Center PD Tracks Methamphetamine Lab To Huxley Area - November 20, 2009
Submitted by Chief of Police Jim Albers

On Wednesday November 18, 2009 The Center Police Department’s Narcotics Division tracked a Methamphetamines Lab to the Huxley area in Shelbyville Texas. The items used to manufacture Methamphetamines were purchased locally here in Center. Constable Shad Sparks of Pct. 2 was notified and assisted in the capture of the two individuals. The Police Department had been involved in an undercover narcotics operation involving Mark Wayne Martin Jr. W/M DOB 03-08-1982 of Center for several months. Martin had the certain chemicals used in the process of manufacturing Methamphetamines in his vehicle. Mark Martin and John Mayhaw W/M DOB 10-15-1968 were taken into custody. Several Charges are pending in this case. We would also like to thank Constable Billy Hearnsberger Pct.3 for his assistance as well. TNT would like to remind the drug Dealers that we are here to stay…. And that You’re Next!!!!

Mark W. Martin Jr. ----------------------John Mayhaw

Tommy Morrison Baseball Field Ground Breaking - Novmeber 20, 2009
Photo by JoLynn Fountain, Press Release from Center Youth Baseball

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 4pm at The City of Center Boy's Baseball Park for the new 13-14 year old Baseball field.

Construction has begun and completion is expected by the start of the 2010 baseball season. Construction of this field will complete the boys baseball complex for playing fields.

Funding for the new field is a Co-operative effort of the City of Center, Center Youth Baseball, Center Noon Lions Club, Center Rotary Club, gifts from individuals in Center and a very generous gift from the family of the late Tommy Morrison.

The new field will be named in honor of Tommy Morrison who passed away in May 2008.

The successful baseball program today got it's beginning in 1954, thru the efforts of a few dedicated "Dads" that saw the need for local organized baseball. Several men got together and met in the home of Gene Scherzer. All of those in attendance agreed that this was needed to give the youth of the community something in participate in. Tommy Morrison, Bob Fairchild and Bob Clifford took the lead in organizing Center Little League under the by-laws, rules and organizational structure of Little League. The entire community got behind the project and supported it from day one. Many men and women contributed to the fundraising, coaching and working with the kids to start the program. However, Tommy Morrison, Bob Fairchild and Bob Clifford were in charge of the nuts and bolts operation and they continued to work in that capacity for over 20 years. Long after their kids were out of the program. Their consistent hard work helped to build Center Youth Baseball. At that time they passed the leadership onto a new generation of volunteers.

From that beginning in 1954, today Zack, the great grandson of Tommy Morrison is an active participant in the program. Sons and daughters of the past have grown up to be Coaches and supporters.

Over the past 56 years thousands of boys and girls have participated in Center Youth Baseball. Baseball is the same, the equipment has changed and improved, but the volunteers that keep the system running continue to support Center Baseball.

On this day, Center Youth baseball and all players past and present salute and thank the family of Tommy Morrison for his generous help and support of the youth of Shelby County. We look forward to opening day and seeing the family throw out the first pitch on Tommy Morrison Field.

Anyone wanting to make a donation to Center Youth Baseball or Tommy Morrison Field please contact Jason Mitchel or Bob Reeves.

Joaquin’s Public Hearing is a Success - November 20, 2009
By Mona Brandt

After the Public Hearing concerning the tax abatement for two areas in the city limits of Joaquin, last night, the Council Met and voted to except this proposal.
The first of the abatements is the land located between the Word of Faith Church and B&B Storage.

This land has been purchased by Starview Hotels, Inc, a Texas owned Corporation. This will be a 40 unit or more Hotel/Motel venture.
The second parcel of land is located just west of the new Dollar General store that is being built now.

Robin Crawford of Timpson is the owner of this land. She intends to build a truck stop and there will also be a What-a-Burger included.

The Council voted unanimously of both projects.

Newly Instituted Ladies Auxiliary for VFW Post 8904 - November 19, 2009
Composed by J.J. Ford

On Tuesday, November 17, 2009 the newly formed Ladies Auxiliary for VFW Post 8904 held their first meeting. The Ladies Auxiliary was instituted on November 11, 2009 at the Veterans Day Program which was held at the SC Historic Courthouse. Officers were also installed the same day by Bobbye Burroughs, Past District 19 President. Officers for the LAVFW Post 8904 are:

President - Rachel Campbell
Sr. Vice - Becky Yates
Jr. Vice/ Trustee - Charlotte Allen
Treasurer/ Historian - Theresa Hume
Secretary - Colleen Doggett
Chaplain - Dot Golding
Conductress - Mary Fausett
Guard - Connie Spann
Patriotic Instructor / Trustees - Barbara Hughes
Trustee - Sharon Windham

Charter members for the Ladies Auxiliary are: Mary Ann Adams, Charlotte Allen, Gabrielle Arndt, LaJuan Baugh, Rachel Campbell, Colleen Doggett, Mary Fausett, Dot Golding, Barbara Hughes, Kimber Hughes, Theresa Hume, Lesly Johnson, Tanya Johnson, Helen Kaluza, Beverly Langford, Becky Maidic, Betty R. McDonald, Marion McKey, Christine Mills, Jamye Piersol, Priscilla Pipes, Pamela Reid-Brady, Margaret Robertson, Connie Spann, Sharon Windham, Becky Yates.

