Tonight the Roughrider Broadcast Team travels to Livingston Texas to bring you Round III of the State Playoffs: The Center Roughriders (30-4) vs Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears (27-11). Tip-off is 6:00; The Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep Pregame Show is at 5:45 featuring a chat with both coaches and a quick visit with cheerleaders from both teams in the Gaddy Medical Supply Spirit Spotlight. During the Portacool Halftime Report, we learn a little about players from both teams. Stay with us through the Farmers State Bank Postgame Show to meet the Ford Player of the Game. You can find tonight's action on the NFHS Network, the same arrangement used for the football playoffs: --Search for National Federation of High School Network --If you have a subscription, simply type "Center Roughriders" for the correct live stream. --If you have no subscription, for $10 you'll get access to this game and every other game--both ladies and gentlemen's games--through the basketball state championship.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Texas State Aquarium is excited to announce that the new Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue will hold its Grand Opening on Thursday, March 2nd, 2023, coinciding with Texas Independence Day. The 26,000-square-foot wildlife rescue center will be on the Aquarium’s campus and replace the existing facilities on Rincon Road. The new center will increase its’ capacity to respond to emergency wildlife events, becoming the largest coastal wildlife rescue facility in Texas, and one of the largest in the U.S. The center will be the only Texas wildlife rescue facility permitted to treat marine mammals, raptors, shorebirds, and sea turtles and can accommodate thousands of animals at any given time. The new center will be outfitted with state-of-the-art veterinary medical equipment, an interpretive gallery, an emergency operations center, and the only CAT scan used specifically for wildlife in Texas. For the first time since the Aquarium’s rescue program started, the public will have unparalleled access to witness the treatment and rehabilitation of thousands of shorebirds, raptors, marine mammals, and sea turtles. One of the Aquarium’s goals is to facilitate learning for veterinary medical students and veterinary technologists and a better understanding of what the community can do to help protect wildlife. The grand opening coincides with the monumental 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, which establishes protections for fish and wildlife listed as threatened or endangered. Leading the way since 1995, the Wildlife Rescue Program has admitted thousands of protected, threatened, and endangered species for rescue and rehabilitation, releasing over 4,000 animals back into their natural habitat. “Saving endangered species is critical and a big part of the Aquarium’s mission,” said Texas State Aquarium President and Chief Executive Officer Jesse Gilbert. “By purchasing a ticket to the Texas State Aquarium, visitors are directly supporting the conservation of these endangered species, and now they will have the opportunity to see it first-hand.” This achievement is a testament to the generous support of the community. Funding for the building was made possible by many donors, including the Port of Corpus Christi, the Dobson Family of Foundations, the City of Corpus Christi, the ExxonMobil Foundation, Catherine and Bob Hilliard, the state of Texas, The Brown Foundation, Valero, and the Earl C. Sams Foundation. The official Grand Opening of the Center for Wildlife Rescue will be held on March 2nd, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

GRILL FEST 2023 IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 31ST AND APRIL 1ST AT THE RODEO ARENA PRESENTED BY FARMERS STATE BANK

The Grill Fest sanctioned barbecue cook-off, presented by Farmers State Bank, will take place Friday, March 31 st and Saturday, April 1st at the Shelby County Expo Center/Rodeo Arena. The Gold Sponsors are Pilgrims Pride and Texas Farm Bureau Insurance. “Over $6,500 will be awarded in prize money to registered cook teams. Cook teams may register and enter the contest with a $150 registration fee prior to March 17th or $200 after that date,” according to the Grill Fest Committee. You may register up until the day of the Event. The barbecue cook-off is sanctioned by the Lone Star Barbecue Society. Prize money for the top 50% of the cook teams will be awarded in three categories – Pork Spare Ribs, Chicken and Brisket. Trophies will be awarded for Grand Champion and Reserve Champion. Awards are sponsored by the City of Center. C&J AC and Heating is the Judge Sponsor. There will be an adult beverage competition and a bean competition. Entry fee for each one of these events is $10.00. Winner takes the pot. In addition to the Chillin’ and Grillin’, there will be a Washer Pitching Tournament and 42 Tournament, both sponsored by Shelby Savings Bank, and Entertainment, Sponsored by Rapid Pay Day. Steve Adams, Karaoke will provide music. The public is invited to attend and sample tastings of barbecue at cook team stations as well as enjoy all the fun activities. Entry is free Silver sponsors are 4C Electrical Services, Ace Hardware of East Texas, Baldwin Tree Service, Bob’s Pawn and Shop, Cobb-Vantress-Timberlake Farm, R&D Distributing and Timberwolf Lake Works. Registration forms and additional information is available at www.shelbycountychamber.com or at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office – 936-598-3682. Questions may also be emailed to info@shelbycountychamber.com.

