House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries Burger Sale 

August 30th @ 9am until sold out!! 

215 Church St, Center, Tx 

Burgers are $7 

For more information, contact Freeman Thomas 936-427-2021 or Joshua Black 936-332-2648 

LUFKIN – The reckless act of drinking and driving could change your life forever, but it only takes a few minutes to find a sober ride. As law enforcement increases its presence leading up to Labor Day, drivers can save their own life and the lives of others by finding a rideshare, transit, or other safe ride.   

While many people enjoyed an extra day off during the Labor Day weekend last year, 14 families and communities mourned the loss of a loved one.

With the holiday just around the corner, TxDOT is launching the “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” Labor Day campaign to remind motorists about the dangers of drunk driving. In partnership with local law enforcement, the campaign urges Texans to always make the right choice and get a sober ride home—or face the consequences.

“Every drunk driving fatality is preventable, plain and simple,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “If you plan to celebrate Labor Day by drinking, make sure you arrange a sober ride using a rideshare, taxi, public transit or a designated driver.”

TxDOT is working with law enforcement agencies across the state as they boost efforts to identify and arrest drunk drivers from Aug. 16 through Sept. 2. This coincides with the national heightened enforcement period sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Last year, there were 334 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes over the Labor Day holiday weekend, resulting in 14 fatalities and 35 serious injuries. TxDOT wants to prevent these crashes and save lives by encouraging drivers to make the right choice this holiday and beyond.

Drive Sober. No Regrets. 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 to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936-633-4395.

 Aug. 28, 2024
Texas is booming.  
 
Our state adds a new Texan almost every minute of every day. Our quality of life and vibrant $2.4 trillion economy make our state an attractive place to live and a compelling destination for future Texans. While growth poses challenges, TxDOT is meeting the moment with a record investment in our transportation system to ensure Texas remains the preferred destination for families and businesses.  
 
Thanks to the vision of Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature, the Texas Transportation Commission is up to the task with the adoption of the largest financial commitment to roadway infrastructure ever—$147.9 billion. This includes $104.2 billion for TxDOT’s 10-year transportation plan known as the Unified Transportation Program (UTP). The $147.9 billion investment—including development and routine maintenance—marks an increase of $5.6 billion from last year’s previous record.
 
From 2010 to 2020, Texas’ population grew more than any other state. We added nearly four million people—roughly the entire population of Oklahoma. Currently, Texas has eight of the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing counties for numeric growth, which are part of our five-largest metro districts, and home to 68% of all Texans.  
The support of Texans has been central to our continued delivery of new and better roadways, thanks in large measure to voter support of Proposition 1 in 2014 and Proposition 7 in 2015, which is the same year I joined the Commission.   
 
A lot has changed since then. These days, TxDOT has a record $52.3 billion in projects currently under active construction—more than triple the amount of projects under way in 2014.  
 
TxDOT is keeping pace with Texas’ growth and infrastructure needs. Later this year, we will break ground on an $11 billion project to improve mobility and reduce flooding along a stretch of Houston’s I-45 corridor. That stretch of roadway accounts for nine of the Top 25 Most Congested Roadways in Texas—a project supported by $5 billion from 2023’s UTP. Last spring, we also broke out the shovels to expand capacity of Loop 1604 to give San Antonians more travel lanes and better connections to I-10.  
 
Those are just two examples of turning dirt on congestion relief projects as part of the Texas Clear Lanes initiative. Since 2015, we have dedicated nearly $35 billion of funding toward $76 billion worth of projects on Texas' 100 Most Congested Roadways list. The 2025 UTP features an additional $1.9 billion of funding for these Texas Clear Lanes projects.   

 
Soon, TxDOT will also break ground on the $4.5 billion I-35 Capital Express Central project to expand and improve an 8-mile stretch in the heart of Austin. In North Texas, the just-approved UTP supports the full funding of the US 380/Spur 399 congestion relief and safety improvement project in Collin County, the second-fastest growing county in the nation.   
 
Improving connectivity for rural areas, which are home to one of every 10 Texans, remains paramount. 
 
