Around Town

November 7, 2019 - (More Photos Coming Soon!) - The 97th Shelby County Chamber of Commerce banquet was held Thursday night, November 7, 2019 at the John D. Windham Civic Center with 100 years of Chamber of Commerce history highlighted along with community members honored.
The Distinguished Citizen of the Year award was presented to Fannie Watson with a standing ovation for her years of service and dedication to the community. Jheri-Lynn McSwain, the 2018 recipient, had the honor of introducing and presenting Ms. Watson with her award.

The Young Citizen of the Year was presented to Clay Ihlo by Clayton Windham who was the the 2018 recipient. Ihlo, since moving back to Shelby County, has become an active member of the community. He is a loan officer at Shelby Savings Bank, a member of the Center Noon Lions Club, President of the Center Country Club, a member of the Shelby County Cookers, and Past-Postmaster of the Sam Sanford Lodge.

The farm family of the year was introduced by Lane Dunn, Shelby County AgriLife Extension Agent, to be John Paul Lawson and wife Dixie. The Lawson family was recognized for not only their dedication to Agriculture but also for their focus on the future of Agriculture.
Brian Dean, Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, presented the Chairman of the Board award to Rose Specter for volunteering whenever needed and her willingness to always help.

Dean also gave acknowledgement to Brian Wages for the Past Chairman of the Board award. Wages served the chamber as Chairman of the Board in 2018.
Mary Lynn Tinkle introduced the two Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Teachers of the Year to the audience. Both had been honored at a reception earlier in the year. The Elementary Teacher of the Year was Beth Nichols and the Secondary Teacher of the Year was Brooke Harrison. (Related article: Nichols, Harrison Receive Shelby County Teacher of the Year Awards).

Chris Watlington who has preformed the duties of Master of Ceremonies for many years and occasions for the Chamber of Commerce received a special acknowledgement for his service and was presented a golden microphone trophy.

November 7, 2019 - Shelby County Outreach Ministries, Inc. is asking for your help this month. Our food item of the month is peanut butter. If you would like to help out, please drop off the food item at the Shelby County Outreach Ministries, Inc. which is located at 930 Shelbyville, Street next to the railroad tracks at MLK Drive from 9am until 2pm weekdays.
Donations are always welcome of dry beans, rice, canned meats, and can vegetables. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 1029, Center, Texas 75935. For more information, call us at 598-4990.
Volunteers are welcome as well. Thank you and God Bless!
November 6, 2019 - The Tenaha Masonic Lodge would like to thank the community and businesses for their support in making our BBQ fund raiser a success.
Ron Barker, Secretary
November 4, 2019 - Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in countries across the world every October, helps to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment of this disease.
During Friday night's Joaquin game, students are gathered to make a contribution to Boo’s Battle Support Fund, which has provided assistance for families in our community that has faced the battle of cancer.
Boo’s Battle was formed in memory of Brandi Mills. A loving mother, daughter, friend, aunt and sister. Brandi was also a 2005 graduate of Joaquin High School. Brandi was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer February 16, 2015 and lost her battle June 27, 2017. Her family wanted to keep her memory alive by helping others during their battle with this awful disease, cancer. Brandi was a warrior and fought hard to stay with her sons, Hunter and Henley, current students of Joaquin Elementary. Throughout her battle, she was assisted by our community through fundraisers, love and prayers.
Joaquin High School’s BETA Club, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, and cheerleading squad joined forces this year to organize our Pink Out Week. Events were held on all campuses bringing in a grand total of… $4,297.29!
At the game was Boo’s Battle committee members, Amanda Kirby, Chris Martin and Judy Monroe here to accept a donation. Presenting the donation are officers from BETA, FCCLA and JHS Cheer Squad captains.
If you are a family battling cancer and needing assistance you can reach out to the Boo’s Battle Support Fund Facebook page. An application can be emailed to you by messaging the page.
We are grateful for the community’s contribution to Boo’s Battle and are proud to be a part of their success! Boo’s Battle has been able to help over 60 families in our community!
October 1, 2019 - Weather statistics for October 2019 are prepared and submitted by Ann Forbes, U.S. Weather Service Observer.
Highest Temp was 98 degrees on 10-04-2019
Highest Temp on Record was 100 degrees on 10-01-1953
Lowest Temp was 36 degrees on 10-31-2019
Lowest Temp on Record was 26 degrees on 10-31-1993
Rainfall Recorded was 5.62 inches
Average Monthly Rainfall is 5.32 inches
Above Average by 0.30 inches
Highest Recorded for This Month was 18.94 in 2009
Lowest Recorded for This Month was 0.00 inches in 1952 & 2005
Rainfall through October is 48.77 inches
Average through October is 43.72 inches
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

October 31, 2019 - Lisa Crouch, Pre-K teacher in San Augustine, discusses some of the activities she combines with the books she presents to children in her class. Delta Gamma assisted Mrs. Crouch is securing an ASTEF grant from the state organization so all the students in Pre-K and K in San Augustine could receive a book each month during the school year. Delta Gamma is the local organization of key women educators in San Augustine, Shelby, and Sabine County.
Submitted by Nora Robinson
October 31, 2019 - The Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department is selling a limited number of tickets for their annual Raffle Fundraiser which includes a 2019 420 Honda Rancher 4-wheeler 4x4 with trailer. The trailer is donated by L & R Timber and Common Disposal.
The drawing will be held Friday, November 8th at the Shelbyville football game. Only 300 tickets will be sold for $50 each. The raffle also includes chances to win a Taurus 9mm pistol donated by Shelby Savings Bank; a 50" Flat Screen TV; and three (3) drawings for $100 Visa Gift Cards. All together tickets have six chances to win.
The 4-wheeler winner will be responsible for 4-wheeler and trailer tax, title, and license. Gun winner will need to pass a background check.
Contact any Shelbyville Volunteer fireman for tickets and tickets will be for sale at Shelbyville football games played at home. Call Darren Whiteside at, 936-590-2317.
Be sure to support your local fire department! Funds raised help cover operating expenses of our volunteer fire department.

October 30, 2019 - Shelby Savings Bank North Branch and Ivan Smith Furniture are hosting the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat Bash on Thursday, October 31, 2019 from 4pm until 6pm. Come join the fun in the bank and furniture parking lot. Activities include games, face painting, fun and especially candy! Admission is free!
October 28, 2019 - The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Santa’s Christmas Parade Committee announces the 2019 parade will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 beginning at 6:00pm. The Parade is presented by Shelby Savings Bank. The theme for this year’s parade is “Songs of the Season”.
Categories for the 2019 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.
Parade float entry registration is free and completed applications must be returned to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office by Wednesday, November 20, 2019.
We hope there will be a lot of entries. Decorate your pick up truck, golf cart, horse and buggy etc. Join in the holiday festivities and have fun!
The Taste of the Holidays, sponsored by Shelby Savings Bank, will be held on Thursday, December 5th at the Windham Civic Center from 5:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. 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.

October 24, 2019 - Excelsior would like to thank everyone that graciously donated money for our student, Liam Hill, who is battling leukemia.
Liam is a kindergarten student here at Excelsior. We are still taking donations that will go towards his ongoing medical expenses. Please contact the school if you wish to donate.
Please continue to lift up Liam and his family in your prayers.










