Friday, May 20^th, 2022, marked the 10-year anniversary of the murder of Ashton Deon Randle. It was on a Sunday, May 20, 2012 at approximately 6:40 P.M, in which Deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a wooded area off of Forest Service Road 197 in Shelbyville, Texas, just south of Strong Cemetery on FM 139. A body was discovered by two individuals who were out riding on a 4-wheeler.  The body was identified as Ashton Deon Randle, 24 years of age. An autopsy determined that Ashton Randle had been fatally shot. 

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office initiated a homicide investigation, and the investigation has continued since with various leads and collection of additional evidence. 

The pursuit of justice continues. 

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Division is committed to the pursuit of justice, not just for the victims, but also for the victim’s family who are left behind. Despite the passing of 10 years, Ashton’s untimely death has not been forgotten, nor will his family and friends who are left behind looking for answers and much needed closure. There is no statute of limitations for homicide in the State of Texas. 

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is asking for any information that will lead to further evidence in this case and/or further information that will assist in securing a conviction for the suspect(s) involved, so justice can be served and bring the much-needed closure for the victim’s families. 

You are encouraged to contact SCSO Cold Case Lieutenant Investigator DJ Dickerson at (936) 572-0255 or you can submit a tip anonymously on our website by clicking or going to the following link: https://www.scsotx.org/murder-of-ashton-deon-randle/. Any information will be greatly appreciated, not only by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, but especially to the victim’s family. 

First Responders Appreciation Lunch

Presented by Badders Law Firm

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and Center Independent School District hosted an Appreciation Lunch for First Responders, presented by Badders Law Firm on Friday, May 20th. Pete Low cooked a delicious barbeque meal.  

First responders including police officers, department of public safety officers, constables, Sheriff Deputies, firemen, medics, Game Wardens and law enforcement officials were the honored guests. 

Public servants and peace officers carry a responsibility for maintaining order, enforcing the law and protecting the lives and property of our citizens.   Often, service involves personal sacrifices and even personal danger.  The appreciation lunch recognizes the contribution law enforcement makes to the community. 

Thank you to all our Generous Sponsors.  Presenting Sponsor was Badders Law Firm. Gold Sponsors were Focused Care of Center, Spartan Structures and Specter Inc. Silver Sponsors were Baldwin Tree Service, Farmers State Bank, H&R Block, McWilliams and Son and Ray Jones Chevrolet.  Table Sponsors were: American State Bank, Aurora Concepts, C&J A/C & Electrical, East Texas Towing & Storage, Hope Community Medicine, Hospice Plus, Mathews Realty, Shelby County Today, Shelby Insurance Agency, Shelby Savings Bank, Southern Lemonade, Viatrace Fertilizer and Wright Dodge.  Thank you to Chicken Express for donating all the tea.

Thank you to everyone to helped, especially the Center ISD Maintenance Staff.

Joaquin Elementary 

Summer Library Program 2022 

Dear Students and Parents, 

We have some exciting news to share with you! We have planned a summer library  program. This program will be a great opportunity for our elementary students to stay  engaged in reading this summer. There will be story time and an opportunity to check  out books each week. Drop your students off and pick them up at the designated time. 

The library will be open to any Joaquin Elementary student who was enrolled in  PreK-5th grade for the 2021-2022 school year.  

The following days in June have been set to enrich the students of Joaquin Elementary: 

• Wednesday, June 1st: (PreK-2nd Grade 10:00-11:00 am, 3rd-5th Grade  11:00-12:00 pm) 

• Wednesday, June 8th: (PreK-2nd Grade 10:00-11:00 am, 3rd-5th Grade  11:00-12:00 pm) 

• Wednesday, June 15th: (PreK-2nd Grade 10:00-11:00 am, 3rd-5th Grade  11:00-12:00 pm) 

• Wednesday, June 22nd: (PreK-2nd Grade 10:00-11:00 am, 3rd-5th Grade  11:00-12:00 pm) 

• Wednesday, June 29th: (PreK-2nd Grade 10:00-11:00 am, 3rd-5th Grade  11:00-12:00 pm)

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Business owners, travel and tourism professionals, and local economic development leaders are invited to the Stephen F. Austin State University campus to attend the Deep East Texas Travel and Tourism Conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Twilight Ballroom.

