Shelby County Today

October 26, 2026 - (Photo Album) - The 2026 Timpson Fall Festival 'Trunk or Treat' had a large attendance of children in costume hunting for whatever sweet treat they could find.

As the long line of attendees marched the sidewalk, DJ Paul "The Sawman" Smith spun tunes from the gazebo on behalf of the Timpaon Area Chamber of Commere.

The Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Servie got to their own spinning as they offered cotton candy for all to enjoy.

October 23, 2026 - VFW Post 8904 honored women in military service during a program held October 16, 2026, at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial.

The program was led by Mary Roberts, Post Quartermaster, shared that history of women in the armed forces began more than 229 years ago, with women who served during the American Revolution and continues through the present day. 

"The women we honor today are a remarkable bunch. Think of it, in the Revolutionary and Civil War they wanted to serve so badly that they disguised themselves as men. In 1917, without the right to even vote, nurses answered the call to duty during World War I, and served everywhere, including near the front lines in France," said Roberts. "Not only were there long hours and tedious care for the wounded and maimed, but they also had to deal with a 1918 flu epidemic that killed millions worldwide, and many of the nurses themselves."

Again, answering the call of duty during World War II, when the armed forces opened up the ranks to women and freed up men for battle. 77 nurses in the Pacific were taken prisoners of war. At Anzio, Italy, six army nurses died during German bombardments. 

"In the mud of Korea, 70% of the army nurses served in a mobile Army surgical hospital better known as a MASH unit (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital)," said Roberts. "7,500 Army military women served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Army Nurse, Lieutenant Sharon Lane, age 25, was killed during a rocket attack in Chulai, Vietnam. Seven others died in accidents and illnesses." 

In 1990, 30,000 American women deployed for Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. According to the USO, more than 300,000 women have served during the post 9-11 war, including Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. 

"More than 9,000 have earned their combat action badge. 16% of our nations armed forces are made up of women, 152 have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Roberts. "Today, women command Navy vessels and combat units. They wear general and admiral stars, they fly, fighters, bombers, you name it. We thank them all today."

Athena Ezernack, US Air Force Veteran and Life Member, placed the Memorial Wreath in honor of all women veterans.

Taps was then presented by Post Commander Derrick Roberts.

October 21, 2026 - Center Christian Academy students were treated to a visit by members of the Center Fire Department on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Center Fire Chief Keith Byndom and Center Firefighter Ryan Arwine entered the school and offered safety information to the students, as well as giving them firefighter hats to take home with them.

After the presentation, the students went outside with the firefighters where they saw the Center Fire Department ladder truck and pumper truck.

From left: Sheriff Gerald Corbell and Patrol Sergeant Thomas Jernigan

October 19, 2026 - Please join Sheriff Gerald Corbell in congratulating Deputy Thomas Jernigan on his recent promotion to Patrol Sergeant with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.

Sergeant Jernigan brings 15 years of law enforcement experience to his new position and will provide leadership and supervision alongside longtime Patrol Sergeant Misty Ray. The two sergeants will work opposite portions of the week, helping ensure consistent supervision and guidance for its patrol deputies.

Sergeant Jernigan has also recently completed the First Line Supervision training required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), further preparing him for the responsibilities of his new role.

They are also pleased to announce that, through the Texas Senate Bill 22 Rural Law Enforcement Salary Assistance Grant Program, and with the approval of the Shelby County Commissioners Court, they have been able to provide modest pay increases to their supervisors.

Previously, most supervisory personnel received the same compensation as the employees they supervised, despite having additional duties and responsibilities. These adjustments help recognize the greater level of accountability, leadership, and responsibility expected of our supervisors, many of whom continue performing the same day-to-day duties as those under their supervision.

These increases are funded through state grant funds, without requiring additional local tax revenue for the increases. The Sheriff's Department appreciates the support of the Texas Legislature and the Shelby County Commissioners Court in helping to recognize the responsibilities of its supervisory personnel.

The Sheriff's Department congratulates Sergeant Jernigan on his well-deserved promotion and look forward to his continued service and leadership within the Shelby County Sheriff's Office!