April 24- April 28
PG-13. Ends at 9:25pm

Coming Soon:
Devil Wears Prada 2
Animal Farm 

Closed Wed. & Thurs.
Box office opens 7pm
Admission:
Adults $8, Children $7
Senior Citizens (Mondays) $6

936-598-3864

Around Town

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April 27, 2026 - Tomorrow is the start of the Fannie Brown Booth Library Spring book sale. The book sale will start at 10 a.m. and will continue through Saturday, May 2nd during regular library hours.

There is a great selection of books to choose from and lots of children’s books. Hardback books are $1, paperbacks are 50 cents, and children’s books are 3 for $1.

Due to renovations on the library side of the building, we are not able to send faxes, make copies, or checkout books, but we hope to see you at the book sale.


April 23, 2026 - The Fannie Brown Booth Library and the Friends of the Library remind everyone about the Spring book sale that will start Tuesday, April 28 at 10am.

The booksale will continue through Saturday, May 2 during regular library hours. We have lots of books of all kinds, especially lots of children's books! Hardback books are $1 and paperback books are 50 cents. Children's books are 3 for $1.

Due to the new roof construction ongoing, patrons are asked to use the front door of the library until construction is finished.


April 17, 2026 - The Friends of the Library are getting set-up for the Spring Book Sale at the Fannie Brown Booth Library. The sale will be April 28th - May 2nd during regular Library hours (Tuesday to Thursday, 10-6pm; Friday, 10-5pm; and Saturday, 10-2pm).


April 10, 2026 - The Fannie Brown Booth Library and the Friends of the Library are ready for you to come to the 2026 Spring book sale! The book sale will take place from Tuesday, April 28, to Saturday, May 2, during the library's regular hours (Tuesday to Thursday, 10-6pm; Friday, 10-5pm; and Saturday, 10-2pm).

In the photos, you can see there will be hundreds of books of all kinds. We will also have lots of children's books. Hardback books are $1.00, paperback books are 50 cents, and children's books are 3 for $1.00. Support your library by purchasing some good books at bargain prices!


From left: City of Center Council Member Howell Howard, Grand Champion Duane Anderson, Reserve Champion Robert Harris, and City of Center Mayor David Chadwick.

April 27, 2026 (Photo Album Coming Soon) - Bringing the heat and smoking the competition at the 2026 Grill Fest was head cooks Duane Anderson winning Grand Champion and Robert Harris coming in as Reserve Champion with only 1 point difference between the two teams.

Special appreciation to Tiffany Perrie who was the Judging Coordinator for the event.

Other awards earned during Grill Fest was Washer Pitching Champions, Ryan and Hannah Bailey, followed by second place team, David Davis and David Windham.

The 42 Tournament was an intense competition with final winners being Shelby Johnson and Olivia Johnson as Champions and 2nd place going to Roger and Karen Fancher.

The cook-off competition results were:

Overall Points Top Winners
Grand Champion -  Duane Anderson (27 points)
Reserve Champion - Robert Harris (26 points)

Beans
1st place - Squeals on Wheels from Bardwell, Texas, head cook David Lefler
2nd place - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Robert Harris
3rd place - Caroline Chadwick, Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Brian Dean
4th place - Tabitha Whitney, W&W Texas BBQ from Center, Texas, head cook Preston Whitney

Chicken
1st place - Real Smoke BBQ from Tenaha, Texas, head cook Duane Anderson
2nd place - Squeals on Wheels from Bardwell, Texas, head cook David Lefler
3rd place - Smokin Wrench BBQ from Moody, Texas, head cook Drake Braxton
4th place - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Robert Harris
5th place - Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Brian Dean
6th place - Backyard Cookers from Tenaha, Texas, head cook Mahesh Galal
7th place - W&W Texas BBQ from Center, Texas, head cook Preston Whitney

Ribs
1st place - Squeals on Wheels from Bardwell, Texas, head cook David Lefler
2nd place - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Robert Harris
3rd place - Real Smoke BBQ from Tenaha, Texas, head cook Duane Anderson
4th place - Tabitha Whitney, W&W Texas BBQ from Center, Texas, head cook Preston Whitney
5th place - Jason Windham, Backyard Cookers from Tenaha, Texas, head cook Mahesh Galal
6th place - Smokin Wrench BBQ from Moody, Texas, head cook Drake Braxton
7th place - Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Brian Dean

Brisket
1st place - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Robert Harris
2nd place - Real Smoke BBQ from Tenaha, Texas, head cook Duane Anderson
3rd place - Backyard Cookers from Tenaha, Texas, head cook Mahesh Galal
4th place - Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Brian Dean
5th place - Smokin Wrench BBQ from Moody, Texas, head cook Drake Braxton
6th place - Squeals on Wheels from Bardwell, Texas, head cook David Lefler
7th place - W&W Texas BBQ from Center, Texas, head cook Preston Whitney

