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News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
January 202615 • NA/AA—We can help. Meetings: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St.John’s Episcopal Church. 17 • Piney Woods Photographic Society meets 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.First United Methodist Church fellowship hall.• James Antioch Community meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m.
Lout, Darrin

Lout, Darrin

Shelby County Jail Log

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
While the individuals listed have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses, by law, they are innocent until proven guilty. These listings are obtained from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and are a matter of public record.
TFFC hatchery manager Donovan Patterson works with a Toyota Legacy Lunker at the program headquarters in Athens. TPWD Photo

TFFC hatchery manager Donovan Patterson works with a Toyota Legacy Lunker at the program headquarters in Athens. TPWD Photo

Toyota ShareLunker enters 40th season, experts offer predictions on top lakes

Matt Williams Outdoors Writer
Thursday, January 15, 2026
January 1 marked the beginning of another New Year and the start of another Toyota ShareLunker Legacy Lunker collection season.Legacy Lunkers are Texas- caught female largemouth bass weighing 13 pounds or more that are reeled in between Jan.

Here’s your reminder

Frank Jousan Deacon Of Fbc
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Reminder! John 13:4-5-“So He (Jesus) got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel He had around Him.”Do you ever need a “reminder” to help you remember something?

What’s a soul to do?

Pastor Kirk And Deborah Mayo Center First
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Weights aren’t necessarily sins but nonetheless are ‘things’ or attitudes that attach themselves to us, sometimes in subtle and unsuspecting ways. At first, we may not even realize the heaviness is there, and by the time we do, it’s not only attached to us, but we’ve become attached to it!

Your News

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
The North & East Texas Press Association, in conjunction with the Texas Press Association, will once again award two $1,500 scholarships to eligible candidates at its April 9-11, 2026 convention held in Pilot Point.
The Joaquin Rams became the latest Shelby County team to play in a state football championship game, joining the Tenaha Tigers and Timpson Bears. Although the Rams’ bid for the championship fell short, they achieved heights never before reached by a Joaquin team, even surpassing last year’s team’s accomplishments. See the special section in today’s paper for a final salute to the 2025 Joaquin Rams. Kelsi Wood JHS | Light and Champion

The Joaquin Rams became the latest Shelby County team to play in a state football championship game, joining the Tenaha Tigers and Timpson Bears. Although the Rams’ bid for the championship fell short, they achieved heights never before reached by a Joaquin team, even surpassing last year’s team’s accomplishments. See the special section in today’s paper for a final salute to the 2025 Joaquin Rams. Kelsi Wood JHS | Light and Champion

To The End Of The Line

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Center ISD Superintendent Jake Henson (left) welcomes Jack Alvaraez (right) to the district as its new Athletic Director/Head Football Coach. Also joining the CHS athletic staff will be Brandon Alvarez as Asst. Athletic Director. Submitted | Light and Champion

Center ISD Superintendent Jake Henson (left) welcomes Jack Alvaraez (right) to the district as its new Athletic Director/Head Football Coach. Also joining the CHS athletic staff will be Brandon Alvarez as Asst. Athletic Director. Submitted | Light and Champion

New Center ISD AD Alvarez brings long history of success

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Center ISD is proud to announce the hiring of Coach Jack Alvarez as the district’s new Athletic Director/Head Football Coach. Coach Alvarez brings decades of experience in Texas high school athletics and a proven track record of leadership, program development, and competitive success.
Mayor David Chadwick (right) presents Alease Copelin with a proclamation declaring 2026 the Year of the Volunteer while council member Howell Howard looks on at this week’s Center city council meeting. Zack Clark | Light and Champion

Mayor David Chadwick (right) presents Alease Copelin with a proclamation declaring 2026 the Year of the Volunteer while council member Howell Howard looks on at this week’s Center city council meeting. Zack Clark | Light and Champion

Council recognizes volunteers, denies SWEPCO rate increase

Zack Clark News@lightandchampion.com
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Approving the purchase of two grass trucks and related equipment, approving contract services for the vacant city attorney position and proclaiming 2026 as the Year of the Volunteer were the main items of the Center city council meeting held on Monday, Jan. 12.
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