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April 10- April 14
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Around Town
From left: David Chadwick (R.S.F.), Jerry Pinkston (R.S.F.), Whitney Scarber, Treasa Donnon, Nancy Bush, Fred Wulf (R.S.F.), Laticia Bomar (R.S.F.), Vicky Hudson (R.S.F.), and Frank Parker (R.S.F.).
August 10, 2023 - A contribution by The Bailey Family Foundation in memory of Kyle Glenn Bush was made to the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation (R.S.F.). Helping to place the memorial plaque into the display case in the Center High School front hallway was Kyle’s mother, Nancy Bush.
Kyle Bush met the love of his life, Carla Ramsey and they married in 1992. They were blessed with three children and Kyle's world revolved around his family. Kyle worked in construction and wore many hats along the way; he made investments that allowed him to provide for his family in the best way possible. He enjoyed spending time in the woods and on the riverbank. He was an outdoorsman and loved fishing and hunting. Kyle was blessed with many friends and he was known for his ability to entertain and cook for a crowd. He was an outstanding 42 player and he and his daughter Kaylie claimed first place in the 2021 Grill Fest 42 Tournament. The Bailey Family Foundation honored the memory of Kyle Bush with an endowed scholarship under the Roughrider Foundation. The scholarship will be awarded for the first time in 2023.
To view the obituary for Kyle Bush, click here.
For more information about the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation, visit online https://roughriderscholarship.org/.
From left: Jerry Pinkston (R.S.F.), David Chadwick (R.S.F.), Ashton Campbell, Brooke Lane, Fred Wulf (R.S.F.), Laticia Bomar (R.S.F.), Frank Parker (R.S.F.), and Vicky Hudson (R.S.F.)
August 10, 2023 - The Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation (R.S.F.) placed on August 2, 2023 a memorial plaque honoring the memory of Rick Campbell - a businessman, philanthropist, and Shelby County Judge. Present at the installation of the plaque into the display cabinet was Campbell's children, Brooke Lane and Ashton Campbell. The memorial contribution was made by family and friends and the scholarship was awarded the first time in 2022.
A native of Center, Rick Campbell graduated from Center High School in 1977. He then attended Tyler Jr. College and the University of Texas. Rick was involved in many organizations including Shelby Savings Bank, where he served as director and later as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He also served as a Trustee for Center ISD, Shelby County Beef Committee, Chairman of the Bone Hill Foundation, President of the Board of Directors of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, multiple leadership roles related to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Area Go Texan Committee, President of the Center Rotary Club, Director of Sheriff’s Posse, Member of the Poultry Festival Steering Committee, Member of Sharon Temple of Tyler, Member of Sam Samford Lodge #149 in Center, Member of First Baptist Church of Center, attended First United Methodist Church of Center, and 27 years as a Center Volunteer Firefighter. Rick received numerous honors and awards including Rotarian of the Year, Alumni of the Year of Tyler Junior College, Conservation Service Award for Ducks Unlimited, Friend of 4-H Award, Honorary Chapter FFA Degree, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Young Citizen of the Year, and the Distinguished Service Award.
Rick owned the Center Livestock Company with his father, James Campbell, and was a founder of Port-A-Cool. After selling Port-A-Cool, Rick was honored to serve as Shelby County Judge. He generously donated to many charities and organizations, even helping build several new churches in the East Texas area. Rick loved to hunt, play golf, and spend time with his friends. He loved Shelby County, Texas but, most of all, he loved his family.
To view the obituary for Rick Lane Campbell, click here.
For more information about the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation, visit online https://roughriderscholarship.org/.
From left: Judy Foster's family, Jaclyn Scarborough, Keaton Pratt, Allison Pratt, Eric Pratt, Kaleigh Pratt, Terry Foster with Tripp Scarber holding plaque, Whitney Scarber, Tyce Scarber, Treasa Donnon, Tucker Scarber. R.S.F. board members Fred Wulf, Laticia Bomar, David Chadwick, Vicky Hudson, Jerry Pinkston, and Frank Parker.
August 9, 2023 - Board members of the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation (R.S.F.) stood with family members of Judy Foster as a memorial plaque in her memory was placed inside the display case in the Center High School front hallway.
Judy was a graduate of Lamesa High School and attended Texas Tech University and Lubbock Commercial College. She married Terry Foster and they were blessed with three children and a bonus daughter. Judy moved to Center in 1974 and started farm life, raising cattle, chickens and kids. She worked for Herider Farms and later for Bounds Insurance. Judy loved God, her family and her church and volunteered at church taking every opportunity to serve. Her recent years were spent with her treasured grandchildren and she supported their activities, encouraging them at every game, rodeo, concert or special achievement.
This scholarship is in memory of Judy Foster and will be awarded for the first time in 2023.
