Click any story headline to open the article and share it using social media: Facebook, Twitter.
Rated G. Movie ends 9pm
Closed Wednesdays, Thursdays
Box office opens at 7:00pm. Showtime at 7:30pm.
Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for children.
Senior Citizen's Night
Mondays - $6 Admission
Around Town
As Patriot Day falls on Saturday we will observe on Friday. Begin at 9:00 a.m.
September 7, 2021 - Those who we lost twenty years ago on September 11, 2001, will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of our nation. By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001, (Public Law 107-89), Congress authorized the president to designate September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day" to perpetuate the memory of those who perished in the attack on America and to pursue peace and justice in the world and security at home.
Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary invite the citizens of Shelby County to join them at their annual Patriot Day Observance, Friday, September 10th, 2021 at the Veterans Memorial, 1885 Historic Shelby County Courthouse. The program will begin at 9:00 am and include Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, remarks by Shelby County First Responders and a Memorial Wreath laying. The program will be closed with the playing of Taps.
If you cannot join us we urge all citizens to take a moment to remember the over 3000 innocent people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. America’s collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall and be aware of the deaths of their fellow countrymen. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunup until sunset on Saturday, September 11th, 2021. More information contact Post Quartermaster Larry Hume, at 936-332-0349.
September 3, 2021 - The 45th Annual Poultry Festival Queen’s Court activities are officially underway! And this means the Poultry Festival is just weeks away!
Thank you to this year’s Queen’s Court Sponsors: Platinum Sponsor is High Roller Wells, LLC and Gold Sponsors are Dazzle Me Pink and Blue and JML Management.
The Welcome Party and Photo Shoot, was held on September 1st at the Community House. At this event, the Princesses, their escorts and parents met for dinner and received information from the Committee.
A fun social for the Princesses and Escorts will be held on September 8th at The Red Brick Social House. Several more fun events are scheduled including the Denim and Diamonds event, Girls Giving Back, the Doo Dah Parade and a Mother/Daughter Brunch. The Princesses also have several rehearsals on the schedule.
The Coronation will be held on October 2nd at 7:00pm at Center High School Cafetorium. General admission will be $5.00. Tables and reserved seats may be purchased through the Chamber of Commerce at 598-3682.
The 2021 Princesses and their Escorts:
Alyssa Cummings, escorted by Collin Lloyd (Joaquin)
Emilee Elliott, escorted by Tyler Merriman (Center)
Avery Faulkner, escorted by Timothy Mason (Shelbyville)
Carly Gray, escorted by Jake Morris (Center)
Kara Jones, escorted by Ty Neal (Shelbyville)
Kate Lawson, escorted by Kace Sherrod (Shelbyville)
Gracie Leach, escorted by Dylan Parker (Shelbyville)
Kendall Murry, escorted by Eli Taylor (Shelbyville)
Kadence Polley, escorted by Kedrin Hinson (Tenaha)
The Children of the Court:
Everly Windham, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Clayton Windham
Thomas “Vance” Payne, son of Mr. and Mrs. Josh Payne
Codi West, daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Chase West
Mason Blackshear, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wil Blackshear
Pageant Committee:
Caroline Corbell, Chairman
Haley Link
Sharisse McAdams
Shannell Ruiz
Jesse Wiggins
Click above image for a larger version
September 5, 2021 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary observed Victory Over Japan Day on the Center square in front of the Shelby County Veterans Memorial on September 2, 2021, for the 76th anniversary of the formal surrender of the Japanese aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
Kenneth Ramsey, Post member, offered the opening prayer.
Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, led the program and he explained as part of the surrender ceremony on the USS Missouri a radio broadcast of President Harry Truman was played. Hume recited some of what President Truman said in his address.
President Truman said in part "My fellow Americans, and the Supreme Allied Commander General MacArthur in Tokyo Bay. The thoughts and hopes of all America, indeed of all the civilized world are centered tonight on the battleship Missouri. There on that small piece of American soil anchored in Tokyo, the Japanese have just officially laid down their arms, they've signed the terms of unconditional surrender. Four years ago, the thoughts and fears of the whole civilized world were centered on another piece of American soil, Pearl Harbor. The mighty threat to the civilization which began there, is now laid at rest. It was a long road to Tokyo, and a bloody one. We shall not forget Pearl Harbor, and the Japanese military will not forget the USS Missouri. The evil done by the Japanese war lords can never be repaired or forgotten,"
The last sentence by President Truman is why we are here today, "The evil can not be forgotten. Those who sacrificed and served can also never be forgotten," said Hume.
(Hear President Truman address by clicking on this link)
"Today we honor Shelby County World War II Veterans who served in the Pacific, that were killed in action, or they're still missing in action after so many years," said Hume. "We have 37 flags, one representing each one of them."
Honored during the ceremony were 37 Shelby County World War II Veterans who served in the Pacific, and were killed in action and now buried overseas or remain missing in action. Reading the 37 names aloud were Janet Ramsey, Auxiliary member; Theresa Hume, Auxiliary member; and Mary Fausett, Auxiliary President.
Some of the audience present shared recollections of family members who served in the military during that time.
