Official weather observers Jim & Ann Forbes have released the February weather statistics for Center.

The February rain total was 2.74 inches, which was 2.21 inches below the 4.95 average. To date for 2014, Center has received 4.31 inches, which is 5.09 inches below the average of 9.40 inches. As  the records go for February rain, the most ever in Center was 8.90 inches in 2003, with the least, .34 in February 1996.

Temperatures for February 2014: The high for the month occurred on Feb. 17 when the mercury hit 78; while the low was 26 on Feb. 13.

The average high for the month of February was 58 degrees; while the average low was 33.

According to Jim, the record all-time February high in Center was 90 degrees on Feb. 21, 1986; and the record low for February occurred on Feb. 2, 1951 when it was zero in Center.

Arrest Report

2/27/14--2/28/14

Shelby County:

Phillip Clark, 63, Humble, Warrants- Failure to Appear; OC: Traffic Offense & Speeding

Christopher Belrose, 34, Seminole, OK, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Donna Joe Danner, 19, Center, Criminal Mischief & Failure to ID

Tiffany Leann Baker, 31, Joaquin, Driving While Intoxicated

San Augustine County:

Rance Dehn, Driving While License Invalid

Jessie Pruner, Failure to Appear OC: Possession of a Controlled Substance & Driving License Invalid with Previous Conviction

Wallace Clifton, Public Intoxication

Kendrick Rolland, Driving While Intoxicated

Reminder: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The buzzard problem is once again plaguing areas of the City of Center, and city administration is asking for citizens to not take it upon themselves to rid the problem. Assistant City Manager Jim Gibson says if you live inside the city and observe buzzards roosting in your area, contact the Code Enforcement Officer at 598-2055, and an employee can visit your property and investigate the issue to take appropriate action. Gibson said the city has obtained permits from the Department of the Interior to destroy red and black head vultures/buzzards to discourage their roosting patterns over the years. Since these are migratory birds, they’re protected by federal laws, and do not attempt to shoot or destroy any of these birds. The City of Center has a non-lethal way that’s proven effective in the past, and will continue until the birds leave, according to Gibson. He said the Center Police Department has received several calls concerning individuals firing at the buzzards outside the City Limits.

Today’s the final day of early voting for the March 4 Party Primary Election.

In Shelby County, you can cast ballots from 8 to 4:30 today at the county clerk’s office on the south-side of the Center Square.

In San Augustine County, you can vote early from 8 to 4 at Election Administrator Deborah Woods’ office in the El Camino Justice Center, and from 9 to 4 at the Broaddus Community Center.

Don't forget, you must have a photo ID in order to vote early and in person Tuesday.

Center Broadcasting will have post-election coverage starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday night on air, Facebook and our website. 

Today is also the last day to file for a ballot position in the May 10 city and school board elections. Not all entities still observe the May election schedule, such as the City of Center, City of San Augustine, along with the Center ISD, San Augustine ISD, Broaddus ISD, and Excelsior ISDs, they now wait till later in the year. However, there are possible city and school trustee contested elections in the Spring. The cities of Timpson, Tenaha, Joaquin, and Huxley have either mayor or council positions expiring; and Timpson, Tenaha, Joaquin and Shelbyville school districts have board positions up for election. I’ll have a list of the locations having a May 10 election, along with the candidates on Monday’s news.

The City of Jasper and other co-defendants have agreed to pay the former chief of police $831-thousand to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit filed two years ago.

Rodney Pearson, the city’s first black police chief sued after allegations were brought he was wrongfully terminated because of his race.

The Bernsen Law Firm in Beaumont stated City of Jasper officials intentionally posted different qualifications and education requirements than what was set forth in Jasper’s handbook.

In June of 2012, Jasper City Council members voted to dismiss Pearson of his duties, it was said he was fired over poor job performance.

It’s reported many Jasper residents and city council members that voted against firing Pearson said the dismissal was based on race.

As construction of the U.S. Hwy. 84 Sabine River Bridge Replacement Projects gets in full swing, TxDOT has announced the closure of Chestnut Street in Logansport, starting in about a week, around March 10, weather permitting. Project contractor, James Construction will close the street as work begins on the new eastbound lanes of U.S. 84. Once closed, Chestnut Street is expected to remain closed until Sept. 2015. Kathi White of TxDOT said motorist should be prepared for delays and are advised to plan to use alternate routes. When completed in the summer of 2016, the $20.4 million project will include a pair of one way, two-lane bridges, one for eastbound the other for westbound traffic. The new eastbound lanes will run from approximately CR 3598 to LA 5. The present bridge was constructed in 1936.

The Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital Board of Directors has approved a policy that will prohibit the use of tobacco and smokeless tobacco products anywhere on the medical campus.

The decision was made at Tuesday’s board meeting. The policy will go into full effect May 1. There’s an incorporation period until that time that allows patients and staff to grow accustomed to what the boundaries are so individuals know where they must go if they wish to smoke.

Administration said the medical staff at Nacogdoches Memorial has been recommending for the hospital to become tobacco free, which is becoming much more common.

At tomorrow’s Shelby County Ducks Unlimited Green Wing Event near Joaquin at the North Toledo Bend Wildlife Management Area, the road leading into the area, just off FM 2572 will be renamed and dedicated in memory of Jacob Hughes. According to information from Shelby County Ducks Unlimited, Hughes believed in conservation, was a devoted sportsman, and a true steward to the outdoors. Jacob Hughes was completing his degree at Texas A&M when he lost his life in an automobile accident in Sept. 2011. The dedication will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the Sweed Johnson Boat Ramp. Directions to the area: State Hwy. 7 East to Joaquin, south on FM 139, then FM 2572 East to the management area.

The annual Shelby County Livestock Show will be held tomorrow at the Shelby County Expo Center. The show will start at 10:00 a.m. with Rabbits and the Swine, the Goats, Lambs and Cattle will follow. The Bar-B-Que for the buyer’s and exhibitors will start at 6:00 p.m. followed by the live auction at 7:00 p.m.

The H.O.P.E. Project in Tenaha is sponsoring the Big Easy 5K fun run Mardi Gras celebration tomorrow to benefit the non-profit organizations new dental facility. The fun run/walk event will have a Mardi Gras festival theme, complete with games, food, prizes, a kid’s zone and something for everyone in the family, and will all take place in downtown Tenaha. Organizers say sign-in registration opens at 8 a.m. The H.O.P.E. Project serves Shelby, Panola and San Augustine Counties with medical and dental services at a discount rate, and regardless of ability to pay. 

In an effort to spark economic growth on the Texas side of Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sabine County business owners will be holding the first Great East Texas Outdoor Festival tomorrow in Hemphill. T

he event will showcase everything outdoors from hunting to fishing, bird watching, hiking, biking to relaxing. Plans are to use funds raised by hosting the festival to secure property, build boat rams, a pavilion, picnic areas and swimming area.

The Great East Texas Outdoor Fest will open up at 9 Saturday morning at the Sabine County Youth Foundation Arena on Hwy. 184.

Special guests are T-Roy Broussard and Big Foot from TV’s Swamp People. Gator County will be on hand with gators and snakes, there will be live music, vendors, a kiddie area, in addition to a chili cook-off, silent auction, beer garden, and silent auction. 

The day will end as a 20-foot pontoon boat and trailer will be raffled off. 

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will have an observance to honor all who participated in Operation Desert Storm at 11 this morning. A wreath laying will take place at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse and Taps will be played for those 148 Americans who lost their lives in the war that ended on February 28, 1991.  A Dutch treat lunch will follow at Las Margaritas and any Desert Storm Veteran attending will receive a complimentary lunch.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 86-year old Polly Potter Switt of San Augustine. Service will be at 10 a.m. this morning at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with burial in Liberty Hill Memorial Garden in San Augustine. Among Polly Potter Switt’s survivors are sons, Col. Michael Potter of San Antonio; Jeffrey Potter of Crandall; and Rex Potter of Ft. Worth.

Hicks Mortuary of Center announces funeral service for 76-year old Jane Ellen Arnold of Center. She passed away Wednesday in Tyler. Jane Ellen Arnold worked in Center as a nurse for over 50 years in the clinics of Dr. Hunter Mallory, Dr. Stephen Sayers, and Dr. Netherly. She finished her career as plant nurse for Center Hallmark. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 today at Hicks Mortuary. Funeral services will be held at 1 Saturday at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church in Center. Among Jane Ellen Arnold’s survivors is a son, Billy D. Harris of Beaumont; daughters, Pamela Martin of Nacogdoches and Tammie Caraway of Tyler; and siblings, Patsy Stephenson, Ida Allison, Debra Davis, Vickie Jackson and David Waterhouse, Jr.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 84-year old Donald L. “Don” Burt of Center. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 1 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Don Burt’s survivors are his wife of 58 years, Grace Burt of Center; daughters, Kathryn Leigh Burton of Canton, Georgia and Janet Hairgrove of Center; brothers Vernon Burt of Silsbee and Billy Burt of Jasper; and sister-in-law, Sybil Burt of Nacogdoches.

Mangum Funeral Home announces funeral service for 79-year old John Dean Pilkington of the Paxton Community. He passed away Wednesday at his residence. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 this evening at Mangum Funeral Home. Service will be at 10 Saturday at Ramah Baptist Church in Tenaha, with military honors to follow at Ramah Cemetery under the direction of Barksdale Air Force Base. John Dean Pilkington is survived by his wife, Lynn Pilkington of Paxton; daughters, Donna Mori of San Francisco, Phuong Warren of Gilmer, Lynn Pilkington of Texarkana, and Mun Kelley of Arkansas; and a son, Glenn Pilkington of Longview.

Mangum Funeral Home announces graveside service for 88-year old Bonnie D. Lindemann Royal of Webster, formerly of Joaquin. She passed away Wednesday. Graveside will be at 2 Saturday at Oaklawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be prior to service at Mangum Funeral Home. Bonnie D. Lindemann Royal is survived by her husband, Chandler “Chan” Royal of Webster; a son, Charles F. Lindemann; step-daughters, Susan Saunders and Teresa “Tere” Royal; and brother, Ernest “Ernie” Cox.

Garner & Sons Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 25-year old Alex Emil Henderson, aka “Chu-Chu” of Geneva. Service will be at 1 Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church in San Augustine, with interment at Corinth Cemetery in Sexton. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 today at Garner & Sons Mortuary. Alex Emil Henderson is survived by his mother, Linda Henderson of Geneva; special friend, Angela Gentry of Center; five brothers, Allen T. Henderson of Bossier City, Cedric Holman of San Augustine, Chris Jones of Palestine, Lil Randle Jr. Johnson of Ft. Worth, and Steven Giles of Lufkin; and a sister, Shereta Rochelle Giles of Lufkin.

A Center man has been arrested and charged with first-degree aggravated kidnapping of a 15-year old Nacogdoches girl.

Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges says 28-year old Juan Fabian Arenas Delacruz has been taken into custody after a three-day search came to an end Wednesday when the girl was found safe in a Lubbock motel room by police officers.

Sheriff Bridges said Delacruz was found working at a job site on the Texas Tech campus. He was reported to be an illegal alien who may be a former police officer in Mexico, according to the sheriff. It’s reported Delacruz had befriended Nomei “Mimi” Velazquez’s family in Nacogdoches in December, and had a falling out with them.

Delacruz reportedly worked for a Louisiana oil company and had been living in Center.

The search for the pair covered Texas, Kansas and Missouri, as reports surface they were seen in those areas.

An Amber Alert was also issued for the girl.

During the search, Velazuez’s boyfriend, 20-year old Franklin Antonio Joya was arrested for possession of child pornography after Nacogdoches County sheriff’s investigators reportedly found images of her on his cell phone.

If you live outside Panola County and wish to attend Panola College in Carthage or one of its college centers, including Center or Marshall, it's going to cost you more beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year.

Panola College Board of Trustees approved an increase of fees and rates for students living outside Panola County when they met Monday. According to Charles "Bud"Worley, the director of institutional advancement, Panola College President Dr. Greg Powell discussed the increase in fees with the Student Government Association, and they gave their endorsement. This means starting next academic year, a three-hour course will be increased by $15 for out-of-district and $18 for non-resident.

Worley said the fees are to help offset costs for new course offerings and many of these will be taught at the Shelby Regional Training Center. He added this will help ensure a quality of education from Panola College.

At their called meeting yesterday, the Center ISD Board of Trustees authorized administration to solicit proposals for lease of facilities and real property for the purpose of relocating the transportation yard and operation center. The bus barn—which it’s more commonly referred, has outgrown the location, just off Timpson Hwy., and there’s a need for more space, according to Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry. He said there’s no certainty the facility is moving until they go through the process of looking for an alternate location. He added the district’s transportation infrastructure needs upgrading as well, and said moving the facility would provide a safer environment in and around that area. Also at Wednesday’s meeting, trustees renewed the Southwest Foods Service Excellence contract; approved a leave of absence for elementary school teacher Jessica Dillard; and approved the employment of Sydney Jones as a Center High School teacher.

We're down to the last two days of early voting for the March 4 Party Primary Election, and when polls closed for the day Wednesday there had been 796 vote in Shelby County so far, with 705 of those voting Republican.

In San Augustine County there have been 275 cast ballots in San Augustine and Broaddus since Feb. 18, of which 193 are Republican.

In Shelby County, you can cast ballots from 8 to 4:30 today & Friday at the county clerk’s office on the south-side of the Center Square.

In San Augustine County, you can vote early from 8 to 4 through Friday at Election Administrator Deborah Woods’ office in the El Camino Justice Center, and from 9 to 4 at the Broaddus Community Center.

Don't forget, you must have a photo ID in order to vote early and in person March 4.

Center Broadcasting will have post-election coverage starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday night on air, Facebook and our website. 

