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September 27, 2024 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary members gathered at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial September 20, 2024, in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Mike Wulf, Post Comannder, welcomed everyone to the program and VFW Post Chaplain Richard Lundie gave the opening prayer.

“We salute the men and women who serve to keep America free and in doing so, sacrifice their own freedom, and to remember the families of the missing,” said Wulf. “We continue to hope and pray that they, their loved ones, will someday be accounted for.”

Wulf stated, there are currently over 83,000 Americans listed as missing and unaccounted for going back to the Second World War. Shelby County, Texas has had 39 of her citizens held as prisoner of war, 35 from World War II and four from the Korean War. Three died in captivity, while others lived through a terrible ordeal that cannot be imagined and returned home. They have all now passed from this life.

The names of those that were prisoners of war and those missing in action were then read aloud by members and other members of the community in attendance.

 

A memorial wreath was then placed on the Shelby County Veterans Memorial by Post One-Year Trustee Gene Hutto. Chaplain Lundie, Post Jr. Vice Derrick Roberts, and Commanders Wulf Roberts then replaced the POW/MIA flag that flys on the square.

Taps was then played as presented by Gene Hutto.

Prisoners of War: 

Harlan F. Adams, World War II - German POW
Haskell Beard, World War II - German POW
Harold F. Beasley, World War II - Japanese POW
Sharkey Brown, Jr., World War II - Japanese POW
Thermon D. Brittain, Sr., World War II – Bataan Death March, Japanese POW
Frank M. Butler, World War II - German POW
Oran J. Childs, World War II - Bataan Death March, Japanese POW
Basil A. Coats, World War II - German POW
Sam Davis, Jr., World War II - German POW
Dr. Roy L. Emken, World War II - Bataan Death March, Japanese POW
Ray Emmons, World War II - German POW 
Newell Evans, World War II - German POW
Clifford Gary, World War II - German POW
Hilton Hooper, World War II - German POW
Calvin R. Hutto, World War II - Japanese POW
Audrey C. Jacobs, World War II - German POW
Jesse F. Kennedy, World War II - German POW
Johnnie M. Lee, World War II, Japanese POW - Died in Prison Camp
Dravis Massie, World War II - Japanese POW
Austin W. Mayes, World War II - German POW
Phillip E. Murphree, World War II - German POW
James H. Myers, World War II - Japanese POW
R.B. Neal, World War II - German POW
Truman B. Owens, World War II - German POW
Sherman S. Pickard, World War II - German POW
George O. Rivers, World War II - Bataan Death March, Died in Japanese Prison Camp
Charles D. Rogers, World War II - Japanese POW
George B. Stutts, Jr., World War II - German POW
Vernon B. Walters, World War II - Bataan Death March, Died in Japanese Prison Camp
Henry L. Wilburn, World War II - German POW
Hulon Williams, World War II - German POW
R.L. Williams, World War II - German POW
Levi A. Williford, World War II - German POW;
Marshall (Tex) Windham, World War II - German POW
John E. Woodfin, Sr., World War II - Bataan Death March, Japanese POW 
Hubert L. Langford, Korean War - North Korean POW
Paul D. Lucas, Korean War, North Korean POW
Leonard Scott, Korean War - North Korean POW
Billy Lee Wescoat, Korean War - Chinese POW

Missing in Action: 

