4 H Drill Team Performing July 8th - July 8, 2008
Submitted by Tonya Andrews

The Shelby County Roughriders, Wranglers, and Rustlers drill teams will be performing at the rodeo arena tonight, Tuesday, July 8th at 7:00. Please come out and watch the 4-Hers perform their routines and show off the costumes they will wear at the State Horse Show in Abilene July 21-26. Admission is free. That’s tonight at 7:00 at the rodeo arena.

Timpson Frontier Days - July 7, 2008
Submitted by Pat Crawford

Sonny Tippett Memorial Gospel Singing

The Sonny Tippett Memorial Gospel Singing presented by the Timpson Chamber of Commerce in Sonny's memory. Quite a few years ago, Sonny, a devoted gospel music fan, took the job of bringing gospel music to the yearly Frontier Day celebration. Each year he would solicit support from the business people of Timpson and surrounding towns to sponsor the singing. Beverly worked along with him as he planned the singing and secured performers.The Timpson Chamber of Commerce is now carrying on the tradition. Last Thursday night, the THS auditorium held a large crowd of gospel music lovers.

Chamber president Marilyn Corder welomed the guests and introduced Queen Macy Nix who also greeted the guests. Bro. Josh Walters of Timpson First Baptist Church led the crowd in prayer. Mr. Bill Smith of Carthage, Texas (also a Cavalry Boy) recognized Sonny's widow, Beverly Tippett. Mr. Smith also told a Sonny joke.

The gospel singing began with the Calvary Boys from Tenaha who presented an evening of uplifting gospel music as only they can do. They were followed by the Calvary Boys Trio who thrill the crowd with their love of gospel music. Next, the special guests for the evening, the Dixie Melody Boys from Florida sang a program of gospel music which kept the crowd clapping. Each of the quartets and the trio recived many rounds of applause throughout the night. Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for continuing "Sonny's Gospel Singing."

Frontier Day Fun on Saturday
(Click Here for parade photos)

A lively parade from the school on through downtown Timpson began the day's activities. Pretty girls on cars, police cars, firetruck, 4-wheelers, antique cars, church floats, cheerleaders, twirlers, and horse riders kept on coming and coming. A lively crowd cheered them as they passed by. The little kids enjoyed catching the candy thrown by the paraders.

As the parade stopped in Park Plaza, Mrs. Sherrie Strahan sang the National Anthem. Frontier Queen Macy Nix took the stage and welcomed the crowd to the day's activities. All kinds of games, rides, and food booths offered everyone something to do.

Later in the evening everyone had the chance to preview the coming year's cheerleaders and twirlers. Each group from middle school to high school showed real pizazz as they twirled, danced, and cheered.

Jason Pate and his band played for the street dance. A cake auction was also held later in the evening. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard planning and putting on another Frontier Day in Timpson.

What-A-Melon Pet Contest - July 7, 2008

2008 East Texas What A Melon Pet Contest is Free To Enter and Open to all types of Pets. This years contest is proudly sponsored by Shelby Veterinary Associates. Don't Miss Out Registration is at 6:45pm on friday July 11 under the big tent with Showtime at 7:00. For more information call 936-590-0120 or stop by M & M Insurance on Hurst St for a form.

Computer Class at Ephesus Church - July 7, 2008
Submitted by Carolyn Lawson Administrative Secretary to Dean of Instruction Panola College

These students are enjoying a computer class offered through Panola College . This one week class is being held at Ephesus Baptist Church in Shelbyville. For more information about the free computer classes, call 598-9543.

Third Saturday Bluegrass & Gospel Jam On The Timpson Pavilion Square - July 7, 2008
Submitted by Tom & Pauline Langley Sr

“Eastbound Express” and “The Frontier Café” in Timpson TX, will be hosting Timpson’s monthly Bluegrass & Gospel music jam, every third Saturday on the Timpson square from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. You are invited to bring your acoustic instruments, voices & lawn chairs and join in the fun. “No electric instruments please!”