We’ve learned of the passing of lifetime Center resident, Jane Arnold. She passed away yesterday in Tyler. Service is pending for Jane Arnold of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 84-year old Donald L. “Don” Burt of Center. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 1 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Don Burt’s survivors are his wife of 58 years, Grace Burt of Center; daughters, Kathryn Leigh Burton of Canton, Georgia and Janet Hairgrove of Center; brothers Vernon Burt of Silsbee and Billy Burt of Jasper; and sister-in-law, Sybil Burt of Nacogdoches.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 86-year old Polly Potter Switt of San Augustine. She passed away Wednesday in Lufkin. Service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with burial in Liberty Hill Memorial Garden in San Augustine. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Polly Potter Switt’s survivors are sons, Col. Michael Potter of San Antonio; Jeffrey Potter of Crandall; and Rex Potter of Ft. Worth.

Garner & Sons Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 25-year old Alex Emil Henderson, aka “Chu-Chu” of Geneva. He passed away last Saturday at his home. Service will be at 1 Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church in San Augustine, with interment at Corinth Cemetery in Sexton. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at Garner & Sons Mortuary. Alex Emil Henderson is survived by his mother, Linda Henderson of Geneva; special friend, Angela Gentry of Center; five brothers, Allen T. Henderson of Bossier City, Cedric Holman of San Augustine, Chris Jones of Palestine, Lil Randle Jr. Johnson of Ft. Worth, and Steven Giles of Lufkin; and a sister, Shereta Rochelle Giles of Lufkin.

Center Lady Roughriders are hosting the Lady Rider Softball Tournament today thru Saturday with 16 varsity and JV teams participating. Competition is a pool format, with games at the High School Field, as well as the new City Softball Complex.

Today's games on the Center High School Field include: 8 a.m.-Nacogdoches-Cushing; 9:45-Joaquin vs. West Rusk; 11:30-Beckville-Hemphill; 1:15-Nacogdoches-West Rusk; 3 p.m.-Joaquin-Cushing; 4:45-Center-Beckville; 6:30-Center-Hemphill.

On Field 1 today: 9:45-Mt Enterprise-Beckville JV; 1:15-Shelbyville-Joaquin JV; 3 p.m.-Beckville JV-Apple Springs; 4:45-Cushing vs. Mt Enterprise; and Center JV vs. Shelbyville at 6:30.

Field 2 today: 12:30-Cushing JV vs. Joaquin JV; 2 p.m.-Kennard vs. Shelbyville JV; 4 p.m.-Kennard vs. Center JV; and 5:30; Apple Springs vs. Shelbyville JV.

In other softball action today through Saturday, the Timpson Lady Bears are in the Longview Tourney; and the Garrison Lady Bulldogs are taking part in the A&M Consolidated Tournament in College Station.

The Tenaha Tigers and San Augustine Wolves are preparing for their Region 3 Class 1A, Div. I semifinal basketball games Friday in Tyler. #6 Tenaha will play #2 Grapeland at 3, with #8 San Augustine taking on #10 LaPoynor at 5. The winners will meet in the region final at 3:30 Saturday, with the winner advancing to the state tournament in Austin.

Tenaha is advancing to its 10th Regional Tournament in the last 13 years. By the way, Tenaha ISD will have an early release at 11:45 Friday, so fans can make the trek to Tyler.

At the Class 2A region tournament in Nacogdoches Friday, the 5 o'clock semifinal has Kountze playing Jarrell, followed by Tatum and Marlin at 7. The regional final will be at noon Saturday, and winner earns a berth into the state tournament.

Today through Saturday, the girls' state basketball tournament semi-final and final's are being played at the Erwin Center in Austin. Starting today, it’s the 1A, Div. I semis features Plains vs. Santo and Weimar against Kerens; then 3A semis have Argle taking on Geronimo Navarro and Waco LaVega playing Abilene Wylie. Tonight, the 4A semis have Canyon vs. Georgetown and Northside Brennan playing McKinney North.

The 2A, 5A, and 1A, Div. II semis are being played Friday, with the state finals Saturday at the Erwin Center in Austin.

Baseball on tap today, the Center Roughriders are in the Kilgore Oil Belt Classic through Saturday; the Joaquin Rams are taking part in the Douglass Tournament; the Timpson Bears are in the Waskom Tournament; and the Garrison Bulldogs are playing in the Elysian Fields tournament through Saturday.

High school track and field meets start today. The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders are in Crockett; with Timpson Bears and Lady Bears going to Colmesneil. The Tenaha Tigers and Lady Tigers are scheduled to be in Elysian Fields; and the Garrison Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs are taking part in the Alto Relays.

The Center Roughrider JV Tennis Team will be in the Nacogdoches Tournament today.

Soccer: today, Tenaha Lady Tigers at John Tyler

Arrest Report

2/26/14--2/27/14

Shelby County:

Morgan Ann Magee, 30, Shelbyville, Violation of Parole; OC: Possession of a Controlled Substance

Marcus Leach, 37, Center, Burglary of a Habitation, Theft of Property & Theft

Marvin Taylor, 35, Joaquin, Warrants-Driving While License Invalid x 3, Warrant-Expired Drivers License, Child Safety Seat Not Secured x 2

San Augustine County:

John E. Renfroe, Motion for Adjudication of Guilt

Demetrius M. Moye, Motion for Adjudication OC: Endangering a Child

Reminder: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

A Shelby County man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for firearms violations.

U.S. Attorney John M. Bales says 68-year old John Madison Hughes of Center, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark in Beaumont. Hughes pleaded guilty in October of last year to possessing a stolen firearm.

According to information presented in court, on Oct. 17, 2012, a law enforcement officer was dispatched to a residence on County Road 1286 in Shelby County regarding a domestic disturbance involving Hughes and his girlfriend.  A sheriff's deputy stopped Hughes' truck and detained him pending further investigation. The deputy observed a rifle on the seat of Hughes' truck.  Hughes' girlfriend told deputies the rifle belonged to her and Hughes took it without her consent.  Hughes was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 2013, and charged with federal firearms violations.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

The case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.

To give you a little history of Hughes’ past, he was convicted of bank robbery in 1969, escape from a federal correctional institution in 1973, voluntary manslaughter in Nacogdoches County in 1987 and murder in Shelby County in 1991. 

At the Center City Council meeting Monday night, the council made two appointments to the Center Housing Authority Board of Directors, and decided to hold off on an appointment to the Center Economic Development Corporation for Street Improvements.

The City Council reappointed Wayne Howard and Merle Howard to the Housing Authority board, and tabled an appointment to the street improvement committee which was to fill a vacancy left by the death of council member Charles Byndom.

City manager Chad Nehring also told us that total re-construction of Martin Luther King Drive in East Center is just about a quarter of the way complete.

The Center ISD Board of Trustees will have a called meeting at noon today, and among the agenda items will be consideration and approval of Southwest Food Service Excellence contract renewal; and consideration and approval to authorize administration to solicit proposals for lease of facilities and real property for the purpose of relocating the transportation and operations center. In addition, CISD trustees may also go into executive session to discuss district employees.

Early voting for the March 4 Party Primary Election continues through Friday.

In Shelby County, you can cast ballots from 8 to 4:30 at the county clerk’s office on the south-side of the Center Square.

In San Augustine County, you can vote early from 8 to 4 at Election Administrator Deborah Woods’ office in the El Camino Justice Center, and from 9 to 4 at the Broaddus Community Center.

Don't forget, you must have a photo ID in order to vote early and in person March 4. If you don’t have a Drivers’ License or other form of photo ID, the Texas Dept. of Public Safety is issuing free Election Identification Certificates. In San Augustine County, Election Administrator Deborah Woods is also providing the free IDs.

Friday is the last day to file for a ballot position in the May 10 city and school board elections. Not all entities still observe the May election schedule, as some now wait until November.

The City of Center and City of San Augustine, along with the Center ISD, San Augustine ISD, Broaddus ISD, and Excelsior ISDs now wait till later in the year. However, there are possible city and school trustee contested elections.

The cities of Timpson, Tenaha, Joaquin, and Huxley have either mayor or council positions expiring; and Timpson, Tenaha, Joaquin and Shelbyville school districts have board positions up for election. 

In an effort to spark economic growth on the Texas side of Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sabine County business owners will be holding the first Great East Texas Outdoor Festival this Saturday in Hemphill.

The event will showcase everything outdoors from hunting to fishing, bird watching, hiking, biking to relaxing. Plans are to use funds raised by hosting the festival to secure property, build boat rams, a pavilion, picnic areas and swimming area.

Organizers of Saturday’s festival say neighbors in Sabine Parish have been supportive of the economic development efforts in Texas, and coming together to host large fishing tournaments are in the plans.

he Great East Texas Outdoor Fest will open up at 9 Saturday morning at the Sabine County Youth Foundation Arena on Hwy. 184. Special guests are T-Roy Broussard and Big Foot from TV’s Swamp People. Gator County will be on hand with gators and snakes, there will be live music, vendors, a kiddie area, in addition to a chili cook-off, silent auction, beer garden, and silent auction.

The day will end as a 20-foot pontoon boat and trailer will be raffled off. That’s the Great East Texas Outdoor Fest this Saturday in Hemphill.

For more information, contact Dr. Karen Mills at 409-787-3388, or Pat Smith at 936-275-8223.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 84-year old Donald L. “Don” Burt of Center. He passed away Monday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. He was retired from International Paper Company. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 1 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Don Burt’s survivors are his wife of 58 years, Grace Burt of Center; daughters, Kathryn Leigh Burton of Canton, Georgia and Janet Hairgrove of Center; brothers Vernon Burt of Silsbee and Billy Burt of Jasper; and sister-in-law, Sybil Burt of Nacogdoches.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is running about $3.19 a gallon, up a penny in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s also averaging $3.22. Nationally, that average is $3.41, up another nickel for the week, but down some 32-cents from this week a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning, lowest we found was at Wal-Mart, Brookshire Brothers, EZ Mart on Tenaha Hwy.,  and the Valero on San Augustine Street in Center, where it’s up 10-cents in the past week, to $3.23 a gallon. In Hawaii, price is $4.01 a gallon for the high side nationwide. On the low side, it’s $3.11 in Montana. 

The Tenaha Tigers and San Augustine Wolves have both made it to the Class 1A, Div. I Region 3 Basketball Tournament at Tyler Junior College. The No. 7 state-ranked Tigers take an 81-78 win over No. 4 ranked Dallardsville Big Sandy in Tyler last night, and will meet the state’s No. 2 ranked team, Grapeland at 3 Friday afternoon in the region semi-finals. Grapeland beat Kerens, 88-70.

Meanwhile, No. 10 ranked San Augustine knocks-out Alto, 72-65 in Huntington last night, and will tangle with No. 6 ranked LaPoynor at 5 o’clock Friday in the other semi game. LaPoynor moves on with a 78-59 win over Waco Meyer. The Region 3 Final is at 3:30 Saturday in Tyler, with the winner heading to the state tournament in Austin next week.

In Class 2A Regional Quarterfinal basketball last night, No. 1 Kountze beats Crockett 77-70; and No. 2 Tatum over Central Heights, 56-54. At the Region III Class 2A tournament Friday in Nacogdoches, the semis will have Kountze playing Jarrell at 5, followed by Tatum and Marlin at 7.

Shelbyville High School has five students advancing to the Regional Powerlifting Qualifiers Meet this week. Colton Brown, Kal Metcalf,  Jessica Sanford, Savannah Talbert and Harlie Hagler qualified for the Regional Powerlifting Meet. The Lady Dragon Powerlifters will compete tomorrow in White Oak, while the Dragon Powerlifters will compete on Saturday in Elkhart. The team is lead by Coach Gary Alford and Coach Michael Taylor.

In softball, the Center High School is hosting the Lady Rider Tournament Thursday thru Saturday with 16 varsity and JV teams to participate. Competition is a pool format, with games at the High School Field, as well as the new City Softball Complex.

In other softball action Thursday through Saturday, the Timpson Lady Bears are in the Longview Tourney; and the Garrison Lady Bulldogs are taking part in the A&M Consolidated Tournament in College Station.

The Center JV Rider baseball team swept a double-header from West Rusk Tuesday, winning 17-4 and 9-0.

Baseball on tap Thursday, the Center Roughriders are in the Kilgore Oil Belt Classic through Saturday; the Joaquin Rams are taking part in the Douglass Tournament; the Timpson Bears are in the Waskom Tournament; and the Garrison Bulldogs are playing in the Elysian Fields tournament today through Saturday.

The JV Rider baseball team is in the Central Heights Tournament.

Panola College welcomes Dr. Layton Revel, founder and director of the Center for Negro League Baseball Research, for a program at noon, Tuesday, March 4, in the Murphy Payne Community Room of the M.P. Baker Library on the Carthage campus. He’ll speak about the undiscovered history of the Negro Baseball League.  A light lunch will be served for the first 50 visitors attending.  The program is free to the community. For additional information please call 903-693-2091.

High school track and field meets start Thursday. The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders will be in Crockett; with Timpson Bears and Lady Bears go to Colmesneil. The Tenaha Tigers and Lady Tigers are scheduled to be in Elysian Fields; and the Garrison Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs are taking part in the Alto Relays.

The Center Roughrider JV Tennis Team will be in the Nacogdoches Tournament Thursday.

Soccer: Thursday, Tenaha Lady Tigers at John Tyler

Arrest Report

2/25/14--2/26/14

Shelby County:

Amanda Leann Jones, 30, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Driving While Intoxicated with Child Under 15

Young Hartford Jordan, 25, Shelbyville, Hays County Warrant-Driving While License Invalid

Travis Motor, 44, Center, Warrant-Failure to Comply with Registration

Zachary Oswalt, 26, Center, Warrants-Evading Arrest and Burglary of a Habitation; Violation of Probation-Original Charge: Driving While License Invalid

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Reminder: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

A 68-year-old Center, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

John Madison Hughes pleaded guilty on Oct. 2, 2013, to possessing a stolen firearm and was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark.