John W. Temple, WWI - Missing July 19, 1918, France
John C.B. Alford, World War II - Missing May 7, 1942, Pacific Theater 
Lloyd L. Andrews, World War II - Missing December 25, 1944, European Theater
Cecil A. Armstreet, World War II - August 31, 1942, Atlantic Ocean
Lee O. Brunson, World War II - Missing December 8, 1944, European Theater
John B. Byrn, World War II - Missing August 24, 1943, European Theater
Philip H. Childs, World War II - Missing July 29, 1942, Pacific Theater
James A. Cleveland, World War II - Missing September 7, 1944, Pacific Theater
Lewis V. Dockens, World War II - Missing June 2, 1942, European Theater
Reed Dominy, World War II - Missing April 15, 1944, European Theater
Roy V. Duncan, World War II - Missing April 16, 1945, Pacific Theater
Hubert Haley, World War II - Missing May 14, 1942, European Theater
Pershing H. Harvey, World War II - Missing October 24, 1944
Walter B. Henry, World War II - Missing August 7, 1943, European Theater
Curtis Jolley, World War II - Missing October 24, 1944, Pacific Theater
Willie E. Lathon, World War II - Missing December 12, 1943, Pacific Theater; 
James A. McDaniel, World War II - Missing April 20, 1944, Pacific Theater
Woodrow W. Moro, World War II - Missing May 5, 1942, Gulf of Mexico 
Kenneth N. Nicholson, World War II - Missing October 27, 1942 
Darwin Risinger, World War II - Missing September 5, 1945, Pacific Theater
John C. Scott, World War II - Missing June 19, 1944, Pacific Theater
Choron Smotherman, World War II - Missing November 27, 1943, European Theater 
Johnny F. Stack, World War II - Missing November 30, 1942, Pacific Theater 
Richard M. Wallace, World War II - Missing July 26, 1942, European Theater
Robert H. Wharton, World War II - Missing November 20, 1943, Pacific Theater
Marion B. Whiteside, Jr., World War II - Missing October 19, 1942
Claude M. Wilkerson, World War II - Missing May 8, 1942, Pacific Theater
Elgie P. Williams, World War II - Missing December 6, 1943, Pacific Theater
Elmer E. Williams, World War II - Missing November 8, 1942, Pacific Theater
Ray D. Williams, World War II - Missing July 11, 1944, European Theater
Willie E. Windham, Korean War - Missing August 12, 1950, Korea.

September 26, 2024 - (More Photos) - The 48th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival Doo Dah Parade, Sponsored by Byrnco/Center Tire, Haslam Tire Company, was held yesterday Wednesday, September 25, on the Historic Downtown Center Square. Center Tire Company led the Parade followed by the Shelby Chick and the Junior Chamber of Commerce students.

Doo Dah Parade trophy winners include: First Place, Golden Eye Clinic; Second Place, the Children of the Court; Third Place, Windham Family Dental.

The Queen’s Court float winners will be announced at the Coronation, this Saturday, September 28th at Center High School Cafetorium at 7pm. Tickets at the door are $5.

Gold Sponsors for the Doo Dah Parade are Ihlo Sales and Imports and J. Ken Muckelroy/Professional Title Service. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Parade this year!

Farmers State Bank is this year’s East Texas Poultry Festival Presenting Sponsor. The traditional Cutting of the Feathers and Opening Ceremonies, sponsored by Focused Care of Center, will be held Thursday, October 3, at 10am on the downtown square. See you there!

September 26, 2024 (More Photos) - Doo Dah Parade brought many to the downtown square on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Junior Chamber of Commerce members lead the parade followed by floats decorated with feathers, balloons, and more by local businesses, the Lawn Chair Brigade, and East Texas Poultry Festival pageant participants.

The flock of participants threw candy and novelty items to onlookers. The Doo Dah parade is an East Texas Poultry Festival tradition inviting the community downtown and building excitement for the upcoming three day festival which honors the king of commerce in Shelby County - the poultry industry. The 2024 festival days are October 3rd, 4th, and 5th. The parade's platinum sponsor is Center Tire Company and gold sponsors are Ihlo Sales and Imports and Professional Title Service.

September 24, 2024 - The Piney Woods Photographic Society held their regular monthly meeting this past Saturday. This September Challenge was "Documentary Photography" which showed to be a well like category by the number of photos submitted for the challenge. The Favorites were chosen as follows:


1st place favorite: "Good Bye" by Julie Cantrell-Green


2nd Place Favorite: "Footsteps in the Field, Wings in the Sky" by Summer Koltonski


3rd Place Favorite Tie: "Schools Out" by Lea Ann Robertson


3rd Place Favorite Tie: "Aftermath of a Tornado" by Bobbie Jean Wood

September 20, 2024 - Doug Fincher, a contributor to Shelby County Today, crossed over the river Jordan on Saturday, September 14. He has shared stories since August 2011 about his life experiences often reflecting on those who have influenced or made an impression on him over the years. In those experiences, whether childhood memories or nature photography adventures, Doug shared a joy for life and his love for God and family. His memories reflected life in East Texas which many can relate to themselves.

In 2018, Dr. Jerry Hopkins wrote a great article about his friend Doug Fincher. - Commentary on "Fincher and Friends" by Dr. Jerry Hopkins

To become friends with Doug Fincher through his articles, click here.