Margarita
1st place - Shawna Hall, Farmers State Bank, head cook Brian Dean
2nd place - Paige Hairgrove, Farmers State Bank, head cook Brian Dean
3rd place - Pam Howard, Shelby Savings Bank, head cook Robert Harris

Bloody Mary
1st place - Tabitha Whitney, W&W Texas BBQ, head cook Preston Whitney
2nd place - Caroline Chadwick, Farmers State Bank, head cook Brian Dean

Chefs Choice
1st place - Kay Lefler, Squeals on Wheels, head cook David Lefler

April 20, 2026 - The Piney Woods Photographic Society held their regular monthly meeting this past Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the First Methodist Church at 211 Cora Street, Center, Texas.

The April Challenge was "Pattern Addiction" with club members submitting their photos of unique and out-stand patterns for discussions and club votes for favorites.

There was also a presentation with tips and techniques on photographing animals.

The results for the April Challenge are:


1st Pl. Favorite by Jan Carter


2nd Place Favorite (Tied) by Bobbye Stone


2nd Place Favorite (Tied) by Julie Cantrell-Green

April 14, 2026 - For generations, hometown businesses have helped shape our community – creating jobs, serving neighbors and contributing to the character and pride of our towns and county. To honor legacy and America 250, we would like to spotlight our local businesses through short historical features, published throughout the year.

Local business owners are encouraged to submit a brief history of their businesses including: year founded; founder or family history; how the business has evolved over the years; memorable milestones and/or traditions; why the business values being part of this community.

These spotlights are about celebrating the people and stories behind our local businesses. Every business – whether open for 5 years or 100 years, has played a role in our shared history.

Please email, or mail the information to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce: info@shelbycountychamber.com or 100 Courthouse Square, Center, Texas. If you have any questions, please contact us at 936-598-3682.

Join us in honoring the past, celebrating the present and looking ahead to the future – one local business story at a time.

April 13, 2026 - The Johnson Cemetery Committee is currently updating cemetery records and seeking information on individuals who may have an interest within Johnson Cemetery which is located in the Fellowship Community of Joaquin, Texas 

If you or someone you know has an interest such as a reserved burial plot or a permanent resting place within this cemetery, please reach out to a committee member to get current information added to our contact list.  

This information will help with future mapping and preservation efforts. 

For more info please contact :

  • Johnson Cemetery Committee, 1173 CR 3344, Joaquin TX 75954
  • Julie David (936) 366-8717 or Juliedavid552@yahoo.com
  • Teresa Dickerson (936) 554-3835

April 13, 2026 - Ballard Diesel Performance celebrated moving to their new location with a ribbon cutting event held April 11, 2026. 

Members of the community joined in the event and gathered for the occasion. As a representative of Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Timpson, Paul Smith welcomed Ballard Diesel Performance to their new location.

Craig Ballard introduced his teammates, Jared Yoder and Issac Mathis.

“Thank you everybody for coming on out to our ribbon cutting and grand opening of Ballard Diesel Performance,” said Ballard. 

Ballard commended Yoder and Mathis for the work that they perform, “These guys are incredible with diesel trucks, everything up to a one-ton, big diesel trucks and they can do it.”

Yoder shared some of the services that they offer at Ballard Diesel Performance, and a teaser about upcoming projects, “We can take care of anywhere from preventative maintenance all the way up to cool performance fuels. We’ve actually got a couple fun things coming out here in the next couple months y’all will see on our Facebook that we’re getting ready to build, so stay tuned for that and anything you need swing by the shop we’d be happy to help the community.”

Ballard Diesel Performance is located at 14611 State Highway 87, in Timpson. For more information call, 936-254-4292.

 

April 13, 2026 - Timpson celebrated the addition of Ballard Motorsports to their new location in Timpson on April 11, 2026.

Community members gathered with Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce representatives to show their support of Craig Ballard and his businesses’ new location.

Paul Smith, Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce President, extended a welcome to Ballard and commented on the enrichment of community through its business owners.

“On behalf of the city and the Chamber of Commerce, we want to welcome this business in our community and we’re two-fold good here. We got this business here, but we also got hometown people here running it and it’s always what’s always made Timpson, it’s because people in Timpson own businesses in Timpson and they provide for Timpson and provide for themselves and that’s how Timpson has done as well as it’s done, because of the people here that own the businesses that support the town,” said Smith.

Ballard extended a thank you to everyone in the community and described some of the services they offer at Ballard Motorsports.

“Thank you everybody for coming out to Ballard Motorsports, we do ATVs, side-by-sides, repairs, upgrades, performance. Anything to do with four-wheelers and side-by-sides,” said Ballard. “We’re happy to open up in Timpson, it was great in Center Texas for five-and-a-half years, so glad to be back home.”

Ballard Motorsports is located at 14611 State Highway 87 in Timpson. For more information call 936-427-5133.