In case of excessive heat or rain the music jam will be held at “The Frontier Café”, where later, beginning at 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Angela & Kevin Bradford, owners of the cafe will host a free “Bluegrass & Gospel Show”.
So bring all the family and enjoy an afternoon of fun and music on the square, then later in the evening, dine at “The Frontier Café” with tunes of Bluegrass & Gospel music from days gone by.

The City of Timpson & The Frontier Café, nor “Eastbound Express” will be responsible for theft or accidents. No alcohol or drugs allowed.

Local Ladies Claim Lotto Prize - July 3, 2008
Submitted by Robyn Smith
Texas Lottery Commission
Information Specialist

Dream Leads Center Residents to Claim First Top Prize From New Super Set For Life Game

(AUSTIN) – The growing town of Center, Texas, was short two people yesterday because Wiffe Enterprises, L.L.C., representatives Chhavy Sovann Khourn and Tasha Nicole Leon traveled more than two hundred miles to claim the first top prize in the new Texas Lottery® scratch-off, Super Set For Life.
Their adventure began late one night in April when Khourn dreamed about the new game her store had recently received.
“I dreamed I had the urge to scratch the Super Set For Life tickets,” she explained. “In my dream, I couldn’t stop scratching them.”
Khourn runs Johnny’s Liquor, located at 513 Cora Street in Center, and she prides herself on maintaining a fun, easy-going atmosphere in the shop. Leon, a former employee, calls it “a one-stop shop.” Customers can pay bills, make copies, send faxes, and even request Spanish translations, in addition to finding the usual liquor store fare.
The day after her strange dream, Khourn decided to split one of the Super Set For Life tickets with a customer. She brought out her lucky coin, and the two took turns revealing numbers. When Khourn saw the word “LIFE” printed on the ticket, she started doing her “lottery dance.”
According to Leon, “You have to be careful around her when she wins. She could knock you over if she gets $100.”
After her nerves settled, Khourn gave the other members of Wiffe Enterprises, L.L.C., one piece of advice, “From day one, we’ve said, ‘Don’t blow it, save it.’ I plan to pay off my debts first.”
Then Khourn added, “The one thing I want people to know is that it’s a blessing, and I’m very thankful.”
Introduced in March, Super Set For Life has three remaining top prizes each worth $500,000 annually for 15 years, not to exceed $7,500,000. The store is also eligible to receive a $10,000 retailer bonus for selling the winning ticket.
“We pride ourselves on having some of the best retailers in the business,” said Texas Lottery Commission Executive Director Anthony J. Sadberry. “Ms. Khourn’s store is evidently a community hub offering a variety of services, and she and Ms. Leon speak highly of their clientele.”
Friday’s Mega Millions® jackpot is worth an estimated $53 million. Saturday’s Lotto Texas® jackpot is worth an estimated $13 million.
For more information about the Texas Lottery, please visit the official Web site at http://www.txlottery.org.
…
The Texas Lottery supports Texas education.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, family and friends held a ribbon cutting for Spa Trends Thursday, July 3 at 10:00 a.m. Chamber Ambassador President Holly Adams and Chamber President Pam Phelps welcomed Kela Yarborough to the business community on the downtown Center square. Kela thanked everyone for attending and gave some information about the services that she currently offers. They include Microdermabraison, Weight Loss Body Wraps, Air Brush Makeup and Spray Tans. Kela also anounced that in the coming months she will be expanding her services and adding new equipment to offer the complete spa experience.

They are located at 135 Shelbyville Street on the Downtown Center square. John and Kela Yarborough are the owners. For more information call 936-598-3037.

Ms. Gardner to Celebrate 100th Birthday - July 2, 2008
Submitted by Myrtis McClelland, Chairperson

The pastor and members of the Mt. Zion C.M.E. Church cordially invite you to a birthday celebration honoring Ms. Edith Osby Gardner, who will be turning One Hundred years old on Sunday, July 13th. The celebration will be held on Saturday, July 12th from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Mt. Zion Church, located at 1504 Martin Luther King Drive in Center, Texas. She is an active member of Mt. Zion C.M.E. Church and has served in many capacities. We would like to have you in attendance.