To help connect the rural parts of the state, this UTP includes an additional $1.7 billion in funding for rural corridors and key roadways in economic hubs. Major improvements are occurring in rural Texas, including along US 87 and US 83 in the Panhandle running through Amarillo and Lubbock. This supports the transport of goods in agriculture, oil and gas production, lumber/timber and other products to our population centers. Border transportation also gets a boost with a planned alternate to I-10 and Phase 2 of the Borderland Expressway in El Paso.  
 
Safety is at the heart of every project at TxDOT, and this year’s plan reflects that. We will spend $17.3 billion on safety-focused programs, over and above our efforts to reduce congestion and improve connectivity. We understand that Texans want to make it to work and get their kids to school safely, and on time.  
 
Finally, our commitment to maintenance has not wavered. While the department celebrates a record-breaking UTP for the second year running, we also have established a record investment of $43.7 billion in development and maintenance funding. When added with the $104.2 billion UTP, the unprecedented $147.9 billion total investment will help keep Texans and our economy moving.   
 
I want to thank my fellow commissioners who have helped guide TxDOT as the agency works to improve safety, provide congestion relief, increase statewide connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for all Texans. As our population and economy continue to grow, we are meeting the challenge to provide a robust transportation system that will serve all current and future Texans.

The Smithsonian traveling Museum is offering free presentations every Friday at 3 PM for the next five weeks.  

This Friday, August 30, will feature a fascinating dive into the history of No Man's Land! Scott Debose, Author, Historian and President of the Friends of Fort Jesup Historic Site, will be sharing insights and history of No Man's Land in the Augus Theater! Don't miss this opportunity to learn about this intriguing piece of our region's past!

3 PM Friday August 30. FREE!

Wellness Wednesday
August

Wellness Wednesday will be held on August 28 at Noon at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office. Guest speaker will be Tina Byrnes, Director of Food Service at Center ISD. Tina will discuss Childhood Obesity and Nutrition.
Childhood Obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. The extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once considered adult problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Childhood Obesity can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression. Treating and preventing childhood obesity helps protect your child’s health now and in the future.
Tina Byrnes will talk about childhood obesity and offer healthy eating options.
Wellness Wednesday are free and 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.

East Texas Poultry Festival Creative Arts Committee

Plans Quilt Show

The 48 th Annual Poultry Festival Quilt Show, sponsored by Scull Timber is
your opportunity to showcase your own quilting skills or grandmother’s
heirloom quilt. The theme this year is “Animals”. Wall hangings/crafts/needlework are a part of the Creative Arts division, rather than the Quilt Show division.
Entry form, fee and quilt drop off will be the week of September 16 –
September 27, 2024 at the Agri-Life Extension/4H Office at 266
Nacogdoches Street. Deadline for drop-off will be September 27 th at
3:00pm.
For more information, contact the Extension Office at 936-598-7744.

East Texas Poultry Festival Kicks Off with
Chicken Fajita Lunch and Doo Dah Parade

The 48th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival kicks off with the Chicken Fajita Lunch, sponsored by East Texas Poultry Supply, Wednesday, September 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the Center Fire Department. According to Chairman, Bryan Wages, the lunch includes two chicken fajitas, chips, salsa and a drink for $8 per plate and delivery is available for 5 or more advance orders by calling 936-598-3682, faxing an order form to 936-598-8163 or emailing info@shelbycountychamber.com by Friday, September 22nd. An order form for the Fajita Lunch, as well as other Poultry Festival Events, is available at the Chamber of Commerce offices on the historic downtown square or on the Poultry Festival Event page on the Chamber website, www.shelbycountychamber.com .
The Doo Dah Parade will be held later in the day on the 25 th . Center Tire Company is the Platinum Sponsor for the Doo Dah Parade. Participants will line up at Farmers State Bank Drive-Thru at 4:30. The parade will circle the historic downtown square led by the Shelby County Junior Chamber of Commerce at 5:00. Everyone is encouraged to either watch or participate in the parade. Ride your bike, bring your pet (on a leash), promote your business or organization! Just show up ready to have fun!
For more information, please call the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 936-598-3682, email us at info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit our new website www.shelbycountychamber.com and click on the
Event page to find all Poultry Festival information.