The conference is the first in a series of travel and tourism sessions that are part of the larger Deep East Texas Travel and Tourism Collaborative. The collaborative focuses on enhancing the preparedness of the region’s tourism workforce, developing new travel packages to attract external guests, improving existing travel and tourism practices and services, and strengthening and diversifying the regional economy.

“I am very excited to collaborate with this organization to help establish the best experience for destinations across the region,” said Dr. Gina Fe G. Causin, associate professor of human sciences at SFA.

To register for the conference, fill out the online form at tinyurl.com/DEEPETXTravel.

The DETTTC is a joint collaboration between faculty members at SFA and Tarleton State University.

“As a fifth generation East Texan and SFA grad, I am excited to promote rural travel in the East Texas area,” said Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, professor of communication at Tarleton.

For more information, contact Causin at causingf@sfasu.edu or Edwards at jtedwards@tarleton.edu.

-SFA-

Contact:

University Marketing Communications

(936) 468-2605

PUBLIC NOTICE

TENAHA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that Tenaha Independent School District has issued the following Request for Proposals (RFP) and Invitations for Bids (IFB) on the following:

1. Fuel for the 2022-2023 School Year

2. Bread Products for the 2022-2023 School Year

3. Milk Products for the 2022-2023 School Year

4. Cafeteria Food Items for the 2022-2023 School Year

5. Cafeteria Non-Food Items for the 2022-2023 School Year

These items will be bid according to all applicable EDGAR provisions.  Bid specifications can be obtained from the Operations Office of Tenaha ISD at 138 College Street, Tenaha, Texas, 75974; Phone: 936-248-5000 ext 205.  

Sealed bids will be received at the Administration Office at Tenaha ISD until 12 pm CST on Thursday, June 16, 2022.  Bids will be opened on June 16, 2022, and reviewed until June 20, 2022.  Bids will be awarded at the regular school board meeting on Monday, June 20, 2022, at 5:30 pm in the Administrative Boardroom.

Please indicate on the outside of the envelope the type of bid you are submitting.  Tenaha ISD reserves the right to reject any or all bids. 

Dear Center ISD Parents and Guardians, 

As the 2021-2022 school year closes, we wanted to share some good news with you about the upcoming school year. As you know, since March 2020, the COVID 19 pandemic has had a dramatic effect on elementary and secondary schools across the country. As a result, Congress enacted legislation that provided Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding for state and local educational agencies. The ESSER grant gives special consideration to the children whose families may have been adversely affected by the pandemic's impact economically. Therefore, in an effort to alleviate some of the stress at the start of school, Center ISD has decided to apply ESSER III funds to purchase every students' basic back-to-school supplies. The ESSER funding is temporary, so this service will be for the 2022-2023 school year only. Parents will be asked to provide their student’s backpack. If you have any questions, please contact your campus principal. 

Sincerely, 

Brian Morris, Superintendent 

P. O. Drawer 1689 • Center, Texas 75935 • (936) 598-5642 • FAX (936) 598-1515

 Ribbon Cutting and Open House Planned for

Johnstone Brokerage Services

The public is invited to attend a Ribbon Cutting and Open House for Johnstone Brokerage Services, the Chamber’s newest member.  The Ribbon Cutting will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 4:00pm

The founder, Grant Johnstone, is a Texas attorney who worked as a Certified Financial Planner for over 25 years.  Mr. Johnstone has deep roots in Center, Texas.  His great grandfather settled in Center, Texas in the 1890s.  Grant’s grandmother, Ruth Johnstone, worked at the Shelby County Clerk’s Office on the downtown square.  Grant’s father, James Johnstone, graduated from Center High School in 1956 and from Baylor in 1960.   Grant joined his father in 1997 as Financial Advisor.  Together they grew their business into a national financial services firm, Johnstone Financial Advisors.

In 2019, Johnstone Financial Advisors was moved to Center, Texas.  The Johnstone Building, previously the JR Smith Building, was built circa 1910 and is believed to have originally housed a grocer downstairs and pool hall upstairs.  The JR Smith building also included the building next door that had once been a barber shop.

One of the first steps in the building renovation was to get the building sealed and protected from the elements.  When the front awning was removed, a sign from years ago was uncovered that offered 2 pairs of shoes for $5.00.  Mr. Johnstone wanted to maintain the look and integrity of the original building so the front facade was designed to reflect the store front style of the early 1900s.