Prior to the start of the meeting, Commander, John Piersol was the guest speaker. The December meeting is scheduled for December 8th.

Optimist Club Youth Appreciation Banquet Postponed - November 19, 2009
Submitted by Veronica Berry

The Youth Appreciation Banquet scheduled for Saturday, November 21st @ 6:00pm at the Center Middle School Cafeteria has been postponed due to the area schools football playoffs. The schools, nominated students and their parents will be notified when a new date is set.

Center ISD Teacher Dies in Early Morning Accident - November 18, 2009
Composed by J.J. Ford

According to a DPS accident report, a wreck occurred November 18, 2009 at 7:32 am involving Roy Ferrell Russell, 68 of Center on St Hwy 7 West, .6 miles west of mile post 766.

Russell was driving a 2008 Isuzu Pickup and was traveling east bound when it left the roadway and struck several trees. The vehicle rolled over several times and the driver was ejected. He was transported by Ambulance to Shelby Regional Hospital and was pronounced dead.

The wreck was worked by Trooper Robert Scales.

Mr Russell was a Math teacher at Center ISD Middle School and High School.

Roughrider Pre-Sale Playoff Tickets Available - November 17, 2009
Submitted by Retena Harrison

Tickets for the Center High School Round 2 playoff game against the Lorena Leopards will go on sale Wednesday, November 18 in the high school office.

Pre sale tickets will be $5 Adults; $3 Students. All tickets will be $6 at the game. Directions to Bowers Stadium at Sam Houston State Univ. in Huntsville can be found on the CHS website.

GO RIDERS!!!!!!

Retena

All commissioners and county judge were on hand for the regularly scheduled meeting for Monday, November 9th. This meeting turned out to be shorter than usual.

Before the items on the agenda were presented, Judge Campbell gave a short statement to say that as of this meeting, comments from the audience would not be allowed unless previously asked to be put on the agenda to do so. He went on to say that he would be checking to see if it was acceptable for audience to take statements and questions in a short session before each court meeting begins.

Notable results for the items presented at this meeting were:

Board members Bill Walton and Doyle Carter were Approved as representatives to the SC Appraisal District.

County Attorney, Gary Rholes, gave a presentation to explain that a new state law is mandating that each county create and set up a Local Data Advisory Board as described in Section 60.09 and 60.10 in the Code of Criminal Procedures. This board must come up with a plan to see that the county disposes of at least 90% of their cases on file. The board and plan must be in place by June 2010, and if not set up and goals met; funding could be affected. Rholes went on to say that, at present, our county has an approximately 80% disposal record for county cases. Those names presented to make up the board were County Attorney, Rholes and his court assistant, Kim Causey; County Clerk, Allison Harbison and her assistant, Jennifer Fountain; District Clerk Lori Oliver and assistant, Marlena Hernandez; District Attorney, Lynda K. Russell and Chief Deputy, Mike Tollett with the SC Sheriff’s Department. This was Approved.

They Approved that a Proclamation be made to declare November as Home Care and Hospice Month.

Robert Davis with Flowers Davis Law Firm, scheduled to discuss pending litigation, was not at the meeting because the matter up for discussion should be presented in Executive Session. This will be scheduled for another meeting.

It was Approved to appoint the County Judge and County Auditor as signatories for the 2008 Supplemental Disaster Recovery Fund grant award related to Hurricane Ike and also, Approved for Precinct 3 to buy two 2) new or used 18-wheeler trucks and possibly sell or trade two (2) older trucks. It was also Approved to make CR 2053 into a private road (as asked for in the last meeting.)

It was Approved for Thomas, Hunter and Company, LLP, Inc to continue to conduct the yearly county audit. They remained the lower bidder of two submitted at $23,500.

It was Approved for Commissioner of Pct 1, Roscoe McSwain, to place “No Thru Trucks” signs on CR 1470 and CR 1510. These roads are off FM 138 and are used for saltwater trucks to cut across to Hwy 7. McSwain stated that there is another road they can use but he would rather they use the State Highways for travel. It was also Approved to go out for bids for gravel, tires, fuel and custodial services for the county.

The item that was discussed at the most length was: Whether to accept or reject bids for a Disaster Recovery Fund. The only company to turn in a bid for this service (debris removal) was Bronco Disaster Relief. Company representative, Larry Horn, was on hand to, once again, stated why he thinks the county needs a pre-plan ready for clean-up when a hurricane or other disaster takes place. He stated that his company could be ready to help in planning and coordination with the county commissioners, that the company would work with the commissioners and wait for them to give the go-ahead to get started and re-imbursement would come from FEMA. After much discussion and consideration, the commissioners did not make a motion on this item at this time.

There were no items to consider in Executive Session and the meeting was adjourned.