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PG-13. Movie ends 9:20pm
Coming Soon:
Gabby's Dollhouse - Oct. 24
Closed Wednesdays, Thursdays
Box office opens at 7:00pm. Showtime at 7:30pm.
Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for children.
Senior Citizen's Night
Mondays - $6 Admission
Around Town
Successful Center VFD Fundraiser - Over 600 Plates Sold
October 17, 2025 - On behalf of the Center Volunteer Fire Department, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the citizens of Shelby County and the City of Center for your incredible support during our annual fundraiser. Your generosity is what keeps our department going.
A very special thank you to Tyson Foods for donating our chicken and to the Shelby County Cookers for cooking some great chicken! We would also like to recognize Jennifer Fausett and the Center High School Culinary Department for preparing the desserts and baked beans, both were very good. Thank you as well to Brookshire Brothers for providing bags and supplies that helped make our event run smoothly and to Shelby County Today for advertising.
Most importantly, I want to thank the dedicated members of the Center Volunteer Fire Department. Your hard work, commitment, and willingness to show up whenever called is what makes this department strong. Without each of you, none of this would be possible.
Because of all of you, our sponsors, our citizens, and our firefighters, we are able to continue protecting our community.
Thank you,
Del Birdwell
Chief, Center Volunteer Fire Department
October 17, 2025 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary honored women serving in the military during a program held Friday, October 17, 2025, on the Center square and before the Shelby County Veterans Memorial.
Mary Roberts, Post Quartermaster, led the program and Larry Hume, Past-Post Commander, offered an opening prayer.
"The history of women in the armed forces began more than 228 years ago, with women who served during the American Revolution and continues through the present day. The women we honor today are a remarkable bunch, in the Revolutionary and Civil War they wanted to serve so badly that they disguised themselves as men," said Roberts.
In 1917, during a time when women had not been granted the right to vote, nurses who were women answered the call to duty during World War I and served everywhere including near the front lines in France.
"Not only were their hours long and tedious, caring for the wounded and maimed, but they also had to deal with the 1918 flu pandemic that killed millions worldwide and many of the nurses themselves," said Roberts.
Roberts highlighted the continuing perseverance of women willing to serve their country as once again they answered the call to duty during World War II, when the armed services opened up the ranks to women, which freed more men up for battle. 77 nurses in the Pacific were taken prisoners of war.
"At Anzio, Italy, six army nurses died from German bombardments. In the mud of Korea, 70% of the army nurses served in a mobile Army surgical hospital battery known as a MASH unit (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital)," said Roberts. "7,500 Army military women served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Army Nurse, Lieutenant Sharon Lane, age 25, was killed during a rocket attack in Chulai, Vietnam. Seven others died in accidents and illness."
Roberts stated that in 1990, 40,000 American women deployed to operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
"According to the U.S.O., more than 300,000 women have served during the post-9-11 war, including Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. More than 9,000 have earned their combat action badge. 16% of our nations armed forces are made up of women, 152 have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Roberts. "Today, women command Navy vessels and combat units. They wear general and admiral stars, they fly, fighters, bombers, you name it. We thank them all today."
Zachary McCormick, Post member, placed a memorial wreath in honor of women that served in the military.
Taps was then played as presented by Derrick Roberts, Post Commander, for those women veterans who have died in the service of our country and those who have served and have since passed.
October 17, 2025 - Shelby County co-hosted along with the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) a Judicial Education Roundtable meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the Courthouse. The roundtable discussion included mental health resources available as well as DWI case management and best practices. TAC also provided an update on new laws affecting counties which went into effect September 1 and those which will be effective January 1.
County Judges from other East Texas counties traveled to Center, Texas for the Judicial discussion and networking opportunity. Each judge will receive six hours of judicial education credit for their time. During the meeting agenda, the judges broke away to enjoy a guided tour of the Historic Shelby County Courthouse before having lunch.
Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison shared, “Being County Judge can have unique challenges and often times only other Judges can truly understand the situation and help with coming up with the best solution. It is great to make these connections with other judges so you can reach out to each other as things arise. We all want to do the best we can for our counties. We also appreciate the efforts of TAC with organizing these smaller roundtable discussions because they are a great opportunity to network and have one on one discussions about current events and issues we all face.”
Left to right: Lucy Hebron (Former Wood County Judge and TAC's Judicial Education Program Manager), Lloyd Lane (Freestone County), Allison Harbison (Shelby County), Mark Allen (Jasper County), Jeff Boyd (San Augustine County), Chad Sims (Harrison County), and Bill Stoudt (Gregg County).