According to information presented in court, on Oct. 17, 2012, a law enforcement officer was dispatched to a residence on County Road (CR) 1286 in Shelby County, Texas regarding a domestic disturbance involving Hughes and his girlfriend.  A sheriff's deputy stopped Hughes' truck on CR 1286 and detained Hughes pending further investigation.  The deputy observed a rifle on the seat of Hughes' truck.  Hughes' girlfriend told deputies the rifle belonged to her an Hughes took it without her consent.  Hughes was indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 23, 2013, and charged with federal firearms violations.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

This case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.

Arrest Report

2/24/14--2/25/14

Shelby County:

Casandra Lynette Gossett, 32, Mansfield, La., Theft

James Dean Martin, 24, Timpson, Violation of Probation, OC: Enticing a Child

Adolfo Gustavo Bravo, 20, Joaquin, Racing on Highway

Bradley Chase Baker, 19, Joaquin, Racing on Highway

San Augustine County:

Bryan K. Sisk, Lay Out Traffic Ticket

Reminder: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

One of the men found guilty for the 1998 dragging death of James Byrd, Jr. in Jasper says he had no involvement in the hate crime, and that the evidence used against him didn't belong to him.

John William King was one of three men found guilty in 1999 for the crime. His appeal is currently under review by a U.S. District Judge in Plano, and it's not known when a ruling may come down.

Since his sentencing, King has been on death row in Polk County. This week marks 15 years since King, Russell Brewer and Shawn Berry chained Byrd by the ankles to the back of a pickup truck and dragged him three miles.

Brewer was executed in 2011, after 12 years on death row, Berry, the driver of the pick-up, is serving a life sentence. He'll be eligible for parole in 2038.

There could be some changes coming to senior nutrition services providers, after the Deep East Texas Council of Governments Health and Human Services Advisory Committee met last week in Jasper. The group reviewed the Area Agency on Aging's recommendation for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 to shift from congregate meals, such as those served at nutrition centers, to home delivered meals. The trend has been for younger "baby boom" seniors to not come together at county senior centers.

In addition, older senior citizens that have been gathering for meals are aging and becoming more dependent on home delivered meals.

The new plan also proposes to add more Spanish speaking staff because of the increase in the Spanish speaking population of Deep East Texas, and finding more ways to reach out to minority populations.

The Health and Human Services Advisory Committee recommendations will be presented to the DETCOG Board Thursday when they meet in Crockett.

Shelby County Outreach Ministries runs the nutrition sites in Center and San Augustine, say they served 916 congregate meals in January between both locations, and almost 1,700 meals were delivered through Meals on Wheels.

A Timpson Police Department officer made a traffic stop early Saturday morning in downtown Timpson and arrested a Carthage man on drug and firearm possession charges.

According to Chief Kent Graham, Officer Thomas Jernigan took 33-year old Andrew Allison into custody after a search of his vehicle turned up 24 grams of meth, $7,000 in cash, along with a pistol and rifle. Chief Graham said the meth had a street value of $2,400. Allison had apparently turned off U.S. Hwy. 59 onto State Hwy. 87 in Timpson when the traffic stop was made.

Andrew Allison was charged with Driving While License Invalid, Money Laundering, Felon in Possession of Firearm & Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

He made bonds totaling $110-thousand Saturday and was released from the Shelby County Jail.

The San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court meets at 9 this morning, and among the agenda items for consideration and possible action includes a presentation from County Treasurer Pam Smith pertaining to Investment Revenue Transfer, End of Year Balance Transfers, Unexpected Revenue Transfers and National Forest Mineral Receipt. County Judge Sammye Johnson will present information for possible action on the Employee Handbook, County Vehicle Policy, and credit cards. County Auditor Joe Verhalen will bring before the court disposal of county owned furniture and books in the sheriff’s department storage room, and Commissioner Pct. 3 Joey Holloway will present information on drainage on County Road 3558.

We're one week away from the March 4 Party Primary Election , and early voting continues during regular hours today.

In Shelby County, you can cast ballots from 8 to 4:30 today through Friday at the county clerk’s office on the south-side of the Center Square.

In San Augustine County, you can vote early from 8 to 4 through Friday at Election Administrator Deborah Woods’ office in the El Camino Justice Center, and from 9 to 4 this week at the Broaddus Community Center.

Don't forget, you must have a photo ID in order to vote early and in person March 4. If you don’t have a Drivers’ License or other form of photo ID, the Texas Dept. of Public Safety is issuing free Election Identification Certificates. In San Augustine County, Election Administrator Deborah Woods is also providing the free IDs.

It's homecoming week at Panola College, with a full-day of activities on tap for Wednesday. The crowning of Mr. and Miss Panola College will be between the girls’ and boys’ basketball games around 7:15 p.m. Also the Panola Ponies baseball team will have a double header baseball game at Jim Reeves Field versus McLennan Community College beginning at 3 p. Wednesday. Free Hot dogs and cracker jacks will be provided for alumni and fans at the baseball game. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 84-year old Donald L. Burt of Center.

The annual Shelby County Livestock Show will be held Saturday at the Shelby County Expo Center.

Weigh in of market animals will begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue until 9:00 a.m. The show will start at 10:00 a.m. with Rabbits and the Swine, the Goats, Lambs and Cattle will follow. The Rabbits will be judged by Frank Farrow. Dwight Callis, will judge swine, goats, lamb and cattle.

Show Chairman Jacob Spivey says there are over 110 entries at this show which are trying to be selected for the auction and premium awards.

Last year’s sale Champion steer was purchased by XTO and Ted Walter’s & Associates. Farmers State Bank won the bid for the Champion Swine. Shelby Savings Bank & Port-A-Cool purchased the Champion goat, and Deep East Texas Electric Coop. bought the Champion lamb.

The Bar-B-Que for the buyer’s and exhibitors will start at 6:00 p.m. followed by the live auction at 7:00 p.m.

The public is invited to attend the events of the day and support the youth of our county.

A former Carthage High School football player and Texas A&M defensive lineman was arrested last Saturday night on possession of marijuana.  19-year old Isaiah Golden was taken into custody at a Bryan apartment complex. It’s the school’s policy to immediately suspend a student-athlete after an arrest pending further investigation. Golden graduated Carthage High School in 2013 and started six of 11 games he played last season. If convicted, Golden faces up to 180 days in jail and a find up to $2,000. He has been released on $2,000 bond.

In boys' high school basketball playoff action tonight its regional quarterfinal action:

The Tenaha Tigers take on Big Sandy at 6 at Wagstaff Gym at Tyler Junior College. The winner advances to the Region III Tournament this Friday and Saturday in Tyler. The Tenaha/Big Sandy winner will play the winner of tonight's Grapeland/Kerns game in Fairfield in the region semis at 3 Friday.

The San Augustine Wolves are also a game away from the region tournament as they meet Alto at 7 tonight in Huntington in the region quarterfinal round. The winner has the winner of tonight's Waco Meyer/LaPoynor game being played in Corsicana. That semi would be at 5 Friday in Tyler.

In a Class 2A region quarterfinal tonight, Tatum takes on Central Heights at 7pm @ Whitehouse High School.

In a Class 3A third-round game last night, Mexia beats Central 78-56 in Huntsville, as the last District 20-3A team exits the playoffs. Mexia advances to the regional tourney in Huntsville Friday.

Two members of the Center High School Lady Rider Power lifting Team are advancing to regional competition this Saturday in Cradall. Juniors Rylee Hudspeth and Rachel Andrews have both qualified for the meet. Hudspeth competed in four meets this year, including lifts totaling 670 pounds at the Center Meet. Andrews is the team leader, ranked number 6 in the region. She also attended four meets this season, with a season best 750 pounds at the Diboll Lumberjack Power lifting Invitational. Other Lady Riders that competed well this season include Brianna Suell, Rosa Castillo and Chelsea Lawrence.

Baseball action scheduled today, weather permitting: Beckville at Timpson; and Garrison at Hemphill.

Softball today: Colmesneil at Center; Timpson at Mt. Enterprise; Shelbyville at Joaquin for the start of district; and Woden at Garrison for the district opener.

Soccer tonight: the Center Roughriders will at Diboll for a district match, while the Lady Riders host Diboll.

San Augustine ISD Athletic Director Donald Hubbard has released the San Augustine Wolves 2014 football schedule, and the Wolfpack opens up Aug. 29 at Garrison, with the first home game on Sept. 5 against Splendora, then a trip to Episcopal School of Dallas, head to Groveton on the following week, and finish non-district at home Sept. 26 with Homecoming against Hemphill. An open date on Oct. 3 is followed by the start of District 10-2A, Div. II Oct. 10 at home with West Sabine, then to Beckville, back home Oct. 24 against the Joaquin Rams, and a Halloween game at Shelbyville, and wind up the regular season on Nov. 7 at home against Cushing.

Arrest Report

2/21/14--2/24/14

Shelby County:

Jayvon Almanza, 24, Center, Public Intoxication

Justin Bridges, 31, Tenaha, Interfering with an Emergency Call

Charrika Holman, 24, Center, Theft by Check

William Garcia, 17, Center, Warrant-Accident Involving Damage to Vehicle

Leonard Milton Nix, 50, Timpson, Driving While Intoxicated with Open Container

Ricardo Sanchez, 18, Center, Possession of Marijuana in a Drug Free Zone

Eric Eugene Page, 31, Timpson, Warrant-Evading Arrest

Donald Lee, 31, Tenaha, Warrant-Criminal Mischief

Andrew Allison, 33, Carthage, Driving While License Invalid, Money Laundering, Felon in Possession of Firearm & Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Dallas Caldwell, 26, Center, Nacogdoches County Warrant-Possession of a Controlled Substance

Clifford Evans, 54, Tenaha, Driving While Intoxicated with a Child

Derren Martin, 48, San Augustine, Driving While Intoxicated with Open Container

Tony Smith, Jr., 30, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Logan Driver, 25, Alvin, Assault-Family Violence

Kenneth Moore, 55, Center, Possession of Marijuana & Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction

Angela Cartwright, 28, Center, Failure to ID

San Augustine County:

Jeremy J. Peace, Motion for Adjudication of Guilt, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana & Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon

Reminder: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

We're heading into the final week of early voting for the March 4 Party Primary Election, and if last week’s turnout is any indication, it could be a busy 5 days. In Shelby County, 543 voters cast their ballots through yesterday, which is ahead of the 523 total that voted four years ago in person and by mail. Of the 543 that have voted early for the current election, 477 were Republican. There’s also 199 mail ballots that have been sent out.

In Shelby County, you can cast ballots from 8 to 4:30 today through Friday at the county clerk’s office on the south-side of the Center Square.

In San Augustine County, you can vote early from 8 to 4 today through Friday at Election Administrator Deborah Woods’ office in the El Camino Justice Center, and from 9 to 4 this week at the Broaddus Community Center.

Don't forget, you must have a photo ID in order to vote early and in person March 4. If you don’t have a Drivers’ License or other form of photo ID, the Texas Dept. of Public Safety is issuing free Election Identification Certificates. In San Augustine County, Election 

Starting March 1, the City of Tenaha will have a new city marshal as Tom Reader has announced his retirement from the position. Taking over the reins will be Deputy City Marshal Jimmy Wagstaff.

Reader has served Tenaha City Marshal for over 16 years—on two separate occasions, returning to the helm three years ago. Reader said he’s leaving to pursue a position with the Badders’ Law Firm based in Nacogdoches.

Wagstaff is a Shelby County native, and has been in law enforcement 14 year. He has an Advanced Peace Officer Proficiency Certification, is a certified firearms instructor, and is a general instructor on any course that the state of Texas offers. He added he hopes to continue to get along well with the Tenaha City Council, mayor and citizen’s of Tenaha as the City Marshal's Office continues to be proactive. 

The Shelby County Commissioners' Court meets at 9:30 this morning and among the agenda items for consideration and possible action will be renewal of county vehicle insurance coverage through the Texas Association of Counties; and creating of one or more County Energy Transportation Reinvestment Zones. This will allow for Shelby County to continue receiving road funding through the state. In addition, commissioners will here from Nancy Smith with TxDOT, who'll give an update on off-system bridge inspections and possible replacements. The court will discuss and possibly take action on this information.

At the Center City Council meeting at 5 this afternoon, the meeting will begin with a public hearing on rezoning application for property at 1217 Louisiana Street, after which the council will then consider approving the rezoning application.

In addition, the Center City council will discuss and possible take action on approving extension of the lease agreement with SuddenLink Communications for the cable TV head-in/tower location at 400 Riggs Street; and approve appointments to boards or committee appointments to the Center Housing Authority and Center 4B Street Improvement for Economic Development.

Authorities continue searching for a Hispanic male responsible for a stabbing incident last Sunday in Center. Mauricio Figueroa Alvarez allegedly stabbed Ciro Sandoval as a fight escalated during a community soccer game at a park near Center High School. Center Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 if you have information that leads to the arrest of Mauricio Figueroa Alvarez. Remember you don’t have to give your name. Call Center Crime Stoppers at 598-SAFE, or send a web tip at centercrimestoppers.com.

The H.O.P.E. Project in Tenaha is sponsoring the Big Easy 5K fun run Mardi Gras celebration this Saturday, March 1 to benefit the non-profit organizations new dental facility.

The fun run/walk event will have a Mardi Gras festival mood, complete with games, food, prizes, a kid’s zone and something for everyone in the family, and will all take place in downtown Tenaha. Organizers say sign-in registration opens at 8 a.m. Preregistration for the race can be done at www.thebigeasy5K.com.

The H.O.P.E. Project serves Shelby, Panola and San Augustine Counties with medical and dental services at a discount rate, and regardless of ability to pay. The H.O.P.E. clinic is staffed with doctor, 4 mid-level nurse practioners and two full-time dentists. The new dental clinic will be located across the street from the existing facility in Tenaha, and should be open April 28.

For more information on this Saturday’s 5K run and Mardi Gras celebration, or services provided, call 936-591-4547.

