the last few years. Before I filed to run I talked with my Dr because I felt I had improved enough to do the job.

He told me to try it and if I can not do it I will know. I have found out my health is not where it need to be to perform the way I need to.

To family, friends, and supporters thank you for your support when I decided to run for office, and I apologize for not being able to do the job.

Due to demand, we have decided to add a bonus pot of $500 to the team with the largest hog caught with dogs.

Rules and Guidelines:

JOAQUIN FFA AND JOAQUIN ISD WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS OR ACTION OF HUNTERS DURING THE HUNT OR AT THE LOCATION OF CHECK-IN.

1.    All animals may be taken anywhere by any means, but must be in accordance to state hunting laws
2.    All animals must be harvested within the time frame
3.    Team members must hunt together at all times, and only hunters entered in the contest may hunt
4.    All team members must be present at weigh-in
5.    All animals must be disposed of legally
6.    Automatic disqualification for any team that violates the law
7.    Any animals that are tampered with to add weight will not be weighed or counted.
8.    Joaquin FFA will use their own scales for weighing
9.    No tobacco or alcohol will be permitted at check-in and weigh in
10.    At least one member of the team must be over the age of 21
11.    All animals must be a minimum of 25lbs. to be eligible for the contest
12.    All boars must be intact
13.    Joaquin FFA reserves the right to disqualify any team
14.    Animals must be harvested prior to weigh in. NO LIVE ANIMALS
15.    ALL DECISIONS ARE FINAL PER THE JOAQUIN FFA ADVISORS

Check-in will be held on the square in Joaquin, TX Friday, February 21, 2020, at 5 pm. At least one representative from each team must be present. Weigh-in will be held in the same location on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at noon. ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST BE PRESENT AT WEIGH-IN. 

Entry fees are divided as follows:

    $300/team
    $150 goes to support the Joaquin FFA
    $75 goes to Pot 1
    $75 goes to Pot 2
1st place – 70% of pot        2nd place – 30% of pot
$500 will be paid to the team with the most hogs. (Minimum of 25lbs./animal to be eligible.)
$100 will be paid to the team with the longest tusks.

I have read and understand the rules listed above. As team captain, I am responsible for the members of my team.

_________________________________________                _____________
    
      (Signature)                                    (Date)

It will be Senior Recognition Night this Friday, Feb. 7th, in the SEC. Senior basketball players will be recognized prior to the game for both girls and boys. JV/V games against San Augustine tip-off at 4:30! The Tiger Cafe' will be open at 5 pm! Come out and support our Tigers!

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Christina Guenther and Thomas Nixon, members of the music faculty at Stephen F. Austin State University, will present the program “Storytime: Literature-Inspired Music for Flute and Piano” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

Guenther, professor of flute, and Nixon, collaborative pianist, will perform four works – two German and two French – spanning the 19th and early 20th centuries.

“The genesis of this concert stemmed from my wanting to play a concert with Thomas Nixon, who is newer to the School of Music (now in his second year) and is just a beautiful player,” Guenther said. “As we brainstormed some pieces we wanted to perform, the concept of literature-inspired music came together.”

The program includes Theobald Boehm’s arrangement of Franz Schubert’s Lied “Gute Nacht” (Good Night), which was written around 1870. The original lied (song) was written for baritone voice and piano in 1828 as part of the song cycle “Winterreise” (Winter Journey). The eighth notes in the opening of the piano part depict the tired footsteps of the protagonist, a man who is leaving his summertime love interest to roam and find the next, Guenther explained.

Also featured is Carl Reinecke’s “Sonata Undine,” op. 167, which is based on the German Romantic author Friedrich de La Motte Fouqué’s fairytale novella of the same name, in which a water sprite, Undine, marries a knight, Huldbrand, in order to gain a soul.

“The four movements of Reinecke’s sonata are very programmatic,” Guenther said. “The first movement is representative of water and all the power it holds. The second movement is Undine playfully splashing water, with a brief love theme in the middle. The third movement is the love song, this time with a very brief stormy section towards the end. The fourth and final movement represents all the passion and fury of a water nymph scorned, ending, finally, with the return of the love theme of the second movement as Undine’s spring embraces Huldbrand forever.”

The program also features Claude Debussy’s symphonic poem for orchestra “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun” and Jules Mouquet’s best-known work  “La Flûte de Pan,” op. 15.

Recital tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

Joaquin ISD discovered that a colony of bats migrated into two buildings and the gym at Joaquin Elementary School. JISD has taken the proper steps to remove the bats from all three locations. JISD Maintenance and Administration will continue to monitor the situation daily. Inspections to keep the campus free of pests are routinely conducted throughout the year and will continue.

We are committed to providing a safe environment for our children. Please feel free to contact the administration office at 936-269-3128 Ext. 221 if you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter.

February 15th, 2020 at the Timpson Volunteer Fire Department at 1 p.m. They will have food and give the candidates a chance to speak.