Appendix C3: Boil Water Notice Rescinded 02/24/2023 ON 02/20/2023, 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 02/24/2023. If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact, Matt Di Verdi 936-591-4346.

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

Due to a loss of pressure the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the CHOICE Water system, ID# 2100005 to notify customers that were without water 02/20/2023 from Short Church on 1005 to 1024, everyone on 1024 (anyone without water) 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 Matt Di Verdi 936-591-4346

The softball game that is scheduled for Tuesday Feb. 21st vs Central Heights has been cancelled.

The Boys Basketball team will be playing a Bi-District Playoff Game in Cushing, Tuesday 2/21 @6:30pm vs Woden. The gate prices will $5 Adults/$3 Students,. District, Coaches and Sr. Citizen passes will be accepted. Shelbyville will be the Away Team. Go Dragons!

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 Desert Storm, 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 Tuesday, February 28, 2023 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 936-332-0349 or chiefhume95@gmail.com.

Money Management Workshop The Shelby County Family Life Center will be hosting a FREE Money Management Workshop.

We will cover various topics ?

Basic Banking

Basic Budgeting ?

Investing

Car Buying ?

Interest Rates

House Buying ?

Credit Inquiries

Please join us at the Shelby County Family Life Center 1426 Shelbyville Street, Center, TX at 8:30 a.m. (registration) and workshop starts at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday February 25, 2023. For additional information please contact Feleshia Thompson (936) 598-7744

Center High School has qualified two students for the 2022-23 University Interscholastic League State Cross-Examination Debate Meet to be held March 17-18 at The University of Texas at Austin. Nathali Abella-Hernandez and Kaylee Cox qualified for the state meet after earning the District Champion title at the UIL Cross-Examination District Meet held at Stephen F. Austin State University on February 8. This will be the second time the pair participates at the state level. “UIL debate competition motivates students and provides them with practical application for the skills they are developing,” UIL State Debate Director Jana Riggins said. “This year’s debate topic prompted students to research and form their own thoughts and opinions on the real-world issue our government is challenged with: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its security cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in one or more of the following areas: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity.” Through participation at the UIL Cross-Examination State Meet, students who advance to the debate elimination rounds qualify for Texas Interscholastic League Foundation scholarships. Since its inception in 1959, the TILF has provided more than $35 million to more than 21,000 students. Amounts of scholarships range from $500 for one year to $20,000 over four years. This year TILF will disperse more than $1 million to more than 600 students. The TILF has over $11 million in endowed funds and receives direct scholarship grants each year of more than $800,000 from foundations, individuals and corporate sponsors throughout the state. For more information, contact Sydney Brookshire at Center High School.

Scott Sosebee will address Timpson Area Genealogy and Heritage Society Wednesday, February 15 at 2PM. A Professor of History at SFA and the Executive Director of the East Texad Historical Associstion Mr. Sosebee is also the author of five books on Texss History. The latest of these is "What is it About Texas Essays on the Lone Star State?". An engaging speaker, Mr. Sosebee captured our attention last year with an account of the love (sort of) affair between Anna Raguet and Sam Houston.

The Piney Woods Photographic Society will be holding their regular monthly meeting this Saturday,2/18/23 at the First United Methodist Church, 211 Cora St., Center, TX. from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The photo challenge for February is "Minimalist Still Life Photography". There will also be a workshop presented on how to photograph "Flight". Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, contact Billie F. Jones, 936-591-2426

The Roughrider Broadcast Team travels with the Roughriders for the last game of the regular season.

The 10-1 Riders hope to cap off a great district campaign against the Bulldogs in Carthage gymnasium. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00; coverage begins at 6:45. Some things to keep in mind:

**The Center Varsity closes its season against its most heated rival. The other district teams finish their seasons Tuesday night.

**With a win, the Roughriders will be District Champions. HOWEVER...

**With a Chapel Hill win tonight and Tuesday night, Center would share the championship with the Bulldogs.

**A shared championship would necessitate a one-game "play-in" between Center and Chapel Hill next week for 1st seeding in the playoffs. But all that hinges on a Roughrider victory tonight in Bulldog Gymnasium. So there is plenty at stake! --The Wright Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep Pregame Show begins at 6:45.

