Due to conditions that have occurred recently in the water system which require a Boil Water Notice, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our public water system Haslam Water Supply, PWS ID 2100034 to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and for making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. The rescind notice will be issued in the same manner as this Boil Water Notice.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, you may contact City Hall at 936 269-3021. If any customer wishes to contact TCEQ, they may call 512-239-4691.

A Center man and a Shelby County Sheriff’s Department Investigator both escaped serious injury Wednesday night when the man’s home was destroyed by fire. The Center Fire Department responded to the call, located in the 18-hundred block of CR 3754 (Old Airport Road) just after 7 o’clock.

According to Center Volunteer Fire Dept. Chief Rodney Matthews, they received a page when enroute that someone may still be inside the burning structure. Matthews said Sheriff’s Dept. Investigator Christopher King fought off the blaze and smoke, and was able to locate the homeowner, Elpidio Hernandez.

Matthews added King and Hernandez exited the structure just before the front porch area was engulfed in flames. Both men inhaled a lot of smoke, but are reported to be OK, as they were treated at the scene by ACE EMS. Center Fireman were on the scene of the fire for over 3 hours, as several others buildings were attached to the mobile home, which hampered efforts to extinguish the blaze. Chief Matthews said the exact cause of the fire is unknown.

By the way, we’re forecast to have another windy day, the Center Fire Department and other area firemen urge you to please burn with caution if you’re outside burning debris. The grass is dead, and coupled with the wind it’s a bad combination for a fire getting out of control. Have a good water supply available and keep a good watch out.

We told you recently that Panola College had unveiled its new construction projects for the Carthage campus to the college’s board, now the public will have an opportunity to see the plans in person. You’re invited to the event in Carthage, at 10 a.m., Thursday, February 6 in the M.P. Baker Library.  The design of the exterior of each building, as well as the floor plan for the two new buildings on campus will be presented by Panola President Dr. Greg Powell. A new Student Life Center; a new 76-thousand sq. ft. science and health science building, and other renovation are part of the plans. You’re invited to join Panola College in celebrating a proud history with the first bond election money spent for construction since 1948.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 85-year old Preston Hickman of Galloway. Service will be at 10 this morning at Old Home Cemetery in Joaquin. Preston Hickman is survived by a daughter, Yvette Good of Haslet; a son, John Hickman of The Woodlands; and brothers, Charles Hickman of Zavalla and E.W. Hickman of Magnolia, Ark.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of service for 60-year old Sherri Diane Hitt Stamper of Houston. Service will be at 1 today at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held two hours prior to service. Among Sherri Diane Hitt Stamper’s survivors is a brother, Stephen Hitt of Pearland; and four aunts, Ann Hitt of Center, Norma Lout of Center, Doris Magness of Magnolia and Jeanene Hart of Gilmer.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces the passing of 89-year old Leouis “Lil Momma” Byrd of Corsicana. Funeral service will be this morning in Corsicana, with burial at 3 p.m. this afternoon at Sardis Cemetery.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for Infant Kynleigh Michelle Fontenot. She passed away Tuesday in Ft. Worth. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 12:30 at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Among Infant Kynleigh Michelle Fontenot’s survivors are her parents, Ray and Kara Fontenot of Huxley; and a brother, Harvy Fontenot of Huxley.

Carroway Funeral Home of Lufkin announces funeral service for 74-year old Jerry D. Pinner of Allentown in Angelina County. He passed away Thursday at his residence. He was ordained in the United Pentecostal Church, and worked as a long-time dental tech. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 this evening at Carroway Funeral Home in Lufkin. Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel, with interment to follow in the Antioch Cemetery in Ratcliff, in Houston County. Among Jerry D. Pinner’s survivors are his wife, Joy Pinner of Allentown; a son, Ray Lynn Pinner of Lufkin; a daughter Jerry Gail Pinner of Lufkin; a brother, the Reverend Ray Pinner of Lufkin; and a sister, Sue Landers of Pollock.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for Infant Bosstan Xavion Bryant. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Smyrna Baptist Church on Church Street in Timpson, with interment at Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Infant Bosstan Xavion Bryant is survived by his mother, Tiwanka Pitts of Timpson; his father, Jeffrey Bryant of Garrison; brother, Julius Bryant of Carthage, and grandparents, Syvil Bryant, Nicole Hill, James Warren and Lesses Colpelen, Jr.

Mangum Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 56-year old Rodney Windham of Center. Service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Pine Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time at Mangum Funeral Home. Among Rodney Windham’s survivors is his mother, Lillian Wallace of Center; a son, Dusty Windham of Austin; 3 sisters, Daphne Fisher of Shreveport, Pamela Walker of the Galloway Community, and Jennifer Windham of Grand Cane, La.; step-mother, Gloria Windham of Grand Cane.

High School basketball action tonight:

The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders are home to play the Huntington teams with it being “Ballin’ for Cancer” at Roughrider Gym. The 6-2 Riders are a half-game back of first-place Central, who’s 7-2, and Diboll is also keeping pace at 6-2. In the other district games, 0-8 Carthage goes to 4-5 Hudson; and Jasper, who was upended by Hudson last night, drops into fourth-place at 6-3, will be at Diboll. It’s also the Lady Riders’ last home game of the season tonight.

Over in District 22-1A, Div. 1, Tenaha’s alone in first place at 6-0, and will be on the road to Martinsville. The Pirates are tied with Shelbyville for second at 4-2, with the Dragons heading to Joaquin to take on the 1-5 Rams tonight. Gary is 3-3 and will be in Timpson to play the 0-6 Bears.

The undefeated 8-0 Shelbyville Lady Dragons can win the outright district championship if they should get past the 4-4 Joaquin Lady Rams tonight.

The District 23-1A, Div. 1 race, undefeated West Sabine has a full-game lead on the 5-1 San Augustine Wolves, with Broaddus holding on to a 4-2 record. Tonight, 2-4 Brookeland will be at San Augustine, Broaddus at 1-5 Zavalla and 0-6 Pineywoods at 6-0 West Sabine.

Soccer action, the Center Roughriders will be home to play Tatum at 7 tonight; while the Lady Rider Soccer team will be at Tatum for a 5 p.m. start.

The Tenaha Lady Tigers soccer team will host Liberty-Eylau (eye-lo) at 5:30 this evening at Tiger Stadium.

Weather permitting Saturday, the Center Lady Rider softball team will hosts a three team scrimmage at 2 p.m. Saturday involving the Shelbyville Lady Dragons and Henderson.

The UIL will release its bi-annual reclassification and district realignment information for the next two years, at 9:00 Monday at respective Regional Education Service Centers across the state.

Schools in our area will receive their packets at the Region 7 center in Kilgore. School districts already know what classification they’ll be in, as cut-off numbers were furnished in December.

Center will now be in Class 4A; while San Augustine, Shelbyville, Timpson, Tenaha, and Joaquin will be 2A, and Garrison 3A. The UIL is doing away with six-man, which will be 1A, and creating a Class 6A for high schools with enrollment in excess of 2,100 students.

1/30/14--1/31/14

Shelby County:

Ashley Cumby, 29, Tenaha, Theft

Jahammad Ratcliff, 31, Center, Criminal Trespass

Radley Lamar Brock, 44, Center, Violation of Probation-two times; Original Charges of Burglary and Driving While Intoxicated

Lance Swarthout, 43, Joaquin, Driving While Intoxicated

San Augustine County:

Vincent Allen, Parole Violation; Original Charge-Sexual Assault of a Child

A reminder: All Subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

...Wind Advisory for Area Lakes....

Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight: A 20 percent chance of rain after midnight, with a low around 57. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers, with a high near 70. South wind around 10 mph.

Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers, with a low around 48. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph after midnight.

Sunday: A 70% chance of showers likely, with a high near 48. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night: A 70% chance of showers, with a low around 37.

Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48.

Monday Night: A 60% chance of showers, with a low around 40.

Tuesday: A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 55.

Arrest Report

1/29/14--1/30/14

Shelby County:

Kevin Fields, 30, Center, Injury to the Elderly

Austin Rojas, 19, Center, Evading Arrest and Possession of Marijuana

Steve Boykins, 34, Tenaha, Possession of Marijuana and Driving While License Invalid

San Augustine County:

Gregory Runnels, Order Modifying Community Supervision

A reminder: All Subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

SHERIFF RELEASES STATEMENT ON REPORTED MISSING INDIVIDUALS

The Amber Alert issued for a missing teen and 2 small children has ended with all individuals located and unharmed. The alleged 16-year old individual was in fact found to be a 20-year old female and the mother of both children that were reported abducted. With the assistance of the Dallas, Tyler and Lufkin branches of the FBI, along with the Texas Ranges from Lufkin and Nacogdoches, Sheriff Willis Blackwell and Sheriff’s Office investigators were able to interview family members and other individuals. The investigation led to the location of the woman and her children late Wednesday afternoon. The woman and her children were unharmed and had left her mother’s home of her own free will. Sheriff Blackwell said he thanks his investigators and deputies, the FBI, and Texas Rangers for their assistance in solving this incident. He also wants to assure the citizens there was no abduction that took place.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s office is reporting that the three missing children from the Tenaha area were found safe around 6 o’clock last night in Tenaha.

A nationwide Amber Alert was issued last Sunday for 16-year old Viviana Alvarado, her 1-year-old daughter Paolo, and 2-year-old brother Ivan Alvarado. Authorities say the three were located in the Tenaha last night, and a misunderstanding among the family may have led to the initial report of their missing.

There were reports the three may have been seen getting into a vehicle last Thursday in the company of an unknown male. No arrest have been made or expected.

Sheriff Willis Blackwell said the FBI and Texas Rangers had been called in to assist local officials in the search for the three.

An area school district’s board has given approval to a new security measure which will address possible invasion danger. The Carthage ISD Board of Trustees last week gave the OK for trained, licensed, and unidentified school personnel to carry guns on their person at all campuses.

Needless to say, there have been mixed reviews to that decision by Carthage school parents and the public.

arrying guns by unidentified school employees in the Center ISD is not something that will happen any time soon, Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry told me Wednesday. He said student safety is the Center ISDs first priority, and administrators and the board of trustees review and discuss safety plans and practice safety “drills” regularly.

Hockenberry said with Center ISD fortunate to have its own police department, and the recent addition of a third officer, the district can better recognize safety issues and respond accordingly. He added student safety will be monitored on a regular basis, and the Center ISD will continue to do all they can to keep students safe.

Hockenberry mentioned more police officers could be added in the future to the Center ISD force.

Shelby County Outreach Ministries is planning an event for Friday, Feb. 14 to assist funding of their various programs. What’s being called the first, “Share the Love” event will be held from 11 to 4 at the Center Wal-Mart on Valentine’s Day, says executive director Pam White. 

This will be an opportunity for you to assist the outreach ministries with donations of non-perishable food items and monetary donations to help out Meals on Wheels, the Shelby and San Augustine Counties Nutrition Sites, the Unique Boutique, and Helping Hands Outreach. Ms. White said we want those that help us out to know what their donations go to.

Program coordinators will be on hand Feb. 14 to meet and answer questions about their ministry. You’re invited to help out Shelby County Outreach Ministries during “Share the Love”, Valentine’s Day at the Center Wal-Mart.

Center Broadcasting spoke with Amanda Bush at Gaddy’s Medical Equipment & Supply after the drive-thru flu shot event yesterday and she said 115 came through to take advantage of the free vaccination. She added they had to turn people away because they ran out.

She said the flu vaccine was purchased by Nacogdoches Medical Center, and that’s all the vaccine they had allotted.

She expressed her appreciation to those that came by, and said Gaddy’s would be partnering with Medical Center for other medical screenings.

If you’re gonna vote in Texas, you gotta have a photo identification in hand—it’s a new law. Most residents already have an acceptable form of photo ID needed for voting such as driver’s license; personal ID card; passport book or card; concealed handgun license; military ID with photo; or U.S. Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization with photo. However, if you don’t have one of those forms of ID, the Texas Department of Public Safety wants you to know that Election Identification Certificates are available at all Texas driver license offices and they’re free to qualifying applicants.

To qualify for an EIC, an applicants must: bring documentation to verify U.S. citizenship and ID; be eligible to vote in Texas; be a Texas resident; and be 17 years of age and 10 months or older. The EIC is valid for six years, and there’s no expiration for citizens 70 or older. The EIC can only be used for voting, and may not be used as a personal ID.

The 2014 primary election in Texas is March 4, with early voting from February 18 - 28. The last day to register to vote in the 2014 primary election is Monday, Feb. 3.
 

Saturday will mark the 11^th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, and a moment of silence and release of nine balloons will take place at 7:45 Saturday morning at the Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum in Hemphill.

On Feb. 1, 2003, at 8 a.m., Columbia disintegrated over East Texas and Western Louisiana as it reentered Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven crew members. In addition, the two team members who were lost during the recovery efforts will be remembered.

This event is open to the public, and everyone can come out and join in.

High School basketball action tomorrow night:

District 20-3A, Huntington at Center, and its “Ballin’ for Cancer at Roughrider Gym; Also scheduled, Carthage at Hudson; and Jasper at Diboll.

District 22-1A, Div. 1: Tenaha at Martinsville, Gary at Timpson and Shelbyville at Joaquin.

District 23-1A, Div. 1: Brookeland’s at San Augustine, Broaddus at Zavalla and Pineywoods at West Sabine.

Soccer action Friday, the Center Roughriders will be at home to play Tatum at 7; while the Lady Rider Soccer team will be at Tatum for a 5 p.m. start.

The Tenaha Lady Tigers soccer team will host Liberty-Eylau (eye-lo) at 5:30 Friday evening at Tiger Stadium.

The Center Roughrider Varsity Tennis teams will host Nacogdoches Dragons at 4 p.m. Thursday at Center High School.

Weather permitting Saturday, the Center Lady Rider softball team will hosts a three team scrimmage at 2 p.m. Saturday involving the Shelbyville Lady Dragons and Henderson.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces the passing of 89-year old Leouis “Lil Momma” Byrd of Corsicana. Funeral service will be Friday morning in Corsicana, with burial at 3 p.m. Friday at Sardis Cemetery.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 85-year old Preston Hickman of Galloway. Visitation will be held form 6 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service will be at 10 Friday morning at Old Home Cemetery in Joaquin. Preston Hickman is survived by a daughter, Yvette Good of Haslet; a son, John Hickman of The Woodlands; and brothers, Charles Hickman of Zavalla and E.W. Hickman of Magnolia, Ark.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces pending service for 80-year old Samuel M. Gipson of Tyler. He passed away Tuesday at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for Infant Bosstan Xavion Bryant. He passed away last Friday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Smyrna Baptist Church on Church Street in Timpson, with interment at Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Infant Bosstan Xavion Bryant is survived by his mother, Tiwanka Pitts of Timpson; his father, Jeffrey Bryant of Garrison; brother, Julius Bryant of Carthage, and grandparents, Syvil Bryant, Nicole Hill, James Warren and Lesses Colpelen, Jr.

Mangum Funeral Home announces pending service for 56-year old Rodney Windham of Center. He passed away Wednesday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. Among Rodney Windham’s survivors is his mother, Lillian McGlaun of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of service for 60-year old Sherri Diane Hitt Stamper of Houston. She passed away last Sunday. She was a 911 operator for the city of Houston. Service will be at 1 Friday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held two hours prior to service. Among Sherri Diane Hitt Stamper’s survivors is a brother, Stephen Hitt of Pearland; and four aunts, Ann Hitt of Center, Norma Lout of Center, Doris Magness of Magnolia and Jeanene Hart of Gilmer.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for Kynleigh Michelle Fontenot, the infant daughter of Ray Fontenot and Kara Chambliss Fontenot of Huxley. Infant Kynleigh Michelle Fontenot passed away Tuesday in Ft. Worth.

It’s a cold start to Wednesday, as the temperature’s 23 degrees. We remain under a hard freeze warning until 9 this morning, when the sun’s expected to warm us up to around 45 this afternoon. Things seem to be back to normal this morning after another round of frozen precipitation hit parts of the Deep East Texas & Western Louisiana area yesterday. Thanks to the above freezing temps yesterday and some sun, there are no ice problems in Shelby or San Augustine Counties, and TxDOT is reporting no issues.

One school district in the region has a delayed start this morning; the Hemphill ISD will start classes at 10 a.m.

Arrest Report

1/28/14--1/29/14

Shelby County:

Thomas Justin Brown, 29, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Colby Clark, 23, Center, Assault-Family Violence

San Augustine County: None Reported

A reminder: All Subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Center ASA Girls Softball Sign Ups will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, January 31, and 10 a.m. to noon, February 1. Sign-ups will be held at the NEW Softball Complex on Roughrider Drive. Cost is $80. Please bring a copy of your child's birth certificate. Uniforms will be available for sizing so please have child with you.

The Shelbyville Youth Baseball/Softball signup's will be held Friday, January  31^st & Saturday, Feb. 1^st. Sign-ups will be held at First Baptist Church in Shelbyville. You’re requested to bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate to sign-ups if they have never played before. The ages are 5 to 14 years old. Cost is $70 -1st child; $65 -2nd; and $60 for each additional child. Opening Day will be Saturday, March 29th.

The Joaquin Youth Sports, Inc. will hold registration for the 2014 baseball/softball season Saturday, February 1 at the JHS Gym from 9:00am-2:00pm. Registration Fee: $80 a child/$160 household.

In sports,

Boys’ basketball last night, District 20-3A, Center had the night off, but Central has picked up a half-game lead in the standings with a 77-52 win over Carthage. No score on the Jasper-Hudson game, but a Jasper win would have them also a half-game up on the Riders, tied with Central at 7-2. The Riders are 6-2 and will host Huntington Friday night. Diboll beat Huntington last night, 66-52, and are tied with Center at 6-2. The top 4 teams in the district advance to the playoffs, and there’s four games remaining.

The Diboll girls wrapped up the District 20-3A championship last night beating Huntington.

In District 22-1A, Div. 1, the Tenaha Tigers remain undefeated, with a 102-43 win over Joaquin. Tenaha is 6-0, while the Rams drop to 1-5. The Shelbyville Dragons squeaked by Gary, 44-43, to improve to 4-2 in district, tied with Martinsville, as the Pirates defeat Timpson, 48-37. Gary is 3-3, and Timpson falls to 1-5.

Friday night’s schedule has Tenaha at Martinsville, Gary at Timpson and Shelbyville at Joaquin.