Mangum Funeral Home was in charge of graveside service Sunday for 61-year old Randall Porter of Austin, formerly of Center. He passed away last Thursday in Austin. Burial was at Sardis Cemetery. Among Randall Porter’s survivors are sons, Matt Porter, Jon Porter and Samuel Porter, all of Center; his mother, Doris Porter of Center; a sister, Janice Porter of Center; and brothers, Michael Porter of Center and Mark Porter of Dallas.

Garrison Funeral Home announces funeral service for 85-year old Joe Carroll of Garrison. He passed away Saturday in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 2 this afternoon at Holly Springs Baptist Church with burial at Cold Springs Cemetery.

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce is having its third annual job fair from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, at the Community Center in So So Park. There will be three- fifteen minute seminars beginning at 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm that afternoon. At the end of each seminar, any questions will be answered, and job applicants will then be free to visit with different prospective employers. Shelby County Work Force Solutions will also be helping with questions and information on
jobs in our area. Everyone will be welcome to attend. If you are in need of a job, looking or may be interested in changing employment this Job Fair will help you achieve an advantage in the job market. For a business to participate simply contact Paul Smith at 936-254-3161.Please book early, limited space is available.

In sports:

The Tenaha Lady Tigers had their basketball season come to an end Friday afternoon in Tyler, as Kerens takes an 85-38 win in the Region III Class 1A, Div. I Girls’ Basketball Tournament. It was Tenaha’s first trip back to the region tourney in 14 seasons. In Friday’s other semi, it was Martins Mill over Cushing, 65-34. In the Region Final Saturday, Kerns knocks off No. 1 ranked Martins Mill, 57-49, and earns a berth into this week’s state tournament.

Meanwhile, the Tenaha Tigers are in the region quarterfinals against Big Sandy. That third-round game is set for 6 Tuesday night in Tyler at Wagstaff Gym at Tyler Junior College. A trip to the regional tournament is on the line. Tenaha advances with a 52-46 win over West Sabine, and Big Sandy beat New Summerfield, 76-52. The Tenaha/Big Sandy winner will play the Grapeland/Kerns winner Friday in Tyler at the Region III tournament.

The San Augustine Wolves are a game away from the region tournament as they took care of business in Woden Friday night, coming away with a 66-38 win over the Martinsville Pirates. San Augustine will meet Alto at 7 Tuesday night in Huntington in the region quarterfinal round. The winner has the winner of the Waco Meyer/LaPoynor game Friday in Tyler at the region tournament.

In a Class 2A boys’ area game Friday, Central Heights over Hawkins, 49-40. Central Heights advances to the region quarterfinals and will play Tatum at 7 Tuesday in Whitehouse.

The Central Heights Lady Blue Devils saw their season come to an end Friday night in Nacogdoches, as Franklin comes away with a 72-69 win in the Region III, Class 2A Regional Semifinals. It was Central Heights’ first loss, ending with a 35-1 season record. Franklin beat Crawford, 66-63 in the Final to earn the trip to Austin.

The SFA Lumberjacks’ basketball team ran their home win streak to 31 games with a 70-68 win over Northwestern State Saturday night. Over 7,000 jammed Johnson Coliseum to see the game. The win was also SFA’s 22 consecutive win of the season.

The Center Roughrider varsity baseball team won the championship of the Howard Estes Tournament in Palestine Saturday. Center won 5 of 6, losing their first game to Athens in extra innings, 10-9, but reeled off five-straight wins, including an 8-0 win over Palestine in the semi-final game, and got redemption in the championship, taking a 2-0 win over Athens, as Cam Owens picked up the win. Center outscored opponents 44-17. The Riders are 6-1, will be playing in the Kilgore Oil Belt Classic starting Thursday.

With the threat of rain Tuesday, don’t be surprised if some local baseball and softball teams move their games from tomorrow to today. Check with your local schools and coaches for any changes in schedules.

Softball score from Friday, the Garrison Lady Bulldogs over Woodville, 4-1.

Soccer today: Tenaha Girls/Boys at New Summerfield 5:30/7:00 pm

Arrest Report

2/20/14 thru 2/21/14

Shelby County:

Melissa Morgan, 31, Tenaha, Resisting Arrest, Driving While Intoxicated, Evading Arrest, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Duty Striking Fixture

Derrick Johnson, 30, Center, Warrant-Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Bethany Jutson, 27, Shelbyville, Theft

Montonious Vandrell Handy, 37, Logansport, Violation of Probation-OC: Credit/Debit Card Abuse

Christopher Belrose, 34, Seminole, OK, Possession of a Controlled Substance

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The passage of the cold front yesterday afternoon around 2 brought with it a strong line of thunderstorms that produced lightning, gusty wind and periods of heavy rain. The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch just before 1 p.m. for most of the deep East Texas and Western Louisiana area. Around 2, the weather service issued a significant weather advisory for Shelby, Panola, Rusk and Nacogdoches Counties for an hour as a strong thunderstorm was moving northeast from the Garrison area into Shelby County. Southern Nacogdoches County was also under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 4. There were some scattered areas of minor wind damage, as the cold front dropped temperatures from the mid 70s to the mid 60s within a few minutes, and the sun was out within an hour. We’re expecting plenty of sun today and Saturday with a high today around 69, low 70s for the weekend, with a chance of rain on Sunday.

Timpson Firemen responded to the report of an oil well tank fire on CR 4098, off FM 415 as the thunderstorms were tracking the area. It was reported via radio communications that a tank at the site had exploded and fire was in a holding pit when crews arrived. Lightening is reported to be the cause of the explosion. No injuries were reported.

The City of Tenaha has been dealing with some water issues on and off for the past few years, such as odors and discoloration.

However, this week on Facebook, a number of citizens have taken to social media to voice concerns about the prolonged problem. Some of the comments include, "Why take a shower, it's pointless," to one saying they have expensive water filtering system and it's not cutting the odor.

According to Mayor Orinthia Johnson, despite the smell and sometimes color, the water in the city of Tenaha is OK to consume.

Mayor Johnson told Center Broadcasting Thursday the issue is with getting the proper amount of chlorine added to the above ground storage tank before it goes out into the system to customers. He said city water crews are working on that situation, and it should be corrected within the next couple of days.

Again, the city of Tenaha's water may have an odor and off color, but it's OK for drinking and cooking.

All Shelby County school districts have met the grade when it comes to the Texas Education Agency’s accountability grading system based on TAKS/STAAR Testing for 2012-2013.

State accountability ratings are based on four performance indexes: Student Achievement, Student Progress, Closing Performance Gaps, and Postsecondary Readiness. The six county school districts, Center, Excelsior, Joaquin, Shelbyville, Tenaha & Timpson, along with their respective campuses were all rated, “met standard”, the top rating given by TEA.

The San Augustine and Broaddus ISDs also “met standard”. However, San Augustine High School received “improvement required”.

School districts are preparing teachers and students for the next round of testing starting next month.

A San Augustine County man is behind bars in Nacogdoches County charged with second-degree felony sexual assault of a child. 45-year old Eric Griffin Moore of Broaddus, along with his girlfriend, 55-year old Wanda Lynn Pack of Crockett were taken into custody Wednesday for a 2011 sexual encounter with an underage teenage girl. The arrest affidavit states a video disk of an interview with a 16-year old girl conducted by forensic interviewers at Harold’s House in Nacogdoches led to the arrests.

KDET AM radio will be celebrating 65-years of broadcasting tomorrow. It was Feb. 22, 1949, the station officially signed on the air from its original studios on Austin Street in Center.

Under the ownership of Tom Foster, the station originally began its broadcast day around 4 and 5 a.m. and signed off at sun down. Seven days a week, 365 days a year.

KDET has programmed a variety of music, entertainment, news, information, sports and weather for this part of the world. One of the original voices of KDET AM was the late Jack Bell, who retired in 2001 after more than 55 years in the radio industry. From announcer, to program director, station manager and eventual part-owner, Jack Bell was the familiar voice and face of KDET and Center Broadcasting for a majority of those 65 years.

There's been dozens and dozens of announcers and "live" entertainers come and go over the past six-and-a-half decades, many going on to big careers in the radio and music industry, and some that have stayed close to home to do what they love best.

Tom Foster chose the call letters KDET for his new station, due of course to it's location in Deep East Texas. KDET has catered to generations of farmers, ranchers, sportsmen and small town residents of the Pineywoods Region over the years. The station played a popular music format, which then was big bands, and of course gospel music has always been a part of its history, with programs like the Sunday Singing, which was one of the longest running gospel music radio shows in the country. However, still to this day, the longest running continuous program on KDET has been Payne's Community News. The Payne family, now in its third-generation and working on fourth, has been a source of local events and community news & happenings day in, day out for all of those 65 years.

Center Broadcasting added a FM station in 1976, and one in San Augustine in 1992.

We invite you to call during today's General Store to share any remembrances of when KDET AM signed on the air, or growing up with the station. I'm sure KDET has been a part of your past in some way.

Happy Birthday KDET AM, a continuous voice on the airwaves Knee Deep in East Texas for 65 years!

Watson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of service for 93-year old Warren Albert Roquet (Ro-Kay) of Houston. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 this evening at Watson & Sons. Funeral service will be at 1 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin. Among Warren Albert Roquet’s survivors are his wife of 69 years, Gwen Worsham Roquet of Houston; and children, Paul Roquet of College Station and Katerine Wilson of San Antonio.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 84-year old Wanda Lamerle Askew Enmon of Groves. She passed away Wednesday at her residence. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons. Service will be at 10 Saturday morning at Watson & Sons Chapel with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park. Among Wanda Lamerle Askew Enmon’s survivors are, children, Diana L. Bellard of Groves, David L. Lout of LaPorte, Tom Enmon, Lynn Marino, and Lesa Funk, all of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and Loren Enmon of San Marcos; and a sister, Helen J. Lout of Center.

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 83-year old Frank James of Timpson. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 at Garrison Funeral Home. Service will be at 1:30 Saturday at Garrison Funeral Home with burial to follow at Caledonia Cemetery in Rusk County. Frank James is survived by a son, Kenneth James of Longview; and a daughter, Joy Darnell of Arlington.

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 89-year old A.C. Wright of Garrison. He passed away Wednesday in Garrison. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 Sunday before service at Garrison Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at Bethel Cemetery in Appleby. A.C. Wright is survived by his wife, Martha Wright of Garrison; and daughters, Joanne Cozart of Spring, Debbie Lee of Willis, Theresa Ryan of Gary and Rebecca Garza of Diboll.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home of Nacogdoches announces funeral service for 48-year old Darryl Morris of Center. Visitation will be from 12 noon to 8 p.m. today at Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church in Center, with burial at Mt. Gillion Cemetery. Among Darryl Morris’ survivors are his mother, Irene Morris of Center; two sisters, Sheila McCollister of Center, and Sharryl Mitchell; and a God-daughter, Chanetta Garner.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 69-year old Mr. M.R. “Ray” Golden of Huntington. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Broaddus Pentecostal Church, with interment at Broaddus Cemetery. No visitation is planned. M.R. “Ray” Golden is survived by his wife, Dorinda; daughter, Melissa; brother, James William; and two sisters, Bertha & Ethelene. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Broaddus Pentecostal Church Building Fund.

Percy Garner & Sons Mortuary in San Augustine announces funeral service for 99-year old Mrs. Mayme McClure of San Augustine. Service will be at 11 Saturday in Reed Chapel Baptist Church, with burial in the Mosaic Cemetery. A private family viewing will be from 5 to 6 today, followed by a public viewing until 7 at the funeral home. A final visitation will be from 9 to 11 Saturday morning at the church.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 60-year old Terry Carl Franklin of Lufkin. He passed away Tuesday at his residence. Service at 1 p.m. Saturday at Strong Triumph Church in Shelbyville, with interment at Bennett Chapel Cemetery in Shelbyville. Terry Carl Franklin is survived by his wife, Daraline Franklin of Lufkin; and daughter, Tierra Franklin of Lufkin.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces pending service for infant Anthony D. Dodd, Jr. of Timpson.

The Tenaha Tigers entered the Class 1A, Div. 1 basketball playoffs last night with a 52-46 area round win over West Sabine in Lufkin. Tenaha advances to the region quarterfinal round and will play the winner of the Big Sandy/New Summerfield area game being played at 7 tonight in Hudson.

In another Class 1A, Div. 1 area basketball game tonight, the San Augustine Wolves will take on the Martinsville Pirates at 6:30 p.m. in Woden. The winner gets the winner of Alto/Brookeland contest being played at 6 tonight in Lufkin at the middle school gym, in the region quarterfinals next week.

In Class 2A boys’ second-round playoff games tonight: Central Heights against Hawkins at 8 in Tatum; Kountze plays Waskom - 8:30 @ Woden High School, and White Oak vs Crockett - 7:30 @ Nacogdoches High School.

In a Class 3A area game last night involving Dist. 20-3A champ Central, the Bulldogs take a 73-58 win over Taylor.

The Tenaha Lady Tigers are in the Region III Basketball  Tournament at Tyler Junior College. Tenaha will play Kerens at 3 p.m. this afternoon at Wagstaff Gym in a region semifinal. The Lady Tigers are on a 7-game winning streak, and are making their first appearance in the region tournament in 14 seasons. Martins Mill will take on Cushing at 5 in the other semi today. The region final will be Saturday at 3:30, with the winner advancing to state.

The Central Heights Lady Blue Devils are in the Class 2A, Region III Basketball Tournament at SFA. They'll play Franklin at 6 tonight in semi-final action. Tatum takes on Crawford in the 8 p.m. semi. The Region Final is 12 noon Saturday in Nacogdoches.

High School baseball action scheduled today:

The Center Roughriders are playing in the Palestine/Elkhart Tournament through Saturday.

The Joaquin Rams and Garrison Bulldogs are in the Pine Cone Classic in Hemphill/Pineland.