In addition to Johnstone Brokerage Services, the building includes 2,000+ square feet of open space that is wired to accommodate as many as 20 workstation cubicles with high-speed internet.  Until the cubicles are needed, the upstairs space will be used as a recreation and conference area with a refrigerator, ice machine, pinball machines, arcade games, an air hockey table and a foosball game.  Mr. Johnstone intends to invite local youth groups to meet in the space for free and will rent the space for a small fee for parties and other gatherings.

Join the Chamber Ambassadors in welcoming Grant Johnstone “back” to Center on June 2nd.

Johnstone Brokerage Services is located at 117 San Augustine Street, on the downtown square.  To contact Johnstone Brokerage Services call (936) 340-2929, email – office@johnstonebrokerage.com or visit the website at www.JohnstoneBrokerage.com.

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

May Lunch and Learn

The Chamber of Commerce Health Care Committee is hosting the May Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, May 25th  at noon at the AgriLife Extension Office.  Our guest speaker for May will be Dan Wilkins, Director of Cultivate Mental Health.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  Mental Health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being.  Mental Health is important at every stage of life form childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

At Cultivate Mental Health they desire to not only provide the best therapeutic care but also Hope and Growth in all seasons of life.  Cultivate Mental Health was founded in 2021.  All of the counselors come with experience, heart and love.  Currently they offer individual and family services.  They are familiar with working with concerns such as Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Stress, Oppositional Defiant Behaviors, ADD/ADHD, Career Changes, Grief, Family Relations, Mood Disorders, Adjustment and many more.

Dr. Wilkins has worked in the mental health field for 48 years, primarily in private practice.  Dr. Wilkins has his doctoral degree in Psychology.  He earned his Master’s Degree in counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University.  He is licensed by the Texas Department of Health as a Licensed Professional Counselor and as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

At the Lunch and Learn, Dan will be sharing his knowledge and helpful hints on how to keep life’s stresses in check.

The Lunch and Learns are open to everyone.  Lunch is provided.  Please RSVP to 598-7744 or to 598-3682.  For information contact the Chamber offices at 598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.

Coronavirus and USDA Assistance for Farmers

Tenaha Independent School District will serve up good nutrition for local children this summer, bringing healthy summer meals to the Tenaha Community children to ensure the kids have a healthy vacation and return to school ready to learn.

Tenaha, Texas-This summer Tenaha Independent School District will connect children 18 years old and younger with the Healthy Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), meals at no cost to the child. SFSP is a U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition program administered in the Lone Star State by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). For the children who rely on school meals during the academic year, these meals offer a source of good nutrition when school is out for the long summer vacation.

“Children need good nutrition year round so they can learn, grow, and succeed in life.” With nearly 2 million food insecure children living in Texas, these healthy meals are vital to nourishing young Texans during the summer vacation.” stated Mrs. Melanie Duncan.

Breakfast will be served Monday-Thursday 7:30 am – 8:30 am June 6th –June 30, 2022

Lunch will be served Monday-Thursday 11:30 am – 12:30 pm June 6th - June 30, 2022

Tenaha Independent School District is one of the nonprofit organizations partnering with the TDA to serve meals across Texas. Families are encouraged to use these three tools to find a meal site anywhere in the state:

• Call 2-1-1 to speak to a live operator

• Visit www.SummerFood.org for an interactive site locator map

• Text FOODTX to 877-877

Organizations partner with the TDA to serve meals in areas where more than 50 % of children are eligible for free or reduced price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Eligible sponsoring organizations include schools, faith-based groups, nonprofit summer camps, government agencies and other tax-exempt organizations. All meal sites must be sponsored by an organization that has a contract with TDA.

Summer Food Program sites help children succeed by providing the nourishment they need to return to school in the fall ready to thrive.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Contact: Mrs. Melanie Duncan, Director of Nutrition-Tenaha ISD, (9

Men & Women's Day Program

Sunday, May 22, 2022 @ 2pm

Corinth Baptist Church in San Augustine

Rev Frank Cooper--Pastor

Theme:   Who's on the Lord's side?

Scripture:   Exodus 32:26

Then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, "Whoever is on the Lord's side--come to me!" And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. 