To view her obituary, click here.
For more information about the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation, visit online https://roughriderscholarship.org/
From left: David Chadwick (R.S.F.), Jerry Pinkston (R.S.F.), Jeannie Gaines, Emily Glass, Tim Verner, Fred Wulf (R.S.F.), Laticia Bomar (R.S.F.), Vicky Hudson (R.S.F.), and Frank Parker (R.S.F.)
August 9, 2023 - A plaque was placed inside the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation (R.S.F.) display cabinet at Center High School in honor of Judy Bowers on August 2, 2023.
This scholarship was endowed in honor of Judy Bowers, CHS Math teacher, who was known for excellence and preparing students for college math. Ms. Bowers graduated from The University of Texas in Austin. She taught at Center High School from 1968-1985 before moving back home to Baytown in 1985.
The scholarship was endowed by former students and friends who remember the standard of excellence set by Judy Bowers at Center High School. This scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2022.
For more information about the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation, visit online https://roughriderscholarship.org/
August 8, 2023 - Two organizations were the recipients of the 50 Women Impact group’s grant money totaling $10,800 for the third quarter of 2023. Smyrna Kids and the Shelby County Historical Commission each were presented a $5,400 check on Tuesday, August 8.
Shelby County Historical Commission
The Shelby County Historic Courthouse is a registered historic landmark. The S.C. Historical Commission is committed to its upkeep and ensuring its restoration and maintenance. The requested funds will be used for ceiling repair and painting as well as the installation of period appropriate lighting on the first floor of the courthouse. If the courthouse is going to be preserved as a historic site for future generations, repairs and renovations have to be done – funds are needed to make it happen. Success is measured when a historic site is preserved for future generations and not allowed to deteriorate.
Smyrna Kids
50 Women Impact grant funds will be used to sustain and grow Smyrna Kids - a program that is making a difference in the lives of children and families in Shelby County.
Over the course of the last year, Smyrna Community Church's Smyrna Kids, an after-school ministry and Sunday bus rider program, has grown astronomically. In a post-Covid world and at inception, Smyrna Kids typically had 8-10 students who attended faithfully. Now the program averages between 80-100 students each Wednesday after school and 20-40 on weekends. 90% of the students who attend, travel to and from the program on church activity buses. Recently, the church converted its parsonage into more space for classes because the program was quite literally, bursting at the seams. With an operational budget of $0, Smyrna Kids is funded entirely by generous contributions from the community. While it has been tremendously blessed to have such support, it takes every dollar contributed to maintain the program, supply safe transportation, and provide nutritious meals to the participants. While growing numbers are certainly a positive indicator of program success, what is even more important is the impact Smyrna Kids program has had on the students individually, their families and subsequently the community.
August 8, 2023 - Toledo Automotive Supply (Napa) owners and staff celebrated Mike Johnson and his 40 years as an employee of the business and his service to the community on August 8, 2023.
Jasen Watlington commented that his father Cecil Watlington, who was present for the celebration, hired Johnson when he was 45. Before working for Toledo Automotive Supply, Johnson moved to the area from California.
Watlington commented Johnson worked a couple of other jobs before joining Toledo Automotive Supply back then, and he’s been with them ever since. Be sure to stop by Toledo Automotive Supply and congratulate him on his 40 years with the business.
Click image to enlarge
August 7, 2023 - Pizzeria celebrated with an official Grand Re-opening of their dine-in area on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 by slicing the ribbon provided by the chamber. All attending received a free slice of pizza.
City of Center Mayor David Chadwick and ambassador with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce said, “Welcome to the Pizzeria again! This is a neat day, a fun day, a day full of memories, a day full of hopes, a day full of appreciation to the Jones family for having such a successful business in our community. I’m old enough to remember when it started, Phillip, with your dad and your mom and your uncle over at Daddy George’s Pizza on the corner and we thought that was the finest dining anybody could ever want because it was the first pizza place in Center, Texas.”
Mayor Chadwick continued reminiscing and then presented the Jones family with an engraved pizza paddle from the Chamber of Commerce in recognition of 50 years in business and service to our community. The Pizzeria is a family owned business since 1972 when Mike Jones first opened the doors.
Phillip Jones is the son of Mike and Cherry Jones and has been employed at Pizzeria since 1994. He recently took over ownership of the family business from his father. Phillip’s main goal is to continue the tradition of providing Shelby County and surrounding areas with great food at reasonable prices.
Phillip announced the addition of chicken to the menu.
He also thanked his general manager, Baileigh Barrera, and thanked all the staff who did the remodel of the dine-in area. They did a great job!
The Pizzeria is located at 225 San Augustine Street, Center, Texas 75935. Editor's note: If you live out in the county or just don't want to eat your pizza as soon as you get home, then order your pizza from Pizzeria uncooked and they will prepare it for you to take home and cook it in your own oven - fresh, hot pizza!