The Toledo Bend Chapter of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society will be cooking February 15th, and every 3rd Saturday at Boles Field outside of Shelbyville, Texas. The public is invited to eat and learn about the art of dutch oven cooking and if up to the challenge become a member. We start cooking at about 9:00 am and have pots on the table at 12 noon. Bring your lawn chairs and join us. Call James at 409-625-4787 for more information.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — When Camille Schrier took the stage at the Miss America competition and performed “the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide” as her onstage talent, she had a specific goal – promote STEM education.

Crowned Miss America 2020, Schrier continues to be a passionate STEM advocate and will serve as the featured speaker at the Women in STEM Luncheon and Style Show hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics at noon Tuesday, April 7, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.

Schrier graduated from Virginia Tech with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in biochemistry and systems biology and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University. She was awarded the Engineering Champion Award by the Sigma Rho National Sorority for her efforts promoting women in engineering and technical fields.

The luncheon and style show is a scholarship fundraising event benefiting students committed to the advancement of women pursuing STEM degrees at SFA.

“Building a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is key to supporting the infrastructure of a successful STEM workforce,” said Dr. Kimberly M. Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics. “Our keynote speaker for the Women in STEM Luncheon is an outstanding role model who utilizes her national platform and passion for science to promote her social initiative for drug safety. With style and grace, the reigning Miss America, Camille Schrier, encourages and promotes the advancement of women in STEM careers.”

Doors open at 11 a.m. for a gallery walk poster presentation highlighting STEM research accomplishments by SFA students and faculty.

A style show will follow the luncheon with selected men escorting female role models to highlight the importance of having men support women in STEM disciplines. Fashions are provided by The Town House.

The deadline for reservations is April 2. Tickets are $50 each or $350 for a table of eight. For tickets, visit sfasu.edu/womeninSTEM. For more information, email kdcarmona@sfasu.edu.

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Shelbyville Independent School District will be held on Monday, February 10, 2020, beginning at 6:00 p.m., in the Board Room of the Shelbyville Independent School District at 343 FM 417 West, Shelbyville, Texas.

The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be taken are listed below. Items do not have to be taken in the same order as shown on this meeting notice. Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time. 

1.    Call to order
2.    Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3.    Open forum
4.    Public Meeting for District Annual Performance Report for 2018-19
5.    Consent agenda 
a.    Minutes of the January 13, 2020 Board Meeting
b.    Monthly financial reports
6.    Consider for Approval
a.    Senior Trip
b.    Call for School Board Election
c.    Gifted and Talented Comprehensive Plan
7.    Principal’s/Director’s Reports
a.    Campus events
b.    Recognition of Staff and/or Students
8.    Superintendent’s Reports
a.    Articles of Interest
b.    General Updates
9.    Executive Session
a.    Resignations/Employment
b.    Personnel
10.    Adjournment
 

Timpson FFA News - Timpson FFA kicked off 2020 the right way---starting out with the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.  We had ten students attend with livestock projects. Claire Johnson exhibited her Polled Hereford Heifer and was 18th in class, Emmalee Richardson exhibited her market goat in class 2 of the light-weight division, Avery Metcalf exhibited in class 3 of the market goat show and placed 8th, Baylor Kimbro placed 5th in his Santa Gertrudis Heifer Class, Brecken Kimbro placed 3rd with his Santa Gertrudis Heifer, Ally Kimbro finished 3rd with her Santa Gertrudis Heifer, Mayson Harbison was also 3rd in his class with his Santa Gertrudis Heifer, April Ramsey placed 2nd with her Simmental Heifer and Sydney Shout placed first in her Brahman Class, Junior Division Brahman Champion, and Reserve Grand Champion Brahman Female.

Kayson Pledger attended week one of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo and came away with a few titles of her own! Kayson had the Champion Division 2 mini Hereford, Reserve Champion Division 4 Mini Hereford, and the Reserve Grand Champion Mini Hereford Female!

Timpson FFA is also proud to announce that the 2019-2020 Cotton Judging Team will be going to Lubbock for the State Contest in April. Team members include Ally Kimbro, Ashlynn Lindgren, and April Ramsey.

The Shelby County Livestock Show is scheduled for March 5, 2020. Timpson FFA currently has 20 students and 44 animal projects entered.

Panola College students Nash Coultas and Hieu Le have been named to the All Texas Academic Team for Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for community college students. Both will be recognized at a ceremony and reception at The University of Texas at Dallas on Wednesday, April 1.

Coultas is from Carthage. In addition to Phi Theta Kappa, Coultas was actively involved in the History Club at Panola. Le, from Marshall, graduated from Panola College and is now working on bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering at LeTourneau University.

Panola College Phi Theta Kappa faculty advisors nominated Coultas and Le, and they were among 100 outstanding students selected from 50 Texas community college districts.

“Members of the All Texas Academic Team represent the best and brightest students who excel in academics, leadership, and service,” said Emily Zabcik, faculty sponsor. “We at Panola are so proud of this accomplishment. This is the first time in my 10 years that we have had students be awarded this honor. I cannot wait to see what these young men accomplish in the future.”

Phi Theta Kappa faculty sponsors are math professors Zabcik, Roberta Collinsworth and Chasity Klingler.

 From left, Hieu Le of Marshall and Nash Coultas of Carthage will be honored as members of the Phi Theta Kappa All Texas Academic Team in a ceremony at the University of Texas at Dallas.