Speakers:   First Lady Fannie Cooper

Deacon Bobby Bennett

Public Notice of Regular Meeting 

The Board of Trustees Tenaha Independent School District 

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tenaha Independent School District will be held May 16, 2022, beginning at 5:30 PM in the Boardroom of the Administration Office138 College Street, Tenaha, Texas 75974. 

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 AND WELCOME 2. CANVASS OF SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEE VOTES 3. PUBLIC COMMENT 4. REPORTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT AND CAMPUS ADMINISTRATORS Capital Projects, Attendance, Discipline, Curricular and Extracurricular Activities 5. DISTRICT INVESTMENT REPORTS 6. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL THE ANTICIPATED TAX COLLECTION RATE FOR 2022 7. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL THE EXCESS TAX DEBT COLLECTION FOR 2021 8. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL SOLICITING AND ADVERTISING FOR FUEL, FOOD ITEMS, BREAD, MILK, AND NON-FOOD ITEMS FOR 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR 9. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING(S) 10. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL UPDATING THE 2022-2023 DISTRICT CALENDAR 11. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL APPOINTMENT OF THE 2022 HALL OF HONOR SELECTION COMMITTE MEMBERS 12. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL CALLING A PUBLIC MEETING TO REVIEW FEDERAL PROGRAMS AND POSSIBLE OTHER PROGRAMS ON JUNE 20, 2022 AT 5:00 PM, AND CALLING A REGULAR MEETING TO PROPOSE THE TAX RATE AND BUDGET ON JUNE 6, 2022 AT 5:30 PM 13. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL MOVING THE REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR THE 3RD MONDAY OF EACH MONTH TO THE 3RD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH BEGINNING JULY, 2022 14. EXECUTIVE SESSION: DISTRICT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE $551.074 AND REAL PROPERTY, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE $551.072 a. Consideration of Superintendent's Recommendation Concerning Employment of Professional Personnel, Resignations and Terminations 15. CONSIDERATION AND ACTION, IF ANY, RESULTING FROM THE EXECUTIVE SESSION 16. COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS (a.) Comments Regarding Current Agenda (b.) Requests for Future Agenda Items 17. ADJOURNMENT If, during the course of the meeting, discussion of any item on the agenda should be held in a closed meeting, the board will conduct a closed meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code, Chapter 551, Subchapters D and E or Texas Government Code section 418.183(). Before any closed meeting is convened, the presiding officer will publicly identify the section or sections of the Act authorizing the closed meeting. All final votes, actions, or decisions will be taken in open meeting. [See BEC (LEGAL)] 

The notice for this meeting was posted in compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act on: 

Don Tallin 

Don Fallin, Interim Superintendent

Regular Meeting of the 

Joaquin Independent School District Board

Notice is hereby given that on the 16th day of May 2022 the Board of Trustees of the Joaquin School District will hold a regular meeting at 6:00 p.m., at the Administration building, Joaquin, Texas.

The subjects to be discussed are listed on the agenda attached to and made a part of this Notice.  If, during the course of the meeting covered by this Notice, the Board of Trustees should determine that a closed session of the Board of Trustees is required, then such closed session as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Section 551.001 et seq., Texas Education Code, will be held by the School Board at the date, may conveniently meet in such closed session concerning any and all purposes permitted by the Act, including, but not limited to the following sections and purposes:

Texas Government Code Section:

§551.071 An executive session will be held for the purpose of having private consultation with the Board’s attorney 

when the governmental body seeks the advice of its attorney about pending or contemplated litigation or a settlement 

offer, or on a matter in which the duty of counsel to his client, under the Code of Professional Responsibility of the 

State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with the Act.

§551.072 Deliberation of 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.

§551.073 Deliberation of a negotiated contract for a prospective gift or donation to the governmental body if 

deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in 

negotiations with a third person.

§551.074 Deliberate the appointment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or 

employee; or to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee.

§551.076 Deliberate the deployment, or specific occasions for implementation, of security personnel or devices.

§551.082 Deliberate a case involving the discipline of public-school child or complaint or charge brought against an 

employee of the School District by another employee and the complaint or charge directly results in a need for a hearing.

§551.0821 Deliberate a matter regarding a student or students where personally identifiable information about students 

will necessarily be revealed by the deliberation.