As for District 23-1A, Div. 1, the San Augustine Wolves improve to 5-1, with a 74-42 win over Zavalla last night. S.A. entered the night, a half-game back of West Sabine, who played Brookeland, no score available. Elsewhere, Broaddus over Pineywoods, 94-46, as Broaddus improves to 4-2.

Friday night, Brookeland’s at San Augustine, Broaddus at Zavalla and Pineywoods at West Sabine.

District 19-2A boys last night: Central Heights 60, Westwood 45 and Crockett 68, Garrison 57

Hoping for warmer weather, the Center Roughrider Varsity Tennis matches against the Nacogdoches Dragons that was scheduled for yesterday have been rescheduled to start at 4 p.m. Thursday at Center High School.

A long-time downtown Center business is scheduled to start construction soon on a new complex that will have it re-locating to Hurst Street, adjacent to the Wal-Mart shopping center.

Center Motor Company has announced plans to build a new state-of-the art Ford Motor Company designed building that will contain over 16-thousand square feet, General Manager Kevin Jones told Center Broadcasting yesterday. He says groundbreaking should take place in February, with an estimated 8-month construction period.

Jones says Center Motor Company’s new building will be built between Wal-Mart and the Hampton Inn, and should be finished in time to showcase 17 of Ford Motor Company’s 25 new or refreshed models appearing world-wide this year.

Jones added that with the new location they expect to add 5 more employees, including service technicians and sales positions, to the current staff of 20. Jones says the City of Center was a big help in getting a grant to build a new street that will border the north side of the proposed building to allow access from Hurst Street.

Center Motor Company started in 1951 where the Pizzeria’s located on San Augustine Street, and moved to its present location on Shelbyville Street in 1990 when the Jones family purchased Parker Motor Company.

Even though there’s been a lot of flu going around thus far, the flu season is about to enter its busiest month—February, and it’s not too late to get your flu shot. T

here’s an opportunity for you to get the vaccine free today when Nacogdoches Medical Center and Gaddy’s Medical Equipment & Supplies in Center have a flu-shot drive from 12 noon to 2 p.m. This is a drive-thru event and it’s free. You won’t even have to leave your automobile to receive the shot. Make sure you take advantage and protect yourself and your family.

Shots are available for adults and children over 4 years of age. Remember to wear a loose fitting top with easy access to your upper arm. Supplies are limited, so be sure to come early, 12 to 2 this afternoon, at Gaddy’s Medical Supply is located on Hurst Street in Center.

At the regular board meeting of the Joaquin ISD trustees last week, the board unanimously extended the contract of Superintendent, Dr. Phil Worsham by one year for a total of five years, beginning July 1 and ending June 30, 2019. The terms of the salary were not made available.

The board also accepted the resignation of Cassie Kay; and retirements of Debbie Leggett and Terri Smith. Stephanie Harkness was also hired on a probationary contract subject to assignment.

oaquin trustees also called a school board election for May 10. The three-year terms currently held by John Paul Lawson, Frank Cooper and Jeff Hamilton are up for re-election. Voting will take place in the Joaquin ISD boardroom and the Huxley Volunteer Fire Department.

In other business, Board President Jay Dee Cockrell asked that the Tax Ratification Election – District Security be placed on the board’s February agenda.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Shelby Beautiful Clean Committee is saying some 4-thousand pounds of paper was shredded during last Friday’s shredding day. Despite the winter weather, organizers say the event went over very well.

During Saturday’s Electronic Recycling Day there was such a tremendous response, a second18-wheeler trailer had to be called in to haul-off items from the Center Square. The chamber is calling it a HUGE success.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 85-year old Preston Hickman of Galloway. He passed away Tuesday in Azel. Visitation will be held form 6 to 8 Thursday evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service will be at 10 Friday morning at Old Home Cemetery in Joaquin.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 84-year old Alfred “A.J.” Sorsby of Huxley. Service will be at 11 a.m. this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel, with military graveside service to follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Alfred “A.J.” Sorsby is survived by his sons, Carl “Bubba” Hatcher of Longansport, Randy Lewis and Ronney Lewis of Houston; three sisters, Betty Sorsby Smith of Coolidge, Joyce Sorsby Conley of Cypress and Gladys Sorsby Hargrove of Mexia.

Watson & Sons announces funeral service for 87-year old Bernadine Hailey Creech of Shelbyville. Service will be at 2 this afternoon at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Bernandine Hailey Creech is survived by: a daughter, Paulette Snell of Dime Box; two sons, Tommy Hailey of Houston and Ricky Hailey of Hockley; a sister, LaWanda Reynolds of Buna; and a brother, Spencer Parker of Shelbyville.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces funeral service for 91-year old James A. “Jim” Nance of San Augustine. Service will be at 2 today at Wyman Roberts Chapel, with burial in Antioch Cemetery. James A. “Jim” Nance is survived by 3 sons, Frank and Kenneth Nance of San Augustine and John Nance of Jefferson; a daughter, Wendy Looney of Jefferson.

Here’s a reminder if you plan on voting in the March 4 Primary Election, and if you’re not already a registered voter, you have until next Monday, Feb 3 to register.

In Shelby County, you can register at County Clerk Allison Harbison’s office on the south-side of the Center Square; and in San Augustine, county residents need to see Election Administrator Deborah Woods in the El Camino Justice Center, 225 N Harrison in San Augustine.

Here are some other important primary election dates: February 18: First day to vote early in person in the March 4 primaries; February 21: Last day to submit an application for a ballot by mail for the primaries; February 28: Last day to vote early in person in the March 4 primaries. Be prepared to show proper ID before you can vote at the polls.

By the way, voters can still request a ballot by mail, and you can do so if you’re 65 or older; disabled; be out of the county on election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance; or be confined in jail, but otherwise eligible.

By the way, Center Broadcasting will begin airing our Political Calendar on Tuesday, Feb. 4, thru primary election day, March 4. Local candidates have the opportunity to participate. If you’d like to have your name included, contact our business office at 598-3304.

Also, tomorrow will be the first day that candidates may apply for a place on the ballot for the May 10 general election. Check with your local city or school administration to see if an election is scheduled if you’re interested in entering a race.

Nacogdoches Medical Center will now proceed forward with construction of a 10-thousand square foot 24-hour satellite emergency department and diagnostic imaging center in Center, after Shelby County Commissioners approved a requested tax abatement Monday.

The hospital has announced a ground breaking ceremony for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12 on its property at Hwy. 96 south and Loop 500. The public is invited to join the hospital and local leaders to celebrate the occasion. J.E. Kingham Construction Company of Nacogdoches has been chosen as the general contractor for the planned campus.

Nacogdoches Medical Center CEO Gary Stokes said, the hospital’s proud to continue to provide quality care for Shelby County residents closer to home.

The satellite emergency department will provide emergency services for adults and children. It will be staffed by experienced, board-certified physicians with direct access to surgeons and specialty physicians.  The facility will also have a fully staffed laboratory and imaging services.  Protocols will be in place for immediate transfer of patients requiring a higher level of care, or other specialized services.
 

The Texas economy saw positive job growth in December 2013 as the state’s unemployment rate decreased for the fifth consecutive month, down to 6.0 percent in December. It remained below the national unemployment rate of 6.7 percent. In Shelby County, the December unemployment rate was 6.2 percent, as 793 were unemployed in the workforce. San Augustine County was flirting with a double-digit rate, as last month 328 were out of work, or 9.7 percent. Sabine County continues to have one of the highest unemployment rates in the state at 13.4 percent, or 458 without work. Neighboring counties included: Nacogdoches, 5.6 percent; Angelina, 5.5 percent; Panola County, 4.7; and Rusk County 5.2 percent unemployment in December.

State health officials have advised against eating certain fish caught in East Texas. The Texas Department of State Health Services on Monday issued a fish consumption advisory for parts of the Neches River Basin. The advisory includes Sam Rayburn Reservoir and the B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir.

Lab testing of fish samples found elevated levels of mercury and dioxins. Agency officials say the advisory covers six species of fish caught between the State Highway 7 bridge west of Lufkin downstream to the U.S. Highway 96 bridge near Evadale and both reservoirs.

Women of childbearing age and children are advised not to eat blue catfish larger than 30 inches, flathead catfish, gar, largemouth bass larger than 16 inches, smallmouth buffalo and spotted bass larger than 16 inches.

In sports,

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches weekly rankings are out and the San Augustine Wolves and Tenaha Tigers are No. 8 and 9 respectively in the Class 1A, Div. 1 poll.

As for girls’ Zavalla is No. 22, and Cushing is No. 25 in Class 1A, Div. 1, and the Chireno Lady Owls are No. 11 in the Class 1A, Div. II rankings. The Central Heights girls are still No. 4 in Class 2A, undefeated at 28-0.

We haven’t heard from any school administrators as to postponing basketball games tonight, so, until further notice, its game night.

In District 20-3A, the Riders and Lady Riders have the night off, Central is to go to Carthage, Diboll at Huntington and Hudson at Jasper. The Riders are tied with Central and Jasper for first-place at 6-2.

In District 22-1A, Div. 1, the Tenaha Tigers are 5-0 in first, with Shelbyville, Gary and Martinsville in a three-way tie for second at 3-2. Tonight’s schedule games, weather permitting, Gary at Shelbyville, Joaquin at Tenaha and Martinsville at Timpson.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons are leading the girls’ with a 7-0 mark.

In District 23-1A, Div. 1, the 4-1 San Augustine Wolves are a game back of West Sabine, while Broaddus is 3-2. Tonight, it’s San Augustine at Broaddus, Pineywoods at Broaddus and West Sabine at Brookeland.

In District 19-2A, scheduled tonight are Garrison at district-leading Crockett, Palestine Westwood at Central Heights, and Woden at Elkhart.

Center ASA Girls Softball Sign Ups will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, January 31, and 10 a.m. to noon, Febuary 1. Sign-ups will be held at the NEW Softball Complex on Roughrider Drive. Cost is $80. Please bring a copy of your child's birth certificate. Uniforms will be available for sizing so please have child with you.

The Shelbyville Youth Baseball/Softball signup's will be held Friday, January  31^st & Saturday, Feb. 1^st. Sign-ups will be held at First Baptist Church in Shelbyville. You’re requested to bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate to sign-ups if they have never played before. The ages are 5 to 14 years old. Cost is $70 -1st child; $65 -2nd; and $60 for each additional child. Opening Day will be Saturday, March 29th.

The Joaquin Youth Sports, Inc. will hold registration for the 2014 baseball/softball season Saturday, February 1 at the JHS Gym from 9:00am-2:00pm. Registration Fee: $80 a child/$160 household.

Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell said no abduction took place when a 16-year old Tenaha area teenager, along with her one-year old daughter, and 3-year old brother were reported missing Saturday morning. A regional Amber Alert was issued for Viviana Alvarado, her daughter, Paola and brother, Ivan. They were last seen at a residence at 1118 County Road 4248 near Tenaha. Sheriff Blackwell said a family member believes the three may be in the Nacogdoches area. As of this afternoon, there was still an Amber Alert for the missing. If you have any information, contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, 598-5600.

After speaking with Sheriff Willis Blackwell this morning, we now know more about an accidental shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon near Timpson. Sheriff Blackwell said a Timpson area woman received an accidental gun-shot wound when an automatic handgun discharged after she ran into the side of the bed, discharging the gun that was between the mattresses. The round entered the victim’s leg and exited, striking a wall. Chasity Danyell Rogers was treated by Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service in the 800 block of CR 4020, about three miles from Timpson just before 6 p.m. Rogers was transferred to a Nacogdoches hospital for further treatment.

...A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT
TONIGHT UNTIL 6 PM CST TUESDAY...

.A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL MOVE ACROSS THE AREA TODAY WITH MORE
ARCTIC AIR. AIR TEMPERATURES WILL FALL TO BELOW FREEZING BY
MIDNIGHT AND THEN OVERRUNNING MOISTURE WILL BRING INITIALLY A MIX
OF SLEET AND SNOW AND THEN ALL SNOWFALL...ACCUMULATING ONE TO
THREE INCHES ALONG AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM RUSK TEXAS...TO
GARRISON...TO JOAQUIN...TO MANSFIELD LOUISIANA...TO COUSHATTA...

TOTAL SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES WILL BE
  POSSIBLE ACROSS DEEP EAST TEXAS INTO NORTH CENTRAL LOUISIANA.

LAKE WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 6 TONIGHT....

This Afternoon: Partly sunny, with a high near 45. North wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tonight: A slight chance of snow and sleet after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Wind chill values as low as 15. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. Wind chill values as low as 13. North wind 10 to 15 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 17. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 42. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Arrest Report
1/24/14--1/27/14

Shelby County:

Carlos Roland, 30, Center, Driving While Intoxicated (2nd), No Driver's License

Crystal Calloway, 34, Mangum, OK, Violation of Probation--Original Charge: Theft

Jerry Akins, 26, Center, Warrants-Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Abandoning/Endangering a Child, Theft

Joshua Booher, 31, Center, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Endangerment to a Child, Assault-Family Violence (enhanced)

Thomas Justin Brown, 29, Center, Driving While License Invalid with Previous Suspension

Joseph Samford, 44, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Paraphenalia

Manuel Cuevas, 32, Joaquin, Panola County Warrants-Theft by Check, Speeding, Failure to Appear--Original Charge: Speeding

Jeanese Fenley, 32, Timpson, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Albert Conley, Jr., 42, Timpson, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Joshua Cooley, 20, Center, Violation of Probation-- Original Charge: Driving While License Invalid

Corey Garrett, 20, Nacogdoches, Violation of Probation--Original Chare: Possession of a Controlled Substance

San Augustine County: None Reported


A reminder: All Subjects are innoncent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

The Center City Council meets at 5 this afternoon to make amendments to the 2014 Budget, which will likely lead to more reductions to the city’s workforce. City Manager Chad Nehring told Center Broadcasting last Friday this would be the city’s fifth significant step in adjusting operational budgets to accommodate continued sales tax decline and other revenue reduction.

Nehring said the city’s seen an $800-thousand decline in sales tax monies in the past 16 months. A decline in the oil and gas business, closure of manufacturing facilities and Shelby Regional Hospital, have all contributed to the sales tax decline, according the Nehring. In addition, hotel/motel tax monies have decreased sharply, as well as water sales. He said the city of Center has already reduced three full-time (city hall, street and inspection) and one part-time position (civic center), and adjusted a full-time position (annex/city hall) to part-time, in developing the 2014 Budget.

Last Thursday, Center Broadcasting received a press release from the law enforcement union, Texas Municipal Police Association, which was encouraging Center residents to attend tonight’s meeting to show support of three Center Police officers that were to be terminated. The release said, “It appears since there has been mismanagement of City funds, and the City of Center is trying to save money by terminating three, exemplary police officers. One detective is planning to resign to save one of the officer’s jobs, but two officers will still be brought up for termination.”

Nehring responded by saying a couple of these police positions were hired through grant money—which has gone away, and the Budget was not able to absorb the positions. Nehring said additional measures are being taken to help offset the Budget shortfalls, such as raising garbage rates and not replacing some equipment. He said before its all said and done, the city will reduce its workforce to Fiscal Year 2009 levels. That meeting of the Center City Council begins at 5 this afternoon.

Authorities continue to search for a 3-year old child, abducted Friday night from a residence near Tenaha. A regional Amber Alert was issued Saturday morning as requested by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

The child, Ivan Alvarado, is described as 3 feet tall, approximately 20 pounds, with black hair and eyes.  Ivan, along with his 16 year old sister, Viviana, and her one year old daughter, Paola, were abducted from a residence at 1118 County Road 4248 near Tenaha.  Neighbors indicate that the three were last seen in a late-model black Cadillac Escalade.

Anyone with information concerning this case should contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 936-598-5600.

In an unrelated matter, an Endangered Missing Person Alert was cancelled Saturday afternoon when 15-year-old Cartarius Juanyai Jones, was located safely. The teen went missing Friday afternoon, and was last seen on County Road 3760.  The Shelby County Sheriff's office says Jones was safely located Saturday afternoon.

The Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will hold a special meeting at 9:30 this morning to consider giving tax abatement to Nacogdoches Medical Center. Commissioners tabled the item earlier this month to allow County Attorney Gary Rholes time to review. The hospital is asking Shelby County for a 10-year abatement of 500% of the value of the property, the same given by the City of Center, for building an emergency complex on Hwy. 96 south at Loop 500. Nacogdoches Medical Center said with the abatement, construction would begin within three week. Before the abatement can be given, the court must revise its current abatement from 250%. Commissioners are also expected to give County Judge Rick Campbell approval to hire a new Veterans Service Officer and set pay rate.

San Augustine County Commissioners have a special meeting at 9 this morning to consider and take action on a number of agenda items. Among those will be fuel bids; a request from Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 Billy Williams for temporary help in his office; maintenance for county parks, airport and radio tower; creating a County Energy Transportation Reinvestment Zone advisory board and zone; a DETCOG road name change in Pct. 4; the district attorney’s payroll budget; and action pertaining to Ike 2.2 environment review.

In observance of the 41st Anniversary of the Paris Peace Accord, ending the Vietnam War, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will host a Memorial Observance for those who served in the Vietnam War.  A wreath laying will take place at 10:00 a.m., this morning at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Shelby County Courthouse. The names of nine Shelby County Veterans who lost their in action during the Vietnam War will be read.  The public is cordially invited.

Congratulations to this week’s Center Broadcasting’s Teacher of the Week, Coach John Stork at Timpson High School. He was nominated by Darian Hutto, who says, "Coach Stork is dedicated on providing an education for his biology class and makes the class fun, while learning at the same time". If you have a teacher that goes above and beyond for his or her students, head to our website: cbc-radio.com to nominate them for a chance to be Center Broadcasting’s Teacher of the Week. Coach Stork receives a gift certificate from Las Margaritas in Center. Teachers must be nominated by a student.

In sports,

Some of the local high school basketball teams were able to get their scheduled games in Friday night, but the threat of icy roads, postponed others to Saturday.

The Center basketball Roughriders found the going tough in Diboll Friday night, as the Lumberjacks take a 61-41 win, dropping the Riders into a three-way tie at 6-2 a share of the lead in the District 20-3A standings. On Saturday, Central blasted previously once beaten Jasper, 75-53, to put Central and Jasper in the pile-up atop the district with Center. Diboll improves to 5-2, a half game behind the leaders. Hudson beat Huntington, 64-39.

The Lady Riders came up short in their game with the Diboll girls, losing, 76-31.

The Riders and Lady Riders have Tuesday night off. The District 20-3A schedule tomorrow night has Central at Carthage, Diboll at Huntington and Hudson at Jasper.

