From: Center Police Department
Re: Shooting incident on Rex St.

 

On October 22 nd , 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m. the Center Police Department communications
center received a 911 call regarding a shooting on Rex St. with one individual injured.
Officers responded to the scene and on their arrival, it was learned that the shooter was still on scene.
Officers were able to detain Darrell Barnes, who was identified as the shooter without incident. It was then
learned that Lajagger Barnes was the victim and had been transported to the Emergency Department by a
personal vehicle with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Lajagger Barnes was pronounced deceased a short time after arriving at the Center E.R. by the E.R. physician
on duty.
Center P.D. Detectives responded to the scene and began processing the scene and collecting evidence.
Darrell was arrested and charged with Manslaughter, Felony 2, transported to the Shelby County Sheriffs
Office, and booked into the jail without incident.
Lajagger was transported to the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science for an autopsy.
Officers and Detectives cleared the scene at around 5:30 p.m. At 6:15, the CPD Communications received
another 911 call to the shooting location regarding a disturbance with weapons.
On arrival, it was learned that a vehicle with four males arrived on the scene displaying weapons in possible
retaliation for the earlier incident, but those persons had left the location before law enforcement arrived.
CPD Officers obtained a vehicle description and located it moments after it departed the scene. CPD Officers
attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle and it failed to stop for officers.
CPD Officers pursued the suspect vehicle for a short time before it pulled into the yard of a residence on
Matlock St. One individual exited the vehicle and fled on foot from officers.
Three individuals were detained on the scene. They were identified as JaCarlos Pruitt, and Jason Calloway Jr.
All three were detained and transported to the Center P.D. for questioning. The fourth person in the vehicle
was a juvenile.
During interviews, the identity of the suspect who fled on foot was revealed to be Chayse Duckett.

Officers then obtained an arrest warrant for Duckett. Pruitt, and Calloway, were taken into custody and
transported to the Shelby County Sheriffs Office and booked into jail without incident.
Duckett was arrested on 10/24/2024, in Nacogdoches, transported to the Shelby County Sheriffs Office, and
booked into jail on the warrant for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, without incident.
This case is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
The Center Police Department would like to thank the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of
Public Safety Troopers, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, Shelby County District Attorney, Allegiance
EMS, Shelby County Constable Pct. 5, Nacogdoches Police Department, and Shelby County Pct. 1 Judge Donna
Hughes; for all their assistance in both incidents that occurred.

Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports that on October 9, 2024 at 7:09 p.m., Chief Deputy Chad Hooper was contacted by an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in regards to a possible threat towards Center Independent School District (CISD). Chief Hooper immediately contacted Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Investigators, Sergeant Aaron Jones and Cameron Nichols, who then responded to the suspects’ address provided by the FBI. Chief Hooper then contacted Center Police Department (CPD), and CPD provided the FBI with contact information for CISD. With the assistance of CISD Police Chief Pete Low and the Texas Department of Public Safety, the suspect was placed into custody at approximately 8:30 p.m. The suspect was interviewed at the SCSO, charged with Terroristic Threat (M-A), and released to juvenile probation. Suspect is being held at a juvenile facility. 

 

No further information will be released.