§551.083 Deliberate the standards, guidelines, terms or conditions the board will follow, or instruct its representatives to 

follow, in a consultation with a representative of an employee group.

§551.084 Exclusion of witness from hearing.

§551.127 A governmental body may use a video conference call to hold an open or closed meeting and a member or 

employee of a governmental body may participate remotely in a meeting of the governmental entity by means of a video 

conference call if that participation complies with the requirements and provisions of this section.

§551.129 A governmental body may use a telephone conference call, videoconference call, or communications 

over the Internet to conduct a public consultation with its attorney in an open meeting of the governmental body or a private consultation with its attorney in a closed meeting of the governmental body.

Education Code 39.030

39.030 Discuss or adopt individual assessment instruments or assessment instrument items.

Should any final action, final decision, or final vote be required in the opinion of the School Board with regard to any matter considered in such closed session, then the final vote shall be either:

1. in the open meeting covered by the Notice upon the reconvening of the public meeting; or

2. at a subsequent public meeting of the School Board upon notice thereof; as the School Board shall determine.

AGENDA ATTACHED

AGENDA FOR May 16, 2022

1. Roll call, establishment of quorum, call to order – Joaquin ISD may have member(s) via video conference call – Texas Government Code Section 551.127 (See Attached Code)

2. Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance

3. Reorganize the Board-Election of:

1. President

2. Vice-President

3. Secretary

4. Audience Participation – In accordance with Joaquin ISD Policy BED Local no presentation shall exceed five 

       minutes.  Delegations of more than five persons shall appoint one person to present their views before the Board.

5. Report/Information items:

5.1 Monthly Financial Report – Joel Bumback, Director of Finance

5.2  2022 Preliminary Property Values

5.3  Update on At Will Positions

      5.4  Correspondence

6. Agenda Items for consideration and possible action:

  6.1 Minutes from previous month’s meeting

  6.2 Approve Purchasing Cooperative Interlocal Agreement

  6.3 Approve the JISD District of Innovation Plan for 2022-2027

7. Enter Closed Session

7.1 Enter closed session under Texas Government Codes §551.071, §551.074, §551.127, §551.129 (See Attached Code) 

7.1 Hire Elementary Teacher  

8.  Return to Open Session - Agenda Items for consideration and possible action:

            8.1 Consideration and Board Action, if any, authorize:  

8.1 Hire Elementary Teacher

9.  Recommendations for items to be placed on agenda for next Board meeting

10.  Designation of date and time of next meetings:  

Regular Meeting June 20, 2022 - 6:00 p.m.

11.  Adjournment

On this 13th day of May 2022, this Notice was mailed to news media that had previously requested such Notice and an original copy was posted on the bulletin board outside the School District Administration Building at 1:00 p.m. on said date.

Ryan Fuller, Superintendent

May 13, 2022

CLINE FAMILY MEDICINE PRESENTS

15TH ANNUAL HEALTH AND FITNESS FAIR 

Planning is underway for the 15th Annual Health and Fitness Fair, Presented by Cline Family Medicine.  The Health and Fitness Fair will be held Friday, October 21st from 9:00am until 2:30pm at the Windham Civic Center.   The Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for vendors.  To receive an application, contact the Chamber offices or go to our website and click the Health Fair link.

The Health and Fitness Fair is hosted by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension Office.  The purpose and goal of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Health Care Committee and the Health and Fitness Fair is to educate Shelby County and surrounding areas about health and wellness resources in the area pertaining to their personal health and well being.

The health and wellness industry encompasses all businesses and activities which promote physical and mental well being for all ages and stages of life.  From the traditional approaches to a more hollistic approach; from a fitness program to healthy eating; personal care and beauty; nutrition and weight loss; mindfulness and mental health and more.

For more information and/or receive a vendor application, please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.

First Responders Appreciation Lunch

Scheduled for May 20th

Presented by Badders Law Firm

Center Independent School District and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will host an Appreciation Lunch for First Responders, throughout Shelby County this Friday, May 20th between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Center ISD Transportation Department.

First Responders including police officers, department of public safety officers, constables, Sheriff Deputies, firemen, medics, Game Wardens and law enforcement officials will be honored guests. 

