Shelby County Today

May 5, 2017 - The XI Alpha Delta Rho Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi recently donated to Fannie Brown Booth Library for their Children's programs.

The sorority presented the check to Mrs. Sandra Davis, pictured with Sorority members: Mindy Henson, Alison Scull, Benita Collard and Denise Merriman.

Beta Sigma Phi is primarily a social and cultural organization that incorporates service as part of its activities. The motto for Beta Sigma Phi is Life, Learning and Friendship. We are proud to be able to donate funds to local child-serving organizations to assist with their unique programs and services.

May 4, 2017 - K9s4COPs has named Center Police Department Sergeant Chris Knowlton Handler of the Month. The article below was included in the K9s4COPs April newsletter.

Sergeant Knowlton grew up in Minnesota, coping with a mother addicted to narcotics and alcohol. One day, a local officer who had heard of Chris’ home-issues, offered him his personal phone number with a promise “if you ever need me, call me”. Knowlton found himself dialing the number shortly after, when he found his mother overdosing on heroin. As promised, the officer personally came out and removed him from the dangerous environment and sought a safe haven for the young boy — eventually being placed in the hands of family in Texas. With this new beginning and new found hope, Chris Knowlton embarked on a journey to “impact someone the way [he] was impacted,” that is by becoming a police officer.

Chris has worked hard at Center Texas Police Department, serving as a patrol officer, narcotics detective, and newly appointed Sergeant. Accompanying these achievements, in 2016, he was gifted K9 Elliot by The Reel ‘Em In Foundation, founded by Minnesota Viking player Brian Robison. Chris felt an extra special connection towards this gifting, given his Minnesota upbringing, saying “I was raised loving the Minnesota Vikings, and here I was given a K9 by a Viking player himself. It doesn’t seem like a stretch to me, it just shows that everything happens for a reason. This was a true blessing.”

Since their union, K9 Elliot and Sergeant Knowlton have made a significant impact on their community. “Center has a larger crime rate in narcotics coupled by a low income rate, so there is a high need for a narcotics dog in our area. Word on the street about [K9] Elliot spread quickly, because he had to be deployed multiple times within the first couple of days of being on duty.”

Not only have the pair successfully tackled crime in Center, but they have also managed to break barriers with the community’s youth. “At a young age, these kids are raised to not trust us. But when your walking around with a dog, these children stop and like to ask questions about the K9. [K9] Elliot has helped to knock down these perceived barriers and allow me to start building relationships with this next generation.”

In the words of Sergeant Chris Knowlton, K9 Elliot is a hero, peace-maker, and his “best friend.” From their first encounter, Houston K9 Academy trainers Jazz and Jason said that they had never seen a canine bond as quickly as K9 Elliot did with Knowlton. “I never expected to fall in love with a K9 the way I have with Elliot. He’s my best friend, there’s no doubt”.

“I owe so much to K9s4COPs for everything they have done for me, and for connecting me to the Brian Robison Reel ‘Em In Foundation. Everything happens for a reason, and this whole process has just been a huge blessing for me.”

Thank you Sergeant Chris Knowlton!

Brian Robison’s Reel ‘Em In Fishing Tournament Donates All Proceeds to K9s4COPs!

We are incredibly grateful partner with the Brian Robison Reel ’em In Foundation fishing tournament! We enjoyed coming out to demonstrate what our K9s do best and partake in the festivities.

A huge thank you to Brian and Jayme Robison for putting on such an amazing event and contributing so much to K9s4COPs!

May 2, 2017 - On May 2nd, Ford Motor Company Fleet Manager, Mark Matthews, presented a $1,900 check to Center High School Principal, Matthew Gregory, following a successful "Drive 4 UR School" campaign.

A $20 donation was made to Center High School for each test drive taken at the Roughrider Stadium during the track meet on March 9. Many student activities will benefit from the donation, including junior prom and upcoming senior trip.

"Center Motor Company appreciates the opportunity to help our kids and help our schools," Matthews said. "We are glad we could help raise money for [CHS]. We want to help the community as much as we can."

Center ISD would like to thank Mark Matthews and the Center Motor Company for their continuous support of programs at CHS.

May 2, 2017 - Please, if anyone or businesses could make a donation to the Red Cross or would like to donate some items for silent auction it would be highly appreciated. San Augustine, Shelby and Sabine Counties division would like to have some things to contribute to the Major Fund Raiser that is going on which is part of the May 20th Masquerade Gala. Our area is in need of funds to continue the mission of the Red Cross. Please contact Tressie Simon, 713-502-5544 for further details.