In District 22-1A, Div. 1, the Tenaha Tigers have made it a two-game lead for first in the standings, with an 80-70 win over the Shelbyville Dragons in a game played Saturday. Tenaha is 5-0, while Shelbyville drops into a three-way tie for second in the standings at 3-2 with Gary and Martinsville. Martinsville beat Gary, 41-24. The Joaquin Rams get their first district win, 54-45 over the Timpson Bears.

In girls’ action, The Shelbyville Lady Dragons improve to 7-0 defeating the Tenaha Lady Tigers, and the Joaquin Lady Rams beat the Timpson Lady Bears, 57-11. Joaquin goes to 4-3, and the Martinsville girls beat Gary, 41-10. There’s three games left on the girls’ district schedule.

As for the District 23-1A, Div. 1 boys’ race, the San Augustine Wolves beat in-county rival, the Broaddus Bulldogs, 71-41 Saturday, as the 4-1 Wolves remain a game back of front-running West Sabine, who’s 5-0, and beat Zavalla. Broaddus is 3-2, and 2-3 Brookeland defeats Pineywoods, 85-52.

District 19-2A boys’ games over the weekend, Central Heights over Garrison, 68-38, and Palestine Westwood beats Elkhart, 73-38. Crockett is 6-0, and Central Heights is now 5-2.

In girls’ action, state-ranked and undefeated Central Heights over Garrison, 55-44.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 84-year old Alfred “A.J.” Sorsby of Huxley. He was an electrician by trade and served on the Houston Fire Dept. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with military graveside service to follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Alfred “A.J.” Sorsby is survived by his sons, Carl “Bubba” Hatcher of Longansport, Randy Lewis and Ronney Lewis of Houston; three sisters, Betty Sorsby Smith of Coolidge, Joyce Sorsby Conley of Cypress and Gladys Sorsby Hargrove of Mexia.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 86-year old Billie Jo Wallace of Center. She passed away Sunday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon today at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church. Service will be at 12:30 at the church, with interment at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Billie Jo Wallace is survived by Terry Dale “Doc” Wallace of White Oak, Cynthia Ann Hill of Conroe and David Clint Wallace of Buda.

Watson & Sons announces funeral service for 87-year old Bernadine Hailey Creech of Shelbyville. She passed away Saturday in Caldwell. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 this evening at Watson & Sons. Service will be at 2 Tuesday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Bernandine Hailey Creech is survived by: a daughter, Paulette Snell of Dime Box; two sons, Tommy Hailey of Houston and Ricky Hailey of Hockley; a sister, LaWanda Reynolds of Buna; and a brother, Spencer Parker of Shelbyville.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service is pending for 81-year old Joe Davis Foster of Ft. Worth, formerly of Center. He passed away Sunday in Van. He served as a Shelby County attorney for many years. Joe Davis Foster is survived by a son, Davis Foster of Van; a daughter, Catherine Hitt of Ft. Worth; and Mother of his children, Mary Edith Foster of Center.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces funeral service for 91-year old James A. “Jim” Nance of San Augustine. He passed away Saturday. Service will be at 2 Tuesday, with burial in Antioch Cemetery in San Augustine. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 this evening at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home.

..LAKE WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM TONIGHT...

Today: A 20 percent chance of rain this morning, with a high near 45. North wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Tonight: A 20% chance of snow and sleet after midnigh, with a low around 24. Wind chill values as low as 15. North wind around 15 mph.

Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of snow with little or no accumulation expected, with a high near 33. Wind chill values as low as 13. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow. Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. Wind chill values as low as 12. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 43. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 24.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.

If you still haven’t gotten your flu shot, Nacogdoches Medical Center and Gaddy’s Medical Equipment & Supplies in Center will have a free flu-shot drive from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29. This is a drive-thru event, and you don’t even have to leave your automobile to receive the shot. Make sure you take advantage and protect yourself and your family. Shots are available for adults and children over 4 years of age. Remember to wear a loose fitting top with easy access to your upper arm. Supplies are limited, so be sure to come early. Gaddy’s Medical Supply is located on Hurst Street in Center.

An investigation by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department has lead to the arrest of a man for a stabbing last month.

Sheriff’s Investigator D.J. Dickerson says Landon Vidrine turned himself in Wednesday, charged with Felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury.

Dickerson told us an altercation occurred between Vidrine and a Jesse Gann on Country Road 1024 in Center during the early morning hours on December 28. The confrontation resulted from Vidrine inviting Gann to a physical fight after a heated phone conversation. During the meeting of the two near Sandhill Cemetery, Vidrine used a knife to stab Gann.

Investigator Dickerson said Gann walked into the ACE EMS facility at 3:30, the morning of Dec. 28 with the stab wound. Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Maxie Eaves arraigned Vidrine and set bond for $6,000.

A San Augustine man was booked into the San Augustine County Jail earlier this week for a sex crime against a teenage girl last summer. 21-year old Brandon D. O’Shields was charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, stemming from an incident where he reportedly had consensual sex with a 13-year old in July 2013.

O’Shields turned himself in after learning a felony arrest warrant had been issued for him. He was released after posting $5,000 bail.

San Augustine County Chief Deputy Gary Cunningham said the alleged sexual encounter took place at O’Shields residence on Milam Street in San Augustine, and even though it was not forced, Texas criminal law states a minor under age 17 cannot legally give consent to have sex.

Cunningham says the case remains under investigation and that additional charges related to more child sex assault victims may be pending in San Augustine County.

Here’s a rundown of the boys’ and girls’ district basketball games scheduled tonight.

The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders head to Diboll tonight for District 20-3A basketball games. The Riders are tied with Jasper at 6-1 for the district lead. Diboll is 4-2. Elsewhere tonight, Jasper goes to 5-2 Central, and 1-6 Huntington’s at 2-5 Hudson.

In District 22-1A, Div. 1, the Tenaha Tigers are leading at 4-0, and are home to play the Shelbyville Dragons. The Dragons are a game back at 3-1. Also, 3-1 Gary goes to 2-2 Martinsville, and in other action, the Timpson Bears head to Joaquin to play the Rams, with both teams searching for their first district wins.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons put their 6-0 district lead on the line against the Tenaha Lady Tigers.

The District 23-1A, Div. 1 race has 3-1 Broaddus at 3-1 San Augustine, 1-3 Brookeland at 0-4 Pineywoods and 1-3 Zavalla at undefeated West Sabine, who’s 4-0.

Meanwhile in District 19-2A, 4-2 Central Heights at 1-5 Garrison and 1-5 Elkhart at 3-2 Palestine Westwood.

High School baseball practice is scheduled to start today. Scrimmages begin Feb. 3. Girls’ softball scrimmages start next week.

By the way, the U.I.L. will make its bi-annual classification realignment announcement on Monday, Feb. 3.

Funeral service for Susan Bush Bowden of Crosby will be at 12 noon today at Ramah Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 11:30 till service time. Susan Bush Bowden is survived by her husband, Jerry Bowden of Crosby; 3 daughters, Andrea Pritchard of Huffman, Marsha Bowden of Houston and Tammy Bowden of Crosby; and parents, Jack and Lois Bush of Tenaha.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 84-year old Alfred “A.J.” Sorsby of Huxley. He passed away Thursday in Shreveport. Service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with military honors graveside service to follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 Monday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home.

Garner & Sons Mortuary of San Augustine announces funeral service for 101-year old Mrs. Naomi Garner of San Augustine. Service will be at 11 Saturday morning at True Vine Baptist Church with interment in Mosaic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at Garner & Sons. Naomi Garner is survived by her husband, Herman Garner of San Augustine; 2 sons, Charles Garner of Colorado and Tom Garner of Tyler; and a daughter, Herman Louise Dillon of Chicago.

Garner & Sons Mortuary announces a memorial service for 56-year old Mrs. Sandra Arlene Hollis of San Augustine. Memorial service will be at 1 Saturday at Shiloh Baptist Church in Denning, with interment in Shiloh Cemetery. Sandra Arlene Hollis survived by her husband, Samuel Hollis of San Augustine; a son, Jonathan of League City, a daughter, Crystal Davis of San Augustine; mother, Arlinda Winn of Leggett; and four sisters, Deborah Kelley, Linda Jo, Frida and Joyce.

Garner & Sons announces funeral service for 57-year old Charles Lynn “Pip” Wilson of San Augustine. Service will be at 2 Saturday at New Union Baptist Church with interment in Union Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 today at Garner & Sons. Lynn “Pip” Wilson is survived by his wife, Larvita of Bronson; a daughter, Leandrea of San Augustine; 4 brothers, Leo, Donald, Derrick and Ralph Wilson; and 3 sisters, Margie Davis, Patricia Johnson and Jean Jenkins.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces funeral service for 61-year old Jaquita “Quita” Yvette Smith of Broaddus. She passed away Wednesday at her residence. Service will be at 4 p.m. today in Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be from noon to 4 this afternoon.

...A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM THIS MORNING...

..HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT TILL 9 AM...

Today: A 20 percent chance of snow before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. Wind chill values as low as 12. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 59. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

Arrest Report 1/23/14--1/24/14

Shelby County:

Fred Thompson, 34, Shelbyville, Warrant-Theft by Check, Driving While License Suspended, and Driving While License Invalid without Insurance

Alicia Gonzalez, 40, Center, Warrant-Criminal Trespass

Jennifer NemCheck, 33, Slinger, Wisconsin, Injury to a Child/Elderly

David Whitton, 53, Center, Violation of Probation, Original Charge-Stalking

Troy Terrell Malone, 44, Center, Burglary of a Building

Don Thompson, 51, Tenaha, Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While License Invalid

San Augustine County:

Kimberly R. Brown, Failure to Appear, Theft by Check—two counts

Kayla Tramp, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Purchasing-Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor

Yarsleee R. Clark, Driving While Intoxicated

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SHREVEPORT HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR LIGHT SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM CST
THIS EVENING UNTIL 9 AM CST FRIDAY.

* EVENT...TOTAL SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS UP TO 2 INCHES WILL BE
  POSSIBLE ESPECIALLY ACROSS DEEP EAST TEXAS FROM LUFKIN EASTWARD
  TO TOLEDO BEND.

* TIMING...BEGINNING 6 PM CST THIS EVENING THROUGH 9 AM CST FRIDAY MORNING.

* IMPACT...SNOW ACCUMULATIONS COULD MAKE TRAVEL HAZARDOUS
  ESPECIALLY ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES. IN ADDITION...ROADWAYS MAY
  ALREADY BE WET FROM LIQUID RAINFALL THAT WAS FELL EARLIER. BELOW
  FREEZING TEMPERATURES WILL ALLOW THIS WATER TO FREEZE ON AREA
  ROADWAYS BENEATH THE ACCUMULATING SNOW. MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO
  USE CAUTION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

Today: A 20 percent chance of rain, with a high near 43. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight: A 20 percent chance of snow, with a low around 22. Wind chill values as low as 14. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Friday: A 20% chance of snow before noon, then a slight chance of snow and sleet. High near 38. Wind chill values as low as 14. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. South wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 61. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Arrest Report 1/22/14--1/23/14

Shelby County:

Marco Watts, 30, Timpson, Warrants-Assault, Causing Bodily Injury; Assault, Family Violence

Delond Elroy Barnes, 21, Center, Possession of Marijuana

Jahammad Ratcliff, 31, Center, Criminal Trespass

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Old Man Winter makes a return to the area today, as a new Artic blast is moving through the region. We're forecast to have temperatures only near 40 today, with winds blustery out of the north between 15 to 25 mph and gusty. Those strong winds will have wind chills dropped into the lower 20s during the day.

As moisture from the Pacific rides in from the west over the cold air tonight and Friday morning, we're set for the risk of light wintry mix in portions of East Texas and Western Louisiana. Amounts are expected to be small, but there's a chance tonight into Friday. Slightly higher amounts are expected in areas south to southwest of us.

The greater Houston metro area, and southwestward toward Victoria are under a winter storm advisory tonight through Friday, with ice accumulations of up to .15”. Our temperatures tonight will be very cold. Look for lows in the lower 20s, and wind chills in the low to mid teens.

Remember to protect people, pets and pipes, and if you have to be out, drive with caution!

Classes will resume for the Timpson school district today after a water line break on the campus forced the school district to release students at 10 Wednesday morning.

Center Broadcasting spoke with Superintendent Dr. Mid Johnson yesterday, and he said the repair was made to the break by lunch Wednesday. He added the district couldn't function without a water source for the cafeteria and restrooms, and the repair was going to take some time to fix, therefore, classes were called by mid-morning.

Again, classes are on as scheduled in the Timpson ISD today.

The Shelbyville ISD Board of Trustees held a called meeting Tuesday so board members and the community could receive information from an artificial turf company, after an interest was shown in the possibility of having Dragon Stadium's surface replaced with turf.

Superintendent Dr. Ray West said a representative from Hellas Construction explained the advantages of going with artificial turf, and answered questions. As for the school board moving forward to have turf installed, Dr. West told me that would be up to the trustees in wanting it placed on a meeting agenda for possible action. He added, "we're always wanting to do what's in the best interest for our students. We have the funds to move forward, if the board should decide." Dr. West said the price for installation would run around $750-thousand.

Providing an all-weather surface for baseball, softball and band practice were advantages he mentioned.

A Panola County man’s body was found by emergency rescuers Monday afternoon in a private pond after he was reported missing.

The Panola County Sheriff’s Office says, 83-year old Rudolph Vance had been fishing in his private pond, and when he didn’t return, his wife called 911 to report he didn’t show up back home as expected. Vance’s pickup was found at the pond site by his wife and his boat floating unoccupied.

The incident occurred in a five-acre pond along County Road 121 south of Carthage, off FM 10. Panola County sheriff’s deputies, Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens, DPS troopers, a constable and Gary Fire Department and EMS responded to assist.

Rudolph Vance’s body was sent to the Southwest Forensic Crime Lab in Dallas for an autopsy.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old Iris M. Allen of Center. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Shelbyville Cemetery.

Taylor Funeral Home announces the death of infant, Brandon Bernard Buffington, the son of Whitley Griffin and Waddell Bernard Buffington, Jr. of Timpson. Brandon Bernard Buffington was born and passed away Tuesday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. No service is planned. Survivors in addition to his parents are grandmothers, Annette Griffin and Cynthia Buffington; grandfathers, Benjamin Cary, Waddell Buffington, Sr., and Randy White.

Funeral service for Susan Bush Bowden of Crosby will be at 12 noon Friday at Ramah Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 11:30 till service time. Susan Bush Bowden is survived by her husband, Jerry Bowden of Crosby; 3 daughters, Andrea Pritchard of Huffman, Marsha Bowden of Houston and Tammy Bowden of Crosby; and parents, Jack and Lois Bush of Tenaha.

Garner & Sons Mortuary of San Augustine announces funeral service for 101-year old Mrs. Naomi Garner of San Augustine. Service will be at 11 Saturday morning at True Vine Baptist Church with interment in Mosaic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at Garner & Sons. Naomi Garner is survived by her husband, Herman Garner of San Augustine; 2 sons, Charles Garner of Colorado and Tom Garner of Tyler; and a daughter, Herman Louise Dillon of Chicago.

Garner & Sons announces funeral service for 57-year old Charles Lynn “Pip” Wilson of San Augustine. Service will be at 2 Saturday at New Union Baptist Church with interment in Union Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at Garner & Sons. Lynn “Pip” Wilson is survived by his wife, Larvita of Bronson; a daughter, Leandrea of San Augustine; 4 brothers, Leo, Donald, Derrick and Ralph Wilson; and 3 sisters, Margie Davis, Patricia Johnson and Jean Jenkins.

Garner & Sons Mortuary announces a memorial service for 56-year old Mrs. Sandra Arlene Hollis of San Augustine. Memorial service will be at 1 Saturday at Shiloh Baptist Church in Denning, with interment in Shiloh Cemetery. Sandra Arlene Hollis survived by her husband, Samuel Hollis of San Augustine; a son, Jonathan of League City, a daughter, Crystal Davis of San Augustine; mother, Arlinda Winn of Leggett; and four sisters, Deborah Kelley, Linda Jo, Frida and Joyce.

High school basketball district action scheduled Friday night includes:

District 20-3A, the Center Roughriders and Lady Riders go to Diboll, Jasper will be at Central and Huntington heads to Hudson.

District 22-1A, Div. 1, Shelbyville at Tenaha, Timpson at Joaquin and Gary at Martinsville.

District 23-1A, Div. 1, Broaddus at San Augustine, Brookeland at Pineywoods and Zavalla at West Sabine.

District 19-2A, Central Heights at Garrison and Elkhart at Palestine Westwood.

The sound of aluminum bats making contact with baseballs will start Friday across the State of Texas, as high school baseball teams can begin practice for the upcoming season. Scrimmages will start Feb. 3, with the regular season to begin Feb. 17. Girls' softball practice began last week, with their scrimmages commencing next week, and first games Feb. 10.

Arrest Report 1/21/14--1/22/14

Shelby County:

Jayvan Almanza, 24, Center, Violation of Probation; Original Charge-Criminal Trespass

Brittany Benson, 20, Timpson, Warrant-Terroristic Threat against a Public Servant

Matthew Trevino, 26, Center, Public Intoxication

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

In high school basketball action last night, the Center Roughriders notched a District 20-3A win at home, taking out Hudson, 68-54, to move Center to 6-1 in the district. Meanwhile, Jasper keeps pace with the Riders, beating Carthage, 80-71. Elsewhere, Central defeats Huntington, 61-40. Central’s just a game back of the leaders at 5-2, while idle Diboll is 4-2. The loss to Center puts Hudson at 2-5, Huntington’s 1-6 and Carthage is 0-7.

The Center Lady Riders didn’t fare as well, coming up short to Hudson, 55-23.

Friday night, Center goes to Diboll, Jasper at Central and Huntington at Hudson.

In District 22-1A, Div. 1, the Tenaha Tigers have taken over sole possession of first, after an 81-56 win over Gary. Martinsville over Joaquin, 41-33, and Shelbyville eases by Timpson, 67-64. Tenaha is now 4-0, with Gary dropping into a two-way tie with Shelbyville at 3-1, Martinsville is 2-2, and Timpson and Joaquin are 0-4.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons keep rolling, as they take a 72-22 win over Timpson. Shelbyville is 6-0, alone on top of the district. Martinsville is 5-1, with a win over Joaquin.

Friday night’s district schedule has Shelbyville at Tenaha, Gary at Martinsville and Timpson at Joaquin.

