Garden Club shares holiday cheer with Focused Care

The month of December saw Merry Carnes, in keeping with Center Garden Club’s goal of sharing Nature’s beauty throughout the com munity, presented a lovely double red poinset tia to Focused Care Nursing Home.

Garden club celebrates Christmas tree tradition

Center Garden Club met for its December meeting in the home of Carolyn Bounds who served a holiday lunch and presented the program, “Trees for Christmas.” Carolyn shared her gumdrop tree, a festive holiday treat that can serve as a fun centerpiece.

50 Years Ago in Shelby County

Yet, more armed robberiesA new year meant more armed robberies for Shelby County. Both of the robberies were reported to have taken place on Jan. 2, 1976.Two men robbed Warren’s Store at Mt. Herman and robbed veteran storekeeper Jess Warren of approximately $100.

New year sees new laws, small business optimism

New laws taking effect in New YearA spate of new laws took effect on Jan. 1, The Dallas Morning News reported. Here’s a brief summary of the most notable new laws now in force:• County sheriff ’s offices are now required to cooperate with U.S.

Lighting up the night skies

“Shine bright like a firework in the darkest night.”“Firework” recorded by Katy PerryHoliday lights are the best. When colorful decorations delight, and fireworks illuminate the night.

PICTURE FROM OUR PAST

The 1991 Center High School band majorettes include Sommer Lee, Jennifer Cre lia, Toni Lawrence, Jacy Crawford, Nancy Wyatt (drum major), Natalie Morse (assistant drum major), Nicole Graves, and alternates Michelle Horton and Makesia Berry. Not pictured is Tammy Krauskopf.

Calendar

January 2026 8 • NA/AA—We can help. Meetings: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church.9 • Dehart Veterinary Services offered in Center at Goodwill Industries of East Texas, 1233 Tenaha St.12 • Center City Council meets at 5 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall.

County sees strong sales tax increases

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock said state sales tax revenue totaled $4.3 billion in December 2025, 5.7 percent more than in December 2024. The majority of December sales tax revenue is based on sales made in November and remitted to the agency in December.

Updated property tax information now available for Texas taxpayers

New and updated property tax information has just been compiled by Shelby County Appraisal District and is now available to assist taxpayers.