We'll visit with Coach Harrison in the JBA Coach Talk segment and visit with a fan in the Gaddy's Medical Spirit Spotlight. --During the Abundant Love Ministry Halftime Show, Center Motor takes us In the Paint with TJ Belen for the Ford Focus on one of our varsity players. --Stay with us through the Farmers State Bank Postgame Show to meet our Center Motor Ford Player of the Game. Join the action tonight as the Roughriders (25-4 overall) conclude an exciting season. Tune in to twitch.tv and type into the search bar roughridersports.

The James Antioch Community will have their next monthly meeting on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM in the James Antioch Community Building. Bring your favorite "food to carry" with you and be prepared to visit neighbors and friends. Call me if you have questions or suggestions. Ellen Manning, Secretary.

Order your Basketball Play-off Shirt today! Please return the attached order form and payment to the CHS front office. Shirts are black and long-sleeved. Cost: $25.00 Deadline: February 13 at 4 p.m. Pick-up: Friday, February 17 - check the Center High School Facebook page for pick-up time. The order form is attached.

Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports the arrest of Carlos Caporali Manuels, 32, of Joaquin. On Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at approximately 7:46 a.m., a call came in through 9-1-1 from an individual who stated a child was at her home saying his mother was deceased in their home. Deputies responded to the scene, located on Doogieville Loop in Joaquin, and found 32-year-old Yuri Diana Barahona, of Joaquin, deceased from what appeared to be gunshot wounds to the head. Investigators secured the scene and began searching for Manuels due to information received that he had packed up and left. At approximately 2 p.m., Tyler Police Department located Manuels 1998 Chevrolet S-10 abandoned at the intersection of Valentine and N Spring Avenue in Tyler. At 5:51 p.m., Manuels called Smith County 9-1-1 stating he had been shot, and was requesting medical care. Manuels was transported to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, and treated for his injuries. It was determined that the injuries sustained to his face were from a pellet gun. Sheriff Windham sent investigators to the hospital to interview Manuels and take him into custody. Once he was released from the hospital, Manuels was transported to Smith County Sheriff’s Office jail facility and booked for Murder (F-1). Manuels has since been transported to the Shelby County jail where he is currently awaiting arraignment. The SCSO would like to extend a huge thank you to Desoto Parish Sheriff Jaysen Richardson and his staff for the use of their mobile command center; Joaquin ISD staff for the compassion towards the victims children; Golden Eye Clinic; Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center; Tyler Police Department; Smith County Sheriff’s Office; Shelby County Constables- Zack Warr, Jamie Hagler, Roy Cheatwood, Taylor Fanguy, and Josh Tipton; Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Taylor Buster; Texas Ranger Jim Hicks; Tenaha Police Department; Joaquin First Responders; and Shelby County District Attorney Karren Price. Ms. Barahona’s children are being cared for by an immediate family member. We extend our condolences to the Barahona family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

The Toledo Bend Chapter of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society will be cooking Saturday February 18th , 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 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 Shelby County Sheriff's Office will be hosting a CPR/AED course for any person of the community who would like to attend on Saturday, February 18, 2023. There will be two class times available: 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. The course will be held at the Windham Civic Center located at 146 Express Blvd, Center, TX 75935. The course will be instructed by SCSO Captain DJ Dickerson, who is a certified CPR/AED & First Aid instructor through the American Health & Safety Institute. The course fee will be $35. The course will cover topics of CPR for adult, child, and infant, as well as anti-choking training. The course will also include certification in the operation of an AED. Each attendee that successfully completes the CPR/AED course will receive a certification card that is valid for 2 years. Each course time slot will be limited to 20 attendees at a time, and will be “first come, first serve." Payment is required to secure your spot. To register, click on the following link: https://forms.gle/YLAL4xJQTGKQEDkE6 After submitting the registration form, the course instructor, DJ Dickerson, will contact you via text message and email with a link to pay.

Center ISD has begun disinfecting all buildings and buses. This is an extensive process and will take two days. Once the process has begun, no adults or students will be allowed inside any building or bus until it is safe to re-enter. Center ISD will make an announcement regarding when it is safe to re-enter. Center ISD is cancelling classes for tomorrow, February 7, 2023 also. All indoor practices are cancelled until further notice. It is imperative that everyone stay out of the buildings until we make an announcement that it is safe to re-enter.

Dr. Brian Morris, Superintendent