Around Town

February 12, 2026 - Erica Fidone, MD, a Board-certified Interventional Cardiologist, gave a Strong Heart Strong Women presentation to a group of women in recognition of American Heart Health Month on Thursday, February 12th. The event was sponsored by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Health Care Committee and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office.

The informative session focused on women’s heart health including risk factors, prevention, lifestyle habits, and practical steps women can take to protect their hearts at every age. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women and the program focused on empowering attendees with knowledge that could save lives. Dr, Fidone is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. She is with the Nacogdoches Heart and Vascular Clinic as well as Nacogdoches Medical Partners.
Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose and BMI checks were offered along with a healthy food demonstration and lunch.


February 11, 2026 - Since Mardi Gras occurs on February 17th this year, Center Garden Club member Jennifer Whittlesey, in keeping with the club's goal of sharing nature's beauty throughout our community each month, recently presented Center Country Club with her delightfully festive Mardi Gras design featuring the iconic purple, gold, and green colors.
Submitted by Carolyn Bounds
February 10, 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.

February 4, 2026 - Due to ongoing construction to repair a water line break, the front entrance is temporarily closed. For everyone’s safety, please do not use the front entrance at this time.
Access to the building is available through the chain-link fence, which will serve as the designated entrance during repairs. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to resolve this issue.
February 2, 2026 - Pine Grove Nursing Center is currently working to repair a water line break in our main parking lot that occurred over the weekend. While repairs are underway:
- Parking: Please use alternative parking areas for the time being.
- Building Entry: For your safety, please avoid walking directly across the parking lot and use the provided sidewalk for entry instead.
We appreciate your patience as we work to get this fixed!
February 4, 2026 - The students listed on the Dean's List of Academic Honors at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, are undergraduates who have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.5 out of a perfect 4.0 in all work attempted while enrolled in not less than 12 semester hours.
The university would like to recognize local students Maria Chavez of Center; as well as, Brandi Arnold, Jayden Bass, and Lani Kendrick, all of Joaquin, for earning the honor for the Fall 2025 semester.

February 2, 2026 - The youth group from First Methodist Church of Center enjoyed a tour of the Shelby County Historic Courthouse on Sunday, February 1, 2026 despite cold and windy conditions.
A DRT docent shared the history of Shelby County and it's beautiful historic Courthouse which was finished in 1885.
The children also learned about J.J.E. Gibson who traveled to the United States from Ireland when he was only 15 years of age to join his family in St. Louis. During his time in Ireland he studied architecture in Dublin which is very present in his designs. The tour included the much loved experience of learning about secret corridor in the courthouse. The young and young-at-heart traversed the escape hatch and each smiled as they disappeared out of the courtroom.

February 2, 2026 - Center Garden Club Youth Committee members Jennifer Whittlesey (chair) and Alane Sheaves recently visited Mrs. Brittain's Center High School horticulture class to present a program focusing on Texas native species emphasizing the role that they play in our ecosystem.
Following the lecture and discussion, each student participated further in the program by choosing a native species that she or he wished to plant at a later date in the class's native species garden. The program concluded with a fun and educational game: Texas native wildflowers BINGO!
Teaching our youth to enjoy, respect, and protect the beauty and many wonders of the natural world is one of Center Garden Club's major goals.

Submitted by Carolyn Bounds

January 27, 2026 - New Hope Congregational Methodist Church fed 200 linemen today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 1pm in the Tractor Supply parking lot in Center.
Any church, group, individual, or organization wishing to support continued efforts to feed our linemen, please DM me (Sherry Riley) or donate via Venmo: @Annette-Doyle-1 or via PayPal: @ADoyle827.
Special thanks to Shawn Whiteside Smoke Wagon BBQ!

January 27, 2026 - The Shelby County Appraisal District will be closed today, January 27, 2026. Everyone please stay safe and warm! The office will open at Noon (12:00pm) on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 to ensure safe travel for our employees.
January 26, 2026 - The Fannie Brown Booth Library will have a late opening tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27.
The library will open at 12-noon tomorrow.