It is with great sorrow that Shelby County Today extends farewell to him and prayers for his family and friends. His light will be missed.

"I will be more than happy if you enjoy reading my stories as much as I did writing them." ~ Henry Douglas Fincher

September 20, 2024 (Fajita Luncheon Order Form) - The Chicken Fajita Lunch, sponsored by East Texas Poultry Supply is just a week away. Deadline to place orders is this Friday, September 20th so make sure you place your orders this week.

The Fajita Lunch is next Wednesday, September 25th at 11am. The lunch includes two chicken fajitas, chips and salsa and a drink for on $8.00 per plate. Delivery is available for 5 or more advance orders by calling 936-598-3682 or email orders to secretary@shelbycountychamber.com.

An order form for the Fajita Lunch, as well as other Poultry Festival Events, is also available on the Poultry Festival Event page on the Chamber web site, www.shelbycountychamber.com or may be picked up at the Chamber office on the downtown square.

Thank you to the Sponsor, East Texas Poultry Supply, Tyson Foods for donating the chicken and to the Shelby County Cookers for cooking.

September 19, 2024 - This week, Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) met with local superintendents from Shelby County. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss education issues in preparation for the 89th Legislature which convenes in January.

"The Legislature faces many challenges this session, and we cannot make good decisions unless we are listening closely to those we represent," said Nichols. "Educating our children is and always will be one of the most important issues we face as a state."

Before each legislative session Nichols meets with each of the school district Superintendents in Senate District 3 to listen to their priorities and discuss issues facing the local education community.

Senate District 3, which includes almost 100 school districts throughout 18 counties, encompasses the greater part of East Texas and Jefferson County.

"These meetings help me to understand how decisions in Austin impact local schools," stated Nichols. "I appreciate the opportunity to meet with superintendents and discuss how we can continue improving our education system. Our combined goal is to ensure children have the educational tools they need to be successful."

September 4, 2024 - September marks the beginning of fall which is soon followed by hunting season. Texas hunters born on or after September 2, 1971, must complete a Hunter Education course.

  • Minimum age of certification is 9 years of age.
  • Those age 9 through 16 must complete Classroom course or Online (+) Field Course.
  • Those age 17 and above may complete Online-only in lieu of in person course.

Hunter Education Classes in the area

To register, visit https://tpwd.elementlms.com/education/hunter-ed/. If you are not sure if you are certified, click ‘Am I Certified’ on the same page before registering.

To view the hunting seasons for 2024, visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/2024_2025_hunting_seasons.

September 12, 2024 (Photo Album) - Over three hundred and fifty fans came to the John D. Windham Civic Center on Saturday, September 7 to see Elvis in the building and to raise money for Shelby County Outreach Ministries.


Elvis Tribute Artist Kraig Parker and the Edge of Reality Band

The Elvis Tribute performance by Kraig Parker with the Edge of Reality Band enthralled the audience with several gospel songs including the much requested 'Amazing Grace.' Fans also enjoyed favorites such as 'Suspicious Minds,' 'It's Now or Never,' 'Heartbreak Hotel,' 'Hound Dog,' 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' 'My Baby Left Me,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'I Can’t Stop Loving You,' 'Love Me Tender,' and 'My Way.' Elvis ended his performance with 'An American Trilogy' and 'Can't Help Falling in Love.'

During the event, Elvis wrapped scarves around the necks of fans brave enough to come to the stage and after the show he welcomed fans to have their photos taken with him.

Elvis left the building but Shelby County Outreach Ministries (SCOM) is still rockin'. The Elvis Tribute Fundraiser will help SCOM to continue in their mission to feed the hungry and care for those in need.


Submitted photo

September 11, 2024 - Junior Chamber of Commerce (J.C.C.) students from Center Middle School and Center High School came together on the historic downtown courthouse grounds on Monday, September 9 to line the courtyard with American flags in honor of September 11. The special 9.11 Memorial is hosted by the Shelby County NextGen (Next Generation) organization.

This year NextGen members Caroline Chadwick, Kyle Chambliss, and Ryan Bailey spoke to the J.C.C. students about 9.11 and its impact across the nation.

The flag display began in 2021 for the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks and this year's display marks the 4th year the flags have been setup prior to the Patriot’s Day observation hosted by the local VFW Post 8904.

Thank you to the Shelby County Republican Party, the Sponsor for the 9.11 Memorial.

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