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September 11 - September 15
Rated PG-13. Ends at 9:25pm
Coming Soon:
Runner
Closed Wed. & Thurs.
Box office opens 7pm
Admission:
Adults $8, Children $7
Senior Citizens (Mondays) $6
936-598-3864
Around Town
From left: Scott Flowers, Cindy Eubank, Feather Andrusick, Leon Aldridge, Darrell Martinez, Denise Mathews, Courtney Martinez (wife), JoAnna Martin, and Cheryl Gilcrease
September 10, 2026 - Past coworkers of Darrell Martinez gathered Wednesday, September 9, 2026 to celebrate his 32-plus years of service to supporting and running the printing press located in Center on Austin Street just off the square. Martinez started working in the press room stuffing inserts into printed newspapers not long after graduating from Joaquin High School in 1992. He worked in the press room for 10 years learning every aspect of the press. After a short sabbatical away, he return and continued his journey working on the giant King Press overseeing everyday operations as well as maintaining all of its units.
Martinez recalled the first paper he stuffed inserts into was the Light and Champion with his name in print the first time in the November 20, 1992 edition. The final run Martinez completed came full circle with the printing of the same papers' September 10, 2026 edition. Over the years, he ensured the print for many different newspapers from all over the area was on time and delivered ‘hot off the press.’ His last day of work included 11 runs of different newspapers.
Thank you Darrell Martinez for your years of service to the Shelby County community.
September 9, 2026 - Shelby County Outreach Ministries has an abundance of vegetables available for the community.
Everyone is invited to stop by the Helping Hands building to pick up what they need. Items are available while supplies last.
- Location: 930 Shelbyville Street, Center, TX 75935
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9am – 3pm
- Cost: Free of charge
- Contact: (936) 598-4990
Call us with any questions or for more information.
September 8, 2026 - Americans across the Nation are called to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day, Friday, September 11, 2026, from sunrise until sunset, in solemn honor of the nearly 3,000 innocent men, women, and children who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
All flags flying with the United States Flag should also be lowered. Flags that cannot be lowered can still show respect for the day by tying a black ribbon or cord to the top of the mast.
May God bless the memory of the fallen. May God comfort the families who still keep watch. And may God bless the United States of America.
September 8, 2026 - Each year at the Poultry Festival, the Shelby County 4-H conducts a ceremony and presents “Valor Quilts” to local veterans. This year that ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Please nominate your favorite veteran to Larry Hume, VFW Post 8904 Adjutant at chiefhume95@gmail.com or text to 936-332-0349. Be sure to include the veterans name, and phone number. Remember they must be able to attend the Quilt of Valor Ceremony on October 3, 2026.
From left: Leigh Porterfield, Brenda Askew, Post Adjutant Larry Hume, Geraldine Bridges, Post member Sean Martin, Theresa Hume, Post member Simon Stanley, Post Quartermaster Mary Roberts, Post Chaplain Richard Lundie, and Post Commander, Derrick Roberts.
September 3, 2026 - A small group gathered for a V.J. Day Observance on September 2, 2026 on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of World War II veterans.
VFW Post 8904 and the Auxiliary began the V.J. Day observance with a prayer given by Post Chaplain Richard Lundie for those who answered the call of duty with courage and offered themselves in sacrifice.
Post Quartermaster Larry Hume said, “Thank you all for being here as we observe the 81st anniversary of the formal surrender of Japan aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay. That day is known to history as V.J. Day - Victory over Japan. As part of the surrender ceremonies aboard the U.S.S. Missouri a broadcast of President Harry Truman was played to the nation. In part, President Truman said, ‘My fellow Americans, and Supreme Allied Commander, General MacArther, 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 Harbor the Japanese have just officially laid down their arms. They have signed 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 civilization which began there is now laid to rest. It was a long road to Tokyo and a bloody one. We shall not forget Pearl Harbor. The Japanese military will not forget the U.S.S. Missouri. The evil done by the Japanese war lords can never be repaired or forgotten.’ That last line is the reason we return here each year — the evil cannot be repaired. It must not be forgotten. Neither can the Americans who walked that long road - across the islands, the air, and the sea of the Pacific.
