Shelby County Today

From left: Center Police Department dispatchers Jolene Cooper-Tindol and Amy Lindley were presented gifts from DETCOG representatives Eliza Castillo and Jeff Adams. Center PD dispatchers not pictured are Charlene Jackson, Karen Mitchell, and Bailey Lee.

April 14, 2022 - Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a proclaim declaring April 10-16 to be Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Texas. The Center Police Department along with several businesses and organizations in the community have also given recognition to telecommunicators, “the unseen first responders.”

DETCOG presented jackets to the Center Police Department’s dispatchers. Walmart in Center provided a cake saying “Thank a Dispatcher, National Telecommunication Week.” The Center PD Ladies Auxiliary presented dispatchers with balloons and baskets of candy. The Police Department thanks all who have given recognition to these deserving few.

Donna Dugger, Center Police Department Communication Supervisor, expressed appreciation on behalf of the Police Department, "The strength of the GOLD LINE depends on great people like you who put skills and dedication into everything they do. Thanks for your dedication to the Center Police Department!"

Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Proclamation reads:

In Texas, public safety telecommunications act as our "unseen first responders," serving our communities and helping save lives every day. These professionals, which included 9-1-1 operators, dispatchers, and other highly trained communications specialists, answer calls for help and address the emergent needs of callers according to the specific challenges raised by any given emergency. They process the situation, responding rapidly and often creatively to reassure frightened, upset, and confused callers while at the same time maintaining the calm, professional, and disciplined demeanor that handling an emergency 9-1-1 call requires.

Public safety telecommunicators have remained unwavering in their dedication to providing essential services to Texans in need, always adapting to an evolving emergency response field. With almost 600 public safety answering points where over 4,000 telecommunicators answer 9-1-1 calls, Texas is well-equipped with the best professionals who can provide critical assistance for Texans in times of emergency.

The Commission on State Emergency Communications works with telecommunications and local and state governments to ensure Texans have reliable access to emergency telecommunications services. Every year, the commission dedicates a week in April for an awareness campaign which highlights the many contributions and achievements of public safety telecommunications and their importance to the public safety framework of the Lone Star State.

At this time, I encourage all Texans to learn more about the vital role these professionals play in our everyday lives and to extend their appreciation to public safety telecommunicators. Their strength and expertise in times of crisis ensures Texans receive the help they need when they need it most.

Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim April 10–16, 2022, to be Public Safety Telecommunicators Weeks in Texas and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.

Click here to view the signed proclamation.

April 14, 2022 - A scholarship fund has been set up at Farmers State Bank honoring Judy Bowers. Judy taught at Center High School from 1968-1985 before moving back home to Baytown in 1985.

The Judy Bowers Scholarship will be presented to a graduating senior from Center High School. Judy taught all of the upper level math classes from Algebra 2 through Calculus while teaching at Center High School. Judy also sponsored the yearbook, drill team, and student council at various times while teaching at CHS. 

To honor Judy, contribute and make checks payable to:

The Judy Bowers Scholarship
Farmers State Bank
P.O. Box 352
Center, Texas 75935
c/o Jeannie Gaines

April 12, 2022 - William Carroll Crawford Chapter of Daughters of Republic of Texas, J.J.E. Gibson Children of the Republic of Texas Flag Retirement Ceremony March 12, 2022.

John Austin Ford, Ian Williamson, and new member applicant, Pierson Waller of the JJE Gibson Chapter of the Children of the Republic of Texas held a Texas flag retirement ceremony following the William Carroll Crawford Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas meeting Saturday, March 11, 2022.

Merle Howard presented the program on the history of the Lone Star Flag which led into the CRT demonstrating the protocol of folding the Lone Star Flag and separating the colors to respectfully retire the flags later. Navy Veteran, Sean Martin assisted the youth in the folding demonstration. They then, unfolded one flag and demonstrated how to separate the colors for retirement. Air Force Veteran, Don Casto assisted in the separation of the colors.

The meeting dismissed after a light lunch and the following DRT members, SRT members and CRT members met at the home of John and Merle Howard to retire the flags.

Present were, John Austin Ford and Ian Williamson of the CRT. DRT members were President Gina Ferren, Registrar Maggie Casto, Chaplain Vickie Martin, 1st Vice President Gail Sholar, Treasurer Merle Howard and husband John, Parliamentarian Judy Lee, Lynn Williamson, Patricia Harrison, and SRT members Don Casto, Sean Martin, and Nolan Sholar.

Merle Howard continued with the script to retire the flags as John Austin and Ian presented the blue rectangle, the white rectangle, the red rectangle and finally the Lone Star of the flags to the flame. During the process those present saluted the flags as they were retired.

The ceremony concluded with Navy Veteran, Sean Martin and Air Force Veteran Don Casto talking about their jobs in their branch of service for our country. Members thanked them for their service.

April 11, 2022 - Dutch Oven Cooking is meeting Saturday, April 16 at Boles Field. Lonnie King will be there with his authentic 122 year old chuck wagon. Set up is at 9am with food on the table at 12:00 noon. Visitors and prospective members welcome.