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Dragging a boat behind a tow vehicle can reduce fuel economy as much as 30 percent, possibly more. Anglers can increase fuel economy by mak- ing sure the tires on a trailer are int ated properly and that the tow package is in balance with the vehicle.

Dragging a boat behind a tow vehicle can reduce fuel economy as much as 30 percent, possibly more. Anglers can increase fuel economy by mak- ing sure the tires on a trailer are int ated properly and that the tow package is in balance with the vehicle.

LET IT ROLL

Matt Williams Outdoors Writer
Thursday, April 23, 2026
An Abe Lincoln won’t get you near as far down the road as it used to. With the average price of unleaded nudging $3.78 per gallon in Texas, and diesel nearing $5.40, many folks are looking for ways to get more bang for their buck.

Hurry Up and Wait

Josh Crawford Pastor Pleasant Grove Mbc
Thursday, April 23, 2026
I want to talk to you about Mary Magdalene, who did a lot of waiting. You see, we are always in a rush to get things done, only to find that when we reach our destination, we have to wait.As a kid, did you ever get a toy and get excited, only to find out that Santa forgot to bring batteries for it?

Church Calendar

News Staff
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Whenever your church has a revival, VBS, anniversary or any other special upcoming event submit it to the Light and Champion Church Calendar to help get the word out. Submit your event by 12 p.m. on Tuesday and we will post it in that week’s edition of the Light and Champion.

Grill Fest 2026 set to kick off Friday evening

News Staff
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Cook teams from Texas and Louisiana will be competing for prize money this weekend at the Annual Grill Fest Presented by Farmers State Bank at the Windham Civic Center.Cooking starts Friday evening along with the 42 Tournament and Washer Pitching Tournament.
The Shelby County Commissioners Court considers the purchase of used in-car and body camera equipment from the Center Police Department. Chief Deputy Mike Hanson requested the move as a way to temporarily upgrade the sheriff’s of ceMs camera system. Lisa White | Light and Champion

The Shelby County Commissioners Court considers the purchase of used in-car and body camera equipment from the Center Police Department. Chief Deputy Mike Hanson requested the move as a way to temporarily upgrade the sheriff’s of ceMs camera system. Lisa White | Light and Champion

Court approves camera purchase, road closure

News Staff
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Purchasing some used camera equipment for the sheriff ’s office and closing a portion of a county road were the main agenda items at the Wednesday, April 15, special meeting of the Shelby County Commissioners court.
The Center City Council considers bids for a lighting project at the city’s civic center. The bid was awarded to Ludco, Inc., of Nacogdoches. Lisa White | Light and Champion

The Center City Council considers bids for a lighting project at the city’s civic center. The bid was awarded to Ludco, Inc., of Nacogdoches. Lisa White | Light and Champion

Council approves lighting, manhole upgrade projects

News Staff
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Projects for lighting at the city’s civic center and manhole rehabilitation topped the agenda at the April 13 meeting of the Center city council.Danny Hays, who is overseeing a lighting project at the John D.
Coach Hiram Harrison (left) was presented an award by CISD Superintendent Jake Henson at the April board meeting to commemorate his 40 years of service as an educator. David Danley | Light and Champion

Coach Hiram Harrison (left) was presented an award by CISD Superintendent Jake Henson at the April board meeting to commemorate his 40 years of service as an educator. David Danley | Light and Champion

Board considers bus seat belt law

News Staff
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Taking action on a new requirement concerning seat belts on school buses and approving the purchase of new Chromebooks for the district topped the agenda items at the April meeting of the Center ISD board of trustees.
Construction will begin soon to replace Center’s water treatment plant at Lake Pinkston. After 57 years of service, and needing repairs and updates, the facility is at the end of its feasible life. City of Center photo | Light and Champion

Construction will begin soon to replace Center’s water treatment plant at Lake Pinkston. After 57 years of service, and needing repairs and updates, the facility is at the end of its feasible life. City of Center photo | Light and Champion

Center water treatment plant receives EDA grant approval

News Staff
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Grant approval for construction of a new water treatment facility at Center’s Pinkston Reservoir has been received from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
The Fannie Brown Booth Library and the Friends of the Library will be having its book sale Tuesday, April 28, to Saturday, May 2, during the library’s regular hours. There will be hundreds of books of all kinds, including lots of children’s books, available. Hardback books are $1, paperback books are 50 cents, and children’s books are three for a dollar. Submitted | Light and Champion

The Fannie Brown Booth Library and the Friends of the Library will be having its book sale Tuesday, April 28, to Saturday, May 2, during the library’s regular hours. There will be hundreds of books of all kinds, including lots of children’s books, available. Hardback books are $1, paperback books are 50 cents, and children’s books are three for a dollar. Submitted | Light and Champion

Library plans spring book sale

News Staff
Thursday, April 16, 2026
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