"Today, we honor the World War II Veterans who served in the Pacific - those killed in action, those still listed as missing after all these years, and all who came home bearing the war with them. Our remembrance is not only for the fallen. It is for every man and woman who served in that theater.
"We would be remiss if we did not remember a Shelby Countian and a good friend, Mr. A.J. Procell. He was a 21-year old sailor aboard the U.S.S. North Carolina in Tokyo Bay that morning, 81 years ago. From her decks he watched history take place aboard the Missouri. Mr. Procell is now 102 years old and lives at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Bossier City. The greatest generation is passing quickly. Of the more than sixteen million Americans who served in the second World War, only tens of thousands remain with us. Each year these living witnesses grow fewer. That is why days like this matter.
In remembrance a memorial wreath was hung at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse by Post Quartermaster Mary Roberts.
Shelby County Veterans who were lost in the Pacific War are listed below. Of those remembered, there were 7 buried overseas and 15 who are missing-in-action. Of those remembered and who were returned home, there were 12 buried in Shelby County, 2 buried in Texas, and 1 buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
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 14, 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
Harvey, 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 2, 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
May we never forget!
September 1, 2026 - The Official 2026 East Texas Poultry Festival tee shirts are now available for purchase at the following locations: Farmers State Bank Main Branch, The City of Center offices, White Cottage Mercantile and The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Regular sizes available – adult small to 3XL and youth small to youth X-Large; Toddler sizes 2T-5T.
Thank you to Center First Pentecostal Church, this year’s tee shirt Sponsor.
PawHei Say standing in front of a computer screen showing the 50th ETPF logo.
Thank you to Ms. Paw Hei Say, a Senior at Center High School and Mr. Ramirez, CHS Graphic Design Class Teacher for designing the logo.
The 50th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival, presented by Farmers State Bank, begins with the Opening Ceremonies, sponsored by Focused Care of Center at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 1st and runs through Saturday, October 3rd on the Center downtown square. Gold Sponsors for the Festival are: Badders Law Firm, The City of Center, Pilgrims Pride, and Tyson Foods.
For additional information, please call 936.598.3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.
September 1, 2026 — The Christian Love Community Center held it's Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on August 12, 2026 where they celebrated a new chapter of faith, hope, and service in Shelby County.
Shelby County Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Chadwick welcomed everyone, "I would like to welcome everybody here on behalf of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and the community. Thank you Tina [Hutto]. This place has come a long way since we had your ribbon cutting for your home care!" She then invited Hutto to speak about her journey up to this point.
Hutto explained this is our non-profit, Christian Love Community Center, and it is a place were people can come from 10am until 2pm, Monday through Friday. There is a schedule of activities for people to enjoy and fellowship together along with enjoying a lunch. The facility also has rooms for people to live whether for long term or short term or temporary care to give a primary family caregiver a break from their duties.
She shared, "This has been a two-year journey that started, I had bought this house in hopes of making it something, but I struggled the past little while after one of my patients passed away that lived with me, because that is of course the money that I was using. So, I finally got defeated, felt like maybe I wasn't doing what I was supposed to be doing and maybe I miss heard the Lord or something. But then I seen a Facebook post from a man in Carthage and he was looking for a church to help. So, I reached out to him and he paid to help me finish this place, all I had to do was buy the materials. He was a God sent and so with his help we were able to now open up to the community."
Hutto described the mission of the Christian Love Community Center which is to provide a safe, welcoming environment where seniors, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and members of our rural community can find fellowship, nutritious meals, meaningful activities, encouragement, and hope. We are committed to improving quality of life by meeting physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs through compassion, dignity, faith, and service. Our goal is to reduce loneliness and social isolation while creating opportunities for friendship, purpose, joy, and hope. The Community Center will offer Bible studies, exercise and wellness classes, arts and crafts, music, bingo, games, educational presentations, community lunches, holiday celebrations, volunteer opportunities, and special events designed to enrich the lives of those we serve.
"We just want this to be a resource where it can be a blessing and where people don't have to worry about money." Hutto invited the community to become part of this mission sharing that whether through volunteering, attending fundraising events, making a donation, or helping secure grants, your support allows us to continue serving others and keep the doors of the Christian Love Community Center open for generations to come. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference.
