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Tucker Sepaugh, 11, reeled in this massive 73-pound flathead catfish on March 19 at Lake Tyler while guided by forward-facing sonar expert William Oliver (right) of Chandler. The fat cat would have been a new state record for junior anglers under 17 had the youth not gotten some badly-needed help while fighting the fish. Photos courtesy Aaron Sepaugh

Tucker Sepaugh, 11, reeled in this massive 73-pound flathead catfish on March 19 at Lake Tyler while guided by forward-facing sonar expert William Oliver (right) of Chandler. The fat cat would have been a new state record for junior anglers under 17 had the youth not gotten some badly-needed help while fighting the fish. Photos courtesy Aaron Sepaugh

RECORD THAT ALMOST WAS

Matt Williams Outdoors Writer
Thursday, April 9, 2026
William Oliver of Chandler was up to his old tricks again on the morning of March 19.It didn’t take long for the Lake Palestine/Lake Tyler fishing guide to steer Tucker Sepaugh of Belton to the fishing treat of his life. It was about 8 a.m.
Lawrence Lee of Tolar displays the three Toyota Legacy Lunkers he caught from Lake J.B. Thomas during March. Lee is the first angler in the 40-year history of the program to turn in three Legacy Lunkers during the same collection season. He is also the first to catch two on the same day. TPWD Photos

Lawrence Lee of Tolar displays the three Toyota Legacy Lunkers he caught from Lake J.B. Thomas during March. Lee is the first angler in the 40-year history of the program to turn in three Legacy Lunkers during the same collection season. He is also the first to catch two on the same day. TPWD Photos

Lee makes history with trio of 13 pound Legacy Lunkers in same collection season

Matt Williams Outdoors Writer
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Texas big bass specialist Lawrence Lee of Tolar made history twice in March when he reeled in three Toyota Legacy Lunkers during the same collection season, which runs Jan. 1 - March 31. Two of the fish, a 13.10 pounder and a 13.57 pounder — were caught the same day, March 23. Lee also caught a 13.
Cars fill the parking spaces around the Rio Theatre in Center last Thursday night as numerous county residents took advantage of the opportunity to view the King of Kings animated movie sponsored by First Baptist Church of Center. David Danley | Light and Champion

Cars fill the parking spaces around the Rio Theatre in Center last Thursday night as numerous county residents took advantage of the opportunity to view the King of Kings animated movie sponsored by First Baptist Church of Center. David Danley | Light and Champion

King of Kings plays to packed house

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Cars fill the parking spaces around the Rio Theatre in Center last Thursday night as numerous county residents took advantage of the opportunity to view the King of Kings animated movie sponsored by First Baptist Church of Center.

Those Revealing Little Habits of Ours

Sis. Deborah Mayo Center First Upc
Thursday, April 9, 2026
The setting for Matthew Chapter 6 finds Jesus continuing to teach His disciples in what is commonly referred to as “The Sermon on the Mount’. In Chapter 5, He had unveiled the beloved Beatitudes and He continues the sermon in Chapter 6 with instructions on how and where to pray.

We are “Forever” on God’s mind

Frank Jousan First Fbc
Thursday, April 9, 2026
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone.

Church Calendar

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Whenever your church has a revival, VBS, anniversary or any other special upcoming event submit it to the Light and Champion Church Calendar to help get the word out. Submit your event by 12 p.m. on Tuesday and we will post it in that week’s edition of the Light and Champion.
Center HS UIL team excels at district meet

Center HS UIL team excels at district meet

Center HS UIL team excels at district meet

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Center High School saw great success at the UIL Academic District Meet on Friday, March 27. Individual top three finishers and members of first place teams will advance to the Regional Meet at Stephen F. Austin State University on April 25.
This is the view that will greet drivers as they approach the Center square from Tenaha St for the next few weeks. Drivers approaching from Shelbyville St. will have a similar view as work on Shelbyville St. on the square takes place. The work is expected to continue through early May. Drivers are urged to use caution and to detour around the downtown area as much as possible while the project is underway. David Danley | Light and Champion

This is the view that will greet drivers as they approach the Center square from Tenaha St for the next few weeks. Drivers approaching from Shelbyville St. will have a similar view as work on Shelbyville St. on the square takes place. The work is expected to continue through early May. Drivers are urged to use caution and to detour around the downtown area as much as possible while the project is underway. David Danley | Light and Champion

Upgrades to Center square underway

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
This is the view that will greet drivers as they approach the Center square from Tenaha St for the next few weeks. Drivers approaching from Shelbyville St. will have a similar view as work on Shelbyville St. on the square takes place. The work is expected to continue through early May.
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