The Shelbyville Dragons & Timpson Bears are taking part in the Alto Tournament.

The San Augustine Wolves are playing in the Cushing tournament.

The Center JV Riders are in the Jacksonville Tournament

Girls’ softball:

The Center Lady Riders, Joaquin Lady Rams and Timpson Lady Bears are playing in the Nacogdoches/Central Heights Tournament through Saturday.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons have an alumni game at 6 tonight.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs host Woodville today.

Soccer: The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders have district games with Jacksonville. The Riders are home, while the Lady Riders go to Jacksonville. Games start at 5:30 & 7 p.m.

Tennis: The Center Roughrider Varsity teams will be at Spring Hill Saturday. The Center tennis team competed last week in a 16 school Varsity tennis tournament and finished 3rd place overall

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH UNTIL 8 P.M.
WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 6 P.M.

This Afternoon: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph.

Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light after midnight.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 71.

Arrest Report

2/19/14 thru 2/20/14

Shelby County:

Melissa Morgan, 31, Tenaha, Montgomery County Warrant-Larceny

San Augustine County:

No Arrest Reported

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

Two former Center residents, and one time owners of an ambulance service, pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal violations in a health care fraud scheme.

According to U.S. Attorney John M. Bales, 57-year old Cathy Harvill and 60-year old Bill Harvill, now of Elgin, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin in Beaumont.

According to information presented in court, the Harvill’s owned and operated North East Texas EMS, and from January 2007 through March 2012, the defendants carried out a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid by submitting false and fraudulent claims for non-emergency, scheduled, repetitive ambulance services which did not meet Medicare program coverage criteria.

The defendants each face up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. Sentencing dates have not been set.

The Jaws-of-Life were used to free two individuals involved in a one-vehicle accident around midnight Wednesday near Joaquin. DPS, along with assistance from the Joaquin VFD worked the crash on FM 139. According to DPS Trooper Jade Lavergne, 47-year old Kimberly Rodgers of Logansport, and 41-year old Billye Brock were headed north, when Rodgers' vehicle left the roadway, went airborne over a ditch, before coming to rest in the tree-line. After being freed from the vehicle, Rodgers and Brock were transported by ACE EMS to DeSoto Regional in Mansfield for treatment of minor injuries. Trooper Lavergne said a possible D.W.I charge may be pending.

We’ve been talking quite a bit about the March 4 Party Primary Election, there’s another election coming up May 10 for a number of school districts and cities in the area. Filing is underway through Friday, Feb. 28 for the General Election. Not all entities still observe the May election schedule, as some now wait until November. The City of Center and City of San Augustine, along with the Center and San Augustine ISDs, and Excelsior ISDs now wait till later in the year.

In the City of Timpson, the position of mayor, held by Debra Smith, and two council spots, those of Yvonne Ramsey and Ronnie Wolfe are up for election. So far, Ms. Smith, Ms. Ramsey and Wolfe have filed for re-election. Challenging Ms. Smith for mayor is current city councilman George Grace.

Two trustee positions on the Timpson ISD school board are up for election, those of Joyce Wolfe and Stephen Burgay.

In the City of Tenaha, Mayor Orinthia Johnson’s position is up for re-election, as is two council spots, those of Mark Hickson and Duran Steadman. So far, Tommy Rinkle has filed for a council position, and incumbent Johnson and Claudine Howard have made their intentions known for the mayor’s position.

At the Tenaha ISD, two trustee positions are up for election, those held by Mark Looney and Tracy Collins. As of yesterday, Collins had filed for re-election, with David Fallin and Vickie Jernigan also filing.

The City of Joaquin has three council spots up, those of Pat Gray, Bill Baker and Ben Brittain. So far, Gray and Baker have filed.

Over at Joaquin ISD, three trustee positions, those of Jeff Hamilton, Frank Cooper and John Paul Lawson are up. Filing has been Lawson, along with Rodney Harper, James Hamilton, Thomas Harvey and Pam Hearnsberger.

The Shelbyville ISD has two board positions expiring, those of Tiffanne Klein and Faye Dale Allen. So far, Ms. Allen has filed.

In the City of Huxley, the mayor, and two council positions are up for re-election. Mayor Larry Vaughn, and council members Prentice Hendricks and Larry Matthews have all filed for re-election.

There will be a special road dedication next month during the Shelby County Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Event at the North Toledo Bend Wildlife Management Area. At 9:30 a.m., March 1, the road leading into the area, south of Joaquin, off FM 2572, will be renamed and dedicated to Shelby County Ducks Unlimited friend, the late Jacob Hughes. According to a press release from Shelby County DU, Hughes believed in conservation, was a devoted sportsman, and a true steward to the outdoors. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. Jacob Hughes was completing his degree at Texas A&M University when his life was cut short after an automobile accident in Sept. of 2011.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of service for 93-year old Warren Albert Roquet (Ro-Kay) of Houston. He passed away Monday at Methodist Hospital in Houston. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 Friday evening at Watson & Sons. Funeral service will be at 1 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin. Among Warren Albert Roquet’s survivors are his wife of 69 years, Gwen Worsham Roquet of Houston; and children, Paul Roquet of College Station and Katerine Wilson of San Antonio.

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 83-year old Frank James of Timpson. He passed away Tuesday in Timpson. Visitation will be Saturday, Feb. 22 from 10 to 11:30 at Garrison Funeral Home. Service will be at 1:30 Saturday at Garrison Funeral Home with burial to follow at Caledonia Cemetery in Rusk County. Frank James is survived by a son, Kenneth James of Longview; and a daughter, Joy Darnell of Arlington.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home of Nacogdoches announces funeral service for 48-year old Darryl Morris of Center. He passed away Monday in Lufkin. Visitation will be from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Friday at Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church in Center, with burial at Mt. Gillion Cemetery. Among Darryl Morris’ survivors are his mother, Irene Morris of Center; two sisters, Sheila McCollister of Center, and Sharryl Mitchell; and a God-daughter, Chanetta Garner.

Percy Garner & Sons Mortuary in San Augustine announces funeral service for 99-year old Mrs. Mayme McClure of San Augustine. She passed away Monday. Service will be at 11 Saturday in Reed Chapel Baptist Church, with burial in the Mosaic Cemetery. A private family viewing will be from 5 to 6 Friday, followed by a public viewing until 7 at the funeral home. A final visitation will be from 9 to 11 Saturday morning at the church.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 60-year old Terry Carl Franklin of Lufkin.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces pending service for Anthony D. Dodd, Jr. of Timpson.

In sports,

The Tenaha Tigers have a Class 1A, Div. 1 area round basketball game at 7 p.m. tonight against West Sabine, at Lufkin Middle School Gym. The winner advances to the region quarterfinal round and plays the winner of Big Sandy/New Summerfield.

In another Class 1A, Div. 1 area game, Martinsville’s will play San Augustine at 7 p.m. Friday in Woden. The winner gets the winner of Alto/Brookeland in the region quarterfinals.

Central Heights' boys are playing Hawkins at 8 Friday in Tatum, in a Class 2A area game.

The Tenaha Lady Tigers are in the Region III basketball tournament in Tyler. Tenaha will play Kerens at 3 p.m. Friday at Tyler Jr. College’s Wagstaff Gym in a region semifinal. Martins Mill will take on Cushing at 5 in the other semi. The region final will be Saturday at 3:30, with the winner advancing to state.

The Central Heights Lady Blue Devils are in the Class 2A, Region III Tournament. They'll play Franklin at 6 Friday night in semi-final action. Tatum takes on Crawford in the 8 p.m. semi. The Region Final is 12 noon Saturday.

Center ISD has announced the Center Roughrider Football scheduled for the upcoming season, and it includes 6 home games. The regular season will kick-off Aug. 29 at Waskom, then three-straight home games with Buna, Garrison and Jasper, and a road game to Hardin-Jefferson. After the new district coaches and administrators met after the realignment announcement last week, we now have the district schedule. The Riders have five District 6-4A, Div. II games, including three at home. Beginning Oct. 10 at home with Spring Hill, then to Tatum, and Homecoming will be Oct. 24 playing Atlanta, on the road to Texarkana Pleasant Grove, and finishing the schedule Nov. 7 hosting Gladewater.

High School baseball action scheduled today:

The Center Roughriders are playing in the Palestine/Elkhart Tournament through Saturday.

The Joaquin Rams and Garrison Bulldogs are in the Pine Cone Classic in Hemphill/Pineland.

The Shelbyville Dragons & Timpson Bears are taking part in the Alto Tournament through Saturday.

The San Augustine Wolves will be playing in the Cushing tournament.

The Center JV Riders are in the Jacksonville Tournament

Girls’ softball:

The Center Lady Riders, Joaquin Lady Rams and Timpson Lady Bears are playing in the Nacogdoches/Central Heights Tournament today through Saturday.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons have an alumni game at 6 Friday night.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs host Woodville Friday.

Soccer today:  The Tenaha Girls/Boys Soccer at New Summerfield 5:30/7:00 pm

Soccer on Friday: The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders have district games with Jacksonville. The Riders are home, while the Lady Riders go to Jacksonville. Games start at 5:30 & 7 p.m.

Tennis: The Center Roughrider Varsity teams will be at Spring Hill Friday & Saturday. 

As we’ve reported this week, a fight during a non school related soccer game did lead to a stabbing Sunday afternoon in Center. The location of the incident was near Roughrider Stadium, but was not on school property, nor involved Center school students.

In a press release received yesterday, Center Police have confirmed they responded to a fight, and upon arrival discovered that Ciro Sandoval of Center had been stabbed during the altercation. After receiving emergency treatment, Sandoval was later life-flighted to University Health Center in Shreveport.

The suspect in the incident, Mauricio Figueroa Alvarez of Center fled the scene, and is still at large, and wanted by Center Police. Crime Stoppers is asking for your help in locating Alvarez. If you have any information that could lead to the arrest of Mauricio Figureroa Alvarez, you’re asked to contact Center Crime Stoppers at 598-SAFE, or send a web tip at centercrimestoppers.com.

You could earn a cash reward of up to $1,000 in your information leads to his arrest, and remember you don’t have to give your name. By the way, Sandoval’s condition is unknown.

Center ISD Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry told Center Broadcasting Tuesday the district has concerns about the incident, and its close proximity to the school. He added safety is a priority, and the district must take into consideration the activities around the Center schools.

After the first day of early voting yesterday, 117 Shelby County voters cast their ballots for the March 4 Party Primary Election. Of those, 106 voted Republican. Early Voting in Shelby County is taking place at the county clerk’s office on the south-side of the Center Square. You can vote from 8 to 4:30, today through Friday, and weekend voting from 10 to 2, Sat., Feb. 22, and 12-4 on Sun Feb. 23. Next week, Feb. 24-28, the hours are 8 to 4:30.

In San Augustine County, a total of 40 voters cast their ballot yesterday. Those included 15 at election administrator Deborah Wood’s office in San Augustine. She said 4 of those were Republican, and 25 voted yesterday at the Broaddus Community Center, 22 of which were Republican. In San Augustine County, you can vote early at Ms. Woods’ office in the El Camino Justice Center from 8 to 4 today thru Friday, and 10-3 Sat. Feb. 22. Next week, Mon-Fri, voting is from 8 to 4. At the Broaddus Community Center, early voting is going on from 9 to 4 today thru Fri, and from 10-3 Sat, Feb. 22. Next week, voting will take place in Broaddus from 9 to 4, Feb. 24-28.

Early voting continues through Feb. 28.

The last day to submit an application for ballot by mail is Friday.

You're reminded you must have a photo ID in order to vote. If you don’t have a Drivers’ License or other form of photo ID, the Texas Dept. of Public Safety is issuing free Election Identification Certificates. In San Augustine County, Election Administrator Deborah Woods is also providing the free IDs.

If you’ve stopped in to get gasoline in the past couple of days, you’ve probably noticed the price is going up—which is a seasonal. Experts say we should see a peak of $3.40 to $3.50 a gallon before prices go back down. Gas prices tend to go up in the spring because many refineries are slowing down production while they take care of some seasonal maintenance.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is running about $3.18 a gallon, up 6-cents in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s also averaging $3.18. Nationally, that average is $3.36, up 5-cents for the week, but down some 36-cents from this week a year ago.

Here at home, checking prices this morning, lowest we found was at Wal-Mart, Brookshire Brothers and the Valero on San Augustine Street in Center, where it’s the same as it was last week, at $3.13 a gallon. I

n Hawaii, price is $4.04 a gallon for the high side nationwide. On the low side, it’s $3.06 in Montana. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center announces pending service for 93-year old Warren Albert Roquet of Houston, formerly of Joaquin. He passed away Monday in Houston.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 73-year old Billy Mac Walton of Center. Funeral Service will be at 11 this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Antioch Cemetery Shelby County. Billy Mac Walton is survived by wife, Lenora Jean Walton of Center; sons, Terry Walton of Center and Marty Walton of Harlingen; and a brother, Sam Walton of Stanley, Louisiana.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 87-year old James W. Wheeler of the Aiken Community. Service will be at 2 this afternoon at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Mt. Herman Cemetery. Among James W. Wheeler’s survivors is his wife, Charlsie Wheeler of Aiken; children, Jamie Parmer of Chireno, Charles Wesley Wheeler of the Aiken Community, Laura Harris of Center, and Susan Bush of Timpson; and a sister, Velma McLeroy of Center.

In sports,

The Center Roughriders come up short in the state playoffs last night, as Fairfield takes a 77-58 win in a Class 3A, bi-district basketball game in Rusk. Fairfield advances to the area round. The only District 20-3A team to advance is Central, who was able to take a victory over Rusk, 52-34. Mexia beat Diboll, 76-59, and Palestine squeezed by Jasper, 53-52.

In the Shelbyville Dragons’ Class 1A, Div. 1 bi-district game against New Summerfield in Tatum, the Dragons fall, 72-59; and Martinsville advances to the area round with a 40-36 win over Mt. Enterprise. Martinsville’s will play San Augustine at 7 p.m. Friday in Woden.