Shoot-out in San Augustine last night in District 23-1A, Div. 1, as two state-ranked teams met. It was West Sabine coming away with a 56-53 win over the Wolves. The loss drops San Augustine to 3-1, tied with Broaddus for second. West Sabine goes to 4-0. Broaddus beats Brookeland, 50-48, and Zavalla over Pineywoods Academy, 65-51.

Girls’ action, San Augustine over West Sabine, 56-40.

Friday’s games will see Broaddus at San Augustine, Brookeland at Pineywoods and Zavalla at West Sabine.

In District 19-2A boys’ results, Crockett is 6-0 with a 52-48 win over Central Heights, and Garrison picks up its first district win, 51-50 over Elkhart.

A Shelby County jury deliberated for just over an hour Tuesday, and found Shakeitha Cartwright, guilty, for beating her five-month old daughter, Keilly Hoyt to death a year ago. Cartwright received an automatic life sentence without parole.

The defense began Day 5 of the Capital Murder trial by resting its case, calling no witnesses. After closing arguments, the jury went into deliberations just after 11 o'clock, and produced the verdict before 12:30.

District Attorney Kenneth Florence in a post-verdict press release, said that a 2007 state law kept Cartwright from receiving the death penalty. Quoting Florence, "the death penalty was not an available option in this Capital Murder case. Because Ms. Cartwright murdered only her own child, and she has no prior criminal record, the State cannot prove that she will be a future danger to others, which is required to impose a sentence of death. The reasoning behind the case law is that Cartwright will not have access to potential children victims while serving a sentence of life in prison, without the possibility of parole". Defense attorney Rudy Valesquez said he planned to appeal the verdict.

District Attorney Florence feels as a society, we need to take a more pro-active approach to stopping child abuse.  He said, "Preventing crime is better than reacting after the fact to crimes already committed. Regular Public Service announcements about the Emergency Infant Care Provider drop off option should be more publicized, and I hope we, as a civilized society, take that step in order to prevent such a horrific, shocking, and unimaginable crime in the future.”

Timber theft is on the rise in Texas, with more than 20 occurring in the past four months in East Texas from Newton to Bowie Counties. Approximately one-third of the more than 200,000 family forest landowners in East Texas are absentee forest landowners. This, plus the rising price of timber makes property vulnerable and easily accessible to timber thieves. In these cases, the thief is often long gone by the time the crime is discovered. Landowners are advised to demand a bill of sale as Texas law requires that one is obtained from the seller. The bill of sale must include information such as the name of the landowner, seller and purchaser. It should also include a description or survey of the land and trees, and a warranty and signature from the seller.

To help property owners avoid timber theft tactics, the Texas A&M Forest Service advises:

    Have someone you know and trust report any cutting on your land immediately.

    Never sign a contract without checking several references of the buyer.

    For the best price insist on getting bids for your timber.

    Mark all property lines to assure cutting on adjacent property does not encroach on yours.

    If the landowner does not know the timber business, find someone to help determine volumes, current prices and potential bidders.

To report suspected timber theft activity call the Timber Theft Hotline 1-800-364-3470 or contact Texas A&M Forest Service at (936) 639-8100.

If you have unneeded sensitive documents, then this Friday, you need to head to the downtown Center Square where the mobile shredding unit will be available from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. Businesses that wish to bring shred items are  limited to ten file boxes of paper.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Shelby Beautiful Clean Committee has partnered with the chamber to sponsor the opportunity. Helping to sponsor the effort are Wayne Christian & Associations, Monco Motor Company, Jennings Place and Town & Country Real Estate. Additional sponsors are welcome to join in and volunteers are needed to assist with Fridays project, as well as the electronic recycling day from 11 to 2 Saturday on the square.

By the way, there are a number of items not allowed at Saturday’s electronic recycling day, such as large household appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers, lawn equipment or anything containing gasoline or liquids, and nor car batteries or smoke detectors. There's a solution to this. Shelby County Commissioners Precincts 1, 2 and 3 will have bins available at their Precinct Barns to accept items not allowed.

For more information contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or info@shelbycountychamber.com.

Obits:

Mangum Funeral Home announces graveside service for 48-year old Rhonda Schumtz Davis of Canyon Lake, formerly of Center. She passed away last Sunday at her home. Rhonda Schumtz Davis was a 1983 graduate of Center High School. Graveside service will be at 3 this afternoon at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Rhonda Schumtz Davis is survived by a son, Cassidy of Tyler; a daughter, Amber of Nesbraska; parents, Don & Judy Schumtz of Huxley; and three brothers, Randy Schumtz of Stephenville, Ricky Schumtz of Huxley and Rodney Schumtz of Joaquin.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces funeral service for 75-year old James Dixon Norton, of San Augustine. He passed away Monday at his residence. Service will be at 2 p.m. today at Attoyac Missionary Baptist Church in San Augustine County, with burial in Attoyac Cemetery.
 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old Iris M. Allen of Center. She passed away Monday at Pine Grove Nursing Center. Service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Shelbyville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 this evening at Watson & Sons. Iris Allen’s survivors include, two sons, Terry Allen of Joaquin and Michael Allen of Center; a brother, Alton McLean of Center; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Carter of Shelbyville and Marilyn Allen of Natalia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice in Lufkin, or the American Cancer Society, Oklahoma City, OK.

Funeral service for 80-year old Herbert H. Coleman of Sinton, Texas will be at 9 a.m. this morning at Resthaven Funeral Home in Sinton. Among Herbert H. Colemans surviors are a step-son, Billy Bob McAdams of Center.

A Shelby County Jury has found Shakeitha Cartwright guilty of murdering her five-month old daughter, Keilly Hoyt in January 2013.

We've received word at mid-morning that the defense has rested its case in the capital murder trial of Shakeitha Cartwright. The Center woman accused of the beating death of her 5-month old child a year ago. District Judge Charles Mitchell instructred the jury on the charge, and the state and defense presented their closing remarks. The jury has begun deliberation of a verdict.

In sports,

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches are out with their weekly state rankings, and the San Augustine Wolves and Tenaha Tigers are both up a spot in the Class 1A, Div. 1 poll, sitting No. 8 & 9 respectively, and West Sabine is No. 20. In the girls’ Class 2A poll, Central Heights remains No. 4 with a 27-0 season record; and the Chireno Lady Owls are No. 11 in Class A, Div. II.

Full schedule of boys’ and girls’ district basketball on tap tonight:

In District 20-3A, the district co-leading Center Roughriders are home to play Hudson as the second round of district play begins. Center’s 5-1, Hudson comes in 2-4. Other 20-3A games, Carthage goes to co-leader Jasper, and 4-2 Central at Huntington. 

District 22-1A, Div. 1 boys, has Tenaha at Gary, Joaquin at Martinsville and Shelbyville at Timpson. Tenaha and Gary are tied for the lead at 3-0, while Shelbyville is a game back at 2-1, and Martinsville’s 1-2.

In girls’ action, the district leading Shelbyville Lady Dragons are 5-0, and play Timpson.

In District 23-1A, Div. 1, tonight it’s West Sabine at San Augustine in a battle of state-ranked district leaders. The Wolves and Tigers are 3-0. Elsewhere, Brookeland goes to Broaddus and Pineywoods at Zavalla.

Soccer this evening, the Center Roughriders are home to play the Crockett JV; and the Lady Riders go to Jasper.

Four student/athletes at West Sabine High School in Pineland have been invited to participate in the Down Under Sports Tournaments hosted on the Gold Coast of Australia. They’re looking for sponsors to make donations towards the cost of competing. The young men are currently selling tickets for a 4 gallon-2 basket Cajun Fryer donated by Ted & Michelle Wristen at Haslam Trailers and Buildings in Joaquin. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Drawing is March 1. Several other events planned are a Bingo-Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, and building and selling washer boards. They also need items for these events. For tickets or to make a donation, contact Jeremy Williams, 409-594-6750

The Shelby County Jail is up to specs, as it has passed the rigorous annual inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.

Shelby County Jail Administrator, William “BB” Cox, says the inspector checked most everything to do with running a county jail, from book-in paperwork, to required recreation log, to checking inmate grievances and inmate disciplinaries. In addition, the jail facility’s fire drill log, the generator, speakers in cells, hot and cold water in all cells, cell doors lock, as well as any possible deficiencies in kitchen and laundry, are checked.

Cox said the inspection is very thorough, and other than a few plumbing issues, that should be repaired this week, the Shelby County Jail is in compliance.

He added, the jail inspector said Sheriff Willis Blackwell, Chief Deputy Shad Sparks, along with himself and the jail staff show to be committed to running the jail the way it should be run, and commended all on a job well done.

The Capital Murder Trial of Shakeitha Cartwright enters its second week today in Center, as testimony resumes in Judge Charles Mitchell’s 273^rd District Court. After the state rested its case last Friday, defense attorney Rudy Valesquez will be calling witnesses today. Last Friday, defense witnesses Marlon Cartwright, the father of Shakeith Cartwright, along with the Ellis Hoyt, father of the victim, Keilly Hoyt, took the stand. The five-month old died from abusive injuries received last year, as her mother stands charged with her killing. If she’s found guilty by the jury, Shakeith Cartwright will spend life in prison.

The San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court will be meeting in special session at 9 this morning to consider and take appropriate action to give Judge Samye Johnson the authority to sign documents for the Multi Service Building. The county’s looking to develop the structure, and locate office for social services and other needs in the county. Commissioners will also discuss and take action on County Park maintenance; and consider and take appropriate action concerning fuel bids made to the county.

The Shelbyville ISD Board of Trustees will be meeting tonight with an artificial surface construction company to discuss the possibility of placing the turf at Dragon Stadium. Hellas Construction will be on hand to answer questions, and explain more about the project. Tuesday’s meeting starts at 5:30.

At last week’s regular board meeting the interest grew, which lead to tomorrow night’s meeting. The estimated cost of a turf project is $775-thousand. A decision is required by March in time to have the surface installed for next fall.

The Tenaha City Council meets for a regular meeting at 5:15 today, and among the agenda items will be the annual Racial Profiling Report to be given by City Marshal Tom Reader; and calling for a Council/Mayor election for May 10. In addition to addressing a problem with dogs in the city, and road repairs to Travis Street.

The Joaquin City Council has a busy day, in addition to their regular meeting at 6, the Economic Development Corporation will meet at 5, followed by the Public Safety Corporation at 5:30. On the Joaquin council’s regular agenda, consideration will be made to calling a municipal election for May 10; and there will be discussion and action on moving a gas line on Hwy. 84 near the proposed new Sabine River Bridge.

When the Timpson City Council meets at 5:30 this afternoon, they’ll receive the public works report, the police department report, and report from the municipal court, which has collected $82-thousand in citations in November and December. Only $12-thousand is the city’s portion. Council members will discuss and possibly take action on the Adopt Citizen Participation Plan; Texas Municipal League Earthquake/Flood Insurance; recognize Charlotte Broadway for 30 years as utility billing clerk for the city, and consider extending a part-time position.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 80-year old Iris Allen of Center. She passed away Monday in Center. Among Iris Allen’s survivors is a son, Terry Allen and his wife, Jan of Center.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces pending funeral service for 64-year old James Randall Robicheaux, of Nacogdoches. He died Sunday in Nacogdoches.

Arrest Report 1/20/14--1/21/14

Shelby County:

Airiel Burleson, 24, Timpson, Warrant-Criminal Mischief

Miguel Noriega, 21, Center, Possession of Marijuana, Minor in Possession of Alcohol and No Insurance

Katrina Griffith, 35, Joaquin, Warrant-Theft by Check

San Augustine County:

Timothy Chance, Burglary of a Vehicle

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Capital Murder trial of Shakeitha Cartwright is in recess until Tuesday, with the state resting its case Friday afternoon.

Jurors heard from several expert medical witnesses and the father of the suspect and the victim during Day 4. A psychiatrist testified Cartwright “knew right and wrong”, and she was competent to stand trial. The 30-year old faces life in prison if found guilty for the death of her five-month old daughter, Keilly Hoyt in January of last year. Police allege the child died from multiple injuries she suffered from abuse by Cartwright.

The medical examiner that performed the autopsy on the Keilly, said she was malnourished, suffered from dehydration, and was tortured over a length of time. Dr. Elizabeth Ventura concluded, “Death was by blunt force trauma and smothering.” A DNA expert also testified the main contributor of blood and stains to bed sheets and blankets found at the Shelbyville Street residence were those of Keilly Hoyt.

Shakeitha Cartwright’s father, Marlon, was the first witness for the defense attorney Rudy Valesquez, followed by Ellis Hoyt, the child’s father. Marlon Cartwright said he witnessed his daughter crying after finding out her infant daughter was dead, despite what officers were saying. Hoyt said he saw no injuries to Keilly the night she died.

The Center Broadcasting Company Teacher of the Week is Chris Watlington at Center High School. 

Mr. Watlington was nominated by his student Laura Lindsey for his hard work in Theatre and English Classes.

Mr. Watlington receives a gift certificate from Las Margaritas for being Center Broadcasting's Teacher of the Week. 

Any student in our listening area who has a teacher that goes above and beyond for his or her students may nominate them on our website, cbc dash radio dot com, just look for the Teacher of the Week logo, give it a click, and fill in the information.

Teachers must be nominated by a student.

Meeting last Thursday evening, the Center ISD Board of Trustees received word that all campuses and the district “met standard” under the new accountability system per the Texas Academic Performance Report, as presented by Dr. Tammie Lemoine, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.

The board recognized the Chaparrals for their successes and participation in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City; and with it being School Board Recognition Month; members were recognized by the district helping to lead students to success.

During public comment, Greg Hubbard addressed the Board of Trustees expressing concerns for the youth of the community.

he board also approved two overnight trips. The Center Middle School Beta Club’s trip to the annual convention in Dallas, February 13-15,  with 52 students, and 4 sponsors attending; and the CHS UIL Academics Team to the UIL Academic Invitational Tournament at Sabine Pass High School on February 28.

CISD Trustees agreed to table until a future meeting, the consideration and approval of lease agreement to relocate transportation yard and operations center. The board voted to change the February and March regular meeting dates to February 6, and March 6.

The San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet gala last Thursday night at the Historic Museum Theatre.

Among the awards presented included: Brookshire Brothers receiving business of the year; Devon Energy, industry of the year; City of San Augustine Mayor Leroy Hughes, the friend of the chamber award; San Augustine County Judge Samye Johnson, the community service award; and Royce Ann Wiggins won the president's award.

In addition, Pastor Bill Lanigan was recognized with the Service to Youth Award; Faith in the Community Award went to Donnie & Vickey McElhasey; Volunteer of the Year Award went to Linda Goller; Ambassador of the Year to Terry Sympson, and Outstanding Citizen to Betty Oglesbee.

The new chamber offices were also sworn in for 2014, as Norman Neel assumes the role as president.

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observance Day, a national holiday observed by federal, state, and local municipalities, and there’s also no school today.

On tap later today will be a couple of MLK Day Parade and Marches. In San Augustine at 1 o’clock, events start at the Lincoln School. Activities then move to the San Augustine Museum Theatre where the program, “Moving Forward in Unity” will be held. Speaker will be Rev. George Simon.

In Center, participants will line up inside the Center Square beginning at 3:30 this afternoon for the 4 o’clock parade. Participants will enter the Square at the corner of Shelbyville & San Augustine Streets, and make 2 to 3 trips around the Square. At the conclusion, they’ll re-enter the inside of the Square for a prayer and dismissal.

Arrest Report 1/17/14--1/20/14

Shelby County:

Marquita A. Garrett, 28, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana in a Drug Free Zone (Union Acre Apartments-Park Area)

Jose Luis Lopez, 26, Center, Failure to ID

Kamden Owens, 17, Center, Warrant for Theft

Austin James Nelams, 18, Center, Theft

Christian Perez, 19, Center, Aggravated Assault of a Child

Eric Perez, 20, Center, Warrants-Aggravated Assault of a Child, Minor in Possession, Failure to Appear and No Drivers License

Ricky Woods, 23, Center, Driving While License Invalid with previous conviction

Kevin Zamora, 22, Timpson, Warrant-Non Payment of Child Support

Rodolfo Flores, 48, Joaquin, Public Intoxication

Celedina Jasso, 48, Joaquin, Public Intoxication

Roland Young, 25, Center, Driving While License Invalid

San Augustine County:

Kenneth Ray Jenkins, Criminal Trespass

Sok Len, Driving While Intoxicated

Kenneth Harden, Traffic

Latasha Barnes, Interfere with Public Duties

Roland Deconda, Warrant-Failure to Appear on Original Charge-Traffic

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of service Saturday for 75-year old Lucille Harvey of Logansport. Service was at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Lucille Harvey is survived by, her husband, Johnny of Logansport; two sons, Anthony Harvey of Carthage and Mike Harvey of Huxley; a sister, Jo Settle of Stonewall, La.; and a brother, Jerry Burkett of Henderson. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Logansport, in memory of Lucille Harvey.

Mangum Funeral Home was in charge of service for 60-year old Richard Alan Boehm (BAME) of Center. He passed away last Friday. Service was at 3 Sunday at Mangum Chapel, with burial at Oaklawn Memorial Park. Richard Alan Boehm is survived by brothers and sisters, Barbara Neal, June Borders, Ralph Boehm, Jr, Leonard Boehm, and Joan Hayes, all of Center; Dennis Boehm, of North Carolina, Karen Boehm of Huntsville, and Andrew Boehm of Deer Park.

Garrison Funeral Home was in charge of service Sunday for 71-year old Jimmy Don Rucker of Garrison. He passed away Thursday at a Nacogdoches Hospital. Service was at Garrison Funeral Home with burial at Hancock Cemetery, Shelby County. He worked for the K.L. Barton & Sons Tie Company. Jimmy Don Rucker is survived by two sons, Tracy Rucker of Nacogdoches, and Cory Rucker of Garrison; and a daughter, Terri Rucker Miller of Kingsbury, Texas.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of funeral service for 76-year old, the Pastor Marlin Freeman of Center. He passed away Friday at his home. Marlin Freeman moved to Shelby County in 1975. He was pastor at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church for several years. In 1983, he founded Heritage Missionary Baptist Church in Center, where he served as Pastor until his death. He also had a long running daily devotional on KDET. Service will be at 11 this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel, with burial at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.  Marlin Freeman is survived by, his wife, Margaret Gould Freeman of Center, three daughters, Kathy Freeman Bearid of Houston , Cindy Freeman Lindsey of Center, and Karen Freeman Campbell of Center; and a sister, Wanda Sumpter of Richardson.

