Shelby County Today

October 13, 2021 - Women in the military have a history that extends over 400 years into the past throughout a large number of cultures and nations. World Wars I and II saw over 362,000 American women serving during war time. Today women make up 16% of the US military enlisted and 19% of the officer corps and their role has changed significantly over the years from clerical duties to ground combat soldiers to fighter pilots.

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will honor the service and sacrifice of all women veterans with a Memorial Wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial, 1885 Historic Courthouse on Monday, October 18th at 10:00 a.m.

Center Police Department Patrol Corporal Angela Neal who is a five year veteran of the US Army will be the special guest and lay the Memorial Wreath. All Veterans and the public are cordially invited.

Questions or more information contact Post Quartermaster Larry Hume at 936-332-0349 or email chiefhume95@gmail.com.

October 12, 2021 - The Poultry Festival Art Show committee announces the 2021 East Texas Poultry Festival Art Show awards.

2nd Grade Art:
1st place – Gentry Nelams
2nd place – Mason Snider
3rd place – Canyon Anthony
Honorable Mention: Kamille Windham, Ross Keele, Allie Windham, Tenley Snell, Manuel Herrera, Gunner Thornburgh, Kyla Warren and Rylee Thornton

3rd Grade Art:
1st place – Korbin Bridges
2nd place – Steven Smith and Macy Mince (Tie)
3rd place – Landon Hodges
Honorable Mention:  Justice Boyd, Payton Allen, Eduardo Jasso, Kain Matthews, Brylee Lister, Michael Matthews, Cash Bell, Saylor Crelia and Aymar Hernandez

Youth Art:
1st place – Lily Creel
2nd place - Anna Lewis
3rd place – Anna Lewis
Honorable Mention – Emma Lewis

Adult Art: 1st place - Wanda Hagler

Stitch Art: 1st place - Mary Fausett

Canning: 1st place - Ginger Garrett

Woodwork:
1st place - Bo Warran
Honorable Mention - Frankie DeSoto

October 8, 2021 - (Album) - Jheri-Lynn McSwain and Feleshia Thompson, AgriLife Extension Agents, representing Shelby 4-H Hearts to Hands Quilts of Valor Project hosted a program honoring specific veterans on October 7, 2021 during the 45th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival.

"Our project is comprised of adult volunteers and 4-H youth that meet to sew in honor of Shelby County veterans," said McSwain. "The Quilts of Valor Project is in partnership with VFW Post 8904 and made possible through sponsorships from local businesses and individuals."

McSwain invited all in the public to view the Quilts of Valor and honoree memorabilia on display at the Historic 1885 Shelby County Courthouse during the festival from 10am to 4pm, October 7-9.

McSwain provided additional background into the development of the Quilts of Valor program. In 2003 a quilter named Katherine Roberts began the movement that became the Quilts of Valor when her son was deployed to Iraq. Since that time over 190,000 Quilts of Valor have been awarded across the United States.

"Our mission is to honor service members and veterans who have been touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor," said McSwain. "Today we will be presenting 14 quilts, and these quilts have been sponsored by the Center Noon Lion's Club and local individuals in Shelby County."

McSwain and Thompson each then introduced the honorees, recognized them for their service and thanked them for allowing them to recognize them.

Those honorees are as follows:

• Seaman Allen Baker, Navy - 1946-1948
• Master Sergeant Derwin Howell, Sr., Air Force - 1963-1983
• Machinist 1st Class Isaac "Ike" Reeves II, Navy - 1964-1966
• Corporal Lee Jarvis, Marines - 1965-1967
• Specialist Five Kenneth Ramsey, Army - 1966-1968
• Specialist Five Rocky Hand, Army - 1968-1971
• Sergeant Michael Wulf, Army - 1968-1970
• Petty Officer 3rd Class Sean Martin, Navy - 1989-1994
• Senior Airman Michael Davidson, Air Force - 1995-1999
• Sergeant Angela Neal, Army - 2000-2005
• Corporal Jason Samford, Marines - 2005-2009
• Specialist Four William Denison, Army - 2006-2014
• Sergeant David Williams, Army - 2009-2017
• Petty Officer 3rd Class John Clevenger, Navy - 2009-2014

September 30, 2021 (Parade Photo Album) - The 45th East Texas Poultry Festival Doo Dah Parade, Sponsored by Center Tire Company, was held yesterday Wednesday, September 29th, on the Historic Downtown Center Square. Although there was a threat of rain, a large number of spectators enjoyed the Queen’s Court candidate floats, civic organization and business entries. Junior Chamber of Commerce and Young Ambassador students and the Shelby Chick led the parade. Thankfully the rain held off and we had a great Parade.

Doo Dah Parade trophy winners include: First Place, the Lawn Chair Brigade (always a crowd favorite); Second Place, Windham Family Dental; Third Place, Family Dental Center.

The Queen’s Court float winners will be announced at the Coronation, this Saturday, October 2nd at Center High School Cafetorium at 7pm. Tickets at the door are $5.00.

Gold Sponsors for the Doo Dah Parade are Ilho Sales and Imports and Professional Title Services. 

Farmers State Bank is this year’s East Texas Poultry Festival Presenting Sponsor. The traditional Cutting of the Feathers and Opening Ceremonies, sponsored by Focused Care of Center, will be held Thursday, October 7th, at 10:00 a.m. on the downtown square. See you there!