The Tenaha Tigers have a Class 1A, Div. 1 area round game at 7 p.m. Thursday against West Sabine. That game will be played at Lufkin Middle School Gym. Tenaha had a first-round bye, and West Sabine defeated Colmesneil, 84-30 Monday.

Now to the girls’ region quarterfinal action:

In the all-Shelby County clash last night in Carthage, the Tenaha Lady Tigers take a 52-35 win over the Shelbyville Lady Dragons, sending Tenaha to the Region III tournament Friday in Tyler. Tenaha will play Kerens at 3 p.m. Friday at Tyler Jr. College’s Wagstaff Gym in a region semifinal. Martins Mill will take on Cushing at 5 in the other semi.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs found the going tough against district and Nacogdoches County rival, Central Heights, as the Lady Blue Devils come away with a 78-44 Class 2A, region quarterfinal win in Tenaha. Central Heights plays Franklin at 6 Friday night at SFA in the Region III semi-finals. Tatum takes on Crawford in the 8 p.m. semi.

The Chireno girls lose to Calvert, 58-53 in a Class 1A, Div. II region quarterfinal game.

Arrest Report

2/18/14 thru 2/19/14

Shelby County:

Ginger Eaves, 35, Carthage, Warrant-False Information, Possession of Identifying Information

Ryan Barton, 36, Timpson, Burglary of a Habitation

Jarvis Taylor, 25, Shelbyville, Warrant-Abandoning/Endangering a Child; Warrant-Criminal Mischief

Zachary Douglas, 25, San Augustine, Warrant-Motion to Revoke Probation, Original Charge-Possession of Marijuana

San Augustine County: No Arrest

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

Center Crime Stoppers Release:

On Sunday February the 16th, the Center Police Department responded to a fight in progress near Center High School. Upon Arrival Officers discovered that Ciro Sandoval of Center had been
stabbed during the altercation and was later taken to LSU by life Flight. The suspect
had fled the scene on foot before Officers arrived but was identified as Mauricio
Figueroa Alvarez of Center. Mauricio Figueroa Alvarez is still at large. If you
have any information that could lead to the arrest of Mauricio Figueroa Alvarez
please call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE or send a web tip at www.centercrimestoppers.comyou could earn a cash reward up to $1,000 if your information leads to his arrest, and remember you don’t have to give your name. 

Arrest Report

2/17/14 thru 2/18/14

Shelby County:

Calvin Rose, 55, Center, Driving While Intoxicated with Open Container

Deron Bowlds, 30, Logansport, Failure to Appear-OC: Tampering/Fabricating Evidence, Bond Surrender

Michael Fancher, 40, Nacogdoches, Violation of Parole-OC: Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

James Howland, 28, Center, Failure to ID, Warrant-No Drivers License, Warrant-Violate Promise to Appear, and Warrant-No Seat Belt for Child Under Age 4.

Rick Warren, 39, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Dangerous Drug

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Further investigation into the reported stabbing incident Sunday afternoon in Center has revealed it did not occur on Center ISD property, as had been first reported. Superintendent James Hockenberry confirmed that for us Monday. Attempts to reach Center Police Dept. investigators have been unsuccessful, due to the President’s Day holiday. We do know an individual was stabbed during a fight after 3 Sunday afternoon at a location off Roughrider Drive, and was later flown out by life-flight. Their name and condition is still not known this morning. We’ll advise further information on the incident as it becomes available.

Early voting begins today and continues through Feb. 28 for the March 4 Party Primary Election.

Here are the hours for early voting, starting today. In Shelby County, Early Voting is taking place at the county clerk’s office on the south-side of the Center Square. This week you can vote from 8 to 4:30, Tuesday through Friday, and weekend voting from 10 to 2, Sat., Feb. 22, and 12-4 on Sun Feb. 23. Next week, Feb. 24-28, the hours are 8 to 4:30.

In San Augustine County, early voting’s at election administrator Deborah Woods’ office from 8 to 4 Tues-Friday of this week, and 10-3 Sat. Feb. 22. Next week, Mon-Fri, voting is from 8 to 4. At the Broaddus Community Center from 9 to 4 Tues-Fri, and from 10-3 Sat, Feb. 22. Next week, voting will take place in Broaddus from 9 to 4, Feb. 24-28.

In Shelby County, there are two contested races in the Democratic Primary; and five in the Republican Primary.

In the Democratic primary, the commissioner Pct. 4 race pits incumbent Bradley Allen against 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 features incumbent Rick Campbell against current county clerk Allison Harbison. In the county treasurer’s primary, it’s challenger Ann Blackwell and incumbent 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 a win in the primary; 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 McEachern.

You're reminded you must have a photo ID in order to vote. If you don’t have a Drivers’ License or other form of photo ID, the Texas Dept. of Public Safety is issuing free Election Identification Certificates. In San Augustine County, Election Administrator Deborah Woods is also providing the free IDs.

A $30-thousand reward is now being offered by family members for information that leads to criminal charges and a conviction in the mysterious disappearance and death of 28-year old Alfred Wright in Sabine County back in November.

According to a reward flyer, amid rumors, unusual circumstances and conflicting details, the Wright family still has no answer to what really happened to Alfred Wright on the night of Nov. 7.

Wright pulled into the CL&M grocery along State Hwy. 87 in Hemphill. When his truck broke down he made a call to his wife at 6:05 p.m. The store clerk is the last known person to have seen Wright alive.

Despite a ground and air search was conducted by authorities, his body was found by family members some 25 yards from where he disappeared three weeks later.

Anyone with any information about the events that led up to Wright's death is urged to call Chuck Foreman, the private investigator hired by the Wright family's attorneys, at (512) 644-9856.

Tonight, the Timpson ISD Board of Trustees will be meeting in regular session at 6:30, and among their agenda items for consideration and possible approval will be calling for a trustee election for May 10 to fill two board positions; consider a resolution between Timpson ISD and City of Timpson to have one common polling place in the high school gym foyer for the election; and appointment of election judges and clerks.

n addition, trustees may ratify a donation to the district; submit to TEA low attendance waiver request and possible approval of the band trip.

In addition, Timpson school trustees will consider approval of Athletic Director James Conway’s contract, administrator contracts, and evaluation of Superintendent, Dr. Mid Johnson.

Prior to Tuesday’s night meeting, board members will be served a meal prepared by the high school staff for board appreciation at 5:30.

The San Augustine City Council meets at 5 this afternoon, and among the agenda items will be discussion and possible action to appoint Valencia Price to fill open city council position #1; Update on Police Dept. activity; update on Municipal Court activity from Judge Betty Loggins; Main Street Director Tracy Cox will bring the council up-to-date on activities; and City Manager Bruce Milstead will present his monthly report.

The Tenaha City Council meets at 5:15 today and among the items for discussion and possible action will be a loose dog issue; and calling for a council election on May 10 for the Mayor’s position and a council member.

The Timpson City Council meets at 5:30 this afternoon and is expected to call an election for May 10 to fill the position of Mayor, and two council members. There’ll also be discussion and possible action on the bid/quote for improvements to SoSo Park Amphitheater; and possible purchase of a demo vehicle from DFW Communication for the police department. The municipal court report will be presented for January, and will show $30-thousand in fines and fees were assessed, with almost $17-thousand the city’s share, and the Timpson City Council will be advised the Old Spanish Trail Ride will be making their annual camp-over at SoSo Park this Saturday, while enroute to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The Joaquin City Council meets in regular session at 6 this evening, and among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be a request by Mark Rust of Nexus System to place a broadband service radio antenna on the water tower & standpipe; repair of utility truck; and a training field for the fire department. The Joaquin City Council will also hear a presentation by the Joaquin High School Beta Club about Little Free Library at the Park, and possibly take action. In addition, the council will discuss personnel overtime in executive session, and return to open session to possibly amend the employee handbook to address grievance policy, salaried employees and overtime.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 73-year old Billy Mac Walton of Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Antioch Cemetery Shelby County. Billy Mack Walton is survived by wife, Lenora Jean Walton of Center; sons, Terry Walton of Center and Marty Walton of Harlingen; and a brother, Sam Walton of Stanley, Louisiana.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 87-year old James W. Wheeler of the Aiken Community. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons. Service will be at 2 Wednesday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Mt. Herman Cemetery. Among James W. Wheeler’s survivors is his wife, Charlsie Wheeler of Aiken; children, Jamie Parmer of Chireno, Charles Wesley Wheeler of the Aiken Community, Laura Harris of Center, and Susan Bush of Timpson; and a sister, Velma McLeroy of Center.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors of Nacogdoches announces funeral service for 84-year old Eddie Sue Burnaman Stanaland of Nacogdoches. She passed away last Friday. Service will be at 10 this morning at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel. Eddie Sue Burnaman Stanaland is survived by children, Terry Stanaland, Elizabeth Channel, Melinda Stanaland and Bobby Stanaland, all of Nacogdoches; and sisters, Harlene Muckleroy of Center Lillie Ross of El Paso, and Helen Brown of Nacogdoches. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Hospice of East Texas, American Cancer Society, or The Harvest House.

Plenty of boys' and girls' high school playoff basketball action tonight:

The Center Roughriders are playing Fairfield at 8 tonight in Rusk in a Class 3A, bi-district game. The winner gets the Navasota/Lorena winner in area this week.

The Shelbyville Dragons meet New Summerfield at 8 tonight in Tatum, while the Martinsville Pirates play Mt Enterprise at 6:30 in Tenaha.

San Augustine gets the winner of Martinsville/Mt. Enterprise in the area round later this week.

The Tenaha Tigers get the winner of the West Sabine/Colmesneil bi-district game in area this week.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons and the Tenaha Lady Tigers meet tonight in a Class 1A, Div. I region quarterfinal game at 6:30 at Panola College in Carthage. The winner moves on to the region tournament in Tyler.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs meet the Central Heights Lady Blue Devils at 8 tonight in Tenaha in a Class 2A, region quartfinal game.

Last night in a Class 2A bi-district game in Lufkin, the Central Heights Blue Devils beat Warren, 47-33, to advance to the area round.

The Center Lady Roughrider softball team gets a 5-1 win over Nacogdoches Monday. The Lady Riders will be in the Nacogdoches/Central Heights Tournament starting Thursday.

Girls’ softball scheduled today:  Timpson at West Sabine, Joaquin at Overton, Shelbyville at Zavalla, and Garrison at Huntington.

Baseball: Joaquin Rams at Shelbyville to play the Dragons.

Soccer today: the Riders and Lady Riders will be in Palestine for district games. The Tenaha Lady Tigers are in Marshall.

test

test

Today is President’s Day and a federal holiday observed by banks, the post office, federal offices and state and some local governments.

It’s also a school holiday for students at Center ISD and Joaquin ISD, it’s a staff development day.

Details remain sketchy this morning concerning a reported stabbing incident that took place Sunday afternoon on Center ISD property adjacent to Center High School. From what I’ve been able to piece together a fight broke out at the soccer practice field, just behind Roughrider Football Stadium after 3 p.m., which escalated into a physical confrontation, and eventually one of the individuals producing a weapon and stabbing another. The stabbing victim was life-flighted from the scene to an unknown hospital, and that individual’s name, age or condition is known to us this morning. Center Police tell me a detective spent most of last night interviewing witnesses. No other details are known at this time.

We want to follow up on a story brought to you Friday morning on this newscast. It was said emergency personnel responded to the Tyson Foods complex in Center around Midnight Friday morning to the report of a female employee injured in the processing area of the local plant. I reached out to the local Tyson facility, which referred me to corporate public relations, and I was told an incident did take place. However, the worker involved is not an employee of Tyson Food, but rather an outside contract sanitation worker working on the sanitation (third) shift. Public relations said since the worker was not employee of Tyson Foods, they were not in a position to share any other information. Corporate said the incident was under investigation.

Hemphill was the site of a peaceful protest Saturday afternoon, as friends and family of Alfred Wright took to the streets in front of the Sabine County courthouse. The 28-year old Jasper man went missing last November before family members found his body in Sabine County. The official autopsy ruled his death accidental after a combination of drugs were found in his system. Wright’s family believes the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office is covering up a murder.

A rally and group discussion was held prior to Saturday’s march at a Jasper church where Wright’s father addressed the crowd, and business leaders, legal expert and private investigator took part. Also during the rally, two family members of James Byrd, Jr., the Jasper man dragged to his death in 1998 spoke to the Wright family.

Wright’s younger brother Savion, a recent contestant on “American Idol” performed a song dedicated to his brother.

Members of the New Black Panther Party were also a part of the protest and rally. DPS Troopers and Federal Agents were on hand to make sure the rally/protest stayed peaceful.

You’re reminded early voting begins tomorrow and continues through Feb. 28. You must have a photo ID in order to vote. If you don’t have a Drivers’ License or other form of photo ID, the Texas Dept. of Public Safety is issuing free Election Identification Certificates. In San Augustine County, Election Administrator Deborah Woods is also providing the free IDs.

Here are the hours for early voting, starting tomorrow. In Shelby County, Early Voting is taking place at the county clerk’s office on the south-side of the Center Square. This week you can vote from 8 to 4:30, Tuesday through Friday, and weekend voting from 10 to 2, Sat., Feb. 22, and 12-4 on Sun Feb. 23. Next week, Feb. 24-28, the hours are 8 to 4:30.

In San Augustine County, early voting’s at election administrator Deborah Woods’ office from 8 to 4 Tues-Friday of this week, and 10-3 Sat. Feb. 22. Next week, Mon-Fri, voting is from 8 to 4. At the Broaddus Community Center from 9 to 4 Tues-Fri, and from 10-3 Sat, Feb. 22. Next week, voting will take place in Broaddus from 9 to 4, Feb. 24-28.

In Shelby County, there are two contested races in the Democratic Primary; and five in the Republican Primary.