The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office arrested a wanted fugitive on multiple warrants last night after the subject was featured on the Angelina County Crime Stoppers.  Crime stoppers reported that the subject was possibly in the area.

Sheriff Jason Bridges received a tip from a local citizen that the wanted fugitive was possibly at a residence on Cr. 389. Deputies responded to the area and found the subject inside a trailer house.

Broderick Skillern 32 years of age was arrested at the scene on warrants out of Gregg County and Madison County. The warrants are for two family violence assaults both 3rd Degree felonies and an outstanding warrant for possessing a deadly weapon in a penal institution a 2nd-degree felony.

Skillern was arrested without incident and booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail. He will be transferred to Greg County and Madison County at a later date.    

The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has arrested four people in connection to a string of car burglaries in Nacogdoches County. In between the dates of 01/19/20 through 01/21/20, the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Department received several calls of service regarding vehicle burglaries and attempted vehicle burglaries.  Deputies took reports in the following areas of the county: Cr. 107, Cr. 8201, Cr. 5021 and Quail Run Drive.

During the course of the investigation, investigators obtained information and evidence leading to the identity of the suspects that were involved.  At this time, Investigators with the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office have recovered six (6) stolen firearms. NCSO investigators were able to obtain several warrants that were issued for the suspect’s arrest. 

On 02/04/20, NCSO Deputies and Investigators, along with Nacogdoches Police Department Investigators, went to various locations throughout the city and county of Nacogdoches in an attempt to arrest the suspect’s. During this time, (4) felony arrest have been made and other arrest are pending. The charges range from Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity to Burglary of a Motor Vehicle to Theft of a Firearm. One of the suspects held an unrelated charge for Aggravated Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon out of Harris County.

Criminal Charges:

Earnest Wayne Younger 21 years of age:

   -Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Theft of a Firearm) F/3 (x 3)

   - Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Burglary of a Vehicle) SJF (x6)

   - Tampering w/ Serial Number on Firearm M/A

Jabrotney Devon Woodson 17 years of age:

   -Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Theft of a Firearm) F/3 (x 3)

   - Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Burglary of a Vehicle) SJF (x6)

Zachary Reed 18 years of age:

   -Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Theft of a Firearm) F/3 (X2)

   - Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Burglary of a Vehicle) SJF (x1)

   - Theft of a Firearm SJF

Shawn Tyrell Powers 18 years of age:

   - Aggravated Assault W/ Deadly Weapon F/2 (Harris County warrant)

   - Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Theft of a Firearm) F/3 (x 3)

   - Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Burglary of a Vehicle) SJF (x6)

All four subjects are from Nacogdoches and were booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail on the above charges. This investigation is still ongoing.

Tenaha First Baptist Church would like to invite everyone to their revival 2020 - Nothing but the blood!

With Evangelist, Dr. Ronnie Hill

Sunday Wednesday, February 16 -19

Sunday Morning - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Night 6 p.m.

Monday - Wednesday Night - 7 p.m.

HWY 59 S - Tenaha, TX

Boys Soccer in New Summerfield Saturday, February 8th is cancelled.

February 4 , 2020 Joaquin Elementary 1st graders enjoyed a great Dental Health Program. February is Dental Health Month.  Joaquin Masonic Lodge and Fantastic Teeth Club made this possible.  Each year the Local Masons nominate our 1st graders to receive dental health kits.  The students were introduced to the Masons, Mr. Vance Jordan, Mr. Randy Bonner, Mr. Jay Wilson, Mr. Jerry Agnew and Mr. John Paul Sledge. After viewing a video and question/answers by school nurse, Portia King, LVN, Mr. Sledge talked with the students. 

Dental Health Kits were given to each student.  We want to thank our Local Masons and Fantastic Teeth Club. 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — When Camille Schrier took the stage at the Miss America competition and performed “the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide” as her onstage talent, she had a specific goal – promote STEM education.

Crowned Miss America 2020, Schrier continues to be a passionate STEM advocate and will serve as the featured speaker at the Women in STEM Luncheon and Style Show hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics at noon Tuesday, April 7, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.

Schrier graduated from Virginia Tech with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in biochemistry and systems biology and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University. She was awarded the Engineering Champion Award by the Sigma Rho National Sorority for her efforts promoting women in engineering and technical fields.

The luncheon and style show is a scholarship fundraising event benefiting students committed to the advancement of women pursuing STEM degrees at SFA.

“Building a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is key to supporting the infrastructure of a successful STEM workforce,” said Dr. Kimberly M. Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics. “Our keynote speaker for the Women in STEM Luncheon is an outstanding role model who utilizes her national platform and passion for science to promote her social initiative for drug safety. With style and grace, the reigning Miss America, Camille Schrier, encourages and promotes the advancement of women in STEM careers.”

Doors open at 11 a.m. for a gallery walk poster presentation highlighting STEM research accomplishments by SFA students and faculty.

A style show will follow the luncheon with selected men escorting female role models to highlight the importance of having men support women in STEM disciplines. Fashions are provided by The Town House.

The deadline for reservations is April 2. Tickets are $50 each or $350 for a table of eight. For tickets, visit sfasu.edu/womeninSTEM. For more information, email kdcarmona@sfasu.edu.