East Texas Poultry Festival Creative Arts Committee

Plans Creative Arts Show

The 48 th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival will be featuring local Creative Arts through the annual Creative Arts Show, sponsored by Doches Credit Union, the Photography Show, sponsored by The Light and Champion and the Quilt Show, sponsored by Scull Timber Don’t miss this opportunity to show your handiwork in art, quilting, photography, canning, crafts, woodworking, metal art, and baking.
There are several classes of judging categories in the art competition and are open to Elementary (Kindergarten through 5 th grades), Youth (6 th through 12 th grades) and Adults that will be judged in separate divisions. All other competition divisions will have Youth and Adult categories. All Creative Arts, Quilts and Photography will be shown at First Baptist Church Family Life Center during the Poultry Festival, October 3-5 th .
Entry forms, fees and project drop off will be September 16th-September 27 th at the AgriLife Extension Office, 266 Nacogdoches Street
Registration packets and guidelines are available at the Chamber office, or on the Chamber website under Poultry Festival. For more information, please contact the Chamber office at 936-598-3682, info@shelbycountychamber.com or www.shelbycountychamber.com.

48th EAST TEXAS POULTRY FESTIVAL

ARTS & CRAFTS

The deadline to apply for an Arts and Crafts vendor booth at the 48 th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival, sponsored by Farmers State Bank, is Friday, August 30. The festival will take place October 3-5 on the historic downtown Center Square. Limited spaces are still available and the applications are being accepted at the Shelby County Chamber office. Gold Sponsors for the Festival are Badders Law Firm, City of Center, Pilgrims Pride and Tyson Foods. Vendors will provide their own flame retardant 10x10 booth/tent. Space rental is $100.00 for the 3 days and includes electrical hook up. Booths must be manned continuously during the hours of 10a.m. until at least 7p.m. all three days of the festival.
First time exhibitors are asked to send three color photographs showing representative merchandise. At the deadline, the Arts & Crafts committee will select the vendors based on the type and quality of merchandise and notify them of their selection.
Applications are available for download at www.shelbycountychamber.com
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.

Diamond B Cafe

New Member Ribbon Cutting

Join the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors in welcoming
Marty Brandon, owner of Diamond B Cafe to the Chamber of Commerce at a
New Member Ribbon Cutting. The Ribbon Cutting will be on Tuesday, August
27
th at 10:00am.
Marty Brandon opened the doors of Diamond B Coffee a couple of years ago,
and opened Diamond B Cafe earlier this year. He has been busy at both
locations. At Diamond B Cafe Marty offers a full breakfast menu which
includes, waffles, pancakes, omelets, hearty breakfast plates and his famous
quiche. For lunch, salads, sandwiches, burgers and special lunch plates are
available.
Diamond B Cafe is open Monday thru Saturday 6am until 2pm and on Sundays
7am until 2pm. He has recently started serving dinner on Friday and Saturday
nights. Check the Diamond B Cafe facebook page for daily specials.
Come celebrate with Marty at his Ribbon Cutting on August 27
th
. Diamond B

Cafe is located at 246 Tenaha Street.
For more information, please contact the Shelby County Chamber of
Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or www.shelbycountychamber.com.

Burt Hairgrove, the son of Bill and Gail Bailey Hairgrove, will discuss the history of Hairgrove families in Shelby County, Wednesday, August 21, at 2 PM,  at the meeting of Timpson Area Genealogy and Heritage Society  in the Timpson Public Library annex.

Burt, a 1989 graduate of Timpson High School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from SFA in 1994.  As a professional trick roper, he is well known for his tenure  as a spokesperson for Mrs. Baird's bakeries.  Burt  has many more credentials and professional experience in his resume. Most recently, he served several years as director of Angelina County Exposition Center before leaving to become a Territory Manager for Agline Equipment.

The public  is welcome to attend.

Kathy Grigsby,  TAGHS  Program Coordinator

936 615 7262.

Sponsor Our Community Christmas Tree

We are excited to announce a community fundraiser to purchase a 20-foot artificial, pre-lit Panel Christmas Tree, with ornaments and a star. This tree will be erected in front of the 1885 Historic Courthouse where we will host a tree lighting ceremony each year. We invite you to become a valued Sponsor of our Community Christmas Tree. Your support will help us start a new tradition and contribute to the joy and togetherness of the holiday season. There are different levels of Sponsorships which will include a commemorative ornament, signage near the tree and your business or individual names listed in all our promotions.
If you would like to help sponsor the Community Christmas Tree, please contact the Chamber offices at 936-598-3682 or info@shelbycountychamber.com.