From left: (Back row) Wade Collard, Noah Leonard, Connor McCauley, Cashata Goodwin, Jon Salas, John Ford, T.J. Bolton, Ethan McElroy, (Front row) Chandler Jones, Phillip Jones, Allyssa Jones, Baileigh Barrera, Jaelyn Crawford, and K.K. Parker.
August 7, 2023 - Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting event for Bizzy Beez and Party Crashers on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
Chamber representatives and city residents attended the ribbon cutting event to celebrate with the owners of Bizzy Beez and Party Crashers owners, Hilda and Steve Adams; and Andrea Reed and Michael Reed.
Bizzy Beez has a variety of furniture, and antiques. Andrea Reed described Bizzy Beez as more of a resale, refurbish store and they refurbish wood furniture. They have also opened up the option of customers bringing in their own pieces that they want redone. Items offered will change often as they leave the shelves and other things move into their place.
According to Reed, Party Crashers offers bounce house and water slides. Reed commented that no one locally offered them in Timpson, so now customers will have that local service available. At the opening they have 11 slides available and they plan to have even more by summer 2024. At the time of opening they have one that is 25 feet tall.
The businesses are open Wednesday - Friday 10am until 4pm and Saturday, 8am until 4pm. For more information call 936-254-4977.
August 7, 2023 - Want to start getting into shape for the Poultry Festival Chicken Trot? Join a Team or Walk Solo in the Shelby County Walk Across Texas sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office.
Walk Across Texas is an eight week program designed to help Texans establish the habit of regular physical activity. It is a program for anyone who wants to use a fun and motivating team approach to being more active. And it is FREE!!
You can sign up on line at howdyhealth.tamu.edu, download the app or contact Feleshia Thompson at the Shelby County Extension Office, 598-7744 for help and more information.
The Shelby County Walk Across Texas starts on August 7th and ends on September 25th, just in time for the Chicken Trot!
From left: Gene Hutto, Joy Hutto, Kenneth Ramsey, Jan Ramsey, Mary Fausett, Carolyn Umbrell, Larry Hume, Mike Wulf, Ike Reeves, and Richard Roddy with Maq.
August 2, 2023 - On Thursday morning, July 27, 2023 the VFW Post and Auxiliary commemorated the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Korean War at the Veterans Memorial on the 1885 Historic Courthouse grounds.
VFW Post Surgeon Kenneth Ramsey gave the invocation at the start of the Korean War Armistice memorial.
Mike Wulf, VFW Post Sr. Vice, gave the welcome saying, “Good morning and thank y’all for taking time to join us in remembering the 70th Anniversary of the signing of the peace armistice which ended the Korean War that lasted from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953."
Wulf continued, "Seventy years ago today the Korean War ended. Hundreds of thousands of Americans served their country in that war and many gave their lives. Some called the Korean War the forgotten war, but those Americans who served during that time will never be forgotten by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They served honorably and with distinction. Some called it the Korean Conflict; it was not a conflict, it was a war with 33,686 battle deaths; 2,830 non-battle deaths; 103,000 wounded; and still missing in action from the Korean War are over 7,600 Americans. We can never thank and recognize those who served during this time enough. During the Korean War seven citizens of Shelby County were among those killed in action; one is still missing in action; four others were former prisoners of war.”
A roll call of honor was then done by the Post Auxiliary.
Mary Fausett started with those killed in action: Floyd Harris (September 24, 1950), Clifford Hughes (August 13, 1950); Johnny V. Mena (April 19, 1951); Bobbie F. Mock (November 22, 1950); Billy Clyde Stephenson (November 5, 1952); Leonard Williams (May 18, 1951); and Willie Wilson (May 27, 1951).
Jan Ramsey then read the names of those who were prisoners of war: Herbert L. Langford, North Korean POW; Pearl D. Lucas, North Korean POW; Billy Lee Westcoat, Chinese POW; and Leonard Scott, North Korean POW.
Joy Hutto read the name of Willie E. Windham who is still missing in action since August 12, 1950.
Members of the audience were then given an opportunity to say the names of Korean War veterans to remember. Ike Reeves, Post Member, said the name of his cousin Charles Willard Reeves, Jr.. Jan Ramsey said the name of Arthur “Red” Baker who was wounded in Korea, her uncle on her mother’s side of the family. Carolyn Umbrell said the name of her husband John Umbrell, Sr. who was wounded in Korea.
The memorial wreath was then placed by Post Member Ike Reeves.
To end the program, Taps was then played by Post Member Gene Hutto for those who gave their lives during the Korean War and those who served and now have passed.
The next patriot gathering will be on August 31st to remember those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2010.
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