Mangum Funeral Home announces graveside service for 52-year old William Lloyd Adkison of Lufkin. He passed away Sunday in a Lufkin hospital. Graveside service at 11 this morning at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Timpson. He worked as a heavy equipment operator in the logging woods. William Lloyd Adkison’s survivors include, his wife, Regina Adkison of Lufkin; step-children, Jennifer Allen and Jacob McDuffie, all of Lufkin; father, L.D. Adkison of Diboll; and step-sisters, Susie Hicks of Kennard  and Katie Smith of Corrigan.

Garner & Sons Mortuary of San Augustine announces funeral service for 93-year old Eddie Wilson of San Augustine. Service will be at 11 this morning at China Chapel Baptist Church, with burial at Redland Cemetery. Eddie Wilson is survived by his wife, Dorothy B. Wilson of San Augustine; 2 sons, Edward and Herman Wilson of San Augustine; and 5 daughters, Ethelene Hughes, Eddie Lee Whitfield, Annie Faye Wesley, Wilma Brooks and Beverly Randal, all of San Augustine.

In sports,

Big District 20-3A road win for the basketball Center Roughriders Friday night as they come away with a 43-39 win at Central. The win puts Center in a two-way tie for first place with Jasper at 5-1, entering Tuesday night’s start of the second go-round of district. In other district games Friday, it was, Huntington beating Carthage, 63-56, and Diboll over Hudson, 67-55. Jasper was idle. Central and Diboll are 4-2, Hudson, 2-4, Huntington, 1-5, and Carthage, 0-6.

Tomorrow night, Hudson comes to Center, Carthage goes to Jasper and Central at Huntington.

The Lady Riders lost in their bid for a third-straight district win, 51-25 to Central.

In District 22-1A, Div. 1, boys’ results, the Tenaha Tigers take an 81-26 win over the Timpson Bears; Gary upends the Joaquin Rams, 62-40, and Shelbyville and Martinsville go into overtime, with the Dragons coming away with a 56-53 win. Tenaha and Gary are sitting atop the district standings at 3-0, Shelbyville, 2-1, Martinsville, 1-2, with Timpson and Joaquin at 0-3.

District 22-1A, Div. 1, girls’, the Shelbyville Lady Dragons have taken over sole possession of first place with a 36-33 win over Martinsville, in the final game of the first round of district. Shelbyville is 5-0, while Martinsville is 4-1. The Joaquin Lady Rams beat the Gary girls, to finish the first round of district at 3-2.

The district schedule Tuesday has Tenaha at Gary, Joaquin at Martinsville and Shelbyville at Timpson.

The San Augustine Wolves remain in a tie for the District 23-1A, Div. 1 lead, as they take an 84-36 win over Pineywoods Academy. S.A. improves to 3-0, knotted with West Sabine, who takes a 46-43 win against Broaddus. The Bulldogs drop to 2-1. Brookeland beats Zavalla, 65-53. Brookeland is 1-2, and Zavalla is tied with Pineywoods at 0-3.

Tuesday’s games see West Sabine at San Augustine, Brookeland at Broaddus and Pineywoods at Zavalla.

A District 25-1A, Div. II result, No. 1 Oakwood over the Chireno Owls, 96-83. Chireno boys are 2-4 in district.

In District 19-2A, Garrison and Central Heights’ boys both had byes, as Garrison is 0-5 in district, with Central Heights, 4-1, a game back of Crockett. First place, and undefeated Crockett defeats Elkhart, 75-38, and Palestine Westwood over Woden, 57-50.

The Garrison girls played Groveton, taking a 55-22 win. The Lady Bulldogs are 5-3 in district.
 

Tuesday’s schedule has Garrison at Elkhart, and Crockett at Central Heights.

Soccer Tuesday night, the Center Roughriders are home to play the Crockett JV; and the Lady Riders go to Jasper.

Day 3 of the Shakeitha Cartwright Capital Murder Trial in Center continued to focus on the initial interview, as well as a second conducted by District Attorney’s investigator Kevin Windham.

As the jury watched the video, Cartwright admitted to being physical with her five-month old daughter, Keilly Hoyt from the time she was brought home as an infant, to the night she died from injuries on Jan. 16 last year.

Cartwright told Windham, and demonstrated how she has used her fist to strike the child, saying, "I thought she would get really, really hurt but not dead”. Cartwright added she did all these things to hurt Keilly, but was never trying to intentionally kill the child. Quoting Cartwright, "Yes, that (the force used) was intentional but I couldn't kill her, I feel like y'all think I am not telling the truth, but I am. I feel like y'all want me to say that I killed her, but I didn't."  

Cartwright was reported to have shown emotion for the first time as court broke for lunch yesterday.

Keilly Hoyt’s body had broken bones, bruises and bite marks the night she died.

If Cartwright’s found guilty, she faces life in prison. The Trial is in its 4^th day in Judge Charles Mitchell’s 273^rd District Court. Scheduled to take the stand today is the Chief Medical Examiner that performed the autopsy on the child.

In Sports,

The final game of the first round of the District 20-3A boys' basketball schedule is tonight, and the Center Roughriders find themselves at 4-1, a half-game back of first-place Jasper. Center is tied with Central for second place, and the two square-off tonight in Pollock. Jasper has an open date, and Diboll will be at Hudson.

The Lady Riders go for win number 3 in-a-row in district as they play the Central girls tonight.

In District 22-1A, Div. 1, Tenaha goes to Timpson, Gary at Joaquin and Shelbyville at Martinsville, in both boys’ and girl’s action.

In the boy’s standings, Tenaha and Gary are both 2-0, with Martinsville and Shelbyville at 1-1. Timpson and Joaquin are 0-2.

Big game for the outright lead in girls’ District 22-1A, Div. 1 race, as the Shelbyville Lady Dragons clash with the Martinsville Lady Pirates to wind up the first go-round of the district race. Both teams will bring in 4-0 records.

The District 23-1A, Div. 1 schedule has Pineywoods at San Augustine, Broaddus at West Sabine and Brookeland at Zavalla.

S.A., West Sabine and Broaddus are all 2-0 in the boys’ standings.

Soccer action: The Center Roughriders are playing in the Palestine Tournament today through Saturday; while the Lady Riders will host Chapel Hill at 6 tonight at Roughrider Stadium.

Arrest Report 1/16--1/17

Shelby County:

Marsh Glen Odom, Jr, 26, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance, less than 200 grams in a Drug Free Zone, and Possession of Marijuana, less than 2 ounces in a Drug Free Zone.

Randol Lamar Rushing, 26, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance, more than one gram-less than 4 grams in a Drug Free Zone, and Possession of Marijuana, less than 2 ounces in a Drug Free Zone.

These individuals were arrested at 10:20 p.m. on Jan. 14, by Center Police officer Chris Knowlpon, at Union Acres Apartments, near the park area.

San Augustine County:

Chable-Ramirez Santiago, Failure to Appear, original charge-Driving While Intoxicated

James O. Brown, Criminal Trespass

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 92-year old Glenda Owens Wallace of Center. She passed away Wednesday. Graveside service will be at 2 this afternoon at Oaklawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at Watson & Sons one hour prior to service time. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Mangum Funeral Home announces funeral service for 54-year old Carroll “Durwood” Russell of Joaquin. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Mangum Chapel, with burial at Old Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 Friday at Mangum Funeral Home. Carroll “Durwood” Russell is survived by, his wife, Cheryl Russell of Joaquin; children, Thomas Carroll Russell, Amber Russell, April Mehraban (Muh-he-brahn) of Atlanta, GA, and Barbara Russell of Deadwood; a brother, John Dennis Russell of Joaquin; two sisters, Cynthia Denise Hendricks of Timpson, and Bridgette Dennette Kellar of Carthage.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for Lucille Harvey of Logansport. She passed away yesterday at her residence. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home of Logansport announces funeral service for 79-year old James Fredrick Boley of Logansport. Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Willow Grove Community Church in Joaquin, with interment to follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 5 p.m. today, until time of service.

Garner & Sons Mortuary of San Augustine announces funeral service for 93-year old Mr. Eddie Wilson of San Augustine. He passed away Wednesday San Augustine Memorial Medical Center. Service will be at 11 Monday at China Chapel Baptist Church, with burial at Redland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6 Sunday at the funeral home.

Watson & Sons announces a memorial service for 71-year old Brenda Lois Walker Davis "Gee-Gaw" of Center. Memorial service will be at 2 Sunday at Watson & Sons.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of service for 93-year old Gladys Opal Reeves of Center. She passed away Thursday at a Nacogdoches hospital. She was the past president of the Shelby County Senior Citizens Association. Service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Adams Cemetery in Galloway. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Saturday evening at Watson & Sons. Gladys Opal Reeves is survived by two daughters, Sandra Rowell and Dianne Cothren, both of Center; a daughter-in-law, Diane Yeary of Pasadena; two stepsons, Charles Nagel and John Austin Nagel, both of Vidor; and a son-in-law, Daniel Carter of Deadwood.

Texas Department of Transportation crews made changes this week to the recently installed signal light on Tenaha Street at Timpson Street, hoping to make the intersection a lot safer.

After a number of complaints were made to the Lufkin district office, TxDOT crews have placed a four-section head, which has a green arrow so traffic will be able to make a protected left turn from Tenaha onto Timpson.

According to TxDOT’s Brad Tiemann, the signal will cycle so that each direction has an opportunity to make their movement through the intersection without any conflicts.

The Shelby County GO TEXAN Committee returned from last week's Go Texan event in Houston with the prestigious Participation Award, presented annually to the best county out of 68 Go Texan counties statewide, based on total participation in contests, qualified scholarships, events and how they ranked in each event.

The trophy's on display at Shelby Savings Bank's lobby in Center. The trophy remains in the county for the year, and will travel with the winner until it’s awarded to another county next January.

Congratulations Shelby County Go Texan Committee!

Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observance Day, a national holiday observed by federal, state, and most municipalities. Schools are also out that day. Organizers of the annual MLK Day Parade and March in Center got a surprise yesterday when the city of Center and TxDOT officials cleared the way for the 17-year tradition to continue.

Parade and March organizers had thought earlier in the day Thursday that the reconstruction on MLK Drive in East Center would squelch their plans since they had not requested an alternate route. However, City Manager Chad Nehring, TxDOT and Center Police have made the event possible, as participants will line up inside the Center Square beginning at 3:30 Monday for the 4 o’clock parade. Participants will enter the Square at the corner of Shelbyville & San Augustine Streets, and make 2 to 3 trips around the Square. At the conclusion, they’ll re-enter the inside of the Square for a prayer and dismissal.

A march will be held in San Augustine at 1 o’clock Monday starting at the Lincoln School. Activities move to the San Augustine Museum Theatre where the program, “Moving Forward in Unity” will be held. Speaker will be Rev. George Simon.

A MLK Day program is scheduled for Mt. Zion C.M.E. Church at 4 Sunday afternoon, with Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham, who presides over 15 regions in Southern, Central, Eastern, and Northern Africa to be the guest speaker.

We told you last week of the arrest of two Logansport area men charged with sexual assault of family members well one of those individuals has been charged with intentional exposure of the AIDS virus. 40-year old Cartrell Brooks is in custody charged with aggravated incest, and during the investigation, told DeSoto Sheriff's detectives he has AIDS.

A test was performed on Brooks, and it came back positive that he has AIDS. Chief Deputy Horace Womack said Brooks, a habitual criminal, has been arrested over 50 times since 1990. He also said Brooks is not the first person to be charged with intentional exposure to AIDS, but the crime's not common.

The news that Brooks had aid has frightened the Logansport area, and a prayer vigil is planned for 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19 at St. Luke Baptist Church in Logansport. The church is not involved in the event.

Arrest Report 1/15-1/16

Shelby County:

Matthew B. Harville, 26, Joaquin, Driving While License Invalid with previous conviction

Crystal Calloway, 34, Mangum, OK, Criminal Trespass, Theft, Failure to ID-Fugitive

William Smith, 32, Logansport, Warrant-Burglary of a Habitation

San Augustine County: None Reported

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

At Day 2 of the Capital Murder trial of Shakeitha Cartwright, the woman accused of beating her five-month old daughter to death a year ago, District Attorney Kenneth Florence presented a police video of an interview in which Cartwright said she was surprised at the multiple broken bones her child had, when she was told by investigators that both of Keilly Hoyt’s arms were broken. Cartwright said she never noticed anything. The 30-year old faces life in prison, if she’s found guilty by the jury.

Cartwright is accused of inflicting multiple injuries upon the child from broken bones, to bruises, to bite marks and her eventual death. Called to testify yesterday were Center Police Detective Nicole Faulkner and former District Attorney Investigator Kevin Windham, who conducted the initial three-hour interview with Cartwright. Both said Cartwright showed inconsistencies from saying at first that she didn’t cause the injuries, to the tone that she did by the end of the interview.

Day 3 of testimony continues today in District Judge Charles Mitchell’s 273^rd District Court.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 45-year old Jason “Scott” Hutchins of Joaquin. He passed away Tuesday in Lufkin. Service will be held at 2 this afternoon at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Sardis Cemetery. Visitation will start at 12 noon today. Among Jason “Scott” Hutchins’ is survivors are, children, Zachary Scott Hutchins; Lisa Kay; Madelynn Hutchins and Maddox Hutchins, all of Joaquin; his mother Sarah Wyndell Hutchins of Joaquin; and two brothers, Rowdy Hutchins and Darrell Lee “Jinx” Hutchins II, both of Joaquin.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for Glenda Wallace, of Center. She passed away Wednesday at Green Acres Nursing Home in Center.

Mangum Funeral Home announces funeral service for 54-year old Carroll “Durwood” Russell of Joaquin. He passed away Wednesday. He worked in the oilfield for many years and was currently employed at the County Barn in Joaquin, Pct. 3. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Mangum Chapel, with burial at Old Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 Friday at Mangum Funeral Home. Carroll “Durwood” Russell is survived by, his wife, Cheryl Russell of Joaquin; children, Thomas Carroll, April Mehraban of Atlanta, GA, and Barbara Russell of Deadwood; two sisters, Cynthia Denise Hendricks of Timpson, and Bridgette Dennette Kellar of Carthage.

Mangum Funeral Home announces pending service for 93-year old Gladys Reeves of Center. She passed away earlier today in Nacogdoches.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home of Logansport announces funeral service for 79-year old James Fredrick Boley of Logansport. He passed away last Saturday in Shreveport. Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Willow Grove Community Church in Joaquin, with interment to follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 5 p.m. until time of service. James Fredrick Boley is survived by his wife, Fe P Boley; and daughter, Deborah Boley Dubose.

In Sports,

The final game of the first round of the District 20-3A boys' basketball schedule is Friday night, and the Center Roughriders find themselves at 4-1, a half-game back of first-place Jasper. Center is tied with Central for second place, and the two will meet in Pollock tomorrow night. Jasper has an open date Friday, and Diboll will be at Hudson. So, Jasper will have company atop the district after Friday night, either Center or Central.

The Lady Riders go for win number 3 in-a-row in district as they play the Central girls.

In District 22-1A, Div. 1 tomorrow night, Tenaha goes to Timpson, Gary at Joaquin and Shelbyville at Martinsville, in both boys’ and girl’s action.

Big game for the outright lead in girls’ District 22-1A, Div. 1 race, as the Shelbyville Lady Dragons clash with the Martinsville Lady Pirates to wind up the first go-round of the district race. Both teams will bring in 4-0 records.

The District 23-1A, Div. 1 schedule has Pineywoods at San Augustine, Broaddus at West Sabine and Brookeland at Zavalla.

Late score from Tuesday night, the state-ranked Chireno Lady Owls beat Laneville, 60-19.

Soccer action: The Center Roughriders are playing in the Palestine Tournament today through Saturday; while the Lady Riders will host Chapel Hill at 6 Friday night at Roughrider Stadium.

At Tuesday’s San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court meeting, Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 Billy Williams made a request to the court for office personnel assistance. County Judge Samye Johnson said Judge Williams’ staff reduction was among the budget cuts made county-wide. She said the request would need to be discussed with the county treasurer regarding whether or not funds were in place to accommodate the office help. The issue was tabled until the next meeting.

Judge Johnson also advised Emmet Luman presented to the court his plan to open a BINGO game facility in the southern part of the county at a former restaurant. His plans include food and drink. Luman had previously been told by County Attorney Wesley Hoyt that he would need to contact the Texas BINGO Commission to begin the process of licensing. Commissioners agreed to close the east side of the court house parking lot on Thursday, Jan. 23 to accommodate the Deep East Council of Governments meeting at the Museum Theatre.

The San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court will be meeting in special session at 9 a.m. next Tuesday, Jan. 21 to Consider and take appropriate action to give Judge Johnson the authority to sign documents for the Multi Service Building; Discuss and take action on County Park maintenance; and consider and take appropriate action concerning fuel bids made to the county.

Center Crime Stoppers needs your help in solving numerous thefts that have taken place in the southwestern area of Shelby County. Items taken have included batteries, solar panels, and other types of oilfield equipment stolen from oil field locations in that area. There are also reports the same type of thefts have occurred just across the county line in San Augustine County.

Center Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information. Anyone who has information regarding this crime should call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at centercrimestoppers.com.

Remember you don't have to give your name. All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous. Rewards will only be paid on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.

A Shelby County Jury began hearing testimony yesterday in the capital murder trial of 30-year old Shakeitha Cartwright of Center, who’s accused of beating her five-month old daughter, Keilly Hoyt to death in January of last year at her Shelbyville Street residence.

District Attorney Kenneth Florence has been presenting information from the original arrest affidavit saying the child’s body was covered with bruises, and had multiple broken bones when she was carried by ACE EMS to Shelby Regional Hospital, and later pronounced dead.

Florence called 9-1-1 dispatchers, paramedics, and an emergency room doctor, as well as Center Police officers and investigators to the stand in the opening day of testimony.

Cartwright admitted to officers in the original arrest affidavit that she had lost her temper and had been physical with the child the night of the incident. Cartwright is represented by attorney Rudy Valesquez.

The trial continues into its second day, today in District Judge Charles Mitchell’s 273^rd District Courtroom.

Arrest Report 1/14-1/15

Shelby County:

Brittany Katherine Horn, 19, Center, Assault-Causing Bodily Injury and Trespassing

Justin DeWayne Bridges, 31, Center, Driving While License Suspended

Shamus Ross, 35, Center, Violation of Probation; Original Charge-Possession of a Controlled Substance

Matthew Trevino, 26, Center, Assault-Causing Bodily Injury-Family Violence-two or more charges within 12 months.

