Shelby County Today

May 1, 2024 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary members held a Loyalty Day ceremony Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in front of the Shelby County Veterans Memorial.

Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, opened the program and Post member Mary Roberts offered the opening prayer.

Hume then shared the following, “Some of the holidays we celebrate great Americans, while others recognize great moments in our history. But today is a day called ‘Loyalty Day’ it celebrates everything, from the moment we delivered our Declaration of Independence to the British, to the moment we gathered here this morning.

“Loyalty Day is a celebration of America and everything our country stands for. Loyalty Day asks us to pause for a moment and look back at where we’ve been, and ahead to where we want our nation to go.

“It was originally observed as “Americanization Day” in 1921 and enacted into public law by congress in 1958. Loyalty Day celebrates the legacy of freedom and the shared ideals that bind our great nation together. While initially established to counterbalance the May 1 celebrations of the communist party in the United States, this day has endured as a permanent fixture on our calendar.

“Even as the communist threat has greatly diminished over the years but perhaps is being revitalized, Loyalty Day remains a day worth recognizing, and we can’t think of a group we would rather spend Loyalty Day with than those of you that are here today.

“Today, we must remind others and ourselves that there is no substitute for loyalty, and we must pledge to maintain a free society in which loyalty is respected and encouraged.

“Loyalty Day is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of Loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedoms.”

The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited and Sr. Vice Commander Mike Wulf placed the Loyalty Day wreath upon the Shelby County Veterans Memorial.

“Today is not an official holiday, but rather an observance that many are unaware of and would have gone unnoticed in Shelby County, Texas if it were not for those of you gathered here today,” said Hume.

Leigh Porterfield, Center Mayor pro-tem, sang “God Bless America” following the wreath laying.

April 30, 2024 - The community celebrated recent renovations of the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library on April 30, 2024, achieved through the efforts of the Center Rotary Club.

Steve Waters, Center Rotary Club President, described the event as a great day for the library and he elaborated on some of the work that’s been completed in the Redditt Room of the library.

“Obviously we’re here to dedicate what we’ve done through a grant from the Rotary District 5910, and it’s just a great day for the library,” said Waters. “We revamped this room, so nice. I appreciate everybody’s help in doing this.”

Waters commented that the Rotary Club has helped to improve on what already is a great resource for the community as it provides access to many things including educational materials.

“No matter what your economic level is we all [are] offered the ability to come here and increase our education, that sort of thing,” said Waters. “Glad. to be a part of this, as the Rotary Club is.”

Deborah Chadwick, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce President, complimented the awesome accomplishment in improving the library.

“When I first moved here, there were so many meetings and special events held in this room,” said Chadwick. “I’m glad Rotary has taken the initiative to start with the re-carpeting and flow on through and just really keep this library alive and very vital, it’s important, so thank you Rotary.”

Roy Davis, Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, thanked the Rotary Club for the assistance and for the great improvement.

“This library has been in this place since 1974 and this is one of the first in a long series of what we hope will be some improvements that we’re going to make to the library,” said Davids.

There are many more improvements the library is looking forward to making in the near future, and Davis described the carpet replacement as a stepping stone toward those efforts.

“We have plans to do the other part of the library, and we’re already in contact with some people that are doing a grant to help us with this,” said Davis.

According to Davis, approval has already been received on the arrangement of the grant and furniture as well. The city of Center is also working to replace the roof of the library.

“We’re just looking forward to lots of improvements and want you to come by and enjoy the library,” said Davis.

He elaborated on the library being a place where families can come and gather, and the Redditt room being a place where people can have meetings of all kinds.

“We are getting new tables and chairs for the meeting area also, so that will be something that if you need someplace to have a workshop or something for your corporation, training session, we’ll be able to do that. We’re just very thankful for the help of the Rotary, Chamber, the city,” said Davis.

He said the library is really looking forward to new things.