About Christian Love Community Center
The Christian Love Community Center is a nonprofit organization and an extension of Christian Love Private Home Care, founded by Tina Hutto in August 2023. Christian Love Private Home Care was established in loving memory of Dorothy “Mamaw” Shahan of Carthage, Texas. After her passing, Tina felt God placing a calling on her heart to honor Mamaw Dorothy's memory by serving seniors and adults with disabilities with the same love, compassion, dignity, and kindness that she shared with everyone she met. What began as one caregiver’s desire to make a difference has grown into a ministry dedicated to caring for others physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
Since opening in August 2023, Christian Love Private Home Care has provided compassionate, faith-based private care to seniors and adults with disabilities wherever clients call home. Services are available in clients’ private residences, the Christian Love care home, nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and other care settings. That ministry continues today and remains the foundation of everything we do.
As Christian Love Private Home Care grew, so did the vision. Through serving families throughout East Texas, Tina recognized another important need—a welcoming place where seniors, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and members of the community could gather to enjoy fellowship, nutritious meals, meaningful activities, encouragement, education, and spiritual support. That vision has now become the Christian Love Community Center.
The Community Center does not replace the services provided through Christian Love Private Home Care. Instead, it expands the mission by offering another resource where individuals can build friendships, remain active, continue learning, enjoy fellowship, and experience the love of Christ in a safe, caring, family atmosphere.
From left: Post Member Erik Choron, Dr. Jane Todd, Geraldine Bridges, Theresa Hume, Post Member Sean Martin, Post Quartermaster Mary Roberts, Post Commander Derrick Roberts, and Post Adjutant Larry Hume.
August 31, 2026 - VFW Post 8904 honored Iraq War veterans, including Larry E. Polley Jr., during a ceremony held Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial on the Center square.
"The Iraq War began March 20, 2003, and continued until August 31st 2010, so it's been 16 years since the end of the hostilities and it's our duty as fellow citizens and veterans to ensure that this piece of history and sacrifices made are never forgotten," said Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster. "Our gathering this morning is a small, yet heartfelt thank you to those American patriots who served."
Hume continued, "During the Iraq War 4,486 Americans paid the ultimate sacrifice, including Shelby County's own U.S. Army Specialist Larry E. Polley, Jr., in January of 2004. Larry graduated from Center High School in 2001, he was 20 years old when he was killed in action."
Mary Roberts, Post Quartermaster
In honor of Iraq Veterans, Post Member Mary Roberts placed the memorial wreath upon the Shelby County Memorial. Taps was then played as presented by VFW member Derick Roberts.
Derrick Roberts, Post Commander
Hume reminded all present the next observance is V-J Day on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the Shelby County Memorial at 9am. Then, along with Shelby County first responders, the Post will gather on Friday, September 11, 2026 and hold a remembrance for the 25th anniversary of Patriot's Day commonly known as 9/11.
U.S. Army Specialist Larry E. Polley, Jr. (Click for obituary)
Polley's father, Larry Polley Sr. and his mother Lois. Photo from 2022.
Thank you, East Texas Communities Foundation!
August 26, 2026 - The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center is incredibly grateful to the East Texas Communities Foundation for a generous grant from the John Reagan Harris Community Fund.
This support helps us continue providing critical services to children and families in our community at no cost to them. We are thankful for partners who believe in the importance of protecting children, supporting families, and helping children heal.
Thank you for investing in the work of the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center and in the children of East Texas!
For more information about the CAC please visit our website at shelbycountycac.com
August 24, 2026 - This year’s chicks have hatched and are well on their way to compete in the Poultry Festival, as students around the county have received their clutches of fuzzy fowl and are now working hard to produce the top specimen.
Chicks were distributed on Friday, August 21, 2026, to students from schools around Shelby County to begin growing so they can compete during the 50th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival on September 30, 2026.
Students starting in 3rd grade all the way to 12th participate in this enriching experience, and have the opportunity to learn a lot along the way about the poultry industry.
If everything goes to plan, at the end of their chicken growing experience, they may receive scholarship funds at auction for all of their hard work.
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