From left: Judy Monroe (BBSF), Will Lucas (SSBTX) , Steve Waters (Sabine State Bank), David Chadwick (Farmers State Bank). Not in the photo: BOM Bank and Austin Bank.
October 16, 2025 - Local banks hosted a fundraiser in support of Boo’s Battle Support Fund and raised $4,685. The fundraiser was a part of Texas Banks Community Day of Service which is organized by the Texas Bankers Association. It is a statewide day of community service where bankers roll up their sleeves to volunteer, donate, and give back. This fundraiser was jointly hosted by your Community Banks: BOM Bank; Farmers State Bank; SSBTX Bank; Sabine State Bank; and Austin Bank.
Accepting the check on behalf of Boo’s Battle Support Fund (BBSF) was Judy Monroe. BBSF is a non-profit organization established in honor of Brandi “Boo” Mills after she sadly lost her battle to cancer on June 27, 2017. It provides financial assistance to local families while they, or a loved one, are battling cancer. During 2024, BBSF reported a total distribution of $58,500 to families and individuals in the area that are battling cancer.
If you would like to make a donation to BBSF, visit their webpage at www.boosbattlesf.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/boosbattle for more information.
From left: Macklyn Kirk and Jacie Lee
October 16, 2025 - Saturday, October 11 was a great day for a couple of Shelby County girls! Jacie Lee of Shelbyville FFA and Macklyn Kirk or Shelby County 4-H traveled to Nacogdoches and competed in the Pineywoods Fair Heifer Show. These two girls took the winnings for the American breed division.
Jacie Lee showed her 11 month old heifer, Miss Ki 271 (aka Audra). She placed first in her class, won Brahman breed Champion and placed Reserve Champion overall American breed.
Macklyn Kirk came to the show with 3 heifers and did very well with each of them. Her heifer, 2503 ET Darcey placed first in her class, won Santa Gertrudis breed Champion, and placed Grand Champion overall American Breed.
We are very proud of these Shelby County girls. They have a very bright future with these amazing animals and we can’t wait to see what all they accomplish over the next year.
October 15, 2025 - Brady Lane Wells was sworn in by Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge, as Shelby County’s newest lawyer following Commissioners' Court on October 15, 2025.
“We have got a new attorney in town, and we're so excited because used to, 15 years ago, you could throw a rock and hit an attorney, and there's just not that many attorneys practicing anymore, because they're getting old like me,” said Judge Harbison.
Wells works for Fairchild, Price, Haley & Smith, LLP, and John Price complimented Wells on his work ethic, as well as expressing how proud he is to have him at the law firm.
Seth Elmore, attorney; Brady Wells, attorney; Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge; and John Price, attorney.
“I just like to say this young man has worked his way through college, along with his family support and help, he has worked for our firm part-time when he went through SFA, I don't know that he's ever been in a non-working position. He passed his bar with flying colors. He's been an outstanding addition to our firm for many years,” said Price. “But to have him now, as a lawyer, licensed in the state of Texas and being a member of our firm, I cannot tell you how proud that makes me individually. Known him for a long time, fine young man, and we’re so proud to have you on board.”
Jason Wells, Brady’s father, made a special presentation of his father’s Rolex watch to his son in recognition of his accomplishment.
“I've never seen a kid with as much perseverance and dedication, discipline as this young man. Proud to, you know, to claim him as my son.” Said Jason Wells. “In 2012, a lot of you knew my dad Bertis Wells, in 2012, as dad was getting a little older, he gave me a gift. I put that gift in a safe, because I was hoping that this day would come.”
With proud tears, Wells presented his son with his father’s watch. After receiving the watch, Brady commented that maybe there was a reason he had forgotten his watch at home.
Judge Harbison then administered the Attorney’s Oath to Wells.
Wells is a 2018 graduate of Center High School, and he attended Stephen F. Austin State University. He earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas A&M School of Law in May 2025 and after passing the Texas Bar, he was issued his license on October 6, 2025.
October 15, 2025 - The Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library is pleased to announce that they are the recipients of the 2025 "John Reagan Harris Community Fund at East Texas Communities Foundation" Grant.
The proceeds from the grant will be used to enhance our library's services such as Hotspots and children's book collections. The grant will improve lighting in the Redditt Room and the library is also pleased to announce that, with this grant, we will begin offering the Mango Language Online Learning program and lessons to all library patrons free of charge.
Watch for further announcements concerning the Mango Language program when it becomes available soon!
