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Around Town

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From left: Mindy Henson, Alison Scull, Sandra Davis, Benita Collard and Denise

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.

National Prevention Week: May 15-21 Marks the Annual National Prevention Week.

May 5, 2017 - National Prevention Week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, substance abuse and mental health issues. 

There are three primary goals of National Prevention Week:

• To involve communities in raising awareness of behavioral health issues and in implementing prevention strategies
• To foster partnerships and collaboration with federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to behavioral and public health
• To promote and disseminate quality behavioral health resources and publications

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas (ADAC) Prevention Programs provide such services year round to 12 surrounding counties.

Utilizing Leo the Drug Free lion, puppet shows, state approved curriculums and various arts and crafts our staff is able to reach a large number of area youth and adults. During our past fiscal year we have served 98,751 youth, 68,458 adults and facilitated 915 presentations.

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council is committed to providing educational information and the life skills needed to enable today’s youth to live a drug free lifestyle.

Submitted by Brenda Whitaker, Prevention Specialist
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas

Pictured are (from left) Lt. Jeremy Bittick, Sgt. Chris Knowlton, and Chief Jim Albers.

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!

Deputy Ted Dahlin, Sergeant Chris Knowlton with K9 Elliot, and DE Minnesota Viking’s player Brian Robison

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 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary members gathered before the Shelby County Veterans Memorial in recognition of Loyalty Day May 1, 2017.

The event was led by Larry Hume, Quartermaster, and the opening prayer was given by Cynthia Islas, Post Chaplain.

"We like to thank you for taking the time today to remember our country and the sacrifices made to make it great. Today is not just about our military, or veterans it's about all citizens," said Hume.

Hume stated Loyalty Day was first observed in 1921 as "Americanization Day" to counter the communist's May 1 celebration of the Russian Revolution.

"On May 1, 1930, 10,000 members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars staged a rally at New York’s Union Square to promote patriotism, and May 1st evolved into Loyalty Day and the first official observance was in 1959 after the signing of Public Law by President Eisenhower," said Hume.

Hume said Loyalty Day is not an official holiday; however, an observance of which many are not aware.

Sheriff Willis Blackwell placed the memorial wreath on the Veterans Memorial, which was followed by the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, as well as the playing of TAPS in honor of all who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.

In recognition of May Day those present were presented with packets of Flanders Poppy seeds by Sandy Risinger, Auxiliary President, to be planted in their flower beds and gardens.

"We've all heard the Flanders Field, well this is if course in honor and remembrance of the Centennial year of World War I. The United States was just getting into World War I 100 years ago," said Hume.

Hume explained the poppy is commonly known as the Buddy Poppy and it is the official flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

"The red flower represents the blood spilled by Americans in defense of freedoms we celebrate here today," said Hume.

Left to Right: Mark Matthews and Matthew Gregory

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.

(Vice President) Shawn Whiteside and daughters and (President) Greg McDonald

May 2, 2017 - Shelbyville Youth Sports announces the winners of the raffle that were drawn on May 1st. Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and congratulations to the winners!

1. Ladies Shirt + $25 Gift Card from Southern Seasons - Jimmy Horne
2. Ladies gift basket from Century Shoppe - John Smith
3. Napa Tool Set - Brayden Scarborough
4. O'Reilly Tool Set - Kay Ross
5. Box Stand from Shawn Whiteside Construction - CA Raymond
6. Remington 870 Youth - Mark Jackson
7. Marlin 22 YR - Stacey Scarborough
8. Ruger 10/22 - DM Metcalf
9. Ladies gift set from Hughes Florist - Bruce Steptoe

Special 'thank you' to the businesses who donated items for the raffle and who have supported the Shelbyville Youth Sports!

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.

May 2, 2017 - The Joaquin Farmers Market starts Saturday, May 6 in Downtown Joaquin from 8am to 12 Noon. The market will be every Saturday from May till August. Come out and support local farmers.

May 1, 2017 - Weather statistics for April, 2017 prepared and submitted by Ann Forbes, U.S. Weather Service Observer.
 
Highest Temp was 89 degrees on 4-28-2017
Highest Temp on Record was 94 degrees on 4-10-1963; 4-21-1987; & 4-19-2011
Lowest Temp was 44 degrees on 4-07-2017
Lowest Temp on Record was 28 degrees on 4-03-1971 & 4-01-1987
 
Rainfall Recorded was 4.60 inches
Average Monthly Rainfall is 4.16 inches
Above Average by 0.44 inches
Highest Recorded for this Month was 14.10 inches in 1991
Lowest Recorded for this Month was 0.57 inches in 1987
 
14.46 inches Rainfall end of April
18.16 inches Rainfall is Average at end of April
3.70 inches Below Average end of April

Full weather report - click here.


Click image to enlarge

April 28, 2017 - M & M Construction's new member ribbon cutting at their new office location, 408 Shelbyville Street in Center, was well attended by Chamber Ambassadors, community members, family and friends.

Andi Foster addressed M & M Construction, "On behalf of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, we extend our appreciation to you for becoming a Chamber member and opening your doors to our community."

Before cutting the ribbon, Mark Miller and Daniel Matthews each spoke. Matthews introduced his wife Talia and three boys and spoke about the business, "We offer all kinds of services, we'll do anything that has to do with a house, a building, industrial, commercial, residential - we'll start a house and we'll finish it from start to end. If there is stuff that we can't handle, we will get someone in there that can."

Miller introduced his wife Sherry and their children. He told a little about his life being a contractor going from job to job working for different construction companies. Once the job was done, I would be out of a job. Miller said, "One day I was sitting home, unemployed, and I decided to build a front porch on my wife's house. And I built it and it turned out good. We got a lot of compliments on it, so I decided to start it up." Miller then spoke to Daniel and they became partners.

M & M Construction offers construction of decks, new homes, remodels, carports, fencing and landscaping. For more information on other construction projects, they may be contacted at 936-488-9306.

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