Kelsey Frazier, 25, Timpson, Failure to ID

San Augustine County:

Brandon Bennett, Order to Modify by Probation-Community Service, 10-days in Jail

Jonathan E. Jones, Failure to Appear; Original Charge-Driving While Intoxicated-Jasper County

Kenneth Begley, Order to Modify by Probation-Community Service, 10-days in Jail

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 77-year old Jerry Alford of Center. He passed away Monday in Lufkin. Graveside service will be at 10 this morning at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Jerry Alford is survived by four daughters, Penny Barchet of Pueblo, Colorado, Royalene McEarchern of San Augustine, Kay Nichols of Huntington, and Mary Raimond of Tenaha; four sons, Nicky Nichols of Smithville, Noble Alford of Center, James Alford of Corinth, and David Alford of Timpson; a brother, Sam Donnell. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Pines Inpatient Unit, 1201 West Frank, Lufkin, 75904; or San Augustine County Cowboy Church, P.O. Box 280, San Augustine, 75975.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 45-year old Scott Hutchins of Joaquin. He passed away Tuesday in Lufkin.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces a graveside service for 84-year old Edwin Pate Hughes of Pasadena. Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. today at Blair Cemetery, Timpson. Edwin Pate Hughes is survived by his wife, Florence Shirley Hughes; two daughters, Laura Dee Hughes Swartz of Flint, and Martha Florence Hughes Silos of LaPorte; a son, David Pate Hughes of Pasadena.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces a graveside service for 80-year old Billy Ray Whiteside of San Augustine. He passed away last Friday in San Augustine. Service will be at 10 this morning at San Augustine City Cemetery.

Percy Garner & Sons Mortuary of San Augustine announces funeral service for 42-year old Brenda Sue “Dottie” Thomas of San Augustine. She died last Wednesday. Service at 1 this afternoon at Spirit of Love Baptist Church.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 90-year old Maxine Edge Sims Miller of Longview. She passed away Saturday. Service will be at 2 today, Tuesday,at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Folsom Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be at 12 noon. Maxine Edge Sims Miller is survived by four children, Brenda Barr of Longview, Reito Sims of Venezuela, Ronnie Sims and Phyllis King, both of Austin; five brothers, J. Frank Edge of Lufkin, James Edge of Clute, Paul Edge of San Francisco, Lyndon Edge of Rogers, Arkansas, and Dale Edge of Pflugerville; a sister, Jackie Miller of Center, and best friend, her dog, Pretty.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for Smithie Jo Kyle of the old Center Community.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces a graveside service for 84-year old Edwin Pate Hughes of Pasadena. He passed away last Thursday. Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Blair Cemetery, Timpson. Edwin Pate Hughes is survived by his wife, Florence Shirley Hughes; two daughters, Laura Dee Hughes Swartz of Flint, and Martha Florence Hughes Silos of LaPorte; a son, David Pate Hughes of Pasadena. Edwin Pate Hughes was a 1947 graduate of Timpson High School.

Arrest Report 1/13-1/14

Shelby County:

Dimas A. Rentiria, 42, Center, Failure to ID and Tampering with Government Document

David Felix Garcia, 38, Nacogdoches, Driving While Intoxicated

San Augustine County: No Arrest

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

In sports,

The all-district football selections have been release for District 20-3A, and named as co-newcomer of the year is Center’s Octavius Evans. In addition, Riders selected to the post-season honor are:

First team: Josh Burns at wide receiver; and senior punter, Luis Garcia. Garcia was also named second-team kicker.

Making second team offense are: Quarterback, Caiden Rainbolt; and Offensive Lineman, Lemarcus Goodwin.

Second team defensive selections: Linemen, Esteban Garza and Zach Verhalen; Inside Lineback, Garret Standley and Kiounis Williams; and Defensive Back, Jermarcuss Jones.

Academic All-District from Center - Joshua Burns, Caiden Rainbolt, Dalton Horton, Luis F. Garcia, JeMarcuss Jones, Jack Ford, Kiounis Williams, Jordan Long, Garrett Stanley, and Adam Reeves.

Honorable Mention from Center - CJ Garner, Adam Reeves, DaCorey McGee, Pedro Mendoza, Jacorey Bolton, Sayoddrick Barnes, Dalton Horton

A full slate of boys’ and girls’ district basketball games on tap tonight for local teams.

The Riders and Lady Riders are home to play Carthage; Central goes to Diboll and Jasper goes to Huntington. The Riders are 3-1 in the Dist. 20-3A race, a half-game back of Jasper, while Central is on top at 4-0.

In boys’ District 22-1A, Div. I, Martinsville goes to Tenaha; Joaquin at Shelbyville; and Timpson at Gary. Tenaha, Gary and Martinsville are off to 1-0 starts.

As for girls, the Joaquin Lady Rams are 2-1, and tangle with district co-leader Shelbyville. The Lady Dragons are tied with Martinsville at 3-0.

Tonight’s District 23-1A, Div. I schedule has San Augustine at Brookeland; Zavalla at Broaddus; and West Sabine at Pineywoods Academy. San Augustine, Broaddus and West Sabine are 1-0.

District 19-2A, Elkhart at Central Heights, and Woden takes on Garrison in tonight’s games. In the district race, Crockett remains undefeated at 4-0; and Central Heights is 3-1; while Westwood and Elkhart are 2-2; Woden 1-2; and Garrison is 0-4.

Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Poll this week, the Chireno Lady Owls are ranked No. 11 in Class A, Div. II; and in Class 2A, Central Heights’ girls’ No. 4. As for boys: San Augustine Wolves are No. 9 in Class A, Div. I, followed by the Tenaha Tigers at No. 10. West Sabine is No. 20.

The Center Broadcasting Company Teacher of the Week is Shannon Bohannon at S.W. Carter Elementary in Shelbyville.  Ms. Bohannon was nominated by a number of students for being a fun and exciting teacher. Ms. Bohannon receives a gift certificate from Las Margaritas for being Center Broadcasting's Teacher of the Week.  Any student in our listening area who has a teacher that goes above and beyond for his or her students may nominate them on our website, cbc dash radio dot com, just look for the Teacher of the Week logo, give it a click, and fill in the information. Teachers must be nominated by a student.

A Huxley area business will be breathing new life. After being closed for several months, Huxley Bay Marina & Restaurant has new owners. According to Bob & Stacy Vandrovec, they’ve sold the property to Buck & Sandy Jordan, who are expected to re-open the business on or before March. The Vandrovecs purchased the property from the original owners, Felix and Bobbie McDaniel in 1993. The Vandrovecs and their family are still residing at Huxley, taking different career paths. Huxley Bay Marina is a full service marina, including a motel, campground, restaurant, and boats slips.

In case you missed the update to a story we had Monday, I spoke with Sheriff Willis Blackwell yesterday morning after the 7 o’clock news, and he told me at last Friday’s meeting with County Judge Rick Campbell, local fire department chiefs, and the sheriff’s department, there’s been a short-term and long-term fix to the issue of not having the analog paging equipment available for volunteer fireman. The sheriff said in the short-term, he’s turned the analog equipment back on for paging of fire departments only, and there’s to be no radio communications between firemen while enroute or at the scene of a fire. The long-term solution was to re-install the old radio repeater, which was disconnected when the new digital equipment was installed. Sheriff Blackwell said the analog repeater would be installed on a tower, not sure where, that would be used for paging and communicating among county fireman. Sheriff Blackwell said it would be the responsibility of the county and local fire departments to have this repeater re-installed. Some fire departments continue to use a texting service to get the word out to their fire personnel.

A Shelby County Fire Department credits the restored pager system in helping with the response time to a mobile home fire last Saturday afternoon. The West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department contained a blaze at a mobile home on County Road 1245. Fireman arrived around 4:30 to find the master bath area and back porch of the structure engulfed in flames. Firemen were able to contain the fire to those areas. Fire Chief Jerryl Adams said the volunteer’s quick response, along with the restored paging system kept the fire from spreading. The name of the mobile home’s owner was not available.

Today: Sunny, with a high near 68. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 57. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 53.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 59.

Arrest Report 1/10--1/13

Shelby County:

James Williams, 23, Logansport, Public Intoxication

Kenneth Bolton, 51, Center, Possession of Marijuana

Johnathan Jones, 37, Shreveport, Warrants-Domestic Abuse & Assault

Tracy Cartwright, 25, Shelbyville, Volation of Probation Original Charge: Theft

Sirtonio Evans, 27, Tenaha, Driving While License Invalid with Prior Convictions

Kelley Young, 53, Center, Failure to ID

Leonard Gardiner, 68, Timpson, Assault Causing Bodily Injury; Family Violence

Rashad Cloudy, 28, Joaquin, Interferring with Public Duties

Joe Refugio Servin, 46, Joaquin, Driving While Intoxicated

San Augustine County:

David Bermundez, Nacogdoches County Warrants: Failure to Appear, Driving While License Invalid, and Bail Jumping

Joseph Johnson, Burglary of a Building

Candice Castonon, Theft

Wallace Clifton, Public Intoxication

A reminder: All subjects are innoncent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Obits:

Mangum Funeral Home was in charge of graveside service over the weeekend for 84-year old Mary Lou Adams of Center. She passed away last Friday at Garrison Nursing Home. Graveside service was held Saturday at Fairview Cemetery in Center. Mary Lou Adams worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone as a switch board operator for many years, and retired from Farmers State Bank after 27 years. Mary Lou Adams is survived by a daughter, Lisa Myers of Center; a son, Randall Adams of Houston; brothers and sisters-in-law, Cecil Watlington of Center, Jay Watlington of Lufkin, Lavell Watlington of Center, Gloria Watlington of South Carolina and Ruthelma Lou Adams of Nacogdoches.

Community Funeral Home announces funeral service for 46-year old Jerry Dewayne Hewitt of Shelbyville. Service will be at 11 a.m. this morning at Triumph 1^st Pentecostal Church in Shelbyville, with interment to follow at Lane Town Cemetery in San Augustine. Jerry Dewayne Hewitt is survived by his mother, Floria Mae Hewitt of Shelbyville; father, Jimmy Earl Hewitt of Shelbyville; 5 sons, Derrick Gardner, Eric Gardner, Andre Suell and Corwin Suell, all of Center, and Cortez Bennett of San Augustine; a daughter, Katlyn Suell of Center; and 3 brothers, Billy, James Earl, and Charles, all of Shelbyville.

Garrison Funeral Home announces the death of 61-year old Kay Elizabeth Powers of Garrison. No service is planned at this time. Kay Elizabeth Powers is survived by her husband, Robert Powers of Garrison; a son, Gerrod Powers of Irving; mother, Doris Remondino of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and two brothers, Peter Remondino of Phoenix, Arizona and Jim Remondino of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; a sister, Annie Pepinbrink of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Howard Lee Powers of Garrison; and special friends, Tootsie Llaso of Garrison; and Tracie Chapman of Timpson.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 90-year old Maxine Edge Sims Miller of Longview. She passed away Saturday. Service will be at 2 Tuesday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Folsom Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be at 12 noon Tuesday.

Maxine Edge Sims Miller is survived by four children, Brenda Barr of Longview, Reito Sims of Venezuela, Ronnie Sims and Phyllis King, both of Austin; five brothers, J. Frank Edge of Lufkin, James Edge of Clute, Paul Edge of San Francisco, Lyndon Edge of Rogers, Arkansas, and Dale Edge of Pflugerville; a sister, Jackie Miller of Center, and best friend, her dog, Pretty.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces a graveside service for 84-year old Edwin Pate Hughes of Pasadena. He passed away last Thursday. Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Blair Cemetery, Timpson. Edwin Pate Hughes is survived by his wife, Florence Shirley Hughes; two daughters, Laura Dee Hughes Swartz of Flint, and Martha Florence Hughes Silos of LaPorte; a son, David Pate Hughes of Pasadena. Edwin Pate Hughes was a 1947 graduate of Timpson High School.

In sports,

The Center Roughriders have fallen out of first place in the District 20-3A boys’ basketball standings, after a 38-33 loss to Jasper Friday night at Roughrider Gym. With Central’s 44-40 win over Hudson, that puts Central atop the district race alone at 4-0. Center drops into third place with the setback, a half-game back of 4-1Jasper in the standings. Diboll beat Carthage, 79-56 in Friday’s other district game. Diboll is 2-2, and Carthage drops to 0-4, tied with Huntington.

The Lady Riders picked up their first district win of the season with a 40-29 win over Jasper.

Tuesday night, the Riders and Lady Riders are home to play Carthage; Central goes to Diboll and Jasper goes to Huntington.

In boys’ District 22-1A, Div. I openers, Gary over Shelbyville, 55-53; Tenaha defeats Joaquin, 85-37; and Martinsville takes Timpson, 57-40.

Girls’ games Friday: Martinsville over Timpson, 57-40.

In girls’ action: the Joaquin Lady Rams come away with a 44-39 win over the Tenaha Lady Tigers, as Joaquin improves to 2-1, while Tenaha drops to 1-2 in the district race. The Martinsville Lady Pirates beat the Timpson Lady Bears, 51-19. Martinsville and Shelbyville lead the district at 3-0, after the Lady Dragons beat Gary. Timpson and Gary are 0-3.

Tomorrow night’s schedule has: Martinsville at Tenaha; Joaquin at Shelbyville; and Timpson at Gary.

First District 23-1A, Div. I boys’ games had: San Augustine beating Zavalla, 85-54; Broaddus defeats Pineywoods Academy; and West Sabine over Brookeland, 72-64.

Tuesday night’s game have San Augustine at Brookeland; Zavalla at Broaddus; and West Sabine at Pineywoods Academy.

District 19-2A boys’ action: Palestine Westwood over Garrison, 67-56; Crockett beats Woden, 50-44; and Central Heights had a bye.

In the district race, Crockett remains undefeated at 4-0; and Central Heights is 3-1; while Westwood and Elkhart are 2-2; Woden 1-2; and Garrison is 0-4.

Tuesday’s schedule: Elkhart at Central Heights, and Woden takes on Garrison.

Congratulations to Center High School Freshmen, Octavious Evans has been named to the MaxPreps 2013 Football Freshmen All-American Team. The 6'2", 175 pound Wide Receiver is one of only two athletes in the state of Texas to be recognized among the Nation's top athletes. MaxPreps represents schools across America in affiliation with CBS Sports. Evans racked up an impressive 67 receptions for 834 yards and 7 touchdowns during the 2013 Roughrider Football Season.

The Texas Education Agency says two San Augustine ISD campuses, as well as a campus in the Garrison ISD is among the public school districts making the TEA’s Public Education List of under-performing campuses.

Both San Augustine Elementary and High School, along with Garrison Elementary, have been identified for having more than 50 percent of its students failing any subject area on standardized testing for two of the last three years, and received a rating from the state designating it as “academically unacceptable” or “improvement required” in either 2011 or 2013.

For parents with students enrolled at these campuses, you have the option to transfer your child out of the underperforming school for the 2014-2015 school year. For parents in San Augustine and Garrison, the option will be to apply for a seat at a school in a neighboring district. Neighboring districts receive extra funding for students outside the district, but can decline the transfer if they like.

The TEA requires parents to be notified by under-performing schools about why the school made the list by February 1. Parents can then decide if they would like to make alternative plans for fall enrollment.

A Lufkin woman has died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident early Sunday morning in San Augustine County.

According to the Department of Public Safety, 29-year old Ashley McLemore, a passenger on a motorcycle, died after being transported to Lufkin Memorial Medical Center. The driver of the vehicle, whose identity was not known, was also taken to the same Lufkin hospital, and is reported to have a broken neck.

The accident occurred at 12:30 a.m. Sunday morning on FM 705.

No other details of the accident were available at this posting.

You’ll recall during this newscast last Thursday I had the story of Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell shutting down the analog two-way radio communications between dispatch and local volunteer fire departments because it was interfering with the new digital frequency. I understand there was a meeting to be held Friday afternoon with County Judge Rick Campbell, volunteer fire chiefs, emergency personnel, and sheriff’s office representatives to discuss a short-term and long-range plan in dealing with the issue. I’ve not been able to speak with anyone that attended this gathering, but I’ve confirmed dispatchers are still calling fire chiefs to notify of calls in their respective areas, and some using a texting service. I’ll be following up with more information as it becomes available.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has resumed dispatch of the Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service. If you live in the Timpson area and are in need of emergency medical attention, call 9-1-1, and Timpson ambulance personnel will be summoned and dispatched by the sheriff’s office. This is a change from what we reported last Friday when Sheriff Willis Blackwell said his office would not be dispatching the Timpson ambulance. Again, if you live in the Timpson area and need the Timpson VAS, dial 9-1-1.

Today: Becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Northwest wind this afternoon with gust as high as 25 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 67. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 59. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 55.

We told you yesterday that two-way radio analog paging communications between the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department’s dispatchers and the county’s volunteer fire departments came to an end this week when Sheriff Willis Blackwell ordered the paging to shutdown, because it was interfering with the new digital frequency.

It’s now being reported by the Timpson-Tenaha News, Sheriff Blackwell has instructed dispatchers to forward all request for emergency medical attention in the Timpson area to ACE EMS, regardless, even if the caller ask for the Timpson ambulance.

Sheriff Blackwell said in an article in Thursday’s paper, if someone in Timpson wants Timpson Volunteer Ambulance and only the Timpson ambulance, they need to call the ambulance service directly.

The sheriff’s department assumed dispatch of the Timpson ambulance service a few months ago, and Sheriff Blackwell said he had told the organization they needed to have someone on duty that could tell the dispatcher within a few minutes, if Timpson emergency personnel could make the run.

However, according to the article, Sheriff Blackwell said it took 15 minutes for Timpson ambulance to let the sheriff’s office know they couldn’t get a crew together recently. He said his department cannot assume liability for the time loss.

If you live in the Timpson area and want the Timpson VAS, you will need to call 254-2323, directly, and not 9-1-1.