Joaquin Jr. High Track:

Joaquin High School Track:

CMS is ordering yearbooks for all who paid during pre-sales. They will have a few extras. If you want to purchase one of the extras, please do so soon as there will be no future orders. Don't miss out! Cost is $32. See Mrs. Andrews in Room 32. Order forms are also available in front office and inlibrary. Order online at https://www.balfour.com/texas/center/center-middle-school  
 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Students at Stephen F. Austin State University will have the chance to meet with and hear from professionals at STEM Connect, hosted by the College of Sciences and Mathematics from noon to 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7, in the Cole STEM Building, Room 402.

Representatives from CK Associates, an environmental consulting firm, and Apache Corporation, an international oil and gas exploration company headquartered in Houston, as well as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Department of Public Safety, will discuss their careers and how students can prepare for the future during a panel and one-on-one dialogues.

“STEM Connect provides an opportunity for students to interface with STEM professionals and discuss real-world career connections of SFA classroom experiences to key concepts and core principles needed to support innovation, problem-solving and creativity on the job,” said Dr. Kimberly M. Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics. “SFA students benefit both personally and educationally as they develop a more complete sense of STEM career expectations and satisfaction.”

Students in attendance will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from panelists about the opportunities in the STEM fields.

“STEM will always be a part of the earth’s DNA because it gives solutions in a world filled with problems,” said Chikere Ogbonnaya, SFA alumnus and senior geoscientist with the Apache Corporation. “Be open to learning new skills that put you in a better position to offer solutions.”

To learn more about the College of Sciences and Mathematics, visit sfasu.edu/cosm.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors along with Tiffanne Klein, owner of Dazzle Me Pink & Blue and her friendly staff, will welcome Chamber members to a Business After Hours event on Tuesday, February 11th ,  from 5:00 until 6:30pm.  It will be a fun pink and Valentine event.

Dazzle Me Pink & Blue will showcase the beautiful collection of children’s clothes and accessories, while at the same time Chamber members will have an opportunity to network with each other in a casual and relaxed atmosphere Dazzle Me Pink & Blue is a lovely Children’s Clothing Boutique with children’s clothes ranging from newborn to 16 years.  Tiffanne and her staff will be more than happy to help pick the perfect outfit and/or gift.  They offer baby registry, lay away and monograming.

Find the perfect Princess Ball dress at Dazzle Me Pink & Blue.  There are so many beautiful dresses from which to choose.

Spring and Easter are right around the corner so start shopping for cute new spring items and the perfect Easter outfits for your children.

Dazzle Me Pink & Blue is located at 902 Tenaha Street.

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

 COMMISSIONERS’ COURT

SPECIAL MEETING

SHELBY COUNTY, TEXAS

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 5th day of February, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1.  Approve and pay weekly expenses.

2. Approve Current payroll.

3. Public comments on Agenda item.

4. Update on the status of the pending sale of the Shelby General Hospital and discuss and possibly take action on moving forward with the sale.

5. Approve Driveway repairs for Special needs person on  CR 3492 .

6. Approve Bryan Gray Constable 4 Bond.

7. Discuss and possibly approve repairs to the Juvenile Probation Office in order for it to meet ADA specifications.

8. Discuss and possibly approve Resolution Approving the Financing by the New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corporation of Health Facilities Located within Shelby County.

9. Adjourn.

The Center Roughriders will take on the Carthage Bulldogs in a home game for Center on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, the first game starts at 4:30 p.m.

The Shelbyville Dragons will take on the Joaquin Rams in Shelbyville on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, the first game starts at 4:30 p.m.

The Tenaha Tigers will take on the Martinsville Pirates in Tenaha on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, the first game starts at 4:30 p.m.

The Timpson Bears will take on the San Augustine Wolves in San Augustine on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, the first game starts at 4:30 p.m.

The Logansport Tigers will take on the Montgomery Tigers in a home game on February 4, 2020, the first game starts at 6 p.m.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors along with Tiffanne Klein, owner of Dazzle Me Pink & Blue and her friendly staff, will welcome Chamber members to a Business After Hours event on Tuesday, February 11th ,  from 5:00 until 6:30pm.  It will be a fun pink and Valentine event.

Dazzle Me Pink & Blue will showcase the beautiful collection of children’s clothes and accessories, while at the same time Chamber members will have an opportunity to network with each other in a casual and relaxed atmosphere Dazzle Me Pink & Blue is a lovely Children’s Clothing Boutique with children’s clothes ranging from newborn to 16 years.  Tiffanne and her staff will be more than happy to help pick the perfect outfit and/or gift.  They offer baby registry, lay away and monograming.
Find the perfect Princess Ball dress at Dazzle Me Pink & Blue.  There are so many beautiful dresses from which to choose.

Spring and Easter are right around the corner so start shopping for cute new spring items and the perfect Easter outfits for your children.

Dazzle Me Pink & Blue is located at 902 Tenaha Street.

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

This Wednesday, February 5th, Joaquin Ram - Jesus Bravo will be signing his commitment to play football as a Preferred walk-on at Northwestern State University. Jesus will sign at 10:30 AM in the JISD New Gymnasium. If anyone would like to show support for Jesus, you are welcome to attend! 