Public servants and peace officers carry a responsibility for maintaining order, enforcing the law and protecting the lives and property of our citizens.   Often, service involves personal sacrifices and even personal danger.  The appreciation lunch recognizes the contribution law enforcement makes to the community. Gold sponsors for the event are Focused Care of Center, Spartan Structures and Specter, Inc.

46th  EAST TEXAS POULTRY FESTIVAL 

SEEKS ARTS & CRAFTS VENDORS 

Planning is underway for the 46th East Texas Poultry Festival, presented by Farmers State Bank.  The Poultry Festival will be held October 6-8th on the historic downtown Center square. Arts and Crafts vendor applications are being accepted at the Shelby County Chamber office until Friday, September 16th.  To receive an application and a copy of the guidelines call the Chamber office or go online at www.shelbycountychamber.com. Gold Sponsors for the Festival are Badders Law Firm, City of Center, Pilgrims Pride and Tyson Foods 

This year will not be providing tents to our Arts and Crafts vendors.  Vendors will need to bring their own 10x10 tent. Guidelines regarding the type of tents allowed are included in the application and guidelines.  Vendors will receive an electrical outlet

The registration fee is $75.00 for previous East Texas Poultry Festival attendees. There is an early bird special of $75.00 for booth space which must be paid for in full by July 29, 2022.  After July 29th, the registration fee will be $100.00. Booths must be manned continuously during the hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. all three days of the festival.  First time exhibitors are asked to send three color photographs showing merchandise that will be in the booth.  The Arts & Crafts committee will select the vendors based on the type and quality of merchandise and notify them of their selection shortly after receipt of the application.

For an application to be received by mail or electronically or questions, call Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 936-598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.

Disaster Field Operations Center West  

SBA to Open an Additional Five Disaster Loan Outreach Centers  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West today announced the opening of five Disaster Loan Outreach Centers, on the dates and times listed below, to meet the needs of businesses and individuals who were affected by severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on March 21, 2022.  

“SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following centers to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their electronic loan application,” Garfield continued. The centers will be open on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary. 

SBA continues to provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants at the following location on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary. 

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future. 

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. 

SBA disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. 

Interest rates can be as low as 2.94 percent for businesses, 1.875?percent for private nonprofit organizations and 1.438 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30?years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. 

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155. 

The deadline to apply for property damage is July 5, 2022. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Feb. 6, 2023. 

### 

About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

Boil Water Notice for San Augustine Rural Water System 

Effective May 12, 2022

Until further notice

Due to electrical issues at the Butts Plant,  the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required San Augustine Rural Public Water System PWS #2030007 to notify Customers on FM 1277, Butts Addition, Whippoorwill, FM 711, Hwy 96 N, and 21 W  to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands / face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc).  Children, Seniors and Persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.

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

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

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

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

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact San Augustine Rural Water System at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489

or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft that occurred at approximately 4 a.m. on May 4, 2022 in the 3000 block of 96 North in Center.

A 2018 white GMC Denali pickup truck, a blue Polaris Ranger XP with an enclosed cabin, and a 2021 16-foot tandem axle utility trailer (Texas Trailers make) were removed from a building on the property.

Property owners in this area are asked to review any security surveillance footage around this time frame. If you have footage of the vehicle, trailer or Ranger, or if you have any information regarding this theft, please contact Sergeant Investigator David Haley at 936.572.0667.      

 Ribbon Cutting

Planned for All Hours Fitness

All Hours Fitness recently completed its 6,000 square foot expansion and is having a Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday, May 24th at 11:00am to show off the facility.

Owners, Walker Alford and Randy Seegers  opened the Center, TX facility in May 2006 with 2,500 square feet of workout space.  The first All Hours Fitness location was 113 San Augustine Street.  Five years later in June of 2011 the gym was moved to its current location with 6,000 square feet of workout space.   Carol Eberenz, the All Hours Fitness Manager, has been with the company for a total of nine years.  She opened the gym in 2006, signing up the very first member.  She left for a few years and now is thrilled to be back at the gym

Today, All Hours Fitness has grown to 12,000 square feet of space and is equipped with the latest fitness machines and a new virtual exercise room.  Members can choose from an extensive library of digital classes and workout with the instructors on a large screen.   Classes include yoga, pilates, cycling, high or low impact and much more.  Work out on your own or include gym members and workout as a group.

