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July 24 - July 28
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Around Town
Zachery McCormick, VFW Post 8904 Life Member, is seen placing the Memorial Wreath. (Photo Courtesy Larry Hume)
July 28, 2026 - VFW Post 8904 commemorated the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Korean War during a program held on July 27, 2026, at the Shelby County Memorial.
This was the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the peace armistice which ended the Korean War that lasted from June 5, 1950 until July 27, 1953.
During the Korean war there were 33,686 battle deaths, 2,830 non-battle deaths, 103,000 wounded, and over 7,600 Americans are still missing in action from the Korean War.
Seven from Shelby County were killed in action, one is still missing in action, and four that were prisoners of war have passed on.
Zachery McCormick, VFW Post 8904 Life Member, placed the Memorial Wreath in honor of those lost in the Korean War Program.
Names that are recognized in the roll call of honor are as follows:
- Floyd Harris killed in action in September 24, 1950
- Clifford Hughes killed in action August 13, 1950
- Johnny V. Mena killed in action April 19, 1951
- Bobbie F. Mock killed in action November 22, 1950
- Billy Clyde Stephenson killed in action November 5, 1952
- Leonard Williams killed in action May 18, 1951
- Willie Wilson killed in action May 27, 1951
- Willie E. Windham missing in action since August 12, 1950
- Herbert L. Langford, North Korean prisoner of war
- Pearl D. Lucas, North Korean prisoner of war
- Billy Westcoat, Chinese prisoner of war
- Leonard Scott, North Korean prisoner of war
Taps was played in honor of those who gave their lives during the Korean War and those who served and have since passed.
From left: Sheila Woodard (DETCOG), Donna Sprouse (DETCOG), Rotary President Chad Nehring, and Tracy Bolton (DETCOG)
July 28, 2026 - Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) representatives visited with the Rotary Club of Center during their Tuesday, July 28, 2026 meeting at the Civic Center.
Shelia Woodard and Tracy Bolton spoke about the F.A.Y.S. program, Family and Youth Success, and is designed to help kids ages 0-17. The state funded program's primary goal is family preservation and counselors work with families to address issues. Problems families face include homeless, runaway, fighting with parents, using drugs, failing classes, living in an unsafe place, or dealing with peer pressure. Services offered include counseling family, group, and/or individuals; communication skills; anger management; conflict resolution; problem solving; parent education; referral services; crisis intervention; and child abuse and neglect awareness.
Another program of DETCOG's highlighted was the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC). Donna Sprouse explained the AAA program provides services and funding to enable older citizens to live dignified, independent, and productive lives. Services include funding for senior centers that provide congregate and home delivered meals and activities for persons age 60 and older; provides health education programs; care coordination; caregiver support services; benefits counseling; and an ombudsman for residents of long-term care facilities. She also spoke about the ADRC which provides information, assistance and options counseling to older persons and persons of all ages with a disability to help them gain access to long-term care programs, services and support so that they might continue to live in their own communities.
For more information about these programs and others programs, visit https://www.detcog.gov/.
July 27, 2026 - Shelby Savings Bank is celebrating 44 years of serving East Texas, and had an open house gathering at the Center location on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Andi Foster, Shelby County Chamber of Chamber Ambassador, welcomed everyone to the event and invited Will Lucas, Shelby Savings Bank President, to speak. Lucas commented on Shelby Savings Bank’s continuing effort and goal to be one with the community and maintain the vision of James Campbell.
“Thank y’all for being here. It’s hard to imagine it’s been 44 years since Mr. James Campbell got his friends together to form Shelby County Savings at that time, and here we are now 44 years later Shelby Savings Bank, and still keeping his dream alive and keeping the dream true that Mr. James had. One of the most important things that we talk about as Shelby Savings Bank, wherever we are, we are part of the community and making sure that the bank is part of the community is still our mission and our goal each day.
Lucas offered praise to the team of employees at the bank and welcomed the board of directors who were present as he specifically remarked on Sammy Dance, one of the original friends and board members who participated in founding the bank with Campbell.
