Around Town
February 17, 2017 - A most tragic series of events occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, February 17th outside my district office located in Tyler, which resulted in the death of a worker attempting to repair the damage to downed power lines.
My most sincere condolences go out to the family, friends and coworkers of the Oncor contractor who was killed as he worked diligently in the service of east Texans who needed their power restored in the area. Also, my heartfelt sympathy is with those other workers who were injured at the scene. Prayers will continue for all those affected.
As of 11:30am CST, we are still without power in the Tyler office which means our telephones, voicemail system, and computers are inoperable, as are our other east Texas office phones which are normally answered in our Tyler office and transferred to the person requested in the appropriate office.
Please call my office in DC today if you need immediate assistance at 202-225-3035.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
U.S. Congressman Louie Gohmert
February 16, 2017 - Shelby County has lost treasured members of its family. Terry and Pam Bailey were life-long pillars of our community and their absence will leave a void for years to come. The County mourns with their families; however, their spirits will live on in their wonderful children and grandchildren. Their dedication to their community is only surpassed by their dedication to their family and each other. They passed as they lived; together, enjoying life to the fullest. It is with a heavy heart and many tears that I write these words of condolence, for they were not just cherished neighbors and friends, they were blood. Terry told me not long ago that ‘blood is blood and no one comes before that.’ My family and I are blessed to be a part of their family. Rest in peace dear ones and know that you will be missed.
Allison Harbison
Shelby County Judge
February 16, 2017 - The City of Center grieves with the family of Pam and Terry Bailey in the tragic loss of these two native citizens and friends. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey had a deep love for their community and enjoyed being a part of its growth and success.
We will miss their devotion to our community and its citizens, their vision and spirit of entrepreneurship, their generosity and Christian witness in their daily walk. They have enriched our lives and leave a lasting footprint on our community.
David Chadwick, Mayor City of Center
February 16, 2017 - The Houston VAMC is looking for local women Veteran artists to submit their art, poetry, or prose to be displayed in a special Women’s History Month Art Exhibition at the end of March. More info by clicking here
February 16, 2017 - Family of William Larry "Shorty" Andrews are remembering their brother today, "It has been 50 years since our brother went to be with the Lord. He died on February 16, 1967 in Vietnam. He was 21 years old. He was our hero and we will never forget his precious memories."
William L. Andrews is honored on Panel 15E, Row 38 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He was from Center, Texas and was born October 25, 1945. He served in the U.S. Army and was a SP4 when he was killed in the Kontum Province in South Vietnam.
Family:
Janie Graves, Sister
Billy (Pete) Andrews, brother
Russell Andrews, brother
Joyce Sizemore Malone, sister (deceased)
W.M. (Talvis) and Bernice Andrews, parents (deceased)

February 15, 2017 - Seven Sisters Red Hat Ladies group held their February meeting at Nettie's Nook and Sammich Shop, owned by Annette Peters, on February 14, 2017.
The ladies were seated at a well decorated table in honor of their arrival and for Valentine's Day. They enjoyed a meal provided by the Sammich Shop and cookies and cake from Little Fox Marketplace.
Following their meal, the ladies visited area nursing and assisted living facilities located on Loop 500 in Center.
February 14, 2017 - Happy Valentine's Day to everyone from Shelby County Today! I found a fun comment while doing some research online and thought today would be a good day to share.
I came across a website crystallaketexas.com which contains "A history of East Texas' Favorite Swimming Place." I've seen the site before but had forgotten about it and enjoyed browsing the shared stories. One sweetheart story shared made me smile because of the crazy things we do for love.
The post read, "I am by nature very cautious but I threw caution to the wind once in the 60’s and risked my life to go down the trolley at [Crystal] Lake just to keep another girls from going down it with my “crush” who I have now been married to for almost 49 yrs."
I've added a link on the scttx.com 'Link' page to the crystallaketexas.com website for anyone wishing to browse and read many other interesting and fun stories.
February 13, 2017 - The first “Shop with an Advertiser” contest was a success and congratulations to Merissa Ratcliff who won with her receipt from Brookshire Brothers. Thank you to Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison and District Clerk Lori Oliver for drawing the winning ticket.
Shelby County Today plans to have more contests this year to give advertisers extra recognition for their continued support of not only Shelby County Today but of the community.
Businesses all over Shelby County advertise to not only get their business name out there to potential customers but also to support local schools, fundraisers, non-profit organizations, and more. Be sure to give acknowledgement when you are looking at school programs, fundraiser flyers, festival or event sponsors, or any other advertising venues - be sure to notice those ads and thank those advertisers. Because of their support school groups can buy new uniforms, new supplies, or fund school trips for our youth. Because of their advertising on Shelby County Today it allows churches and organizations to announce upcoming events, grieving families to post their loved ones obituaries, proud grandparents to congratulate their grandchildren, and Shelby County residents, former and current, to keep connected with what’s happening at home.
Thank an advertiser!
February 2, 2017 - Princess Ball tickets are sold out! However, Shelby County Today is hosting a 'Shop with an Advertiser' contest for a chance to win (4) four princess ball tickets!
The contest is easy - shop with a Shelby County Today advertiser and then submit your receipt to Shelby County Today to be entered for a chance to win. The contest drawing will be held Monday, February 13th at 5pm. One entry in the drawing per receipt and receipts must be dated from today through the February 13th drawing date.
A picture of your receipt can be emailed in to sctoday@att.net with subject line 'Princess Ball Tickets.' Entries can also be brought into the office at 229 San Augustine Street, Center, Texas. No duplicate receipts - one receipt, one entry! Can enter more than one receipt for more chances to win.
February 10, 2017 - The District 5 4-H Nutrition and Fashion contests were held on February 4, 2017 at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. We had a record number of 4-H’ers enter in the food show, food challenge, nutrition poster, trashion fashion, duct tape designs, fashion storyboard, and fabric/textile creations contests. A special thank you to all our 4-H parents for making this an exceptional experience for the youth of Shelby County.
Food Contest Results
Food Show Place Setting/Display
1st – Junior Division – Camille Greer
Food Show
6th - Junior Division - Protein – Harlee Taylor
6th – Junior Division – Grains – Camille Greer
9th - Junior Division – Fruits and Vegetables – Collyn Grammer
7th - Intermediate Division - Protein – Maggie Turk


Food Challenge
1st place – Junior Team – Carson Crouch, Hannah Wages, Laura Anne Scull, and Julie Bird
5th place - Mixed Team – Maggie Turk, Harlee Taylor, Avery Lawson, and Rena Clark


Nutrition Poster
Participation – Avery Lawson
Participation – Collyn Grammer
Participation – Rena Clark
Fashion Contest Results

Trashion Fashion
5th place – Maggie Turk
Fashion Storyboard
3rd place – Avery Lawson
Fabric/Textile Creations
3rd place – Junior Division - Avery Lawson
4th place – Junior Division - Ella Matthews
1st place – Intermediate Division – Michelle Gomez
4th place – Intermediate Division – Maggie Turk
Duct Tape Designs
8th place – Junior Division – Harlee Taylor
We would like to congratulate all our Shelby County 4-H’ers on their contest achievements.
If you would like information on this program or participating in other Shelby County 4-H projects, please contact county Extension agents Jheri-Lynn McSwain, Family and Consumer Sciences at jlmcswain@ag.tamu.edu or Lane Dunn, Agriculture and Natural Resources at jldunn@ag.tamu.edu or by phone at 936-598-7744.
Submitted by Jheri-Lynn McSwain