"I would like to remember a few deceased VFW members that served in World War II," said Hume. "Denny Adams who served in the United States Navy; Ford Brown, United States Marine Corps, he passed in 2017 at the age of 100. He fought in the last battle of the Pacific in Okinawa. Howard Max Brown, United States Navy; Lonnie Cox, United States Marine Corps and Air Force, he served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam; Darrell Partlow, United States Marine Corps, Guadalcanal; A.L. "Mann" Pinkston, United States Navy - Pearl Harbor Survivor; Glenn Prince, United States Navy - Pearl Harbor Survivor; Walter Buck Williams, United States Navy; James Junior Cox, United States Army."
In honor of all who served in the Pacific, a memorial wreath was placed on the Shelby County Veterans Memorial by Post Life Member Mike Wulf.
"World War II Veterans are starting to pass quickly, in World War II there were 16 million men and women who served, and as of last year there were just over 325,000 alive today," said Hume.
Hume stated, over the past few months he has been trying to locate living World War II Veterans that reside in Shelby County, and so far he has located Allen Maurice Baker, USS Jason, USS Estes, and USS Mason Bernard Woodfin, Army Air Force, a resident of Timpson; A.J. Procell, of Joaquin who was in Tokyo Bay during the surrender; Walter Peddy, United States Navy, who just passed away July 17; Margaret Parkman, United States Women's Army Corps; Jake Hutto, United States Army, who passed away in April 2021; and Darrell Hughes, United States Navy - USS Springfield, who now lives in Houston.
In conclusion of the program, Taps was played as presented by Gene Hutto, Post Commander.
Just before the program VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary members presented Allen Maurice Baker, who is 93, and is one of the Veteran of World War II Hume recently located.
"We'd like to present you with this gold plated, World War II Veteran Victory Medal for your service in the Pacific and World War II," said Hume.
Baker was very appreciative and stated he just volunteered and went and did his part.
Hume explained the medal presented to Baker is a gold plated replica of the World War II Victory Medal.
2015 Video of A.J. Procell sharing his experience aboard the USS Missouri
Shelby County Veterans Lost in Pacific War - Buried Overseas (7) or Missing in Action (15) Buried in Shelby County (12) Buried in Texas (2) Buried in Arlington National Cemetery (1)
- Alford, John C.B. - Missing in Action, May 7, 1942
- Allen, Ernest W. - Killed in Action, September 4, 1943, Philippines
- Beckham, James L. - Killed in Action, April 26, 1945, Okinawa
- Ceal, Rayford - Killed in Action, February 7, 1945, Philippines
- Childs, Philip H. - Missing in Action, July 28, 1942
- Cleveland, James A. - Missing in Action, September 7, 1944
- Collum, Royce C. - Killed in Action, April 11, 1945, Okinawa
- Crausby, Marvin K. - Killed in Action, August 8, 1943, India
- Compton, Bobbie B. - Killed in Action, July 15, 1944, Philippines
- Crump, Bobby A. - Killed in Action, May 30, 1945, Okinawa
- Duncan, Roy V. - Missing in Action, April 16, 1945
- Essery, Robert H. - Killed in Action, April 23, 1945, Pacific
- Harvery, Pershing H. - Missing in Action, October 24, 1944
- Herndon, Ralph - Killed in Action, April 8, 1945, Philippines
- Holt, Dudley D. - Killed in Action, May 16, 1945, Philippines
- Johnson, Leroy - Killed in Action, January 26, 1945, Luzon
- Jolley, Curtis - Missing in Action, October 24, 1944
- Lathon, Willie E. - Missing in Action, December 12, 1943
- McCallum, Bryan, Jr. - Killed in Action, March 1, 1945, Iwo Jima
- Miller, John R. - Killed in Action, April 9, 1945, Philippines
- Mitchell, Thomas T. - Killed in Action, April 8, 1945, Philippines
- Odom, Joe L. - Killed in Action, July 8, 1944, Saipan
- Nicholson, Kenneth N. - Missing in Action, October 27, 1942
- Rhodes, Ben R. - Killed in Action, July 28, 1942, Pacific
- Risinger, Darwin - Missing in Action, September 5, 1945, Plane Crash
- Scott, John C. - Missing in Action, June 19, 1944
- Snider, Rennie C. - Killed in Action, August 3, 1944, Marianas
- Spurlock, Luther M. - Killed in Action, January 23, 1943, Samoa
- Stack, Johnie - Missing in Action, November 30, 1942
- Tindol, James P. - Killed in Action, June 25, 1944, Saipan
- Webb, Arvin - Killed in Action, December 19, 1945, New Guinea
- Wharton, Robert H. - Missing in Action, November 20, 1943
- Whiteside, Marion B. Jr. - Missing in Action, October 19, 1942
- Wilkerson, Claude M. - Missing in Action, May 8, 1942
- Williams, Eligie P. - Missing in Action, December 6, 1943
- Windham, Melvin T. - Killed in Action, April 4, 1945, Luzon
- Winfrey, Sil, Jr. - Died Aircraft Crash, May 9, 1945, Australia
September 5, 2021 (Photo Album) - In 90+ degree weather, Center Roughrider fans showed their school spirit in "Purple Up" style on the newly renovated downtown square. With umbrellas in hand to help block the sun's rays, fans cheered on their favorite floats as they transversed by them sending wavys of candy flying through the air to the young Rider fans below. Click here to view photos from the parade with the Roughrider twirlers and band leading the way. Floats in the paraded included homecoming court, club sweethearts, football teams and cheerleaders, and returning alumni from the classes of 1970, 1976, and 2011.
