Shelby County Today

September 11, 2015 - Patriot Day was recognized and those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 were remembered during a ceremony held on the Center square on Friday, September 11, 2015. VFW Post 8904 hosted the event which included several representatives of law enforcement and other emergency personnel.

Citizens of Shelby County were also in attendance for the event which reflected on the terrorist attack on the United States and the over 3,000 lives lost in the attack.

Aubie McSwain, Pastor provided the opening prayer for the event and Larry Hume, Quartermaster, led the ceremony.

"On this day in 2001, when the first calls for help reached squad cars, ambulances and ladder companies there was no hesitation. First responders rushed to the scene, they stormed up the stairs and into the flames. Their legacy lives on in those they saved and in the memories we keep. Most of all it lives on in the spirit they embodied, compassion, resilience and unity. Many of those we lost set aside their own well-being in the hope that they could save someone that they never even knew," stated Hume.

Introduced by Hume, and speaking on behalf of first responders in Shelby County were Keith Byndom, Center Fire Chief; Jim Albers, Center Police Chief; Willis Blackwell, Shelby County Sheriff; and Jessie Griffith, ACE EMS Manager. Each reflected on the tragedy of September 11, 2001 and the effect it had and has continued to have for all Americans.

Chief Albers was given the honor of placing the memorial wreath on the Shelby County Veterans Memorial, after which Hume reminded everyone to remember Mike Wood who formerly played the bagpipes at VFW events and who has been battling health problems. The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited, followed by a moment of silence and remembrance of September 11, 2001 and the playing of Taps.

September 11, 2015 - The Shelby County Sheriff's Office is experiencing excessive amounts of 911 calls from children who are using cell phones for play. Cell phones that are no longer being used whether they are activated or deactivated – with or without a SIM card, are still able to place emergency calls.

Parents and guardians need to be aware that they are responsible for children who call 911. Abuse of emergency service calls can lead to your arrest.

Sheriff Willis Blackwell urges parents and guardians to explain the use of 911 to children.
“Playing on 911 can cause someone to go without the help they need,” Blackwell said. “We encourage all individuals with cell phones to be aware many devices dial 911 easily and through voice recognition. Responsible usage will allow all dispatchers to focus on high priority calls.”

September 11, 2015 - The Tocker Foundation located in Austin, Texas notified the Fannie Brown Booth Library on August 31st that the library’s grant had been funded. The Tocker Foundation promotes Texas public libraries in communities of 12,000 or less. Grant applications are reviewed by a permanent committee of librarians appointed by the Texas Library Association. This grant brings the cumulative grant support by the Tocker Foundation to the Fannie Brown Booth Library to $19,198.

In 1992, the foundation endowed by Phillip and Olive Tocker decided to focus grant distribution to small rural libraries in Texas. Grants are distributed to assisting libraries to serve as community centers, information resources and provide literacy and bilingual programs. The Fannie Brown Booth Library has successfully received grants for new computers, new management software, and most importantly funds for quality, current library books. The current grant will be used to primarily purchase children’s series books and nonfiction books. 

The library continues to seek financial support from the community and other grant sources in order to continue serving Shelby County residents with quality services and materials.

Septmber 10, 2015 - Gates Chapel Baptist Church of Shelbyville will host a Helping Hand Benefit Program for Sis. Ira Dean Lister who lost her home in a fire. The musical benefit program will be held onSaturday, September 19 at 7pm. All choirs, groups, praise dancers and soloist are invited to perform. Everyone is invited to attend says Pastor Frankie Cooper.