In the Democratic primary, the commissioner Pct. 4 race pits incumbent Bradley Allen against 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, features incumbent Rick Campbell against current county clerk Allison Harbison.

In the county treasurer’s primary, it’s challenger Ann Blackwell and incumbent 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 a win in the primary; 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 McEachern.

The Tenaha ISD Board of Trustees have a regular meeting at 5:30 this afternoon, and among their agenda items will be to consider approval of raising the PK-5^th grade paid lunch by 5-cents to meet federal guidelines; discuss and determine the District’s Homecoming for Nov. 1; and discuss Superintendent Scott Tyner’s contract.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 73-year old Billy Mack Walton of Center. He passed away Sunday in Shreveport. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 Tuesday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Antioch Cemetery Shelby County. Billy Mack Walton is survived by wife, Lenora Jean Walton of Center; sons, Terry Walton of Center and Marty Walton of Weslaco; and a brother, Sam Walton of Stanley, Louisiana.

Watson & Sons announces pending service for 87-year old James W. Wheeler of the Aiken Community. He passed away Sunday at his residence. Among James W. Wheeler’s survivors is his wife, Charlsie Wheeler.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces funeral service for 82-year old Ray Nell Jones Bailey of Center. She passed away Friday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Service will be at 2 today at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at White Rock Cemetery in Center. Among Ray Nell Jones Bailey are her husband, Ovias (Pete) Bailey; a son, Ovias Michael Bailey; and sisters, Patricia Webb, Linda Barbe and Jerry Sowell.

Watson and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of service Sunday for 56-year old Ricky Claude Jackson of Center. He passed away last Thursday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Service was held Sunday at Watsono & Sons Chapel, with interment following at New Hope Cemetery in Center. Ricky Claude Jackson’s survivors include, daughters, Shellie Hayes and Kelsie Jackson, both of Center; mother, Virginia Alexander of Houston; and sister, Diane Gilcrease of Columbus. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to help with final expenses.

Garrison Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 90-year old Irvin Lee Throckmorton of Timpson. He passed away Feb. 8 in Nacogdoches. A private family visitation will be at 1 this afternoon at Garrison Funeral Home. Graveside service will be at 1:45 Tuesday at Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. Irvin Lee Throckmorton was a former City of Timpson municipal court judge.

In sports,

Checking the girls’ area round playoff action from over the weekend.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons and the Tenaha Lady Tigers are both headed to the Region III Class 1A, Div. I region quarterfinals, after Shelbyville defeats West Sabine, 34-32, and Tenaha gets past Dallardsville Big Sandy, 54-52. Yes, it’s an all Shelby County match up in the third-round of the state playoffs between two District 22-1A, Div. 1 rivals. That game is set for 6:30 Tuesday night at Panola College in Carthage. It’s been over 20 years since the Lady Dragons have made it this deep into the post-season, and 14 years for the Lady Tigers. Shelbyville sweep Tenaha in district. Tuesday night’s winner moves on to the region tournament in Tyler.

The San Augustine Lady Wolves were defeated by Cushing, 45-34 in Lufkin Friday. Cushing will meet Wells in the region quarterfinal round.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs are headed to the Class 2A regional quarterfinals with a 50-46 win Saturday night over Jefferson in Carthage. The win sets up a District 19-2A rematch with undefeated, state-ranked and Central Heights. The Lady Blue Devils beat West Rusk, 64-48 to advance.

The Chireno girls beat Jonesboro, 72-43 in a Div. II area-round contest, and will move on to play the Calvert.

In Friday night’s boys’ District 20-3A playoff, Jasper comes away with a 58-53 win, and will be the second-place team in the playoff seeding. The Riders are third, and Center will play Fairfield at 8 Tuesday night in Rusk for bi-district. Diboll is the fourth seed and plays Mexia, and Jasper plays Palestine, while Central, the district champ, takes on Rusk.

In another district playoff game Friday, the San Augustine Wolves are riding some momentum as they win the playoff for the top seeding in 23-1A, Div. 1, 72-59 over West Sabine in Lufkin Friday. San Augustine has a first-round bye, while West Sabine plays Colmesneil in bi-district. In the fight for the third place seed, Brookeland knocks Broaddus from the playoffs.

In other boys’ state basketball playoff games this week, the Shelbyville Dragons meet New Summerfield at 7:30 Tuesday night in Tatum, while the Martinsville Pirates play Mt Enterprise at 6:30 Tuesday in Tenaha. San Augustine gets the winner of Martinsville/Mt. Enterprise in the area round later this week.

As for the Tenaha Tigers, they have a first-round bye, and will meet the winner of West Sabine/Colmesneil in the area round later this week. At the East Texas Playoff Preview in Tyler Saturday, Tenaha lost to Class 2A Crockett, 74-71 in overtime.

The Central Heights Blue Devils will play Warren at 8 tonight at Angelina College in a Class 2A bi-district game.

Girls’ softball scheduled today: the Center Lady Riders go to Nacogdoches for a 5:30 start.

The high school baseball regular season gets underway today, the Center Riders host Queen City at 5:30; the Tenaha Tigers go to Elysian Fields in a 6 p.m. first pitch; and Woodville will be at Garrison. The Shelbyville Dragons have an intra squad game.

Soccer today: Tenaha Tigers at Tatum

Soccer Tuesday, the Riders and Lady Riders will be in Palestine for district games. The Tenaha Lady Tigers are in Marshall.

Today: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. North wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday: A s20% chance of showers and possible afternoon thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low around 61.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low around 53.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 70.

The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is waiving fees at day-use recreation sites Feb. 15-17 for Presidents' Day weekend.  No fees are charged at any time on 98 percent of national forests and grasslands. Approximately two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free. Camping fees remain in effect, but day-use fees will be waived on Feb. 15-17 at these recreation areas and trails:

Sabine National Forest -- Ragtown, East Hamilton, Haley's Ferry, Indian Mounds, Lakeview and Willow Oak

A Logansport man, who’s also a jailer at the DeSoto Parish Detention Center in Mansfield, has been charged with inappropriately touching a female inmate. Fifty-year old Robert L. Smith was terminated Thursday and arrested for Malfeasance in Office Sexual Conducted Prohibited with Persons in Custody. An allegation was reported by the prisoner Monday, and an investigation was initiated into the complaint. Robert Smith had been employed with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office since 2008 as a corrections officer. His bond was set at $7,500, he has been released after posting bond. If convicted, the offense carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and/or a ten thousand dollar fine.

You’re reminded early voting begins Tuesday, and continues through Feb. 28. You must have a photo ID in order to vote. If you don’t have a Drivers’ License or other form of photo ID, the Texas Dept. of Public Safety is issuing free Election Identification Certificates. In San Augustine County, Election Administrator Deborah Woods is also providing the free IDs, from 8-3, Mon-Friday through March 4.

Here are the hours for early voting, starting next Tuesday in Shelby County. Early Voting is at the county clerk’s office on the south-side of the Center Square, from 8 to 4:30, Mon thru Friday, and weekend voting from 10 to 2, Sat. Feb. 22, and 12-4 on Sun Feb. 23.

In San Augustine County, early voting’s at election administrator Deborah Woods’ office from 8 to 4 Mon-Friday, and 10-3 Sat. Feb. 22. At the Broaddus Community Center from 9-4 Mon-Fri, and from 10-3 Sat, Feb. 22.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is running about $3.14 a gallon, up 6-cents in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s also averaging $3.14. Nationally, that average is $3.31, up 5-cents for the week, but down some 28-cents from this week a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning, lowest we found was at Wal-Mart, Brookshire Brothers and the Valero on San Augustine Street in Center, where it’s up 6-cents this week at $3.13 a gallon. In Hawaii, price is $4.02 a gallon for the high side nationwide. On the low side, it’s $3.04 in Montana.

Today is Valentine's Day, and Shelby County Outreach Ministries will have their first “Share the Love” event from 10 to 3 at the Center Wal-Mart. This will be an opportunity for you to make a non-perishable food or monetary donation to assist the ministries of the outreach. If you’re not familiar with Shelby County Outreach Ministries, they’re the people that run the nutrition sites in Shelby and San Augustine Counties; Meals on Wheels in both counties, in addition to the Unique Boutique store in East Center, the Helping Hands Outreach, and a very popular food pantry. These ministries can’t function without your assistance, therefore the reason for Friday’s “Share the Love”. Stop by and donate, and we’ll send a shout-out to your valentine sweetheart during the remote from 12 to 2 on Q-100 radio. According to executive director Pam White, without kindhearted and compassionate people donating to Shelby County Outreach Ministries there would be a whole lot more people going to bed hungry and even without a suitable or safe place to sleep. SCOM makes a difference in people's lives by helping others help themselves.”

Watson & Sons announces funeral service for 94-year old Annie Irene Mayfield of Center. Funeral service will be at 11 this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Strong Cemetery. Among Annie Irene Mayfield’s survivors are a son, Larry Mayfield of Orange; daughters, Mavis McCauley of Orange and Shirley McRae of Center; sisters, Lottie Hammitt of Orange and Louise Pickering of Vidor;  brothers, G.W. Strong of Center and Rev. Elzine Strong of Lufkin; sister-in-law, Margie Strong of Center; and brother-in-law, Steve Wooten of Orange.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 64-year old Donald E. (Red) Wilson of Center. Visitation will be from 11 to 1:30 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel. A military honors graveside will follow at 2 at Antioch Cemetery in Shelby County under the direction of VFW Post 8904 and Bro. Buddy Gray. Among Donald E. (Red) Wilson’s survivors are his wife, Janet of Center; a son, Andrew Wilson of Marshall, and siblings, Charles, Wesley, Michael, Earline and Mary; sister-in-law, Jenny Ray Fancher of Center; and brother-in-law, Jerry Glenn Lawson of Center.

Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home in Henderson announces funeral service for 62-year old John Michael Mellon of Henderson. He passed away Sunday. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home Chapel, with interment to follow at Moffett Cemetery in Rusk County at a later date. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Among John Michael Mellon’s survivors include his wife, Edwina; four children, Joseph Craig Jr., Michael Craig, Matthew Mellon, and a daughter, Amber Mellon of Center.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces funeral service for 61-year old Alice J. Swindle of Shelbyville and San Augustine. Service will be at noon Saturday at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center, with interment to follow in Bennett Chapel Cemetery in Shelbyville. Alice J. Swindle is survived by a son, Kerry Lee King of Lufkin, sister, Katie Gardner of Shelbyville and brother, David Rayson of Center.

In girls’ playoff basketball action tonight:

There’s a Class A, Div. I playoff double-header at Angelina College in Lufkin, as San Augustine and Shelbyville will both be playing area round games. In the first game at 6, the Lady Wolves take on Cushing, followed by the Lady Dragons meeting West Sabine with an 8 o’clock tip-off. By the way, Shelbyville girls’ district championship is the first in 20 years.

The Tenaha Lady Tigers have a second round playoff game against Dallardsville Big Sandy at 6:30 tonight in Hudson.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs will have a Class 2A area round game against Jefferson at 6 p.m. Saturday in Carthage.

In last night’s District 20-3A district playoff game in Hudson, Jasper defeats Diboll, 57-54, and Diboll will enter the playoffs at the fourth-place team from the district. Center will now play Jasper at 8 tonight, with the winner advancing into post-season as the second seeded team, and the loser the third-place representative. Central won the district outright.

In another district playoff game tonight, San Augustine will take on West Sabine at 8 at the Lufkin Middle School Gym. The winner has a first-round bye, with the loser going in the playoffs as the second seeded team. Broaddus is the third seeded team.

Tenaha has a first-round bye in the Class A, Div. I playoffs, while Shelbyville, the District 22-1A, Div. 1 third-place team, will play New Summerfield at 7:30 Tuesday night in Tatum for bi-district. Martinsville, the runner up of the district, will take on Mt. Enterprise at 6:30 Tuesday night in Tenaha.

The Tenaha Tigers will be playing at 5:30 Saturday in the East Texas Playoff Preview at UT Tyler.

The Center Lady Rider and Timpson Lady Bear softball teams are playing in the Hudson Tournament thru Saturday; the Joaquin Lady Rams and Shelbyville Lady Dragons are in the Carthage Tournament; and Garrison Lady Bulldogs in the Longview Tourney.

Baseball scrimmage today, the Center Roughriders host Central Heights; and the Joaquin Rams are home to take Logansport.

Soccer today:  the Center Riders are home to play Nacogdoches in a district match, and the Lady Riders go to Nacogdoches. Games start with JV at 5:30.

Tenaha Girls Varsity Soccer will play in Hudson at 7 tonight. Tenaha’s “Visitor” vs Dallardsville Big Sandy.

A big college fishing tournament on Toledo Bend Saturday, as the FLW’s first Southern Conference tournament of the season takes place. Up to 50 college teams will be competing for a top award of $2,000 and a berth in the 2014 Southern Conference Invitational. Anglers will take off from San Miguel Park located at 381 San Miguel Road in Zwolle at 7:00 a.m. Weigh-in will be held at San Miguel Park starting at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Takeoff and weigh-in is free and open to the public.

The tournament is hosted by the Sabine River Authority.

...LAKE WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 6 PM...

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north 5 to 10 mph after midnight.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. South wind around 5 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.

President's Day: A 20 percent chance of showers.

Partly sunny, with a high near 75.

Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers, with a low around 53.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 74.

test2

Test

Test

After dealing with delays, closures, power outages, hazardous driving conditions and eventually falling icicles, it looks like we’re pretty well back to normal this morning.

Keep in mind the frozen precipitation we had Tuesday night-Wednesday morning for the most part has melted, thanks to a good dose of cold sunshine yesterday afternoon as temperatures rose into the 40s. However, the melted precipitation re-froze overnight on roadways and especially bridges and overpasses as temperatures dipped back into the 20s overnight. Watch out for Icy roadways this morning. We have a freezing fog advisory until 9. Watch out for patchy dense fog that may form Black Ice on elevated bridges and overpasses.