Helping to ensure the safety of parade goers were the Center Fire Department and the Center Police Department! Special thanks to the Center Police Department who spent extra time slowing traffic down on the square after the parade exited while young Roughriders rushed to grab the little treasures on the ground left behind.
September 2, 2021 - The Perry Sampson Park Renovation officers and members would like to extend a thank you to all that came out Saturday to the official groundbreaking ceremony of the park.
Special thanks City of Center council; city employees, Keshawn Barnes and Jason Mitchell; Center PD; Tyson Foods representatives; Nextgen Group; Elaine Belanger; Minister Michael Cloudy; Kadeiro Tibbs; and SnoopyT!
Again we thank you all for your support. Be on the look out for other fundraising activities.
September 2, 2021 - After a very successful Back to School Drive, we want to say thank you to all those who donated both supplies and funds to assist in our goal of providing over 80 kiddos with a backpack full of supplies! We are truly grateful to our community for their support, and we wish all the kids and staff a great school year!
September 1, 2021 - World War II came to an end with the formal surrender of the Japanese on September 2, 1945 aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay and this day has become known as VJ Day (Victory over Japan).
Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will hold an observance on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse in Center.
The program will begin at 10:00 am with a Prayer; Pledge of Allegiance; a Memorial Wreath will be placed on the Veterans Memorial in honor and Taps will be played to end the program.
The public is invited. Masks encouraged. Call post QM Larry Hume, 936-332-0349 for more information or questions.
August 31, 2021 - Stephanie Presa received a Master of Science degree in Accounting during the 2021 Summer semester at Sam Houston State University. Stephanie Presa is a 2016 graduate of Center High School. While attending Center HS she participated in U.I.L. and placed sixth in Accounting at the District Meet her senior year.
August 31, 2021 - At this time, due to Covid-19 concerns and the continuing rise in cases, this event is cancelled.
August 30, 2021 - October Festival, a community event, is set for October 9 from 3pm to 6pm on the Tenaha Square! Enjoy games, food, chili cookout, live worship music, and much more. Community and vendor booths are available. Vendor fee is $10 until August 30th, after it raises to $20 dollars.
The Chili Cook-off includes hot prizes for the best chili. Entry fee for the cook-off is $10. Bring the Heat!
There will also be Worship at the Park immediately following the festival.
Volunteers are welcome. For more information or to sign up to help, call, text, or email Zachary Minix, event organizer, at 936-615-4210 or zacharyminix2012@gmail.com.
Click the image above for a larger view
August 31, 2021 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary members honored Iraq War Veterans August 31, 2021, on the Center square before the Shelby County Veteran's Memorial.
A gathering of citizens and representatives of the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, as well as Constable Precinct 3 were also present in honor of the occasion.
VFW Post Quartermaster Larry Hume welcomed everyone in attendance and led the program.
"The war in Iraq began on March 20, 2003 and continued until August 31st, 2010," said Hume. "It's our duty as fellow veterans and citizens to insure that this piece of history and sacrifices are never forgotten."
"Our gathering here today is a small, but heartfelt 'thank you' to those American Patriots, said Hume."
During the Iraq War, 4,486 Americans paid the ultimate price including U.S. Army Specialist Larry E. Polley Jr., of Shelby County, on January 2004. He was a graduate of Center High School in 2001, and 20 years old when he was killed in action.
"Many more Americans suffered wounds and loss of limbs in that war," said Hume.
In honor of Iraq War Veterans, a wreath was hung from the Shelby County Veteran's Memorial by Post Life Member Mike Wulf placed the wreath.
"We would be remiss if we didn't remember the 11 Marines, the Navy Corpsmen and the one Army soldier that was killed in Afghanistan on August 26, as the result of an enemy attack while they were supporting non-combatant evacuation operations," said Hume.
In remembrance of the 13, flags were placed near the Shelby County Veterans Memorial in honor of each one of them. Hume read aloud the names of each:
- Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25
- Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole Gee, 23
- Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, 31
- Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22
- Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan William-Tyeler Page, 23
- Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, 22
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Espinoza, 20
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, 20
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, 20
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, 20
- Navy Hospital Corpsman Max Soviak, 22
- Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, 23
Following the reading of their names, a moment of silence and prayer was observed.
"We at the VFW always say, sacrifice is meaningless without [remembrance] and the core members of our VFW post and Auxiliary members will never forget, or let the general public who is mostly uninterested forget," said Hume.
In honor of all fallen veterans, all Iraq Veterans and those who have survived and since passed, as well as the 13 who recently passed in Afghanistan, Taps was played as presented by Gene Hutto, VFW Post 8904 Commander.
Pages