Lucas imparted that each of the new employees are introduced to the story of the bank, so that they know how important it is for Shelby Savings Bank to be a part of the community.
“I can’t stress that enough, and that was the reason that he formed the bank to make sure that the bank makes loans where we are,” said Lucas. “We’re not just taking deposits where we are, we’re making loans here as well and supporting everything that we can to make sure that the communities survive.”
Lucas remarked that they serve more than just Shelby County now, and are in several counties that they serve.
Lisa McAdams, Board Chairman, welcomed all present and offered words of appreciation to the employees of the bank.
“We appreciate all of our employees, our staff, and we really appreciate our customers,” said McAdams. “In carrying on James’ tradition, we have got Brooke [Lane] on our board, which is his granddaughter, we also have David Koonce in back [of the lobby] and that is his son-in-law. So, the family tradition carries on and we are proud to have both of you on our board as well as our oldest member Sammy, so thank you Sammy.”
Shelby Savings Bank serves their customers through locations and ATMs in Center, San Augustine, Lindale, Brookeland, Beaumont, and Chireno.
July 25, 2026 - Center Volunteer Fire Department was presented with a donation from Brookshire Brothers in Center on Friday, July 24, 2026, in the amount of $804.
This donation was made possible through the generous contributions of Brookshire Brothers customers.
Center Volunteer Fire Chief Del Birdwell received the donation and it was presented by Michael Hooks - Store Director.
Pictured are (from left) Deck Jones, Allen Miller, Mahesh Galal, Brian Dean, John Howard, Joey Lawson, Buster Bounds, Craig Ballard, Marlin Jones, and Stephen Gamble.
July 24, 2026 - The Center Noon Lions Club Danny Foster Memorial Fundraiser for 2026 is underway. The local civic club's primary fundraiser is awarding a new Ford Bronco Sport 4X4 and four cash awards at a drawing scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the 50th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival in Center.
Members with the Center Noon Lions Club are now accepting donations for the fundraiser drawing. Proceeds will benefit the many community projects and charities supported by the civic club. Donations are $100 per ticket and only a limited number of tickets will be printed.
Tickets are available from any Center Noon Lions Club member
The truck is on display at Shelby County Farm Bureau on Hurst St. in Center with tickets available there also.
The first ticket drawn will win the new Ford Bronco Sport 4x4 and the next four tickets drawn will receive $250 each.
Through their humanitarian efforts from fundraiser donations, the Center Noon Lions Club supports local charities, schools, children's eyeglasses, children with health problems as well as assisting with the building of baseball, softball and soccer fields.
Details regarding the Center Noon Lions Club annual fundraiser and ticket purchases can be obtained by contacting Stephen Gamble, Center Noon Lions Club Project Chairmen at 936-332-9347 or email at stockgam@yahoo.com.
The long running annual fundraiser was named in memory of Center Lions Club member Danny Foster whose dedicated efforts helped make the fundraiser a success.
Display at the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library in Center
July 24, 2026 - The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Nacogdoches Chapter's Service to America Committee created a “traveling display" of children’s books about the female patriots of the American Revolution in three (3) public libraries to broaden young readers’ understanding of America’s founding by highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of courageous women.
While many children are familiar with well-known male figures of the Revolution, the books introduced inspiring stories of women such as Molly Pitcher, Sybil Ludington, Deborah Sampson and others who demonstrated leadership, sacrifice, resilience and patriotism.
Display at the Timpson Public Library in Timpson
The impact of the displays extends beyond increasing historical knowledge. By making the books available for browsing or reading at public libraries, children from all backgrounds had the opportunity to discover role models who exemplify courage and civic responsibility while being encouraged to think critically about history.
The ten (10) books were easily accessible and displayed in high traffic areas with the goal of inspiring readers – especially girls – to recognize that individuals of all backgrounds have shaped American history. The project strengthens historical literacy, promotes literacy and provides a platform to help highlight the amazing contributions of America’s female patriots.
At the end of the “traveling display,” the books were donated to a public library as a permanent resource. The project was shared with the online DAR Service to America group and a book list was provided as requested by chapters.