East Texas Unites for Red Ribbon Week: A Stand Against Drug Misuse
Red Ribbon Week is rapidly approaching, from October 23rd to 31st, and East Texans are preparing to engage in a campaign that extends far beyond spirited dress-up days and themed school events. This week is an invaluable opportunity to deliver a powerful, unified message: communities across the nation are committed to fostering a safer environment by preventing drug misuse and raising awareness collectively.
While Red Ribbon Week is often associated with lighthearted activities like wearing mismatched socks or sporting outlandish hairstyles, its true purpose runs far deeper. These engaging activities are merely the opening of a broader conversation—a conversation that leads to greater understanding, education, and proactive change. It is a crucial opportunity for parents, educators, students, and community members to connect, communicate, and emphasize the importance of staying drug-free and making health-conscious choices. The significance of these conversations cannot be overstated; they lay the foundation for a resilient, informed community that is prepared to confront the challenges of drug misuse and support one another effectively.
Participation in Red Ribbon Week is about delivering a unified, unwavering message across schools, communities, and states—one that ensures everyone is engaged in this critical dialogue. By organizing coordinated activities and events, East Texans can amplify this message, making it resonate across our region: embracing a drug-free lifestyle is essential, not only for personal wellbeing but for the shared strength and future of our community.
Schools are at the forefront of these efforts, working diligently to make this week both impactful and memorable for students. Educational programs and themed events are designed to initiate meaningful conversations with young people in a way that is engaging and accessible. While dress-up days may add an element of fun, the discussions these activities prompt are what leave a lasting impression. Through these conversations, students gain a better understanding of the real consequences of drug use, and they are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Teachers, school counselors, and guest speakers play a pivotal role in this process, offering factual insights, addressing concerns, and answering the questions young minds may have. It is through this open and ongoing dialogue that young people feel empowered, supported, and ready to make positive choices.
Red Ribbon Week also extends far beyond the school environment, serving as a broader call to action for the community. It is about fostering a culture of awareness and prevention that reaches every household and neighborhood. Community,rallies, workshops, and public awareness events are important platforms for amplifying this message, providing opportunities for residents to engage actively and reinforce the significance of this cause. The ultimate goal is for families to leave these events not only informed but also empowered—understanding that they are part of a larger, collective effort to curb drug misuse and promote healthier, more fulfilling lifestyles.
The origins of Red Ribbon Week date back to 1985, rooted in the story of DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who sacrificed his life in the fight against drug trafficking. His untimely death ignited a movement that has evolved into a powerful national symbol of resilience and a collective commitment to a drug-free America. Today, the red ribbon stands not only as a tribute to Camarena’s legacy but also as a promise—a pledge to safeguard our families and communities from the perils of drug misuse.
East Texas holds the capacity to unite, support each other, and build a future in which every individual has the opportunity to flourish, free from the adverse effects of mis-used or illicit drugs. By standing strong, renewing our collective commitment, and working towards a safer and healthier community, we can bring this vision to life. Participating in Red Ribbon Week allows each of us to contribute to spreading this vital message and establishing a foundation for enduring positive change that will benefit our community for generations to come.

Rise Life Coaching
New Member Ribbon Cutting

Join the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors in welcoming
Jodi Zaunbrecher, owner of Rise Life Coaching to the Chamber of Commerce
at a New Member Ribbon Cutting. The Ribbon Cutting will be on Tuesday,
October 15th at 11:00am.

Jodi Zaunbrecher has recently moved to Shelby County and opened her Rise
Life Coaching business. Jodi is a Certified Professional Life Coach. Her
mission is to help women Rise out of the trials of life whether the trials are
health, relationships or just life in general. She works with her clients to
develop a step by step plan with realistic goal setting and accountability for
achieving the goals. Rise Life Coaching is christian and faith based.
Come meet Jodi and welcome her to Shelby County and the Chamber of
Commerce at her Ribbon Cutting, Rise Life Coaching is located at 709
Southview Circle.
For more information, please contact the Shelby County Chamber of
Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or www.shelbycountychamber.com.

The 2024 East Texas Poultry Festival Broiler Show started off the day at the Shelby County Expo Center.
Seventy Shelby County 4-H and FFA youth exhibited at this year's show, with 40 pens of broilers making the sale. We would like to give special thanks to Judge Micah Osburn for taking the time to come judge the show. Mr. Osburn spoke to several of the exhibitors and gave them several tips on how to grow an outstanding broiler.

