News

The Center city council considers amending a lease agreement for a radio tower on Riggs St. Lisa White | Light and Champion

The Center city council considers amending a lease agreement for a radio tower on Riggs St. Lisa White | Light and Champion

Council approves lease amendment, disaster recovery grant application

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Approving a lease amendment and applying for a disaster recovery grant were the main action items at the March 23 meeting of the Center city council.The council has been working on obtaining a lease agreement for the use of a tower on Riggs St. for the purpose of upgrading the city’s radio system.

County continues to show strong sales tax revenues

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock reported that state sales tax revenue totaled $4 billion in March, 10 percent more than in March 2025. The majority of March sales tax revenue is based on sales made in February and remitted to the agency in March.
Dr. Terry Everitt, Timpson ISD Superintendent, informs the board of the procedure for canceling voting for the unexpired term on the board in the upcoming May 2 election, as only one candidate had filed for the position. David Danley | Light and Champion

Dr. Terry Everitt, Timpson ISD Superintendent, informs the board of the procedure for canceling voting for the unexpired term on the board in the upcoming May 2 election, as only one candidate had filed for the position. David Danley | Light and Champion

Voting cancelled, waivers sought by Timpson board

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Canceling a portion of the upcoming school board election and seeking waivers for missed school days because of bad weather topped the agenda at the March meeting of the Timpson ISD board.
Beautiful plants like Phlox ‘Janet’s Purple’ will be available at the Garden Gala Day plant Sale. Submitted | Light and Champion

Beautiful plants like Phlox ‘Janet’s Purple’ will be available at the Garden Gala Day plant Sale. Submitted | Light and Champion

SFA Gardens to host annual spring plant sale

News Staff
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host its annual Garden Gala Day Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11 at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St.
Members of the Student Council at Center High School, under the direction of Melba Gillis, have collected for those in need in Shelby County. They will compete their 9th year of supporting The Empty Stocking Fund 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, December 11, at Wal-Mart in Center where the will collect funds. Pictured from back row left, Adam Kimbro, Laura Chandler, Zemansky Moore, Crystal McCollister; front row from left, Ashley Holder, Terri Draper, Derrick Smith, LaTara Nash.

Members of the Student Council at Center High School, under the direction of Melba Gillis, have collected for those in need in Shelby County. They will compete their 9th year of supporting The Empty Stocking Fund 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, December 11, at Wal-Mart in Center where the will collect funds. Pictured from back row left, Adam Kimbro, Laura Chandler, Zemansky Moore, Crystal McCollister; front row from left, Ashley Holder, Terri Draper, Derrick Smith, LaTara Nash.

PICTURE FROM OUR PAST

News Staff
Thursday, April 2, 2026
From the Tuesday, December 7, 1999 issue of the Light and Champion
A Story Worth Telling

A Story Worth Telling

A Story Worth Telling

Leon Aldridge Community Columnist
Thursday, April 2, 2026
“It’s a small town, son. And the news travels quicker than wheels.”—”Talking at the Texaco” song lyrics by James Mc-Murtry.Driving west for an Abilene wedding 20 years ago, I did something that still brings me joy: taking impromptu detours off the designated route. Sometimes to satisfy curiosity.
Legislative summit to be held at SFA, SNAP changes April 1

Legislative summit to be held at SFA, SNAP changes April 1

Legislative summit to be held at SFA, SNAP changes April 1

News Staff
Thursday, April 2, 2026
This month marked the 175th birthday of Governor Jim Hogg, the first native-born Governor of Texas and a proud East Texan. Governor Hogg was born near Rusk and spent much of his life advocating for the people of this region.
50 Years Ago in Shelby County

50 Years Ago in Shelby County

50 Years Ago in Shelby County

David Danley Editor
Thursday, April 2, 2026
That’s just what I’ve been looking for!In her Wednesday, March 31, 1976, Wise & Otherwise column Mattie Dellinger related the story of a man who learned to be content where he was.

Calendar

News Staff
Thursday, April 2, 2026
April 2• NA/AA—We can help. Meetings: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church.• The Shelby County historical courthouse is open for tours Thursdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.For general questions, call the Chamber of Commerce at 936-5983682.
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