San Augustine Memorial Medical Center will soon have new ownership, as the hospital’s parent company, Memorial Health System of East Texas, will be transferred to Colorado-based Catholic Health Initiatives. The announcement came yesterday at a press conference in Lufkin. A CHI official said the plan is to grow Memorial with added jobs, not reduce them, in the long run. The current Memorial board and executive team are expected to remain in place. Memorial board chairman Jack Sweeney said this is a big deal for the area, and it’s going to get bigger. He said the board was looking for a partnership that allowed East Texas health care system to remain non-profit. CHI is one of the nation’s largest health systems, and is the parent company of St. Luke’s Health System in Houston, and has a partnership with Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Heart^® Institute

Memorial Health System of East Texas has health-care facilities in Lufkin, Livingston and San Augustine’s Memorial Medical Center. The transfer of ownership is expected to be finalized this spring.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 56-year old Rodney William Bragg of Huxley. He passed away Wednesday in San Augustine. Service will be at 2 Saturday afternoon at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. this evening. Rodney William Bragg is survived by his wife, Jammie Bragg of Huxley; three sons, Corey William, Colton Lee and David Eldon Bragg, all of Huxley; a brother, Jerry Williams of Florida; and four sisters, Pansy Gray of Garrison, Linda Beth Adams of Port Arthur, Martha Lee Hagar of Milam, and Dorothy West of Silsbee.

Watson & Sons announces the passing of 75-year old Allen Lane Abbitt of Pollock, he passed away Wednesday at his residence. Mr. Abbitt’s wishes were to be cremated and a private memorial service will be held at a later time. Allen Lane Abbitt’s survivors include his daughter, Barbara Pike of Nacogdoches; and mother of his children, Andrea Abbitt of Joaquin.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 88-year old Maxilene Thorn of Washington D.C., formerly of Center. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Maxilene Thorn is survived by, a son, James Travis Thorn of Washington D.C.

Garrison Funeral Home announces the passing of 61-year old Kay Elizabeth Powers of Garrison. She died Wednesday in Lufkin. There’s no services planned.

Percy Garner & Sons Mortuary of San Augustine announces a funeral service for 92-year old Otis Wade of Tyler. Service will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Wyman Roberts Chapel in San Augustine, with burial in Haley Bush Cemetery. Otis Wade passed away Wednesday at his residence. Visitation will be from 12:30 till 6:30 today in Garner & Son Chapel.

Arrest Report 1/10/14

Shelby County:

Julio Cesar Martinez, 21, Center, Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor

Michael Sims, 36, Center, Warrant-Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor

Wesley James Flournoy, 36, Center, Warrants-Driving While License Suspended No Insurance and Failure to Appear.

Tykeya King, 19, Center, Violation of Probation, original charge-Theft.

No arrest reported in San Augustine County

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.

The City of Huxley is asking customers in the Oakdale, Possum Trot and New Harmony areas to boil their drinking water until further notice, due to problems caused by the weather earlier this week.

Also, customers of the Paxton Water Supply in the Joaquin area, that were without water Wednesday and today, Thursday, are also being asked to boil all drinking water until further notice.

Arrest Report 1/9/14

Shelby County:

Troy Terrell Malone, 43, Center, Theft

Larry Brinson, 47, Center, Warrant for Evading Arrest

San Augustine County:

Esteban Garcia, Theft and Burglary of a Habitation

Jadorren Cartwright, Criminal Trespass

Jeffrey Eddings, Driving While License Suspended and Consumption of Alcohol in Public

Bridgette Moore, Adjudication of Guilt-Angelina County

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.

Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home of Logansport announces service for 58-year old Linda Hilton Boulle of Joaquin. Service will be at 11 this morning at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel in Logansport. Linda Hilton Boulle survivors include her husband, Frank Slaight; two daughters, Debbie Sue Pugh and Delayna Ann Anderson; two sisters, Betty Louise Lamkin and Glenda Gay McCoid; and a brother, Paul Wayne Dickerson.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, San Augustine, announces funeral service for 79-year old Mrs. Bennie Roberts of San Augustine. Service will be at 1 p.m. this afternoon at First Baptist Church in Broaddus, with burial at Harvey Cemetery.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 88-year old Maxilene Thorn of Washington D.C., formerly of Center. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Maxilene Thorn is survived by, a son, James Travis Thorn of Washington D.C.

In local sports,

All high school basketball teams will be in district action Friday night.

The district-leading Center Roughriders start a two-game homestand at Roughrider Gym tomorrow night as Jasper comes to town. The Bulldogs are just a half-game back of 3-0 Center and Central in the District 20-3A race. Sub-varsity action tips off at 5 p.m. Other district games Friday are Carthage at Diboll and Central at Hudson.

The Lady Riders are also home to play Jasper.

On tap in District 22-1A, Division I are Tenaha at Joaquin; Timpson at Martinsville and Gary at Shelbyville.

District 23-1A, Division I’s schedule has Zavalla at San Augustine; Broaddus at Pineywoods Academy in Lufkin; and Brookeland at West Sabine.

Meanwhile in District 19-2A, it’s Garrison at Palestine Westwood; Crockett at Woden; and Groveton at Central Heights. The Crockett boys lead the district race at 3-0, with Central Heights at 3-1.

A late score from Tuesday night’s basketball action, the Shelbyville Dragons beat Zavalla, 55-45.

Soccer action, the Center Lady Riders are in the Palestine Tournament today through Saturday, while the Riders go to Chapel Hill Friday.

Shelby County Youth Basketball League will have a final sign up from 6pm - 7pm tonight at the Center Middle School Gymnasium, and from 6pm - 7pm Friday the Center High School Gymnasium. Fee is $35.

The City of Center reminds residents that travel M.L.K. Drive, that a complete reconstruction from Shelbyville Street past Greer Street continues on M.L.K. Be aware construction is requiring complete closing of sections between side streets. The contractor is providing detour and alternative routes to allow access for all residents and properties during this period.

It appears a lack of DETCOG funding to help assist local volunteer fire departments make a mandated Federal Communications Commission change in paging equipment, has silenced two-way radio communications between the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and local volunteer fireman.

Earlier this week the older analog radio paging equipment was unplugged at the sheriff’s office, which was reportedly interfering with the new digital equipment, according to an article on ShelbyCountyToday.com. The story says Sheriff Willis Blackwell requested the analog equipment be shutdown because it was interfering with the digital frequency. It was also mentioned that sheriff’s office dispatch has been calling the different fire department chiefs to notify of fires in their area.

The Shelbyville VFD is among the local departments using a 9-1-1 texting service that sends out a message alerting them of a call.

ShelbyCountyToday.Com’s report says County Judge Rick Campbell, DETCOG and local fire departments are looking for a solution. We reminded you, just because there’s been a change in communications, your particular volunteer fire department will continue to serve you.

The Joaquin VFD is reminding residents they can call 269-3800 for an emergency in the Joaquin area, according to Fire Chief Perry Pugh.

Due to an estimated 250 families this month needing a food box from Shelby County Outreach Ministries, the non-profit organization is asking for the community’s help in re-stocking the shelves with basic food necessities.

Last month, 200 families came to the outreach center for assistance, and after receiving help for re-stocking from the community, the Shelby County Outreach Ministries says they only have enough stock for two more weeks, or possibly 100 food boxes. One reason there’s been such a higher demand for food are the SNAP benefit cuts.

Shelby County Outreach Ministries would be thankful for any support including but not limited to: food, clothing, furniture, household items (for the Unique Boutique) and/or monetary donations. Stop by their offices on Shelbyville Street in east Center, or call 598-4990.

Repairing water main breaks, brought on by the frigid temperatures has been a top priority of city of Center’s public works crew, as four large breaks have plagued the city’s water supply since Monday night.

According to city manager Chad Nehring, Tyson Foods was the most affected, as the processing plant has been shutdown today to allow for the refilling of the million-gallon water tank at the Tyson plant. Nehring told me this morning he spoke with Tyson officials who feel the plant should be back to normal operations Thursday morning. Tyson goes through anywhere from a million, sometimes as much as two million gallons of water a day in processing.

Nehring said the largest of the breaks was on FM 699, where repair crews braved the cold temperatures until midnight this morning, and at a break on San Augustine Street that was repaired around 5 this morning. Another water line break was reported on College & Church streets.

“Hats off to our guys for their hardwork in making sure water was restored to the city’s customers, Nehring added.

Nehring said the million gallon Tyson tank should be filled by this afternoon.

Tyson advises the day shift 28 degree room, labeling, and shipping, will work today, Wednesday. All other day shift departments will not work today. In addition, night shift will not work today, Wednesday. All shifts maintenance will work today at Tyson Foods, Center Processing Plant.

The City of Huxley is asking customers in the Oakdale, Possum Trot and New Harmony areas to boil their drinking water until further notice, due to problems caused by the weather. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the system to notify customers in these areas to boil their water prior to consumption.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces graveside service for 62-year old Charles Wayne “Charlie” Bushiey of Timpson. Graveside service will be at 1o’clock this afternoon at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Timpson. Charlie Bushiey is survived by two brothers, Bobby of Carthage, and Louie of Joaquin; and sister, Beth Bushiey of Commerce.

Taylor Funeral Home announces funeral service for 76-year old Bruce Riley Samford, Sr. of Timpson. He passed away Monday. Bruce Samford, Sr. was retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone and was a former Shelby County Justice of the Peace Pct. 5, and city of Timpson Municipal Judge. Service will be at 3 p.m. today at First Baptist Church, Timpson, with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson. Bruce Samford, Sr. is survived by his wife, Patricia of Timpson, three daughters, Sandie Crawford, Terrie Nix and Jerrie Strahan, all of Timpson, a son, Bruce Samford, Jr., of Timpson; and a sister, Carolyn Hairgrove.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 88-year old Maxilene Thorn of Washington D.C., formerly of Center. She passed away last Friday at her residence. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Maxilene Thorn is survived by, a son, James Travis Thorn of Washington D.C.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, San Augustine, announces funeral service for 79-year old Mrs. Bennie Roberts of San Augustine. Service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Broaddus, with burial at Harvey Cemetery.  Bennie Roberts passed away Monday in San Augustine. Visitation, 5 to 8 p.m. this evening at Wyman Roberts.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home announces the passing of 88-year old Mrs. Bobbie Squires of San Augustine. She passed away Sunday. There’s no service planned. Mrs. Bobbie Squires is survived by a daughter, Peggy Scott of Broaddus.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home is in charge of service for 70-year old Martha Ann Carson of Deer Park. Service will be at 1 p.m. today at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel in San Augustine, with burial in Chinquapin Cemetery in San Augustine County. Martha Ann Carson died last Sunday in Pasadena.

In local sports,

The Center Roughriders pulled up even for the district lead with Central in the District 20-3A boys’ basketball race, with a 42-32 win on the road in Huntington last night. Central had the night off. The Riders take a 3-0 district mark into Friday night’s home game against the Jasper Bulldogs, who are just a half-game back of the leaders. Elsewhere in the district last night, Hudson beats Carthage, 64-60, and Jasper gets past Diboll, 67-63.

In non-district boys’ games, the San Augustine Wolves beat the Joaquin Rams, 108-37; Broaddus over Lovelady, 90-44; Brookeland beats Martinsville, 48-45; and Nacogdoches defeats Pine Tree, 74-45.

The girls’ scoreboard has the No. 4 state-ranked Central Heights Lady Devils improving to 25-0 on the season with a 64-44 win over rival Woden in a District 19-2A shootout. The boys’ game saw Central Heights take a 50-35 win over Woden. Garrison teams had the night off.

In Distric22-1A, Division I Girls action, it was Martinsville over Gary, 55-30. Martinsville is 2-0 in district.

The Joaquin Lady Rams and Timpson Lady Bears had to reschedule their District 22-1A, Div. I game last night, when refs didn’t show for the contest. They’re gonna try to play again at 4 this afternoon in Timpson.

Shelby County Youth Basketball League will have two final sign up days! This Thursday the 9th from 6pm - 7pm at the Center Middle School Gymnasium, and Friday the 10th from 6pm - 7pm at the Center High School Gymnasium. Fee is $35! The league is open to boys & girls in 1st - 6th grade.

The recent cold weather has resulted in The City of Huxley having to issue a boil water notice for customers in the Oakdale, Possum Trot and New Harmony areas until further notice. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the system to notify customers in these areas to boil their water prior to consumption.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption, the water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Again, this is for City of Huxley water customers in the Oakdale, Possum Trot and New Harmony areas of Shelby County.

If you have questions regarding this matter, you may contact City Hall at 368-2266.

It appears a water main break that occurred Tuesday in the City of Center has forced the temporary shutdown of the processing facility at Tyson Foods. Attempts to reach Tyson administration and City of Center public works officials to find out more about the processing shutdown and when the break issue may be resolved, has been unsuccessful this morning.

If you’re a Tyson Foods, Center Processing Plant employee, listen up, there’s been a change in the work schedule for today, Wednesday, for some workers. Tyson advises the day shift 28 degree room, labeling, and shipping, will work today, Wednesday. All other day shift departments will not work today. In addition, night shift will not work today, Wednesday. All shifts maintenance will work today at Tyson Foods, Center Processing Plant.

Today: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: A 50 percent chance of showers, with a low around 41. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers, with a high near 57. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain, with a low around 48. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. High near 65. Southeast wind around 10 mph.

Friday Night: Showers likely, 70% chance. Low around 55.

Saturday: A 20% chance of showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.

If you’re a Tyson Foods, Center Processing Plant employee, listen up, there’s been a change in the work schedule for today, Wednesday, for some workers. Tyson advises the day shift 28 degree room, labeling, and shipping, will work today, Wednesday. All other day shift departments will not work today. In addition, night shift will not work today, Wednesday. All shifts maintenance will work today at Tyson Foods, Center Processing Plant.

Arrest Report 1/7/14

Shelby County:

Michael Sims, 36, Center, Violation of Probation—original charge of Theft.

Natasha Roland, 30, Center, Failure to ID, Fugitive from Justice.

No San Augustine County arrest

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.

In local sports,

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches have released their state rankings for the week, and the Tenaha Tigers have dropped from No. 7 to No. 10 in Class A, Division I; and the San Augustine Wolves are No. 9 in the same Class A poll. West Sabine is ranked No. 20.

In addition, the Class 2A boys’ poll has Tatum ranked No. 5; and Center Roughrider district opponent, Pollock Central, is No. 23 in the Class 3A boys’ poll.

The girls’ rankings have the Central Heights’ Lady Devils ranked at No. 4 in Class 2A; and Tatum is No. 18 in the same poll. The Joaquin Lady Rams dropped out of the Class A rankings after a setback last week.

Tonight’s high school district basketball schedule has the Center Roughriders and Lady Riders at Huntington in a District 20-3A match; the Shelbyville Lady Dragons at Tenaha to play the Lady Tigers; the San Augustine Lady Wolves at Broaddus to play the Lady Bulldogs; and the Joaquin Lady Rams go to Timpson to take on the Lady Bears.

Non-District games: the San Augustine Wolves tangle with the Joaquin Rams in Joaquin; and Zavalla will be in Shelbyville to take on the Dragons.

Scheduled soccer scrimmage tonight has the Center Lady Riders hosting Henderson at Roughrider Stadium.

Obits:

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces graveside service for 62-year old Charles Wayne “Charlie” Bushiey of Timpson. He lived in the Stockman Community and worked as a welder. Graveside service will be at 1o’clock Wednesday at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Timpson. Visitation will be 6 to 8 this evening at Taylor Funeral Home. Charlie Bushiey is survived by two brothers, Bobby of Carthage, and Louie of Joaquin; and sister, Beth Bushiey of Commerce.

Taylor Funeral Home announces funeral service for 76-year old Bruce Riley Samford, Sr. of Timpson. He passed away Monday. Bruce Samford, Sr. was retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone and was a former Shelby County Justice of the Peace Pct. 5, and city of Timpson Municipal Judge. Service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, Timpson, with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight at Taylor Funeral Home. Bruce Samford, Sr. is survived by his wife, Patricia of Timpson, three daughters, Sandie Crawford, Terrie Nix and Jerrie Strahan, all of Timpson, a son, Bruce Samford, Jr., of Timpson; and a sister, Carolyn Hairgrove.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 88-year old Maxilene Thorn of Washington D.C., formerly of Center. She passed away last Friday at her residence. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Maxilene Thorn is survived by, a son, James Travis Thorn of Washington D.C.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, San Augustine, announces funeral service for 79-year old Mrs. Bennie Roberts of San Augustine. Service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Broaddus, with burial at Harvey Cemetery.  Bennie Roberts passed away Monday in San Augustine. Visitation, 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Wyman Roberts.

 Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 71-year old Brenda Lois Walker Davis of Center. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19 at Watson & Sons.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 88-year old Mrs. Cora Lee Morris of Tyler. She passed away Saturday at her home.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces pending service for 62-year old Mrs. Lavanna P. Bussey of Timpson, She passed sway Saturday night at a Nacogdoches hospital.

A Logansport man and a 13-year old juvenile were arrested by Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office investigators recently helping to solve a vehicle theft and the recovery of stolen property from a Center tire store.

According to Chief Criminal Deputy Horace Womack, 23-year old Joseph Tyrelle Simpson is charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile, Trespassing, Criminal Property Damage, Attempted Theft, Felony Theft over $500, Felony Possession of Stolen Property over $500, and Theft of a Motor Vehicle. The juvenile was charged with Trespassing and Criminal Property Damage. Desoto Parish officials report they went to a residence on T.C. Adams Road in Logansport on a simple trespassing complaint and discovered around 65 new tires inside the structure, which the suspect was selling.

It was discovered Simpson had also taken a truck and trailer from a Logansport residence which was found burned in Shelby County. Authorities discovered the truck had been stolen to use in the theft of tractors in the Texas area. It’s reported Simpson is also under investigation for the theft of scrap metal and property damage. The suspect involved the juvenile in several of the offenses.

A Joaquin man lost his life last Saturday afternoon in a one-vehicle accident in the Huxley area. 59-year old Guy Raymond Floyd, Jr. was headed north of FM 139, just north of the FM 417 intersection around 5 p.m., when he left the roadway in a KIA Sorento and struck a pine tree head-on. Justice of the Peace Pct. 3, Margie Anderson pronounced Floyd dead at the scene, and ordered an autopsy. Department of Public Safety troopers investigated the accident and say there's no sign Floyd attempted to brake before striking the tree.

It’s believed the cold temperatures may have been the cause of a water main break in the city of Tenaha Monday morning, forcing the dismissal of classes at Tenaha ISD at 10 a.m. Tenaha ISD Superintendent Scott Tyner says the problem left all his campuses without water. Tyner advised City of Tenaha repair crews were telling him the water-line break should’ve been repaired Monday afternoon, and classes will go on as scheduled today.

Another cold start to the morning in the Pineywoods, as the mercury this morning has dipped to 16 degrees so far. We also remain under a hard-freeze warning until 9 this morning. It may be up in the day before we get above the freezing mark. We struggled to reach the upper 20s for a high Monday. We've been at or below freezing since 7 Sunday night. An extended period of well below freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes and pose a threat to sensitive vegetation and livestock. These conditions are also potentially hazardous to people and pets who are vulnerable to the cold.