Edith Osby Gardner is the only surviving child of ten children. She is a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was married to Alvin Coleman and three children were born: (1) Tommie J. Coleman Brown who attended Texas College where as she earned a B.A. Degree. Tommie was a teacher in Chicago. (2) Richard Lewis Coleman (Dud) now resides in Chicago. (3) Gilford Booker Coleman is now residing in Layton, Oklahoma where he is retired from twenty years of service in the U.S. Army. Children of Richard Lewis Coleman and Bertha Marie Dodd are Milton Lewis Coleman, Ricky Ricardo Coleman, and Pamela Ann Coleman. Tommie Joy Coleman had one son Everett Undree Brown. The children of Gilford Booker Coleman are Gilford Booker Coleman, Jr. (Ida Joe Nunn), Anita Ray Coleman and Stevie Ray Coleman. Gilford Jr. earned the B.A. Degree and the M.S. Degree from East Texas State. Gil was reared by his grandmother Edith. She has one great grandson Scott Coleman and one great-great grandson. Later she married Joe Gardner.

Edith Osby Gardner joined the church on August 11, 1915 under Rev. T. A. Amos.

She played the piano for many special programs at Mount Zion. She has a solo voice that is spiritually feeding. She was a member of the Senior Choir and served as President of the Missionary Society. She was a class leader for a number of years. She taught Sunday School and served as Sunday School Superintendant for several years until she resigned in the Spring of 2008.

She served as homecoming committee chairman for several years. She initiated programs to raise funds to purchase a Hammond Organ for the church. She was an active member of the Prayer Band, a group of senior women making donations to the church to purchase new lightening and new items needed.

She loves growing flowers and often beautifies the church with them. Her flower garden is so peaceful and beautiful; presenting a personality that belongs to Ms. Edith Gardner. She truly has a love for God and her church.

She remains faithful to her church. She is regularly in attendance and loves her church. Edith is a steadfast Christian. Her motto is “Lean And Depend On Jesus”.

Red Hat Society Tour 'Wildscape' - July 2, 2008

Red Hat Society-The 7 Sisters Chapter and Red Hat Flappers Chapter of the Red Hat Society toured Linda Bordelon’s “Wildscape” on Toledo Bend Lake for a June Outing and Salad Luncheon.

Front row from left, Nora Robinson, Viola Drennan, 7 Sisters Queen Trudie Willis, Blanche Haley, 7 Sisters Queen Mon Winnie Preston; Back row, Margaret Robertson, Sandy Aigner, Jo Warr, Pearl Burgay, Sylvia Jackson, Mary Haley, Maudie Warr, and Linda Bordelon.

Deadline Extended for What-A-Melon Festival Pageant - July 2, 2008
Submitted by Tonya Bailey

Don't Miss OUT on the FUN! 2008 East Texas What A Melon Festival Pageant is Still Taking Entries. We have 8 Divisions open to girls 0-19yrs of age and boys division 0-5. Call today for more information 936-590-0120 or visit www.baileyspageants.net.

Flag Retirement Ceremony - July 2, 2008
Submitted by Larry Hume

On Saturday, July 19th, 2008 . Cub Scout Pack 119 and Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 will conduct a Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Post Home, 617 Highway 96 North, Center. The ceremony which begins at 10:00 a.m. provides disposal of U.S. Flags by fire in a dignified and proper manner as called for in the United States Flag Code. If you have a flag that is no longer serviceable and would like to include it in the ceremony please give it to Cub Scout Leader Mickey Chandler, any VFW member or bring it by Chief Imaging, 614 Tenaha St. in Center. Questions please call Larry Hume at 598-2976.

It’s just fate that we’re so great; We’re the class of ’98!! It’s really time you guys!! Please send your contact information to: chs.1998@live.com (Include: First & last name, Phone numbers, Email address and Mailing address) Please pass on this information to anyone you know from our class. THANKS!

