According to a Center Police Department release, on Wednesday, May 19th, Maurice Richard, a Postal Carrier for the U.S. Post Office was arrested and charged with credit card abuse. This arrest was the result of a joint investigation through the Center Police Department, the U. S. Post Office, and the Office of Inspector General.
The investigation was initiated after a citizen reported a gift card that was mailed to her had been stolen. The victim stated that she never received the gift card, and after a call to the issuing company she found that the card had been used in Center.
Detective Faulkner of the Center Police Department investigated the case and was able to obtain evidence that the card was used by postal employee Maurice Richard. Detective Faulkner informed the USPS of the incident and received their full cooperation and assistance in the case. Federal Charges may be filed pending the outcome of the investigation from the Office of Inspector General.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce announces that Devon Energy has established a corporate sponsorship of the Junior Chamber of Commerce to further enhance the program for grades 8th thru 12th for Shelby County schools.

The Junior Chamber of Commerce was established in 1996 with 30 students and the program has grown to include 234 students in 2010. Students must have an 85 or higher GPA to make an annual application and agree to volunteer community service hours. As a junior in high school with two years prior service, a student may apply to become a Young Ambassador.

Devon Energy believes in building for the future by investing in youth and education. Devon will be the presenting sponsor for the Junior Chamber Leadership Conference to be held twice each year and the Leaders of Tomorrow program. Young Ambassadors entering the 11th grade will have the opportunity to make application to enter into a study of Shelby County with focus on history, health care, county government, agriculture, economic development and quality of life. Students will also receive leadership enrichment training.

“The Chamber welcomes Devon Energy as they partner to enrich one of the important programs of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce,” commented Chamber President, Stephen Shires. Harold Hawkins of Devon Energy addressed the students at the Soaring to Success Conference recently.

Devon Energy is one of the nation’s largest independent natural gas and oil producers, as well as the largest natural gas producer in Texas. Devon’s roots can be traced deep in the heart of Texas, where they have operated for almost four decades. In Texas, Devon owns leases in 208 counties, has more than 3.2 million gross acres under lease and owns and operates more than 3,900 miles of pipeline. In east Texas, Devon produces natural gas from the Cotton Valley, Travis Peak, Pettit and Bossier formations.

Devon’s long-standing presence in east Texas has allowed them to build a significant lease position in the Haynesville Shale, an emerging shale play that shows promise as a major new source of natural gas for the nation.

Devon is proud of the tremendous economic impact its activity has had on the state; however, the company is conscious of the responsibilities that come with developing the state's natural gas and oil resources. That is why Devon continues to focus on its commitment to being a good neighbor and always doing the right thing -- qualities that are the foundation of the company’s corporate values and beliefs.

Coach Ray Mena, who coached at Timpson from 1969 until 1977, will be speaking at the Timpson High School Athletic Banquet on Thursday, May 27th at 6:00 p. m. at the First Baptist Church, Timpson. Mena coached junior high football, was assistant football coach, and served as head track coach at Timpson until he moved to coach at Texas High in Texarkana, Texas.
Coach Mena was a very successful track coach at Timpson; his 1973 team placed 3rd at State and his 1974 team won the state meet. He then moved on to a very successful career at Texas High in Texarkana, Texas. His 1982 track team was runner-up at the 5A state track meet. He semi-retired in 2002 but continued part-time at Texas High.

I see that the good citizens of Tenaha have re-elected their as-yet-unindicted mayor. Last week in the Tenaha city elections George N. Bowers garnered 126 votes to defeat Marie Crawford.  Crawford could only scrounge up 66 votes.  You gotta wonder, what the hell is wrong with Crawford? Does she have a second head growing out of her shoulder?
It's a mystery to me. The good people of Tenaha (and there are plenty of good people in Tenaha) had a chance to toss Bowers out on his butt and yet they decided to keep him on the job. Go figure.