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Rated-PG. Movie ends 9:10pm
CONCESSIONS OPEN for
SANTA's CHRISTMAS PARADE
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
936-598-3864
Around Town
December 17, 2024 - (Photo Album) - Excelsior ISD Choir members, and Tim Verner, were once again the headliner at the 1885 Shelby County Historic Courthouse for the second year running on December 16, 2024 during an open house event.
The presentation was held in the courtroom on the second floors, and Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison welcomed the children who made up the choir and then she addressed the audience.
“We are so excited that we’re having our second annual Christmas caroling from Excelsior School,” said Judge Harbison. “So glad to have you here today to hear these beautiful kids sing beautiful songs of Christmas.”
The audience was treated to several classic Christmas carols including “Blue Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,”Oh, Christmas Tree,” and many more.
The event was hosted by the William Carroll Crawford Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, who are also the docents of the courthouse, and who decorated the courthouse for the holiday season.
Judge Harbison thanked the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce for their help and stated that without them the event couldn't have happened.
After the singing was complete, the choir was invited to the lower floor for cookies and punch.
December 16, 2024 - The Tenaha Business' Men's Club celebrated their end of the year banquet Thursday, December 12, 2024 at the Tenaha ISD Cafetorium.
Shelby County Attorney John Price was the guest speaker with awards given to Don Dial for Citizen of the Year and Bro. Bill Homes for Distinguished Service Award.
The Tenaha Business's Men's Club meets every second Thursday of the month at 11:30am at the City Hall Community Room.
December 16, 2024 - Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 presented Teacher of the Year Awards last week to three teachers. Each was given a framed certificate and a check for $200.
- Pre-K to grade 5, Mayra Lopez, Center Elementary School.
- Jr. High School, grades 6 to 8, Amanda Freeman, Joaquin Jr. High School.
- High School, grades 9 to 12, Heaven Umbrell, Joaquin High School.
Teacher of the Year Mayra Lopez in the middle with VFW members L-R, Jr. Vice Derrick Roberts, Quartermaster Mary Roberts, Post Commander Mike Wulf, and life member Ray Miller.
Teacher of the Year Amanda Freeman with her students and VFW Post Commander Mike Wulf and life member Ray Miller. Assistant Principal April Gates on the far left.
Teacher of the Year Heaven Umbrell with her students and Assistant Principal April Gates on the far right. Post life member Ray Miller to the left of Umbrell and Post Commander Mike Wulf to the right of Umbrell.
December 13, 2024 - The Library Interiors crew installed the new shelves and furniture for the Fannie Brown Booth Library renovation project. The library is now waiting on the installation of lighting and reshelving of books.
Plans are to reopen during the first week of January, weather permitting.
December 12, 2024 - The University of Texas at Tyler will recognize fall 2024 degree candidates during Fall 2024 Commencement December 13-14 and three Shelby County students will receive their degrees.
Chelsea Hendricks of Shelbyville earned a Master of Occupational Therapy from the School of Health Professions.
Samantha Coleman of Tenaha earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from the College of Education and Psychology.
Calicia Roland of Tenaha earned a Master of Health Administration from the School of Health Professions.
Ceremony Information
Location: UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center
Dates and Times:
- Friday, December 13, 2024
9:00am CST - School of Nursing
1:00pm CST - College of Arts and Sciences; School of Health Professions - Saturday, December 14, 2024
9:00am CST - College of Education and Psychology; College of Engineering
1:00pm CST - Soules College of Business
December 12, 2024 - (Photo Album) - The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce lighted Christmas parade was held December 12, 2024, on the Timpson square.
The audience of parade goers lined Park Plaza Street as the parade rounded off Bremond Street. Tracy Broadway, Justice of the Peace Precinct 5, was the emcee for the parade and he announced the parade floats for the audience. Law enforcement and Timpson Volunteer Fire Department led the way, followed by the Timpson Bear marching band, several floats, and vehicles.
Many in attendance received candy from float riders as they tossed it on the parade route. Following the first pass, the parade once again traveled around Park Plaza Street before coming to a completion.