Submitted by Wade Lawson, JISD Men's Athletic Director

ALERT: The Lufkin District will begin pre-treating roadways today 2-4-20 throughout the nine-county district including specific areas such as elevated structures and bridges, and pavement with the potential to freeze in our northern counties. Motorists should stay alert for this moving work zone and allow them room to work through these travel lanes that are prone to freeze. Reduce speed in winter weather conditions and be alert for frozen patches in rural areas.

The Toledo Bend Chapter of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society will be cooking February 15th, and every 3rd Saturday at Boles Field outside of Shelbyville, Texas. The public is invited to eat and learn about the art of dutch oven cooking and if up to the challenge become a member. We start cooking at about 9:00 am and have pots on the table at 12 noon. Bring your lawn chairs and join us. Call James at 409-625-4787 for more information.

The Spanish-American War lasted a little less than four months, April 21st – August 13th, 1898 and ended Spain’s worldwide empire.  It ended with America easily defeating Spain and signaled the United States emergence as a world power.  The blowing up of the battleship USS Maine in Havana harbor on February 15th, 1898 with the loss of 266 crewmen and marines, in essence, was the start of the war.

The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898 which established the independence of Cuba, gave Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States and allowed the US to purchase the Philippines Islands from Spain for $20 million.  The brief war cost the United States $250 million and 3,000 lives of which 90% perished from yellow and typhoid fever and other infectious diseases.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars traces its roots back to these veterans who founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service.  There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.  These formed organizations would become what is now known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

In observance of the sacrifices made by the Veterans of the Spanish American War and those who died aboard the USS Maine, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Auxiliary will conduct a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial on Friday, February 14, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.  As always the public is invited.  Call Post Quartermaster Larry Hume, 598-2976 for more information.

Due to demand, we have decided to add a bonus pot of $500 to the team with the largest hog caught with dogs.

Rules and Guidelines:

JOAQUIN FFA AND JOAQUIN ISD WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS OR ACTION OF HUNTERS DURING THE HUNT OR AT THE LOCATION OF CHECK-IN.

1.    All animals may be taken anywhere by any means, but must be in accordance to state hunting laws
2.    All animals must be harvested within the time frame
3.    Team members must hunt together at all times, and only hunters entered in the contest may hunt
4.    All team members must be present at weigh-in
5.    All animals must be disposed of legally
6.    Automatic disqualification for any team that violates the law
7.    Any animals that are tampered with to add weight will not be weighed or counted.
8.    Joaquin FFA will use their own scales for weighing
9.    No tobacco or alcohol will be permitted at check-in and weigh in
10.    At least one member of the team must be over the age of 21
11.    All animals must be a minimum of 25lbs. to be eligible for the contest
12.    All boars must be intact
13.    Joaquin FFA reserves the right to disqualify any team
14.    Animals must be harvested prior to weigh in. NO LIVE ANIMALS
15.    ALL DECISIONS ARE FINAL PER THE JOAQUIN FFA ADVISORS

Check-in will be held on the square in Joaquin, TX Friday, February 21, 2020, at 5 pm. At least one representative from each team must be present. Weigh-in will be held in the same location on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at noon. ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST BE PRESENT AT WEIGH-IN. 

Entry fees are divided as follows:
    $300/team
    $150 goes to support the Joaquin FFA
    $75 goes to Pot 1
    $75 goes to Pot 2
1st place – 70% of pot        2nd place – 30% of pot
$500 will be paid to the team with the most hogs. (Minimum of 25lbs./animal to be eligible.)
$100 will be paid to the team with the longest tusks.

I have read and understand the rules listed above. As team captain, I am responsible for the members of my team.

_________________________________________                _____________
    
      (Signature)                                    (Date)
 

Shelbyville High School’s Academic UIL team competed at the first annual SFA Lumberjack Invitational Academic UIL Meet on January 24th.  There were 30 schools from 1A-5A with over 700 students competing.   

Receiving medals from Shelbyville:
Shiloh Amburn - 5th place Computer Applications 
TyKevia Blount - 3rd Place Poetry Interpretation 
Naomi Caporali - 5th place Informative Speaking 
Hagan Crumpton - 3rd Place Lincoln Douglas Debate, 4th Place Persuasive Speaking
Ashley Harkness - 4th Place News Writing, 5th Place Feature Writing 
Emily Nicosia - 2nd Place Ready Writing 
Ava Silva - 3rd Place Informative Speaking 
Trey Smith - 4th Place Number Sense 
Molly Windham - 3rd Place Ready Writing, 2nd Place Editorial Writing 

February is Heart Health Month.  Join us at a Lunch and Learn sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce Health Care Committee and The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.  Our guest speaker will be Dr. I. Khan of The Heart Institute of East Texas.  Dr. I. Khan specializes in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine and Echocardiography. 

This Lunch and Learn will be held on February 5th from noon until 1:00 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offices located at 266 Nacogdoches Street.  For more information or to reserve a seat call 936-598-7744.

