News

The Center Fire Department responded to a house fire on Santa Fe Street in Center shortly before noon Monday morning. The fire appeared to be confined to the attic area near one end of the home. Firefighters were able to quickly contain the blaze and bring it under control. They were assisted at the scene by CPD and DPS officers. David Danley | Light and Champion

The Center Fire Department responded to a house fire on Santa Fe Street in Center shortly before noon Monday morning. The fire appeared to be confined to the attic area near one end of the home. Firefighters were able to quickly contain the blaze and bring it under control. They were assisted at the scene by CPD and DPS officers. David Danley | Light and Champion

Center fire department fights blaze

News Staff
Thursday, February 5, 2026
The Center Fire Department responded to a house fire on Santa Fe Street in Center shortly before noon Monday morning. The fire appeared to be confined to the attic area near one end of the home. Firefighters were able to quickly contain the blaze and bring it under control.
Charlotte Trux, 4th grader at Shelbyville Elementary, and her Akaushi heifer Starburst won Grand Champion Junior Showman and Grand Champion Fullblood Red Wagyu Female at Cattleman’s Congress in Oklahoma City, OK, in January 2026. Charlotte is active with Shelbyville FFA and Shelby County 4H. Starburst was bred by Pearl Wagyu in Center. Submitted | Light and Champion

Charlotte Trux, 4th grader at Shelbyville Elementary, and her Akaushi heifer Starburst won Grand Champion Junior Showman and Grand Champion Fullblood Red Wagyu Female at Cattleman’s Congress in Oklahoma City, OK, in January 2026. Charlotte is active with Shelbyville FFA and Shelby County 4H. Starburst was bred by Pearl Wagyu in Center. Submitted | Light and Champion

Trux takes Grand Champion honors

News Staff
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Charlotte Trux, 4th grader at Shelbyville Elementary, and her Akaushi heifer Starburst won Grand Champion Junior Showman and Grand Champion Fullblood Red Wagyu Female at Cattleman’s Congress in Oklahoma City, OK, in January 2026. Charlotte is active with Shelbyville FFA and Shelby County 4H.
Former police chief Jake Metcalf addresses the Tenaha city council during its February meeting held on Monday. Metcalf expressed his concerns about spending by city officials. David Danley | Light and Champion

Former police chief Jake Metcalf addresses the Tenaha city council during its February meeting held on Monday. Metcalf expressed his concerns about spending by city officials. David Danley | Light and Champion

City spending called into question

News Staff
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Hearing public comments, calling an election and awarding a bid for a water tank rehabilitation topped the agenda items at the regular meeting of the Tenaha city council held Monday, Feb. 2.
CHS principal Heath Hagler, on behalf of the other district principals and staff, recognizes the CISD Board of Trustees in honor of School Board Recognition Month. Zack Clark | Light and Champion

CHS principal Heath Hagler, on behalf of the other district principals and staff, recognizes the CISD Board of Trustees in honor of School Board Recognition Month. Zack Clark | Light and Champion

Board hears audit, financial reports

News Staff
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Receiving the district’s audit report, approving a telecommunications contract and hearing the district’s financial report were the highlights of the monthly meeting of the Center ISD board of trustees held on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
Alease Copelin visited the Timpson city council at it January meeting to petition the council to declare 2026 the Year of the Volunteer. Zack Clark | Light and Champion

Alease Copelin visited the Timpson city council at it January meeting to petition the council to declare 2026 the Year of the Volunteer. Zack Clark | Light and Champion

Council calls May election, declares Year of Volunteer

News Staff
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Calling a May election, declaring 2026 the Year of the Volunteer and hearing updates on Timpson VFD grants were the main items on the agenda at the Timpson city council meeting held on Tuesday, Jan. 2026.
Joaquin Elementary achieves UIL honors

Joaquin Elementary achieves UIL honors

Joaquin Elementary achieves UIL honors

News Staff
Thursday, January 29, 2026
On Jan. 13, Joaquin Elementary students visited Stephen F. Austin State University and competed in Academic UIL competitions. Joaquin Elementary earned second place. The student and team results are as follows. Congratulations to all of our students and coaches.
Members of the Tenaha Tiger and Lady Tiger golf teams headed to region are (front, left) Deanne Swint, Michelle Looney, Susie Crawford and Janelle Looney; (back, left) Amy Agnew, Chad Christian, Chad Sherrod, Joey Latham and Bronson Holmes. The girls took the district championship, while the boys placed second. Tenaha will play at region April 26 &27 in Longview. (Staff photo by Tracy Broadway)

Members of the Tenaha Tiger and Lady Tiger golf teams headed to region are (front, left) Deanne Swint, Michelle Looney, Susie Crawford and Janelle Looney; (back, left) Amy Agnew, Chad Christian, Chad Sherrod, Joey Latham and Bronson Holmes. The girls took the district championship, while the boys placed second. Tenaha will play at region April 26 &27 in Longview. (Staff photo by Tracy Broadway)

PICTURE FROM OUR PAST

News Staff
Thursday, January 29, 2026
PICTURE FROM OUR PAST
Make it the journey and the destination

Make it the journey and the destination

Make it the journey and the destination

Leon Aldridge Community Columnist
Thursday, January 29, 2026
“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”— Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American writer, poet, philosopher, and lecturer.While putting these words together Saturday, I was keeping an eye on the weather. Admiring nature’s icy artwork.
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