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Display at the San Augustine Public Library in San Augustine
July 21, 2026 - The Center Police Department is proud to introduce its newly designed police badge and shoulder patch, symbols that honor our community's rich history while reflecting our commitment to professional law enforcement service.
The new shoulder patch proudly features the department's established date, recognizing the long-standing tradition of public service provided by the men and women of the Center Police Department. The design also incorporates images representing some of the area's most recognizable landmarks and natural resources, including the historic Shelby County Courthouse and the East Texas pine trees that have long defined our region.
Prominently displayed on the patch are the words "Trust, Integrity, Service," the core values that guide every member of our department. These principles reflect our commitment to building strong relationships with the community, conducting ourselves with honesty and professionalism, and serving the citizens of Center with dedication and respect.
Our new badge and patch represent more than a uniform change; they symbolize who we are as a department and the values we strive to uphold every day. We are proud of our history, proud of our community, and committed to earning the public's trust through professional and compassionate service.
The Center Police Department looks forward to wearing these new symbols with pride as we continue our mission of protecting and serving the citizens of Center, Texas.
July 18, 2026 - First responders with local fire departments escorted their comrade Larry Craig Terry, Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief, on July 16, 2026, from Tyler to Center after his recent passing due to illness.
Terry was a 40-plus year firefighter with the Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department, and began fighting fires at the age of 15.
As the procession of emergency vehicles traveled into Panola County from Henderson County, Panola County Sheriff’s Department units joined in the procession and escorted it until the intersection with U.S. Highway 59 and the Loop around Carthage.
The procession continued into Shelby County with Constable Precinct 3 Roy Cheatwood through Tenaha and then to Center on U.S. Highway 96. From there the line of fire trucks and other vehicles drove down Tenaha Street accompanied by Center Police Department officers to the Center square where the Center Fire Department had their ladder truck extended over the roadway with an American flag in his honor.
Then the procession completed their journey to Mangum Funeral Home where all of the vehicles gathered.
At the time of this report, a memorial service will be planned for a later date.
Related article: Larry Craig Terry Obituary
July 17, 2026 - Today, Friday, July 17, 2026, the Senior Nutrition Site is offering Fried Fish, Fries, Bake Beans, Salad and Peach Cobbler. It comes with unsweet Tea or sweet Tea.
- $6 for Seniors
- $8 for Seniors Take Out Meals $8
- $10 for Non-Seniors
The Senior Nutrition Site staff would love to have anyone join them at 124 Haley Drive, right next door to Panola College off SL 500.
Pictured are (from left): Pam Hall, Bridgette Liem, Andi Foster, Meg Camp, Chad Nehring, David Chadwick, Cameron McElroy, Aaron Gilchrist, and Rayford Copelin.
July 15, 2026 - The Center Rotary Club had the privilege of swearing in their new Rotary Club of Center President, Chad Nehring, during their Tuesday, July 14, 2026, meeting and celebrating the installation of their 2026-2027 officers and board members. The Center Rotary Club looks forward to another year of service, fellowship, and making a positive impact in the community.
A special thank you to Lawrence Davis for his dedicated leadership and service as President over the past year. Your commitment to Rotary and our community is truly appreciated.
Chad Nehring (left) is seen taking his oath as Rotary Club of Center President. Administering his oath as president was David Chadwick (right).
Congratulations to our 2026-2027 Officers & Board:
President - Chad Nehring
President-Elect - Meg Camp
Past President - Lawrence Davis
Treasurer - Bridgette Liem
Secretary - Andi Foster
Outgoing President Lawrence Davis (left) is seen being presented by Chad Nehring, New President, with a plaque in recognition of his commitment to service above self.
Board Members & Committee Chairs
- Membership – David Chadwick
- Rotary Foundation – Rayford Copelin
- Public Relations/Image – Pam Hall
- Club Administration – JJ Ford
- Fundraising – Aaron Gilchrist
- Service Projects – Cameron McElroy
Here's to another great year of Service Above Self!
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