The Biggest Loser of weight in Shelby County click here for more:

The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is looking for Macy Lyn Taliaferro a white female who is 27 years of age. Macy was reported missing by her husband on Saturday February 1, 2020 around 6:30 pm. Macy is believed to have left her residence on foot near  Yakofritz Landing on FM 225 sometime on Saturday. 

It has been reported by a witness that Macy was possibly seen walking near the East Boat ramp at Lake Nacogdoches around 10:30 am on Saturday morning.

Macy is 6’2 in height with blue eyes and brown hair. She may be carrying a green or camo back pack with her. She also wears glasses.

The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is resuming a ground search for Macy this morning near Lake Nacogdoches. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office at 936-560-7794. 

Bossier City – A woman from Texas is under arrest after she was found to be in possession of a stolen ambulance from Dallas, Texas.

On February 2, 2020, Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop G were notified to be on the lookout for a stolen ambulance from Dallas, Texas.  The ambulance was last seen traveling east on Interstate 20 in Texas.  Shortly before 5:45 p.m., Troopers located the stolen ambulance on Interstate 20 around milepost 8 and attempted a traffic stop.  The driver, later identified as 19-year-old Kendall Tyson of Dallas, Texas, failed to stop and a high-speed pursuit ensued.  Troopers pursued the vehicle eastbound on Interstate 20 through Caddo Parish and into Bossier Parish.  The pursuit encountered slowed traffic which enabled the Troopers to bring the pursuit to an end near the Airline Drive exit.  Tyson was taken into custody without incident.

Once in custody, Troopers observed Tyson to have an obvious impairment level which prompted the conduction of sobriety tests.  She was booked into Bossier Maximum Jail and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, aggravated flight, resisting by false information, misrepresentation during booking, driving while intoxicated, and no driver’s license. 

Louisiana State Police will always remain present on the highways throughout the state. Proactive enforcement reminds the public to obey all traffic laws and reduces criminal activity. Louisiana State Police is proud of the hard work and dedication of our Troopers. 

Macy Taliaferro who was reported missing on February 1, 2020, has been found. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office received information, shortly after 9 am this morning on her whereabouts. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office contacted the police agency where Macy was reported to be located at. Officers from that jurisdiction responded and found Macy to be safe and in good health.

Her family has requested that her location not be disclosed at this time. We would like to thank the community for your concern and the information that was given to us during this investigation.  

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St.

Dr. George Ray McEachern, part-time horticulture professor and former Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service pecan specialist from College Station, will present “Pecans: Past, Present and Future.”

McEachern earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in horticulture from Louisiana State University in 1967 and 1969, respectively. He then went on to receive a doctoral degree in horticulture from Texas A&M University in 1973 before serving as an extension pecan specialist at the university from 1969 to 2001.

As a young man, McEachern was mentored by some of the most renowned individuals in the pecan industry, including Fred Brison, O.S. Gray and L.D. Romberg. Additionally, he studied and worked with J. Benton Storey and Bluefford Hancock.

During his 31-year career with the extension service, McEachern worked directly with growers to learn how to grow pecans under a wide variety of conditions. Today, he manages the 54-acre Texas A&M University pecan orchard on the Brazos River Farm near campus. The orchard is used for production research, teaching and extension education.

Since 2001, McEachern has held a 50% appointment as a professor of horticulture retired-active. He also is a pecan production consultant in the U.S. and Mexico.

The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month and includes a rare plant raffle after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, but donations to the Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series fund are always appreciated.

Parking is available at the PNPC and Raguet Elementary School, located at 2428 Raguet St.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St.

Dr. George Ray McEachern, part-time horticulture professor and former Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service pecan specialist from College Station, will present “Pecans: Past, Present and Future.”

McEachern earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in horticulture from Louisiana State University in 1967 and 1969, respectively. He then went on to receive a doctoral degree in horticulture from Texas A&M University in 1973 before serving as an extension pecan specialist at the university from 1969 to 2001.

As a young man, McEachern was mentored by some of the most renowned individuals in the pecan industry, including Fred Brison, O.S. Gray and L.D. Romberg. Additionally, he studied and worked with J. Benton Storey and Bluefford Hancock.

During his 31-year career with the extension service, McEachern worked directly with growers to learn how to grow pecans under a wide variety of conditions. Today, he manages the 54-acre Texas A&M University pecan orchard on the Brazos River Farm near campus. The orchard is used for production research, teaching and extension education.

Since 2001, McEachern has held a 50% appointment as a professor of horticulture retired-active. He also is a pecan production consultant in the U.S. and Mexico.

The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month and includes a rare plant raffle after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, but donations to the Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series fund are always appreciated.

Parking is available at the PNPC and Raguet Elementary School, located at 2428 Raguet St.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The New York Times Magazine recently published "The Still Life," a poem by Stephen F. Austin State University's Dr. Mark Sanders, professor of English and associate dean of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts.

Guest poetry editor of the magazine and the Young People's Poet Laureate of the U.S., Naomi Shihab Nye, who recently visited the SFA campus to conduct writing and teaching workshops, selected Sanders's poem for publication in the Dec. 12, 2019 issue.

In the magazine, Nye explained that Sanders's use and interpretation of memory deeply resonated with her.