The 2024 East Texas Poultry Festival Broiler Sale started at 7 P.M. under the big tent on the square. A total of $160,750 was raised for 4-H and FFA youth!
The grand champion pen of broilers was exhibited by Cori Lawson of Shelby County 4-H and purchased by Farmers State Bank for $10,500.00.
The reserve grand champion pen of broilers was exhibited by Kenley Ramos of Center FFA and sold to Shelby Savings Bank for $9,500.00.
Other Shelby County 4-H and FFA members selling their pens and buyers were:
3. Lizzie Poindexter, Center FFA; East Texas Poultry Supply and Ace Hardware of East Texas; $5,000.00
4. Eli Weir, Shelby County 4-H; Shelby Savings Bank, General Shelters, Campbell Portable Buildings and McAdam’s Propane; $4,000.00
5. Karlee Sowell, Shelbyville FFA; Covington Lumber; $4,000.00
6. Avery Metcalf, Shelby County 4-H; Hawkeye Hunting Club; $3,500.00

7. Charlcie Metcalf, Shelby County 4-H; Shelby Savings Bank, General Shelters, Campbell Portable Buildings and McAdam’s Propane; $3,250.00
8. Chance Shuemaker, Joaquin FFA; Farm Bureau Insurance Co.; $4,000.00
9. Addison Boyd, Shelby County 4-H; Center Tire and Haslam Tire; $3,500.00
10. Caroline Ramos, Center FFA; Bird Forestry; $4,000.00
11. Hannah Wages, Center FFA; Despino Tire; $3,500.00
12. Rance Lawson, Joaquin FFA; Pilgrim’s - Nacogdoches; $3,500.00
13. Fallon Sullivan, Shelby County 4-H; High Roller and Mangum Funeral Home; $4,500.00
14. Kiptyn Phelps, Center FFA; Rayburn Inn and Prairie Creek Cattle Co.; $3,500.00
15. Easton Latham, Shelby County 4-H; Shelby Veterinary Associates; $3,250.00
16. Addison Whiteside, Shelby County 4-H; Shelby Savings Bank, General Shelters, Campbell Portable Buildings and McAdam’s Propane; $3,250.00
17. Baylin Phelps, Center FFA; Zwolle Inn and Toledo Town Inn; $3,500.00
18. Sa’Riya Solomon, Shelby Co. 4-H; Shelby County Today, Shelby Veterinary Associates, Sabine State Bank, Scull Timber and Red Gate Farms; $3,000.00
19. Luke Harbison, Citizen’s Bank and 5M Gas; $3,000.00
20. James Ford, Center FFA; Sand Hill Wrecker; $2,750.00
21. Conner Nutt, Center FFA; High Roller and Mangum Funeral Home; $5,000.00
22. Jaxson Hankins, Joaquin FFA; Elly Farms; $3,000.00
23. Kayson Hendricks, Shelbyville FFA; Southern Fluid Solutions; $4,250.00
24. Gracie Boyd, Shelby County 4-H; Deep East Texas Electric; $3,000.00
25. Addison Lloyd, Shelbyville FFA; Despino Tire; $4,250.00
26. Laura Anne Scull, Shelby County 4-H; Center Tire and Haslam Tire; $4,500.00
27. Kaylee Sigler, Center FFA; R&D Distributing, Klein Cattle Co., K&L Contractors, and ULTRA; $3,000.00