December 12, 2024 - Shelbyville Methodist Women collected new items this Christmas season to donate to the Rainbow Room, located in the Health and Human Services Office at 912 Nacogdoches Street, Center, Texas. The collection included new toys, blankets, clothing, two pack-n-plays, diapers, gift cards, and cash donation. Elizabeth Jeffcoat, Faith Based and Community Engagement Specialist for Region 5 of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, accepted the donation on behalf of the Rainbow Room.
Rainbow Rooms are 24/7 emergency resource rooms that provide basic needs to children and families during times of crisis, supported by donations and local volunteers. CPS caseworkers and investigators can get supplies in time of need for children who are victims of abuse or neglect. An individual, or as part of a corporation, church or community group, can get involved and support the Rainbow Room. If you would like to volunteer or donate to the Rainbow Room, you may contact Elizabeth Jeffcoat by phone at (936) 234-0194 or email at elizabeth.jeffcoat@dfps.texas.gov.
Please remember that Rainbow Rooms can only accept new items. The Rainbow Wish List includes: baby food and formula, diapers, baby wipes, hygiene items (such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste), school supplies, toys and books, diaper bags and backpacks, children’s clothing, car seats and pack-n-plays, cleaning supplies, non-perishable snack and juice, and gift cards. Or call Elizabeth Jeffcoat if you prefer to make a cash donation.
December 12, 2024 - St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church members participated in the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession on December 8, 2024.
Participants gathered on the Center square at the Shelby County Historic Courthouse where dances and music were performed, and prayers were offered.
The procession then began the journey from the courthouse square to the church located just under two miles away at 717 FM 2974.
Center Police Officers assisted in providing a safe route for the procession through town and then Shelby County Sheriff’s Department then joined in from the intersection of Hurst Street to the end of the journey.
Stephen Ewing
December 10, 2024 — The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department gathered twice this past week to celebrate the service and dedication of its members and to elect officers for the coming year. These events highlighted the critical role the department plays in the community and honored the commitment of its volunteers.
Brock Pugh
Awards Banquet
The annual awards banquet, held on December 7th at Station 2, brought firefighters and their families together for an evening of recognition and camaraderie. Firefighter James Walker prepared smoked ribeye steaks, which were enjoyed by all in attendance.
From left: Jim Strong honored for 45 Years of Service by Jeremy Boyett
Several members were honored for their service milestones and contributions:
• Most Calls Made: Mike Parker
• 10 Years of Service: Michael Bates
• 30 Years of Service: Jessie Griffith
• 45 Years of Service: Jim Strong
• Firefighter of the Year: Mike Parker
The banquet served as a moment to reflect on the dedication of the department’s volunteers while enjoying time together as a team.
From left: Jeremy Boyett recognizes Mike Parker for the Most Calls Made
From left: Stephen Ewing honors Mike Parker with Firefighter of the Year
2025 Officer Elections
On December 9th, the department convened at the Central Fire Station for the annual officer elections. The following individuals were chosen to lead the department into 2025:
• Fire Chief: Jeremy Boyett
• First Assistant Chief: Stephen Ewing
• Second Assistant Chief: Michael Bates
• Secretary/Treasurer: Julie Bates
• Training Officer: Stephen Ewing
• Traffic Officer: Tommy Boyett
• Fire Marshal: Jeremy Boyett
• Assistant Fire Marshal: James Walker
• Chaplain: Steve Cockrell
• Safety Officer: Steve Cockrell
• Reporter: Rusty Wilson
• Maintenance Officer: Michael Parker
These elections ensure the department remains well-organized and prepared to serve the community effectively in the year ahead.
The week’s events were a testament to the dedication of the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department and its commitment to protecting and serving the community. As the new year approaches, the department looks forward to continuing its vital work with strong leadership and unwavering support from its members and the community.
December 9, 2024 - Kimberly Ratcliff recently retired from working for the Texas Department of Public Safety in Center after 20 years of service, as well as dispatcher with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department for almost 31 years. A party in her honor was held on November 25, 2024 at the John D. Windham Civic Center in Center.
As seen by anyone attending the gathering, Ratcliff has connections to all agencies inside Shelby County and many from outside the area, which was evident by all of those who were able to attend the event.
Many from the community stopped by to wish Ratcliff, and her family, well and congratulations on her retirement.
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