"Memory permeates awareness again and again, illuminating the absent, suggesting not that we keep it alive but that it may keep us alive," Nye said. "Sometimes the plums or ceramic pitchers in a painting feel more vivid than the ones on our tables right in front of us. It may take, as the poet William Stafford used to say, a certain tilt of the head to perceive it. Here in this poem, no one is gone."

Sanders was thrilled about his inclusion in the magazine, as he is a fan of the publication and Nye.

"The New York Times Magazine is highly regarded, has a huge circulation, and I'm proud to have been included," Sanders said. "I am very fond of Naomi Nye's writing, and it pleases me the poem worked well for her."

His poem was included in his most recent book, "In a Good Time," published in September 2019 by WSC Press. The poem also won the Stephen Meats Poetry Prize from the Midwest Quarterly.

Sanders wrote the poem shortly after his mother passed away in 2014.

"The poem is not about her, specifically, but about all those we loved and who are no longer with us," Sanders said.  "The loss is excruciating, but they're still with us, keeping watch, staying."

Sanders received other awards for his work in 2019, including both the Western Heritage Award and the Poetry Nebraska Book Award from the Nebraska Center for the Book, for his publication, "Landscapes, with Horses," illustrated by Charles D. Jones. Additionally, two of his poems were published by Bosque Magazine, "Remembering Nixon" and "Coneflowers," with the latter receiving a nomination for the Pushcart Prize. He also received a Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, for his lifelong work in writing and scholarship.

Sanders's poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction and literary criticism have been published in the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Australia. He has received multiple awards and recognitions for his literary work.

Currently, he is working on a collection of nonfiction, a grouping of roughly 10 creative essays titled "Homecoming Parade."

Huntington 50

Center 45

Carthage 54

Hudson 52

Panola College Associate Degree (ADN) and Vocational Nursing (VN) programs are accepting applicants until March 1.

VN classes will begin August 19 on the Carthage campus. Application requirements can be found on the Vocational Nursing page at www.panola.edu.  Applications can be picked up and returned at the Carthage campus in suite 1100 in the Health and Natural Sciences Building and at the Shelby College Center campus in Center.

Contact Yvette Royal at 903-694-4026 on the Carthage campus or Rachel Paddie at 936-598-9543 ext. 6006 on the Center campus for further information.

ADN applicants are invited to schedule a mentoring appointment with Katie Davis by calling 903-694-4019. Prospective students may apply to the ADN traditional two-year track or begin the ADN one-year hybrid LVN-RN transition track. Students admitted to the traditional track will start the program in August. Students who are admitted to the LVN-RN transition track will start in summer 2020. Details about program requirements are available at www.panola.edu, under Programs, Health Sciences.

Shelby County Outreach Ministries would like to recognize a

very special person. Her name is Iva Parker, or, as many have

come to know her, Sister Iva.

Sister Iva has a very special ministry and at 97 years young she

is such an inspiration. We call it a ministry of love. Sister Iva

makes prayer quilts. Each quilt bears a little note that

says “this is more than a quilt. If you look closely at every stitch

you will see her love for sewing as well as her love for people.

In this quilt is an abundance of love. May this Quilt be a

covering of God’s love in the lives that it warms.” It also comes

with a testimony from Sister Iva that says her greatest passion

is living for God. She is a faithful member of Dreka Pentecostal

Church in Shelbyville, Texas.

Her favorite Bible verses are Acts 2:38-39:

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every

one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,

and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all

that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Sister Iva states also, if you met her and forgot her, you have

only lost a friend. If you met Jesus and forget Him, you have lost

everything.

She generously donates these quilts to Shelby County Outreach

Ministries so they can be used as Prayer quilts. They are

reserved for those who find themselves in desperate need of

prayer. Sister Iva and we hope that each person that receives

one of these precious quilts feels the love and warmth of our

Heavenly Father wrapping His arms around them. The Lord

loves a cheerful giver and Sister Iva is just that. She gives her

time, her love, her labor, and her heart in the work she does

and expects nothing from it. Her reward is knowing that her

efforts will be a blessing to someone in need. All of us at

Shelby County Outreach Ministries wants her to know just how

special she is to our Ministry and to the people who receive one

of her quilts. We love your quilts, but more importantly, we

love you, Sister Iva. Thank you for all you do to help others.

heriff Richardson and deputies would like to send a warm congratulations to Chief Bobby Hayes on his retirement from Fire District #9 in Frierson. Chief Hayes has served the citizens of DeSoto Parish for 21 years upon his retirement, having also retired from Shreveport Police Department, and worked many years in home appraisal. He has served on both the EMS Board and Crimestoppers Board in DeSoto as well. Chief Hayes has spent his life in public service, caring for the safety of citizens, and instilling wisdom into his co-workers and friends. Tomorrow, Bobby says if anyone needs him he will likely be located in his recliner, probably watching a movie. We are grateful for the years of service Chief Hayes has dedicated to our parish and abroad. Thank you for all you have done, and we wish you long and relaxing retirement!

February 15th at Timpson volunteer fire department at 1 p.m. They will have food and give the candidates a chance to speak.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Fans of the History Channel’s “Forged in Fire” learned Wednesday night what contestant Kevin Burgess has known for months: he won!