Santa’s Christmas Parade

“A North Pole Fantasty”

It is not too early to start planning for the Santa’s Christmas Parade which will be led by J.J. Ford, this year’s Grand Marshall. The Parade, presented by the HR Group, will be held on Saturday, December 7th beginning at 6:00pm. The theme for this year’s parade is “A North Pole Fantasy” Categories for the 2024 Parade will include: Individuals, Schools, Businesses, Churches and Civic Organizations. Judges will award cash prizes to the top three places in each category. The Float Competition Sponsor is the City of Center. The Sponsor for the Grand Marshal is Dazzle Me Pink and Blue. Silver Sponsors are Farmers State Bank, Holiday Nursing & Rehabilitation and Specter, Inc. Parade float entry registration is free and completed applications must be returned to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office by Monday, November 25th. Applications are available at the Chamber offices or on our website. The Taste of the Holidays, sponsored by Shelby Savings Bank, will be held on Thursday, December 5th at the Windham Civic Center from 4:30-7:30pm. There will be delicious food samplings available. For more information contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 936-598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.

Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports that on Sunday, August 11, 2024, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a disturbance at Williams Landing on County Road 3490 in Joaquin regarding a criminal mischief incident. Deputies arriving found that there was an issue between numerous individuals of the property and Shelby County Constable Precinct 3 Roy Cheatwood, and that there has been a lawsuit between the Williams family and Constable Cheatwood wherein there has been a dispute over land. There were numerous allegations made of criminal conduct of the Williams tampering with the well, as well as allegations of Official Oppression on Constable Cheatwood.

With such allegations involving an elected official, the case has been referred to the Texas Rangers to conduct an investigation. An initial report of the incident was completed by our agency and has been forwarded to the Texas Rangers.

Shelby County felon sentenced to federal prison for drug and gun violations

BEAUMONT, Texas – A Timpson man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.

Austin Yarbrough, 31, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on August 7, 2024. 

According to information presented in court, from 2021 through 2023, law enforcement conducted an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating throughout East Texas. Yarbrough was identified as a member of that organization and a distributor of methamphetamine, as well as a firearms trafficker.  As a member of the organization, Yarbrough would receive methamphetamine transported by his co-conspirators and then distribute the methamphetamine in the Timpson area.  On multiple occasions, law enforcement conducted operations leading to the purchase of methamphetamine and firearms from Yarbrough, including a modified .45 caliber rifle with a shortened barrel and an adjustable stock.

Further investigation revealed Yarbrough has previous felony convictions, including possession of a controlled substance, burglary of a building, and bail jumping.  As a convicted felon, Yarbrough is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Angelina County Sheriff's Office; Drug Enforcement Administration; and FBI.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.

A Call To Help Ministries to host community feeding Saturday, August 10th from 12 noon to 2pm at 516 Shelbyville Street in Center. You must call to get name placed on the list by Friday, August 9th by 5pm. Call 936-427-2255.

Homecoming at Neuville Baptist Church

Neuville Baptist Church will celebrate its annual homecoming service on August 25, 2024. We will have regular Sunday School at 10am with Worship Service starting at 10:50am. We will have dinner on the grounds at 12:30pm and ask that you bring your favorite covered dish and enjoy a meal with us. 

Starting at 2pm we will have an old fashioned singing. We ask that all former Shelby County Singers attend and any other groups as well. Bring your favorite songs and come spend the afternoon with us!

UPDATE: Pleasant turned himself in to the SCSO August 7, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s is seeking the whereabouts of Christopher Lamar Pleasant, 48, of Center. Pleasant is described as a 5’10” white male and weighs approximately 210 pounds. He is bald, and has hazel eyes. Pleasant has an active felony warrant out of Shelby County for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (F-2).

The SCSO is seeking assistance of the public with locating Pleasant. If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact the SCSO (936) 598-5601 or Sergeant Investigator Aaron Jones at 936-572-7559.

Anyone found to be hindering the apprehension, harboring or concealing, providing or aiding with any means of avoiding arrest or effecting escape, or warns Pleasant of impending discovery or apprehension, will be arrested and charged in accordance to Penal Code 38.05 Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, a Felony 3 offense.