28. Caesyn Lee, Timpson FFA; Austin Bank, Running M Agriculture Services, State 28 Services; $3,250.00
29. Katelan Massey, Shelbyville FFA; Kenneth Rash; $4,000.00
30. Taegan Dawson, Center FFA; Sand Hill Wrecker; $4,500.00
31. Wyomie Meyers, Joaquin FFA; Tyson; $3,500.00
32. Keaton Sigler, Center FFA; Deep East Texas Electric, 5M Gas, Citizen’s Bank, R&D Distributing, Klein Cattle Co., K&L Contractors and ULTRA; $3,000.00
33. Rain Smith, Center FFA; Raymond Construction and East Texas Surveying & Mapping; $3,250.00
34. Elijah Poindexter, Center FFA; Sand Hill Wrecker; $3,250.00
35. Eli Sanford, Timpson FFA; Shelby Savings Bank, General Shelters, Campbell Portable Buildings and McAdam’s Propane; $3,500.00
36. Avery Lawson, Shelbyville FFA; Sand Hill Wrecker and Covington Lumber; $4,000.00
37. Grayson Hightower, Center FFA; Borders Poultry; $3,750.00
38. Evan O’Rear, Shelby County 4-H; Underground Supply Solutions, Alpha Energy Services and CSR Rentals; $4,250.00
39. Baylee Whiteside, Shelby County 4-H; Pilgrim’s - Nacogdoches; $4,250.00
40. Adeline Alford, Joaquin FFA; Joe Bill & Connie Mettauer and Lodge 159, Mettauer Law Firm, Worsham’s Grocery, Cadence Bank, Mathews Real Estate, Wheeler Law Office, United Ag & Trust, Ihlo Sales and Imports, Bounds Insurance, Ward Animal Clinic, Judge Allison Harbison, Dairy Queen, Steel Building Supply, Shoop Financial, Hardy’s Machine Shop, Action Credit, Elliott & Waldron Title Co. and Wayne Christian Financial; $4,250.00
Chance Shuemaker, a senior at Joaquin High School, will be awarded a $500 scholarship from Shelby Savings Bank for being the highest placing senior with his pen of broilers at Joaquin’s awards ceremony.
Also contributing to the sale were: Sand Hill Wrecker, Boles Feed, Shelby Savings Bank, Mathews Real Estate, Covington Lumber, Sabine State Bank, Southern Fluid Solutions, Scull Timber, Alpha Energy, Mettauer Law Firm, Farmers State Bank, Wheeler Law Office, Borders Poultry , Pilgrims – Nacogdoches, Ihlo Sales & Imports, Tyson Live Production, Bounds
Insurance, Deep East Texas Electric, Ward Animal Clinic, Ace Hardware, Light & Champion Newspaper, East Texas Poultry Supply, Judge Allison Harbison, High Roller, Mangum Funeral Home, Worshams Grocery, Despino Tire Service, Dairy Queen, Red Gate Farms, Steel Building Supply, McAdams Propane, Shoop Financial, Bird Forestry, Hardys Machine Shop, CB Genetics, Action Credit, Quick Stop, Elliott & Waldron Title Co., Hawkeye Hunting Club, Wayne Christian Financial, Shelby County Farm Bureau, Cadence Bank, Austin Bank –
Timpson, Campbell Portable Buildings, General Shelters, Ray Jones Chevrolet, Center Motor Company, East Texas Surveying & Mapping, J.B. Raymond, Citizens Bank, Windham Family Dental, Joe Bill & Connie Mettauer, CSR Rental, Underground Supply Solutions, 5M Gas, A&D Hydraulics, Heritage Land Bank, Shelby County Today, R&D Distributing, Klein Cattle Co.,
K&L Contractors, Shelby Veterinary Associates, ULTRA, United Ag & Turf, Center Tire Company, Haslam Tire Company, Rayburn Inn, Prairie Creek Cattle Co., Elly Farms, Running M Agriculture Services, State 28 Services, Kenneth Rash, Zwolle Inn, Toledo Town Inn and Texas Materials.

We would like to take this time to say thank you from the Shelby County 4-H and FFA members and the Broiler Show Committee to all the Contributors, for their generous contributions and to the many volunteers that help make the annual “Broiler Show and Auction” the great event that it is every year!

 

 The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and wills strive to
achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and
the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports the in custody death of Jose Goevava, 24, of Center.

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, Center Police Department transported Goevava to the Shelby County Jail on the charge of Assault Family Violence (M-A). Goevava was placed into a holding cell awaiting booking. During a face to face observation by jail staff, Goevava was found to be unresponsive. Jail staff immediately began life saving measures. Goevava was transported by EMS to the Center Emergency Department where he was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Donna Hughes.

The preliminary autopsy report reveals suicide was the cause of death.  No further information will be released. The case has been handed over to the Texas Rangers.

Unfortunately there was a disturbance Saturday night at the Poultry Festival. Weapons were involved with one person injured. Law Enforcement handled the incident quickly keeping the Poultry Festival safe and secure. Thank you to our local law enforcement and to everyone for their cooperation Saturday
night. The safety of everyone at the Poultry Festival and all community events is the number one priority.