The Stephen F. Austin State University art student from Nacogdoches County competed last year in the “Forged in Fire” reality series, and the episode detailing his participation in the $10,000 competition was initially supposed to air on Nov. 20. But scheduling changes resulted in the episode being postponed until Jan. 29, and Burgess had to keep the results a secret all this time.

“It was an awesome experience working with three other very talented smiths, and I loved every second of it,” Burgess said. “The challenges were hard, to say the least, but I stand on the shoulders of giants that have figured out most of this stuff for me.”

Produced by Outpost Entertainment, “Forged in Fire” is a competition in which four bladesmiths compete in timed elimination rounds to forge bladed weapons for a chance to win a $10,000 prize and be named a “Forged in Fire” champion. In its seventh season, the competition, which is judged by experts in weapon history and use, tests some of the best in the industry as they attempt to recreate historic weapons.

Burgess first became interested in bladesmithing about four years ago after watching “Man at Arms: Reforged” YouTube videos where skilled bladesmiths recreate weapons from TV shows and video games. He is currently a member in and an apprentice with the American Bladesmith Society, hoping to eventually pursue journeyman distinction.

He started his college career at SFA studying computer science but soon changed his major to art where he could follow his passion. Burgess is an art metals student studying with Lauren Selden, professor of metalworking and jewelry in the School of Art. Following graduation, he plans to earn a master’s degree with the hope of teaching bladesmithing at the college level.

Burgess offered the following advice for those who may be looking to learn something new, especially in the area of bladesmithing.

“Seek out those who are willing to teach, not the ones wanting to keep things a secret,” he suggested. “Because when people share what they have learned, it shows just how much they actually know.”

Cutline: Nacogdoches bladesmith and SFA art student Kevin Burgess earned $10,000 in the History’s Channel’s “Forged in Fire” reality series.

On Thursday, January 30 First State Bank & Trust Co. presented Jessica Pace, director of Institutional Advancement at Panola College, with a check for $10,000. The funds will be used to endow the Chris Dickerson Memorial Scholarship, honoring fallen deputy, Chris Dickerson.

Chris Dickerson was born January 17, 1991 in Marshall, Texas. He was killed in the line of duty December 31, 2019 in Gary, Texas. Chris graduated from Carthage High School in 2009 and attended Aviation School in Norfolk, Virginia while serving in the Texas Army National Guard. He graduated from the Kilgore Police Academy and served as a deputy and member of the Panola County Honor Guard for the Panola County Sheriff’s Department. On September 18, 2010 Chris and Krista LaNae Edge married and have two daughters, Kensley and Chelsey Dickerson.

“First State Bank felt that after the tragedy of Chris Dickerson, we wanted to make an effort to support the first responders of Panola County. We felt that establishing a scholarship with Panola College would be a great way to offer support for generations to come,” said Gene Giles, President of First State Bank. “First State Bank has always been supportive of first responders. In fact, we have several currently working at the bank. We felt that it was not only our responsibility, but that we wanted to do something for the community.”

The Chris Dickerson Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a Panola College student. Dependents of Panola County first responder(s) are eligible to apply. First responders include peace officers, firefighting personnel, and paramedics.

Photo (Left to Right): Kevin Smith, Jim Payne, Jessica Pace, Gene Giles, and David Murphy 

On Saturday, February 8, guest presenter Michael Mumaugh of the Cane River National Heritage Area will present a fascinating program on the notorious Sabine Free State, a.k.a. "No Man's Land," created during the early 19th century in what is today Western Louisiana.  The program will begin in the museum theater at 2 p.m.
 
Between 1804 and 1821 the border between the United States (Western Louisiana) and Spanish Texas was disputed. To prevent a possible border war, a de facto Neutral Strip or "No Man's Land" was established which quickly became a haven for outlaws as well as those looking to be left alone. Says Mumaugh, "If you thought the 'wild west' was in New Mexico and Arizona in the late 1800s, then you need to look at the Texas/Louisiana borderlands of 1804! Murderers, cattle rustlers, conspirators, pirates, settlers with determination— all of these can be found in Louisiana's No Man's Land."

Co-hosted by: 
Visit No Man's Land
https://www.facebook.com/VisitNoMansLand/ 

Cane River National Heritage Area
https://www.facebook.com/CaneRiverNHA/

Mansfield State Historic Site is located at 15149 LA Highway 175, three miles south of the town of Mansfield, Louisiana.  Admission is $4 per person ages 4-61; seniors 62 and over and children 3 and under admitted free.  For more information call 318.872.1474 locally, toll-free 888.677.6267, or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mansfieldshs

Due to the construction on the Center square, Early Voting for the upcoming Primary Election will be moved to the Center Community House, 423 San Augustine St. in Center. Early voting will begin Tuesday, February 18th, through Friday, February 28th. Hours will be weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. We will also include weekend voting, which will be Saturday, February 22nd, from 10::00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 23rd, from 12:00-4:00 p.m.

On behalf of the Shelby County Clerk's Office, we would like to extend a huge thank you to the City Of Center for working with us and allowing us to move early voting to he Community House. We hope this will encourage everyone to come out and vote!