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MLK Day was celebrated by local residents on Monday with a march originating on the Center square. The march was followed by a service at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church featuring Minister Desmond Jackson of Mount Horeb Baptist Church of San Augustine as the keynote speaker. David Danley | Light and Champion

MLK Day was celebrated by local residents on Monday with a march originating on the Center square. The march was followed by a service at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church featuring Minister Desmond Jackson of Mount Horeb Baptist Church of San Augustine as the keynote speaker. David Danley | Light and Champion

MLK Day celebrated with march

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
MLK Day was celebrated by local residents on Monday with a march originating on the Center square. The march was followed by a service at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church featuring Minister Desmond Jackson of Mount Horeb Baptist Church of San Augustine as the keynote speaker.
District Clerk Dee Dee Green informs the Shelby County commissioners court of updates she has been implementing in her office since taking over last year.

District Clerk Dee Dee Green informs the Shelby County commissioners court of updates she has been implementing in her office since taking over last year.

Year of the Volunteer proclaimed; DA, clerk update court

Zack Clark News@lightandchampion.com The Light And
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Proclaiming 2026 the Year of the Volunteer, hearing an address from District Attorney Karren Price, and approving the removal of trees near the courthouse were the main items of the regular commissioners’ court meeting held on Wednesday, Jan. 14th.
Joaquin High School teacher, Heaven Umbrell recently received her VFW Post 8904 Teacher of the Year award for 2025-2026. On Monday, Jan. 12, Post Commander Derrick Roberts (right) presented Umbrell with a framed certificate and a check for $200. Also on hand was Joaquin High School Principal Jonathan Jones. Submitted | Light and Champion

Joaquin High School teacher, Heaven Umbrell recently received her VFW Post 8904 Teacher of the Year award for 2025-2026. On Monday, Jan. 12, Post Commander Derrick Roberts (right) presented Umbrell with a framed certificate and a check for $200. Also on hand was Joaquin High School Principal Jonathan Jones. Submitted | Light and Champion

Umbrell named VFW Teacher of Year

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
50 Years Ago in Shelby County

50 Years Ago in Shelby County

50 Years Ago in Shelby County

Zack Clark Journalist
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Sam WeaverIn Mattie Dellinger’s Box 744 column in the Jan. 14, 1976, Champion paper, she provides information on one of Shelby County’s most notable historical figures, Samuel W. Weaver.Sam was born in Tennessee and arrived in Shelby County around 1856 and married Virginia Woolwine in 1867.
Democratic gubernatorial candidates set to face off

Democratic gubernatorial candidates set to face off

Democratic gubernatorial candidates set to face off

Gary Borders Texas Press Assoc.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Democrats Talarico, Crockett set first debate The first debate in the state’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate is set for Jan. 24 in Georgetown, The Dallas Morning News reported. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and state Rep. James Talarico of Round Rock are vying for the nomination.
Was I going upstairs or downstairs?

Was I going upstairs or downstairs?

Was I going upstairs or downstairs?

Terri Lacher Community Columnist
Thursday, January 15, 2026
You’ve probably guessed it. This article is about something each of us over 50 begin to face daily. That makes me laugh, because I am facing a very significant birthday this week. Not complaining, because the alternative is not an option. I was surprised it got here so soon.Aging is not for sissies.
Winning UIL awards in recent competition were Tenaha Elementary School students (front, from left) Adam Reimer, fourth place, and Jesse Basham, first place in creative writing for second grade; and (back, from left) Brent Barton,Amber Bownds, Christina Martinez and Andrew King, all members of the first place-winning picture memory team: Jeff Kirkwood, third place in maps, graphs and charts; and Stephanie Glynn, fifth place in dictionary skills.

Winning UIL awards in recent competition were Tenaha Elementary School students (front, from left) Adam Reimer, fourth place, and Jesse Basham, first place in creative writing for second grade; and (back, from left) Brent Barton,Amber Bownds, Christina Martinez and Andrew King, all members of the first place-winning picture memory team: Jeff Kirkwood, third place in maps, graphs and charts; and Stephanie Glynn, fifth place in dictionary skills.

PICTURE FROM OUR PAST

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
From the Tuesday, May 10, 1994 issue of the Light and Champion
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