Shelby County Animal Shelter Planning Committee - June 30, 2008
Submitted by Bethany S. Stephens

The next meeting of the Shelby County Animal Shelter Planning Committee will be held Tuesday, July 8 at 5:30pm in the Community Room on the 2nd Floor of the Courthouse. Members of the public are welcome to attend. If you have a question or suggestion you may get on the agenda by calling ADA Bethany Stephens at 598-2489 by noon on July 3rd.

What-A-Melon Festival - June 30, 2008
Submitted by JoAnna Martin, The Light and Champion

Summertime fun in Shelby County is here and that spells What-A-Melon Festival! The 19th annual East Texas What-A-Melon Festival and Old Town Market Place will be held Friday and Saturday, July 11 - 12 on the historic downtown square in Center.

Sponsored by the Center Rotary Club, the festival includes the Largest Watermelon contest, carnival rides, food and craft vendors, entertainment, Pet Show, the Miss East Texas What-A-Melon Pageant, fun family games for all ages, and lots of mouth watering watermelon.

Celebrating Shelby County's sweetest agricultural product, the festival will open Friday, July 12 at 10 am with the official slicing of a homegrown watermelon.

Carnival rides will open Thursday, July 10, at 6 pm with special ride prices both Thursday evening and Friday evening.

On stage entertainment will be held at the festival Big Tent throughout the two-day event with gospel music performances Friday night following the Pet Show that begins at 7 pm. The Pet Show is free to enter and any type of pet is welcome.

Entertainment will also continue on Saturday and individuals and groups that would like to showcase their talents are invited to call District Attorney Lynda K Russell at 936-598-2489.

The Largest Watermelon Contest Weigh-In, featuring Shelby County's local watermelon growers, begins at 5 pm followed by the festival's newest event, the Largest Watermelon Auction. The auction will place for bid the winning top three watermelons. Everyone will be invited to bid on the prized melons.

Beginning at 7 pm, Saturday evening, the reigning Miss What-A-Melon Festival Queen Candice Emanis will crown the new festival queen. Also, an entertaining talent show will be held at the pageant. Following the pageant, a variety of musical entertainment will continue at the festival Big Tent.

What-A-Melon tee shirts are now available which feature the winning art logo designed by Stacy Lout of Shelbyville. The tee shirts are available at local businesses including Shelby Savings Bank, Farmers State Bank, Citizens Bank, The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, and The Balcony. Tee Shirts are $8 for youth sizes, $10 for adult sizes through extra large, and $12 for 2XXL and 3XXL sizes.

What-A-Melon Festival entry buttons will be available for $2 each. Date and Locations for festival buttons will be announced soon.

There are still some spaces for craft, miscelaneous or activity vendors. For more information on these spaces, contact JoAnna Martin at 936-598-3377.

Angel Food Ministries - June 30, 2008
Submitted by Meg Camp

You may place your Angel Food order on Wednesday, July 9th and Thursday, July 10th in the First Baptist Church Center office from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Pickup will be July 26th at 10:30 – 11:30 in the First Baptist Church Center gym. Park in the big parking lot on the square. You may order for next month at that time.

Please bring your receipt and a box. Unclaimed food will be donated to Shelby County Outreach.

www.angelfoodministries.com

Everyone is invited to come out and support the First Take a Soldier Fishing Tournament to be held at Pendleton Harbor Marina in Milam, Texas on July 12, 2008 . The first 40 boaters to sign up will be taking a wounded soldier out for a fun day of fishing. Pairing meeting will be Friday evening, July 11 at 8:00 pm and “Blast Off” will be at 6:00 am Saturday morning with weigh-in at 3:30 pm . Prizes are to be determined. Team format tournament, 5 fish limit. There will be a Fish Fry immediately following the weigh-in at approximately 4:00 pm .

There is no entry fee with a Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and White bass divisions. If you would like to volunteer your boat or volunteer with the setting up and weigh-in call Wesley Conn at 936-596-8339 or email him at wconn1979@yahoo.com.