Shawn Lowater (left), Assistant Librarian, is shown receiving the grant check on behalf of the library from Dana Durman (right), Program Officer for the East Texas Communities Foundation.
Pictured are (from left) Larry Hume, Derrick Roberts, and Mary Roberts.
October 13, 2025 - VFW Post 8904 members held a remembrance of the service and sacrifice of Afghanistan Veterans during a program held October 9, 2025.
Post Commander Derrick Roberts offered the opening prayer and led the program.
“24 years ago, America launched its counter-attack against terrorism, attacking terrorist targets in Afghanistan and ushering in Operation Enduring Freedom and the global war on terrorism,” said Roberts. “To date, there have been over 23,000 military deaths in Afghanistan. Among that number are the sons and daughters os big cities and small towns. Four years ago we lost 13 service members killed in August 26, 2021, near Kabul’s international airport less than a week before the United States was set to complete its military withdrawal on August 31. We remember them today also.”
Shelby County, Texas, as in all previous wars also suffered losses. Roberts reminded everyone that Army Specialist Cory Bertand and Sgt. Kevin Casey Roberts were two of those lost.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Roberts was killed in action on May 7, 2008, when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED). Sgt. Roberts was not from Shelby County but met a local girl and fell in love with Shelby County.
“As was his wish, he is buried in the West Hamilton Cemetery in Shelbyville,” said Roberts.
U.S. Army Specialist Cory Bertrand died in Afghanistan five months later on October 14, 2008, one month before his 19th birthday. His vehicle also struck an IED.
“He is buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery also in Shelbyville,” said Roberts.
Derrick Roberts then place a wreath in honor of those that have served and who have sacrificed.
A moment of silence was then honored in memory of those who have served, but have since passed.
October 9, 2025 (Photo Album) - The Chicken Trot 5K had a great turnout with an estimate 200 runners/walkers who are competing for the fastest time or who are just there to challenge themselves to cross the finish line. One hundred and seven-nine registered runners finished the race along with an unknown number of unregistered participants who just came for the challenge.
Proceeds from the 5K will support the charitable giving of the Rotary Club of Center whose lastest service project is to build raised garden beds which are wheel chair accessible. Past service projects included ADA playground equipment installed at Portacool Park, installation of new carpet in the Redditt Room at the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, and books for elementary kids in Shelby County.
Overall First Places:
Male - Adrian Ramirez, Time 00:17:49, Tenaha
Female - Rachel Newton, Time 00:23:23, Center
The results of the 5K are below. Please note, runners who placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd overall for male and female categories were not included in the age division top three.
2nd Place Overall Male - Daniel Flores, Time 00:17:52
Overall Male
1st Place - Bib# 321, Adrian Ramirez, Time 00:17:49, Tenaha
2nd Place - Bib# 461, Daniel Flores, Time 00:17:52
3rd Place - Bib# 453, Israel Carmona Torres, Time 00:19:25, Plattsburg
3rd Place Overall Male - Israel Carmona Torres, Time 00:19:25
Overall Female
1st Place - Bib# 403, Rachel Newton, Time 00:23:23, Center
2nd Place - Bib# 477, Madison Murphree, Time 00:24:55, Center
3rd Place - Bib# 333, Anna Hagler, Time 00:26:09, Center
2nd Place Overall Female - Madison Murphree, Time 00:24:55
Male 0 - 11
1st Place - Bib# 362, Christian J. Tello, Time 00:32:53, Center
2nd Place - Bib# 406, Elijah Eaves, Time 00:33:04, Center
3rd Place - Bib# 462, Giovanni Flores, Time 00:36:16
3rd Place Overall Female - Anna Hagler, Time 00:26:09
Female 0 - 11
1st Place - Bib# 495, Blakely Raymond, Time 00:46:28, Shelbyville
2nd Place - Bib# 473, Stephanie Paredes, Time 00:50:08, Center
3rd Place - Bib# 433, Evangeline Lane, Time 00:50:42, Joaquin