The Center Police Department's Blue Santa program is getting ready to load the sleigh and needs your help. Blue Santa is asking for donations of new toys, books, or clothes for all ages of boys and girls. Monetary donations are also welcomed, and can be given in the form of Cash, or Check, mailed to P.O. Box 322 Center, Tx 75935 or through Paypal @BlueSantaCPD  or CashApp $CPDOperBlueSanta

 

Toy request forms will be ready to be picked up starting November 1st. If you know of any child in Shelby County that may not have any Santa this Christmas, please have their parent/guardian fill out this form. One for each child and turn back into the Center Police Department Dispatch, Shelby County Today, or The Light & Champion. This form will need to be returned to the PD no later than Monday, December 9th, 2024. Any form turned in after the due date will NOT be accepted. This ensures us plenty of time to get all the toys we will need.  Proof of Adress/ID will be required to pick up your donations this year.

 

Forms or Monetary donations can also be mailed to OPERATION BLUE SANTA at P.O. Box 322 Center, Tx 75935. If you would like to donate new toys, clothing, hygiene items please bring them to the Center Police Dept. Boys and girls of all ages will be needed, infant to 15yrs old. The entire Blue Santa team would like to thank everyone for your generous donation to the Blue Santa program. With your donation and others like yours, we will be able to provide Christmas to many children in Shelby County. Again, thank you, we cannot do it without you! Let Blue Santa help You make a Childs Christmas blessed this year.

 

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa is scheduled for Saturday,  December 14^th  2pm – 4pm. At the Center Community House. This is our BIG Toy Drive, and we are very excited to be having it again this year. Enjoy Cookies & Cocoa, and FREE pictures with Santa, and bring in a toy to donate, and be entered into our raffle for a 32 in Tv and a Christmas goody basket, and a $100 Ivan Smith Furniture Gift Card. If you are interested in donating any items such as supplies like cocoa, cookies, or any type of finger foods please contact Amy at the Center PD. 

 

 

Thank You,

from the Operation Blue Santa Team!

Timpson Area Genealogy and Heritage Society will host Jesse Maynard as he speaks on the history of Timpson Masonic Lodge #437 Wednesday, October 16, 2 PM, in the Timpson Public Library annex. 

 

A mason for 32 years and Past Master  at St. John's Lodge #51 and Timpson Lodge #437, Mr. Maynard currently serves as Secretary for the Timpson Lodge. He is active in the Order of the Eastern Star, having served as past Patron of Nacogdoches Chapter 428, McKinney Chapter #518, and Timpson Chapter 1144.

 

The general public is invited and a special invitation is extended to all Mason's, past and present, as well as to Easter Star members.  Bring in pictures and memorabilia  you may have to add to our program.

The Friends of the Library announce their Fall Book Sale at the Fannie Brown Booth Library, 619 Tenaha Street, Center, TX.

 

The sale will begin on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, during regular library hours and continue through Saturday, October 26, 2024. Books of all kinds, including cookbooks, children's books, fiction, and nonfiction will be available. 

 

The library is now accepting donations of books in good condition. Please do not send encyclopedias, text books, or VHS movies. 

 

Sandra Davis, Library Director

11 th Annual Halloween in the Hole

Presented by

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office &
John Burns, Farmers Insurance

This year’s event will take place Oct. 28, 2024 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Center High School baseball field. Kids dressed in costumes 13 and under are invited to an evening of trick-or-treat fun!
Table reservations are required to pass out candy and treats to trick-or-treaters. To reserve a spot for your business, organization, club, etc., contact Leah Chase at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at (936) 598-5601 or leah.chase@co.shelby.tx.us or John Burns at (936) 427-5077 or jburns2@farmersagent.com.
Businesses will need to have a decorated table with a sign displaying the business name and set up will begin at 4:30. This event normally brings in roughly 500 kids, so bring plenty of candy!

We look forward to seeing you at the hole!