We're forecast to warm to a high of 42 today, and tonight's lows will be in the upper 20s. We have a slight chance of light freezing rain Wednesday morning, but no accumulation’s expected. The 60s return by Thursday.

Thanks to the cold weather, we’re using extra electricity to stay warm, so ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve. There's been power outages due to rolling blackouts, according to Dan Woofin, ERCOT director of system operations. He says conditions appear to be improving at this time, and they do not expect to implement rotating outages at this time. More record cold this morning is putting stress on the electrical grid.

So was the case Monday morning in western Nacogdoches County, as Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is saying extra power usage during the severe cold weather from an older sub-station resulted in a power outage. Brittany Johnson, A spokeswoman for the Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative said approximately 1,000 meters served by the Bayou Loco Station on FM 225 were without power as of 7 a.m. Monday. By lunch, the problem had been resolved. The upgrade currently going on now is designed to curtail such problems in the future, according to Johnson.

Hard Freeze Warning until 9 a.m.

Today: Mostly clear. Highs in the lower 40s. South winds 10 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Southeast winds 10 mph.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of light rain or light freezing rain in the morning...then a slight chance of light rain in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 40s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Warmer. Lows in the lower 40s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Warmer. Highs in the lower 60s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of light rain. Lows in the lower 50s.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers in the morning...then a chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 60s.

Friday Night: A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 50s.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.

Arrest Report 1/6/14

Shelby County:

Kennith Boyd, 39, Shelbyville, Warrant for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

San Augustine County:

Tammy Jean Faver, Hindering Secured Creditor

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty.

...HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
9 AM CST TUESDAY...
* TIMING...TEMPERATURES WILL REMAIN BELOW 20 DEGREES ACROSS MUCH
  OF THE AREA BY MIDNIGHT TONIGHT AND CLIMB ABOVE 20 DEGREES BY
  MID-MORNING TUESDAY.
* IMPACT...AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF WELL BELOW FREEZING
  TEMPERATURES COULD CAUSE RUPTURED WATER PIPES AND POSE A
  THREAT TO SENSITIVE VEGETATION AND LIVESTOCK. THESE CONDITIONS
  ARE ALSO POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS TO PEOPLE AND PETS WHO ARE
  VULNERABLE TO THE COLD.

Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows near 15. North winds 5 mph becoming light and variable.

Tuesday: Mostly clear. Highs in the lower 40s. South winds 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy. Not as cold. Lows in the upper 20s. Southeast winds 10 mph.

Wednesday: Slight chance of light rain in the late morning. Chance of light rain in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy. Warmer. Highs in the lower 50s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of service Sunday for 86-year old Carl T. Campbell of Port Arthur. Service was at Watson & Sons Chapel, with burial at Carroll Cemetery in Shelby County. He passed away Thursday in Beaumont. Carl T. Campbell is survived by a son, Mark W. Campbell of Port Arthur; four sisters, LaMerle Davis of Houston, Louise Greer of Shelbyville, Ann Scarber of Huxley and Kay Ballard of Mont Belvieu; two brothers, Earl Campbell of Center and Crit Campbell of Shelbyville; and a great aunt, Helen Caroll of South Carolina.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of a graveside service Sunday for 89-year old Joe W. Samford of College Station, at Mt. Herman Cemetery. He passed away last Thursday at a Bryan hospital. Joe W. Samford’s survivors include: a son, Donald; daughter-in-law, Sandra Burleson Samford; and a sister-in-law, Glenda Sue Conner.

Mangum Funeral Home handled funeral service for 63-year old Albert Louis Reynolds, Sr. of Center, Sunday at Mangum Chapel with burial at Asbury Chapel Cemetery in Center. He passed away last Friday at a San Augustine health facility. Albert Louis Reynolds is survived by his wife, Judy of Center; a daughter, Teresa Reynolds Jones of Carthage; five sons, Albert, Jr. of Flint, Kevin and David Haley of Center, Joey Haley of Joaquin and Jeffrey Haley of Nacogdoches;

Garrison Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements Sunday for 74-year old Johnny Cook of Garrison. He was a heavy duty mechanic, and passed away last Thursday in Nacogdoches. Johnny Cook’s survivors include, wife, Linda of Garrison; two daughters, Connie Cook of Michigan, and Lisa of Houston; four sons, Tracy, Johnny, Robert and Kevin Cook, all of Garrison; sisters, Jane Jordan and FN Cook; and a brother, Jack Cook.

Garrison Funeral Home announces funeral service for 83-year old John “Buddy” Williamson of Garrison. He was a dairy farmer and passed away Saturday. Service be at 11 this morning at Garrison Funeral Home Chapel, with burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Garrison. Visitation will be from 10 to service time. John “Buddy” Williamson is survived by a daughter, Gina Peters of Longview; a son, Jon Williamson of Garrison; and sister, Laverne Cordell of Douglass.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces graveside service for 62-year old Charles Wayne “Charlie” Bushiey of Timpson. He passed away Thursday in Timpson. Graveside service for Charlie Bushiey will be at 1o’clock Wednesday at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Timpson. Visitation will be 6 to 8 Tuesday evening at Taylor Funeral Home.

In local basketball action over the weekend,

The No. 7 state-ranked Tenaha Tigers beat Class 3A Atlanta, 106-93; Livingston Big Sandy over the state-ranked San Augustine Wolves, 90-65; and Marshall defeats Nacogdoches, 63-36.

The Center Roughriders were off Friday night, but in other District 20-3A action, Central takes a half-game lead on the Riders in the standings, after a 71-53 win over Carthage; Diboll over Huntington, 76-46; and Jasper beats Hudson, 70-63. Tomorrow night, Center goes to Huntington, Hudson at Carthage and Diboll travels to Jasper. Central has the open date.

In other boys’ district action Friday, Crockett over the Garrison Bulldogs, 58-35; and Central Heights over Westwood, 74-66.

In girls’ district play Friday, the state-ranked Joaquin Lady Rams opened up on the short end of a 34-22 loss to the Martinsville Lady Pirates; and the Garrison Lady Bulldogs drop to 3-2 in district after a 56-55 setback in overtime to Crockett.

The Center Lady Riders were idle Friday, but resume district play Tuesday night at Huntington.

The local Class A-Division I boys’ teams, including Tenaha, Timpson, Joaquin, Shelbyville, San Augustine and Broaddus all open district play either tomorrow night or Friday.

After years of planning between Texas and Louisiana transportation departments, the U.S. Hwy. 84 state-line Sabine River Bridge Replacement Project will officially kick-off with a groundbreaking ceremony Friday morning in Logansport. Local and state elected officials and TxDOT and Louisiana Department of Transportation representatives will discuss the significance of the $20.4 million U.S. 84 Sabine River Bridge Project before ceremonially breaking ground for construction.

Friday’s ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the Dennis Freeman Memorial Park on the riverfront in Logansport. Officials scheduled to attend are Logansport Mayor Katherine Freeman, Joaquin Mayor Mike Wood, Secretary Sherri H. LeBas of the Louisiana Department of Transportation, and Commissioner Jeff Austin III of the Texas Transportation Commission, in addition to project engineers and construction representatives.

The bridge replacement project has been on the drawing board since the 1980s, and was suspended due to funding woes. The new project is designed to provide a safe and efficient crossing of the Sabine River that meets current design and safety standards to handle the Average Daily Traffic count of 12,500 vehicles. The bridge replacement includes building a pair of one-way two-lane bridges to place the current single structure built in 1936.

The Texas Transportation Commission in July 2013 awarded the $20.4 million construction contract to James Construction Group, L.L.C. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

A reception hosted by the cities of Logansport and Joaquin will be held following the event at the DeSoto Parish Logansport Branch Library located at 203 Hwy 5.

An extremely cold start to this Monday, as we’re at 18 degrees at 6 a.m., with a wind chill of 8 degrees this morning, after the coldest Artic air of the season so far blew into our area Sunday behind gusty north winds, rapidly dropping temperatures from a high of 59 at 8 o’clock, to 41 within an hour, according to official weather observer Jim Forbes. The National Weather Service has the deep east Texas and western Louisiana area under a hard free warning until 9 this morning, as well as a Wind Chill Advisory till 9 a.m.A WIND CHILL ADVISORY MEANS THAT VERY COLD AIR AND STRONG WINDS COMBINE TO GENERATE LOW WIND CHILLS. THIS WILL RESULT IN FROST BITE AND LEAD TO HYPOTHERMIA IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN. IF YOU MUST VENTURE OUTDOORS...MAKE SURE ALL EXPOSED SKIN IS COVERED.

 Highs today are forecast to reach only about freezing, even with sun, before we fall back into the deep freeze tonight with lows expected in the mid teens. We’re expecting a warm-up by Wednesday.

The cold temps this morning are well short of the records for January. Jim Forbes told me Sunday afternoon the record low temperature for January in Center was 5 degrees on both Jan. 19, 1940; and Jan. 12, 1982. Jim said you may remember it was during this extended cold period in ’82 it stayed well below freezing for several days allowing Toledo Bend Reservoir to ice over enough to be walked on, if you dared.

No weather delays this morning as all roadways and bridges are reported to be in good shape with no ice. The gusty north winds and sunshine Sunday dried up the rain received prior to, during and well after the passage of the Artic front.

It’s back to school today for local students, teachers and support staff after the two-week Christmas Break. Be on the look-out for children entering and existing school buses, automobiles, walking or biking.

Arrest Report 1-3-14 to 1-5-14

Shelby County:

Emerson Evans, 49, Center, Warrants for Failure to Appear, and Assault-Causing Bodily Injury.

Joshua Pike, 35, San Augustine, Warrant for Violation of Probation, original Driving While Intoxicated.

Clinton Carter, 21, Moffitt, TX., Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Dangerous Drug.

Cameran Bittick, 30, Center, Warrant for Violation of Probation, original charge of Possession of Marijuana.

Dennis Permenter, 45, Joaquin, Driving While Intoxicated.

Aung Ting, 40, Dallas, Driving While Intoxicated.

San Augustine County:

Bobby Tanner, Jr., Criminal Trespass

Arlan Speer, Driving While License Invalid, Theft.

Julie Russell, Harassment.

All subjects are innocent until proven guilty.

Hard Freeze Warning until 9 a.m.
Wind Chill Advisory until 9 a.m.


Today: Mostly clear. Highs near 33. Wind chill values as low as 6. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows near 14. North winds 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable.

Tuesday: Mostly clear. Highs in the lower 40s. Wind chill values as low as 12. South winds 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy. Not as cold. Lows in the upper 20s. Southeast winds 10 mph.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of light rain. Mostly cloudy. Warmer. Highs in the lower 50s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.

Today: Mostly cloudy with chance of showers in the morning... Then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Windy. Highs in the mid 50s. Temperatures falling into the upper 30s in the afternoon. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to near 30 mph. Chance of showers 50 percent.

Tonight: Mostly clear. Windy. Lows 15 to 20. North winds 15 to 20 mph.

Monday: Sunny...colder. Highs in the mid 30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

Monday Night: Clear. Lows 15 to 20. Northwest winds 5 mph becoming light and variable.

Tuesday: Sunny...warmer. Highs in the mid 40s. South winds 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.

Arrest Report 1/2/14

Shelby County:

Timothy Johnson, 33, Center, Assault (Family Violence), Injury to a Child and Abandonment-Endangering Child.

Martin Rojas, Jr., 23, Center, Violation of Probation-original charge of Driving While License Invalid.

Tiffany Burr, 28, Joaquin, Warrants for Credit Card Abuse and Abandoning a Child.

Alfredo Campos, 48, Center, Warrant for Violation of Probation.

All subjects are innocent until proven guilty.

Desoto Parish Crime Stoppers is asking for help in locating the suspect or suspects that entered the Dolet Hills Mine in Mansfield, Louisiana in the early morning hours of Dec. 28 thru 30th, and made off with an estimated 500 feet of four-inch cooper cable valued at over $35,000.

Authorities say an unknown make/model pickup truck pulling a flatbed trailer traveled to an isolated area where the suspect or suspects cut up the cable with what appeared to be a hacksaw. The cable is used to power a dragline for the mine, and weighs about 11 pounds a foot. Desoto Parish officials are making a request to all scrap metal locations for any excess of copper wire being brought in, or anyone that has information on the theft.

Desoto Parish Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect/suspects. Call 1-800-505-STOP (7867) or the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-872-3956.

Time is running out to get your children registered for youth basketball in Shelby County.

The Shelby County Youth Basketball League has extended sign up from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (1-4-14)  at Wright Chrysler Dodge. Contact Veronica Berry at 488-8096 for more information.

Also, Timpson ISD students from Kindergarten thru 6^th grade can register from 9 to 12 Saturday morning, or from 6 to 8 Monday, Jan. 6 at the Timpson High School gym foyer. Cost is $40 per child. For more, contact Nikki Fleming, 936-572-0503.

Last night the Tenaha Tigers took to the basketball hardwood in Cumby, and came away with a 64-44 win over Miller Grove in non-district play. The No. 7 state-ranked Tigers will be at Atlanta tonight.

Other round ball action tonight has the Timpson Bears hosting state-ranked West Sabine; and the #10 ranked San Augustine Wolves will be at Livingston Big Sandy.

The Center Roughriders are off to a 2-0 District 20-3A start, and have an open date tonight. The Riders are tied with Central atop the standings. In the district this evening, Carthage @ Central, Huntington @ Diboll and Jasper @ Hudson.

Also tonight, the Garrison Bulldogs host Crockett in District 19-2A play, and Kennard’s at Chireno to play the Owls in 25-1A Div. II.

On the girls’ side, it’s the start of district tonight for a number of teams. Timpson Lady Bears head to Shelbyville to play the Lady Dragons; the Tenaha Lady Tigers open district at home against Gary; the #16 state-ranked Joaquin Lady Rams are home to play Martinsville in their district opener; and the San Augustine Lady Wolves are in Pineland to take on West Sabine in the first district game.

The Lady Riders are open this evening.

On Saturday afternoon, the Shelbyville Dragons will be in Evadale in non-district action.

How ‘bout soccer? The Center Lady Riders have a scrimmage tonight in Marshall.

With 20-13 in the books, longtime official U.S. weather observers Jim and Ann Forbes have compiled weather stats for the previous 12 months.

The highest temp in December 2013 was 79 degrees on Dec. 3; the lowest was 26 on Dec. 11 and 24. As for temperature records, the highest December temperature occurred on Dec. 6, 1956 when the mercury reached 84 degrees. The lowest December temp was 2 degrees on Christmas Eve 1989.

Rainfall for the month of December 2013 was 3.62 inches, which was 1.81 inches below average. The highest recorded rainfall amount for December was a 14.28 gully washer in 2002. The lowest recorded for this month was 0.87 in 1980.

Total rainfall in 2013 was 50.92 inches, below average for the year by 3.28 inches.

Other weather facts for 2013 according to the Forbes:

The last freeze for the season was 30 degrees on March 28; August had 16 triple digit days; September contained 6 triple digit days; the first frost of the season was Nov. 3; and first freeze was Nov. 13. There was light snow late in the evening of Dec. 6; and the Timpson area had earthquake tremors reported in January and September of the past year.

Thanks again to Jim and Ann Forbes for their tireless recording and reporting of the weather in Center.

A San Augustine County family is counting their blessings as they escaped a fire that destroyed their home New Year’s Day.

No injuries were reported in the blaze that claimed the Broaddus home of Sandra Bonilla and her husband.

Ms. Bonilla said she woke up around 1:15 a.m. to discover her house located on County Road 4600, filled with smoke. She was able to awaken her husband, and they both fled the structure. The Broaddus, Pineland and Powell Town VFDs all responded.

The Bonillas lost all their belongings, but the community has assisted them, including the Red Cross that was at the scene within an hour of the fire. The family is staying at a church friend’s home until they can find a place.

If you would like to help the family you can contact the Bonilla's daughter, Sandy Huffman at 936-201-2810.

The 2014 political season is officially underway, and voters across Texas – starting today, Friday, are able to submit an application for ballot by mail for the March 4^th primary election. February 3^rd is the last day citizens may register to vote in the March primary, and early voting in person begins Feb. 18^th.

To receive a ballot by mail, in Shelby County contact Shelby County Clerk Allison Harbison; and in San Augustine County, get in touch with election administrator Deborah Woods.

The ballot has been finalized in Shelby County, as there’ll be two locally contested races in the Democratic Primary; and five in the Republican Primary in March.

In the Democratic primary, the commissioner Pct. 4 race has incumbent Bradley Allen challenged by Howard Sparks; and in the Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 Democratic Primary, Shonda Clifton goes up against Jenny L. Hicks.

As for the Republican Party primary, the Shelby County judges’ race looks to be a hot contest, as incumbent Rick Campbell receives a challenge from current county clerk Allison Harbison. In the county treasurer’s primary, it’s Ann Blackwell and Joan Rodgers; the Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Republican primary is a three-way race, with William Eddins, Melissa Crouch and Barbara Scates vying for the position; JP Pct. 2 pits Marla Denby and Mark E. Swift; and in Justice of the Peace Pct. 5 Republican primary, T. Lee Williams is challenged by Mike Crouch.

In San Augustine County, there’s one contested race, that being in the Republican Primary for County Commissioner Pct. 4. Candidate include, Steve Bryan, Joe Hanks, Jim Sower and David McKatherine.

A Timpson man is among four individuals arrested in Mississippi, and accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of construction equipment in a multi-state theft ring.

Charles “Seth” Alexander, 25, is being charged with felony receiving stolen property. Mississippi authorities said they are still following leads in the case, and believe the group intended to sell the equipment on the black market.

Officials acting on a tip from a neighbor served a search warrant Monday at a rural residence in Hinds County, Mississippi. Much of the equipment recovered had already been striped to pieces. The group is accused of stealing tractor-trailers, back hoes, ATVs, trucks, diesel tanks, batteries and tools at an estimated value of some $200-thousand. Officials said they were able to get in touch with the original owners of the vehicles in Louisiana earlier this week, and have reunited them with their stolen property.

Authorities believe the theft occurred just west of Jackson, Mississippi about three weeks ago. Charles “Seth” Alexander was scheduled to have his initial court appearance Thursday. He’s been held without bond in the Hinds County, Mississippi detention center since being arrested.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and believe more individuals are involved in what’s being described as a much larger case.