Male 12 – 19
1st Place - Bib# 492, Rene Hernandez, Time 00:20:17, Center
2nd Place - Bib# 435, Jairo Hernandez, Time 00:20:20, Tenaha
3rd Place - Bib# 427, Troy Currey, Time 00:20:34, San Augustine
Female 12 - 19
1st Place - Bib# 436, Kynslee Stevens, Time 00:27:02, Shelbyville
2nd Place - Bib# 469, Emma Lewis, Time 00:29:48, Center
3rd Place - Bib# 479, Bethany Kilpatrick, Time 00:30:14, Tenaha
Male 20 - 29
1st Place - Bib# 449, Antonio Chavez, Time 00:19:55, Tyler
2nd Place - Bib# 316, Jacob Garcia, Time 00:22:07, Center
3rd Place - Bib# 452, Luis Enrique Monfil Cruz, Time 00:22:23, Plattsburg
Female 20 - 29
1st Place - Bib# 378, Yadira Morales, Time 00:28:15, Center
2nd Place - Bib# 344, Stephanie Salgado, Time 00:28:18, Houston
3rd Place - Bib# 472, Adriana Barcenas, Time 00:29:37, Center
Male 30 - 39
1st Place - Bib# 353, Allen Woodfin, Time 00:19:36, Center
2nd Place - Bib# 384, Martin Barcenas, Time 00:23:02, Center
3rd Place - Bib# 437, Steve Chavez, Time 00:23:21, Center
Female 30 - 39
1st Place - Bib# 443, Caroline Chadwick, Time 00:31:09, Center
2nd Place - Bib# 330, Kasi Ashley, Time 00:32:15, Center
3rd Place - Bib# 442, Joanna Santana, Time 00:34:10, Center
Male 40 - 49
1st Place - Bib# 458, Michael Kay, Time 00:28:14, Shelbyville
2nd Place - Bib# 468, JC Lewis, Time 00:34:19, Center
Female 40 - 49
1st Place - Bib# 404, Candice Eaves, Time 00:44:13, Center
2nd Place - Bib# 356, Marlene Hernandez, Time 00:45:32, Center
3rd Place - Bib# 476, Lindsey Wagoner, Time 00:45:52, Baton Rouge
Male 50 - 59
1st Place - Bib# 415, Antonio Ruiz, Time 00:27:29, Center
2nd Place - Bib# 301, John Solice, Time 00:28:53, Timpson
3rd Place - Bib# 377, Keith Riley, Time 00:29:55, Mineola
Female 50 - 59
1st Place - Bib# 470, Jeanne Brewer, Time 00:31:16, Franklin
2nd Place - Bib# 487, Delia Diaz, Time 00:37:09
3rd Place - Bib# 371, Anittra Adkison, Time 00:42:34, Garrison
Male 60 - 74
1st Place - Bib# 336, Mark Cline, Time 00:27:32, Center
2nd Place - Bib# 425, Jim Sawyer, Time 00:34:30, Spring
3rd Place - Bib# 374, Arturo O. Mendoza, Time 00:48:51, Center
4th Place - Bib# 365, Howell Howard, Time 00:51:49, Center *Rotarian
Female 60 - 74
1st Place - Bib# 345, Deborah Chadwick, Time 00:31:23, Center
2nd Place - Bib# 407, Tonya Andrews, Time 00:33:19, Center
3rd Place - Bib# 382, Jayne Crain, Time 00:53:30, Center
Male 75+
1st Place - Bib# 485, Jessie Bashan, Time 00:59:41
Thank you from the Center Rotary Club for all who registered to participate in the 5K. Also, thank you to the sponsors who make the 5K possible and the many volunteers who put in the time to make it a success.
Deuce Wulf, Derrick Roberts, Ben Wulf, Easton Wulf, Emi Wulf, Jennifer Wulf, Tim Wulf, Fred Wulf, Mary Lou Lubinski, Ken Lubinski, Mickey Wulf, David Chadwick, Jerry Pinkston, and Laticia Bomar.
October 6, 2025 - Family members of Mike Wulf were presented a memorial plaque in his memory at Center High School where it is now displayed in his honor.
Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation (R.S.F.) board members were present with family as the plaque was presented and placed within the Roughrider Scholarship Foundation display case.
Wulf proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member of VFW Post 8904, Gold Legacy members, and was Commander of the post during his passing. He moved to Center in 1977 and was a past member of the Shelby County Cookers and upon his passing served on the board of the Shelby County Outreach Ministries. He was the chief cook for the Friends of the Roughrider Athletic Booster Club.
Mike worked at General Shelters for 11 years and served as the plant manager for the production plant in Munday, Texas. He also worked for Port-a-Cool and was a Regional Sales Manager. In his retirement, he enjoyed serving his community and spending time with his granddaughters and great-grandson.
This scholarship is in memory of Mike Wulf and will be awarded for the first time in 2026.
To view his obituary, click here.
For more information about the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation, visit online https://roughriderscholarship.org/
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