Join the Chamber Ambassadors in congratulating the owners and staff at All Hours Fitness on their continued growth and commitment to the community.  Door prizes will be given throughout the day.

All Hours Fitness is located at 122 Austin Street on the downtown square

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

Shelbyville High School Baseball Area Round Playoffs

The Dragons will play  Centerville

Game 1: Wednesday May 11 @ 7:00

Game 2: Saturday May 14 @ 4:00

Game 3 if needed: 30 minutes after

*All games at Lufkin High School

$3 student $5 Adult * Coaches, District , Military and Senior Passes will be accepted.

Coach Zach Hubbard

JOAQUIN ISD

FEDERAL PROGRAMS MEETING

NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS NOTIFICATION

Joaquin ISD will be participating in the following Federal Programs during the 2022-2023 school year:  Title I-Part A, Title I-Part C Migrant, Title II-Part A, Title III-Part A- LEP, Title IV, Part A, Carl D. Perkins – Title I, Part C and IDEA-B.  

Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Principals, Other School Personnel, Parents, Community Members and Business Representatives are invited to attend the 2022-2023 ESSA Consolidated Application meeting on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 5:30p.m. -- JISD Administration Building Board Room. 

The focus of this meeting will be planning the 2022-2023 program activities and receiving input for the preparation of the application for funding.   A key focus will be the coordination and integration of these funding sources and programs into the education system of Joaquin ISD.

A draft of the Title I, Part A -Parental Involvement Policy and School/Parent Compact/Pledge will be presented during the meeting for input to ensure our Parental Involvement in JISD is exemplary.

Private schools (including home schools) have an opportunity to participate in the 2022-2023 federally funded programs conducted by Joaquin ISD.  If your school or facility is interested in participating in any of the above programs, please contact Kathy Carrington, Special Education Director, at 269-3128 ext. 237 by June 30, 2022.  Any schools receiving these services must comply with federal program requirements.

On May 3, 2022 at approximately 11:58 p.m. Center Police Department received a 911 call in reference to a person being shot at Port a Cool Park. Upon arrival, Officers observed a vehicle attempting to leave the scene at which time the person was detained by officers. Officers were then approached by a second person asking for help for his friend that had been shot. Officers  observed the victim sitting in the drivers seat of his vehicle with an apparent gun shot wound. Allied EMS then arrived on scene and transported the victim to Shelby E.R. and was then life flighted to LSU in Shreveport. The victim was identified as Kelton Tremaine Jones ,22 year old of Center, Texas. The suspect was identified as Reggie Lamar Daniels, 22 year old of Center, Texas. The third person was interviewed and released a short time later.

Reggie Daniels has been charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (F2) and is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail on a $500,000 Bond.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Jimmy Moore 58, and Wanda Moore 46, both of Huxley. Jimmy and Wanda Moore both have felony warrants for Prohibited Sexual Conduct (F-3). The SCSO is seeking assistance of the public with locating Jimmy and Wanda Moore. If you have any information regarding their whereabouts, please contact SCSO CID Lieutenant DJ Dickerson at (936) 572-0255.
If anyone is found to be hindering the apprehension, harboring or concealing, providing or aiding with any means of avoiding arrest or effecting escape, or warns the Moore’s of impending discovery or apprehension, person(s) will be arrested and charged in accordance to Penal Code 38.05 Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, a Felony 3 offense

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft that occurred in the 11000 block of State Highway 7 West (Excelsior School area) between Sunday, May 1 and Monday, May 2, 2022.

A black bumper pull trailer bearing Texas plate FKZP22 (with damage to the left side wheel well) and an ExMark ZTR zero turn lawn mower were removed from a residence without the owner’s consent.

Homeowners in the area are encouraged to check any surveillance footage in hopes of recovering any information relating to this theft.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Investigator Chad Hooper at 936.598.5601 or 936.572.5045.

Center Noon Lions Club Annual Chicken BBQ Dinner

Thursday, May 12 - 11:00am until sold out

$10.00 Donation

Center Downtown Square & Center Fire Department

Delivery for 8 or more plates available. Call Leroy Newman 936-675-2130

Bobby Pigg 936-590-0509, Danny Windham 936-591-2420 or contact any Lions Club member. 

Proceeds benefit local areas of need.