Related article:
Rotary Club, Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library Celebrate Renovation with Ribbon Cutting

Pageant Winners

April 26, 2024 (Photo Album) - The Miss Shelby County Pageant was held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the John D Windham Civic Center in Center, Texas. Under the direction of Sandrel Slaughter, the Miss Shelby County Pageant honored the remarkable pageant legacy of Mrs. Tonya Simmons Bailey. The pageant was a testament to grace, talent, and the vibrant spirit of our community.

With each graceful step and radiant smile, the contestants illuminated the stage, showcasing their unique talents and heartfelt dedication. Their remarkable performances captivated our hearts and reminded us of the extraordinary potential within each of us.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this event – from the contestants who showcased their talents and poise, parents for being supportive and allowing your child to participate, to the organizers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all possible. Your dedication and passion have truly made this year's pageant a memorable and uplifting experience for our community.

Tonya’s Tiara Recipient, Ty’ReUnnia Dock, with family members of Tonya Bailey.

As we reflect on the Miss Shelby County pageant and honor the legacy of Mrs. Tonya Simmons Bailey, let us continue to support and uplift one another, fostering a community where beauty, talent, and kindness shine brightly for all to see!

Tonya’s Tiara Recipient - Ty’ReUnnia Dock

Miss Shelby County Pageant Tiny Miss
Queen - Gianna Hill
1st Runner Up - Layla Gaddis
Covergirl - Karleigh Gardner
Photogenic - Gianna Hill
Sports Wear - Rilynn Young
Evening Wear - Zahni Phillips
Princesses: Carrington Ann Bailey, Memphis Sanders, Zahni Phillips, Giselle Ware, Sai Sai Stevenson, Analia Thirkill, Rilynn Young, and Karleigh Gardner

Miss Shelby County Pageant Petite Miss
Queen - Jaydah Bean
1st Runner Up - Heaven Martinez
Photogenic - Jaydah Bean
Sports Wear - Jaydah Bean
Evening Wear - Jaydah Bean
Princesses: Chesni Bledsoe, Skylar Williams, Tenlee Milford, and Rylee Osby

Miss Shelby County Pageant Junior Miss
Queen - Addison Lyons
1st Runner Up - Serenity Cotton
Interview - Serenity Cotton
Photogenic - Addison Lyons
Sports Wear - Addison Lyons
Evening Wear - Addison Lyons

Miss Shelby County Pageant Pre-Teen Miss
Queen - Madilyn Polley
1st Runner Up - Jayla Barkins
Interview - Madilyn Polley
Photogenic - Madilyn Polley
Sports Wear - Madilyn Polley
Evening Wear - Madilyn Polley

Miss Shelby County Pageant Teen Miss
Queen - CaLaysia Garrett
Interview - CaLaysia Garrett
Photogenic - CaLaysia Garrett
Sports Wear - CaLaysia Garrett
Evening Wear - CaLaysia Garrett

Miss Shelby County Pageant Miss
Queen - Ashton Watts
1st Runner Up - Breanna Gregory
Interview - Breanna Gregory
Photogenic - Ashton Watts
Sports Wear - Ashton Watts
Evening Wear - Ashton Watts
Princess: Ty’ReUnnia Dock

From left: Volunteer - Dani Camp, Board Member - Shelby County Representative Tammie Luman, and Board President - Stephanie Elswick

April 18, 2024 - Happy Tails Adoption Center hosted a pet adaption event during the Spring Fling event at White Cottage Mercantile on Tuesday, April 16. If you missed it, the next live adoption event is Saturday, May 4th at Tractor Supply in Center from 10am until 2pm.

You can also show your support at the "BBQ Cause 4 Paws" fundraiser on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 5pm until 7pm on the downtown square. Dinner plates are $20 and includes pulled pork, beans, and potato salad. There will be raffle tickets to win a Ruger American .243 rifle with a black synthetic stock and optics ready, a 48 quart Yeti Cooler with wheels, and a win basket. Purchase tickets at www.happytails.org. Raffle winners will be drawn at the BBQ Cause 4 Paws event.

Be Blessed BBQ will be there as well as a bake sale items available for purchase!