Tell them Louie sent you!
(Louie is a proud supporter of Timpson businesses)

April 10, 2026 - BOM Bank in Timpson celebrated its new renovation with a ribbon cutting event on Friday, April 10, 2026. 

Ken Hale, BOM Bank President, shared brief history of the bank and his familial connection including that he is a fifth-generation descendant of his grandfather Wardlow who was a part of the bank’s inception.

“I'm actually the fifth generation of my family to work at BOM, my family helped found the bank in 1903 in a little town called Montgomery, Louisiana,” said Hale.

Hale went on to introduce his wife Shannon, daughter Reagan who works for the bank, and a son that works for the bank as the sixth generation representatives of his family.

“We're proud, and excited when we were able to partner with Mark [Lowery, BOM Bank Texas Regional President] and buy some of the American State Bank branches, and I'm a big believer in giving back to the community. It's just the way I was raised. The town I was raised in was 600 people,” said Hale.

Hale shared he was raised by his grandparents who instilled values in him which included helping people. His grandfather was president of the bank when it began and he was also mayor of Montgomery, Louisiana.

Hale described the bank building as a well-built structure; however, he described that it was in dire need of refurbishment due to being dingy and having an odor. Hale enlisted the services of his wife to remodel the branch, as he explained she is well practiced in doing for all of their bank branches.

“I said, 'Shannon, we've got to do something over there. It just needs to be updated, you know smell a little nicer and just look a little better,' and so as I would come by and visit it would look better, and better, and better each time and man it turned out really, really nice. So, you know thanks to the staff here we got a lot of our staff here from all over Texas and Louisiana, so thank y'all everybody, I’m very humble,” said Hale.

Hale thanked everyone for attending and he encouraged anyone to send business their direction.

Paul Smith, Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce President, announced, “On behalf of the city of Timpson and Chamber of Commerce and our community, and we've got a lot of community leaders here today. Thank y'all so much for coming and investing in our community. We're happy that you're community-minded, and we think we'll be community back to you and do all we can to support you.”

Following the festivities, a drawing was held for door prizes.

BOM Bank in Timpson is located at 830 N 1st St, Timpson Texas and the number is (936) 254-2484.

April 10, 2026 - T.J. Belin, a 2025 Graduate of Center High School, was honored on Wednesday, April 7, 2026 during Wiley University's Honors Convocation which is a celebration of the academic achievements of its students.

Belin received a Certificate of Honor in recognition of receiving the President's Scholar Fall 2025 Semester for having a 4.0 GPA his freshman year at Wiley University.

T.J. is the son of Travis and Tracey Belin.

Click here to view the Honors Convocation's digital Program.

April 8, 2026 - Climate Closet celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 with the Chamber of Commerce and its ambassadors. Everyone gathered together to cut the official chamber ribbon and mark the special occasion.

Ambassador President Andi Foster welcomed everyone, "On behalf of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and the ambassadors, I want to thank everyone for coming out today and supporting as we celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Climate Closet. And congratulations to them on their new venture and for choosing to once again invest in our community. We're excited to have you, the Climate Closet, as part of our chamber family. We look forward to watching this grow and thrive in our community as well in Shelby County."

Foster then invited owners, Collin Mathews and Taighen Mathews May, to speak. Collin Mathews shared, "We truly appreciate the chamber and also the community for its continued support. With the Climate Closet, we're here to provide, or our goal is to provide secure, reliable, and convenient storage with 24/7 access and climate controlled units. We're proud to invest in Shelby County and we're thankful to continue to be here and again, we thank you so much for showing up and showing your support for us."

Taighen May added, "I see a lot of familiar faces. We are so excited to be joining the chamber today as well as the addition of climate controlled storage here in our area. It is a need that we felt needed to be filled and we are so excited to see it come to life today. This is a community that I grew up in, I came back to, and to even have a small part of the growth and progress here makes it all the more special."

May gave thanks again to everyone and special recognition for the project, "Projects like this don't happen overnight and they definitely don't happen without a lot of behind the scene work. This was a project that has been in the works for several years and was definitely a labor of love. We had a lot of hands that helped make it what it is today. I'll give a special shout out to Pam [Hall] because she did a lot and made a lot happen."

A unique feature of some of the storage units was described as a 'walk through' unit. Walk through units have an access door on both the front and back side which makes accessing what is inside even easier.

Climate Closet is conveniently located at 171 Loop 500, Center, Texas and features climate controlled units, security camera monitoring, keypad entry and a spacious parking lot. There are 56 storage units ranging in size from 8x8 to 15x12, including 10x15 and 10x20 walk through units. Climate Closet offers an easy online registration system with options of convenient automatic payments and text message account updates. To reserve a storage unit go to www.theclimatecloset.com, or contact Pam Hall at 936-598-7800.

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