We now have around 5 days of sunshine forecast with temperatures around 60 today, rising to near 70 Friday and Saturday and low 70s by Sunday & Monday. Amazing how the weather can change in 24 hours.

Hoping third time is the charm, the San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court will attempt to hold a special meeting at 9 this morning to make several presentations to Tri-County.

The court will sign over ownership of a building the county obtained to house San Augustine County’s new social services center. The county obtained the structure after a successful bid to HUD. In addition, a mini bus will be presented to Tri-County to serve as San Augustine County’s first transit vehicle.

Prior to the presentations, Dr. Freddie Avant from the SFA School of Social Work will present information on a two-year Social Service Needs Assessment used for obtaining the social services center. A reception will follow the meeting.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 64-year old Donald E. (Red) Wilson of Center. He passed away Monday in Shreveport. Visitation will be from 11 to 1:30 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel. A military honors graveside will follow at 2 at Antioch Cemetery in Shelby County under the direction of VFW Post 8904. Among Donald E. (Red) Wilson’s survivors are his wife, Janet of Center; a son, Andrew Wilson of Marshall, and siblings, Charles, Wesley, Michael, Earline and Mary.

Watson & Sons announces funeral service for 94-year old Annie Irene Mayfield of Center. She passed away Wednesday at Pine Grove Nursing Home in Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 11 Friday morning at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment to follow at Strong Cemetery. Among Annie Irene Mayfield’s survivors are a son, Larry Mayfield of Orange; daughters, Mavis McCauley of Orange and Shirley McRae of Center.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces a graveside service for 60-year old Mr. Marion O’Neil “Bo” Whiteside of Gary. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. today at Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson. Marion O’Neil “Bo” Whiteside is survived by son, Randy Whiteside of Rush Springs, OK, and Jason Whiteside of Gary; brothers, Kenneth Whiteside of Timpson and James Whiteside of Longview; and sisters, Patsy Bright of White Oak, and Betty Shields of Longview.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 81-year old Lessie Sowell of Center. Memorial service will be at 2 this afternoon at Holiday Nursing Home in Center. Among Lessie Sowell’s survivors are her children, Marvin Sowell of Center, Isaac Sowell of Ore City, Darryl Sowell of Nacogdoches, Sharon Barnett of Sherman, Barbara Emerson of Rusk, Jamie Bosquez of Waco, Calvin Bannett and Matt Bennett both of Texas; two sisters, Virginia Sargent of Nacogdoches and Curly Moore of Woden; and a brother, Gus Moore of Chireno.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces funeral service for 81-year old Oscar Padgett of Lufkin. He passed away Monday in Lufkin. Service will be at 1 this afternoon at Trinity Baptist Church in Broaddus, with burial at Old Manning Cemetery.

Garrison Funeral Home announces funeral service for 3-day year old  Anastasio Guzman Jr., of Garrison. He died Monday in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 2 p.m. today at Garrison Funeral Home, with burial in Cold Springs Cemetery in Garrison.

Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home in Henderson announces funeral service for 62-year old John Michael Mellon of Henderson. He passed away Sunday. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home Chapel, with interment to follow at Moffett Cemetery in Rusk County at a later date. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until service time Saturday at the funeral home. John Michael Mellon is survived by his wife, Edwina of Henderson, and four children, Joseph Craig, Jr., Michael Craig, Matthew Mellon and Amber Mellon of Center; and his sister, Donna Schuman.

Before the Center Roughriders play their first-round state playoff basketball game next week, there’ll be a couple of district playoff games to determine seeding. Center, Diboll and Jasper have all made the post-season. Tonight at 6, Diboll takes on Jasper in Hudson. The loser of that game will go into the playoffs as the 4^th place team. The winner will play Center at 8 Friday night in Hudson. The winner of that district playoff goes into post-season as second place, with the loser third.

Just about the same situation for San Augustine, as the Wolves and West Sabine Tigers wrapped up district tied as co-champions. They’ll meet for a third time to decide playoff seeding at 8 Friday night at the Lufkin Middle School Gym. The winner has a first-round bye.

The Tenaha Tigers-Shelbyville Dragons got their postponed district game in yesterday, with the Tigers taking a 68-34 win to finish 10-0. Tenaha’s the district champs and have a first-round bye. Meanwhile, Shelbyville and Martinsville are the second and third place teams from 22-1A, Div. I. They’re waiting to see who their bi-district opponents will be.

In girls’ playoff action Friday:

There’s going to be a Class A, Div. I playoff double-header tomorrow night at Angelina College in Lufkin as San Augustine and Shelbyville will both be playing area round games. In the first game at 6, the Lady Wolves take on Cushing, followed by the Lady Dragons meeting West Sabine with an 8 o’clock tip-off.

The Tenaha Lady Tigers have a second round playoff game against Dallardsville Big Sandy at 7 Friday night in Hudson.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs will have a Class 2A area round game against Jefferson at 6 p.m. Saturday in Carthage.

In the Martinsville-Wells girls’ playoff game Tuesday night, Wells won and advances to the second round.

The Center Lady Rider and Timpson Lady Bear softball teams are playing in the Hudson Tournament today thru Saturday; the Joaquin Lady Rams and Shelbyville Lady Dragons are in the Carthage Tournament; and Garrison Lady Bulldogs in the Longview Tourney.

Baseball scrimmage today, Elysian Fields at Garrison. Several boys’ scrimmages are on tap Friday.

Checking with law enforcement this morning, icing problems are moderate to heavy across Deep East Texas and Northwest Louisiana after sleet and freezing rain and drizzle covered the area beginning Tuesday afternoon through the overnight hours. There’s anywhere from just a slight covering to as much as a quarter-inch of ice covering roadways in the area. TxDOT is reminding you to avoid travel if at all possible. Crews have been out around the district monitoring and applying rock to bridges, overpasses and other areas as needed to help improve traction and safety.

In Shelby County, the sheriff’s office is reporting icing on bridges on 96 north of Center at Flat Fork, 96 south at Huana Creek and 7 East at Flat Fork. In addition, the overpass in Tenaha and in Joaquin has reported some icing issues.

No major issues in San Augustine County reported.

The ice has also brought with it power outages as icing on trees have caused breakage onto lines. Checking with Deep East Texas Electric this morning, they report Nacogdoches County has been the hardest hit, as around 1,000 customers are without electricity at this time, mostly in the Appleby, Hwy. 259, Hwy. 204 and FM 343 areas of Nacogdoches County.

DETEC says power outages in Shelby County are being reported in the Center, Tenaha and Timpson areas, where the Tennessee Community has been one of the harder hit. A main metering point is also affected in Panola County serving southern Panola and northern Shelby County with a couple hundred customers affected. DETEC dispatch says the problem they’ve seen has been their repair trucks being able to drive into the outage areas to make repairs. They’re working to get your power restored ASAP.

AEP SWEPCO has no power outages in Center or Tenaha, most of their problems are in Caddo Parish Louisiana with over 2,000 powerless, as well as Panola & Rusk County where they have from 100 to 500 customers without electric.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending funeral service for 64-year old Donald E. Wilson of Center. He passed away Tuesday in Shreveport. Funeral service is pending.

A longtime Center resident and former KDET employee, 70-year old Bobby Lynn Harkness, passed away Monday at a Newton nursing home following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Among Bobby Lynn Harkness’ survivors are his daughter, Christina of Prentiss, MS his sisters Joyce LaBoyteaux of Newton, and Gloria Lyons of Theodore, AL, and his brother Philip Doyle of Fort Worth. A memorial service will be held in Center at a future date. Those wishing to make donations to Alzheimer's Association in Bobby Harkness’ name may do so at www.alz.org.

Mangum Funeral Home announces funeral service for 79-year old Loyce Yvonne Andrews Johnson of Center. Service will be at 1 p.m. this afternoon at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Among Loyce Yvonne Andrews Johnson’s survivors are her husband, Fred Johnson of Center; daughters, Pam Sanford and Karen Albert of Center; and sister, Mauddie Gilchrist of Center.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home of Nacogdoches announces funeral service for Wytona Gregory-Tanner. She passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5 in Houston. Service will be at 1 today at Pleasant Hill CME Church in Tenaha with burial at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Wytona Gregory-Tanner is survived by her husband, Robert Tanner; three daughters, Tee Duncan of Nacogdoches, Ty Duncan of San Augustine and Ta of San Augustine; four sisters, Tasha Evans, LaKala Gaines, Kera Fox and Tori Gregory; and three brothers, Derrick Gregory, Shane Gregory and Chass Gregory.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces a graveside service for 60-year old Mr. Marion O’Neil “Bo” Whiteside of Gary. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson. Marion O’Neil “Bo” Whiteside is survived by son, Randy Whiteside of Rush Springs, OK, and Jason Whiteside of Gary; brothers, Kenneth Whiteside of Timpson and James Whiteside of Longview; and sisters, Patsy Bright of White Oak, and Betty Shields of Longview.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 81-year old Lessie Sowell of Center. Memorial service will be at 2 Thursday at Holiday Nursing Home in Center. Among Lessie Sowell’s survivors are her children, Marvin Sowell of Center, Isaac Sowell of Ore City, Darryl Sowell of Nacogdoches, Sharon Barnett of Sherman, Barbara Emerson of Rusk, Jamie Bosquez of Waco, Calvin Bannett and Matt Bennett both of Texas; two sisters, Virginia Sargent of Nacogdoches and Curly Moore of Woden; and a brother, Gus Moore of Chireno.

Shelby County Outreach Ministries is planning an event this Friday to assist funding of their various programs. “Share the Love” will be held from 10 to 3 Valentine’s Day at the Center Wal-Mart. Outreach Ministries’ executive director Pam White invites you to stop by and assist the various programs with non-perishable food items or monetary donations to help out Meals on Wheels, the Shelby and San Augustine Counties Nutrition Sites, the Unique Boutique, and Helping Hands Outreach. Center Broadcasting has joined in the event, and will be broadcasting during “Share the Love”. Ms. White says when you make a donation, they’ll be sure to include your name on a “shout out” during the radio remote on Q-100, KQBB from 12 to 2. Program coordinators will be on hand Friday to meet and answer questions about their ministry. You’re invited to help out Shelby County Outreach Ministries during “Share the Love”, this Friday, Valentine’s Day at the Center Wal-Mart.

Center Crime Stoppers needs your help in locating a wanted man. Thirty-one year old Joahquillan Nickerson is wanted for theft and Felony Evading arrest by the Center Police Department. If you have any information that leads to the arrest of Joahquillan Nickerson, call Center Crime Stoppers at 598-SAFE, or send a web tip at www.centercrimestoppers.com. You can earn a cash reward of up to $1,000 if your information leads to the arrest of the suspect. And remember, you don’t have to give your name.

In case you didn’t know, the city of Center has an ordinance that addresses signage. Anyone placing political signs within the City Limit is requested to place them behind the right-of-way, or on private property. Of course, if you don’t own property, you should get permission from the property owner before placement. If there’s any doubt as to where the right-of-way ends, please use the utility poles as an indicator. The sign should be placed on the back-side of the right-of-way. The ordinance also states that signs should be removed within 3 days after the election for which they were placed. If there are any questions, contact the Inspection Dept. at 301 Nacogdoches St. or call 598-2055.

Nacogdoches Medical Center will hold a ground-breaking ceremony at 11 this morning to kick-off construction of their new $7.5-million 24-hour satellite emergency department, and diagnostic imaging center. The 10-thousand sq. ft. facility is being built on the hospital’s four acres at Hwy. 96 south and Loop 500 in Center. The public is invited to join the hospital and local leaders to celebrate the occasion. 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.  Construction is scheduled to be complete by this fall, and will employ from 30 to 40 health care professionals.

Wednesday Weather Delays

Center ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Excelsior ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Tenaha ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Timpson ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Joaquin ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Shelbyville ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30 Muffins with Mom-Feb. 13
Garrison ISD: 10 a.m.
San Augustine ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Broddus ISD: 10 a.m.
West Sabine ISD: 10 a.m.
Hemphill ISD: 10 a.m.
Nacogdoches ISD: Two hour delay start
Martinsville ISD: 10 a.m.
Central Heights ISD: 10 a.m.
Tri-County Head Start: 10 a.m.
Panola College-all campuses: 12 noon start
Dr. Steve Oates’ Clinic: 10 a.m.
Dialysis Clinic-Center: 8 a.m.

Wednesday Closings:

DeSoto Parish Schools
Sabine Parish Schools

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 45. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 57. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38. South wind around 5 mph.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.

Wednesday Weather Delays

Center ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Excelsior ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Tenaha ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Timpson ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Joaquin ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Shelbyville ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30 Muffins with Mom-Feb. 13
Garrison ISD: 10 a.m.
San Augustine ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Broddus ISD: 10 a.m.
West Sabine ISD: 10 a.m.
Hemphill ISD: 10 a.m.
Tri-County Head Start: 10 a.m.
Panola College-all campuses: 12 noon start
Dr. Steve Oates’ Clinic: 10 a.m.

Wednesday Closings:

DeSoto Parish Schools
Sabine Parish Schools

Tuesday evening closures & cancellations:

Panola College-all campuses

Tenaha vs. Shelbyville basketball. Rescheduled 4:30 Wednesday in Tenaha

Timpson vs. Joaquin basketball game. No word on make-up

Wednesday Weather Delays

Center ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30

Tenaha ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30

Timpson ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30

Joaquin ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30

Shelbyville ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30 Muffins with Mom-Feb. 13

San Augustine ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30

Broddus ISD: 10 a.m.

West Sabine ISD: 10 a.m.

Hemphill ISD: 10 a.m.

Tri-County Head Start: 10 a.m.

Panola College-all campuses: 12 noon start

Dr. Steve Oates’ Clinic: 10 a.m.

Wednesday Closings:

DeSoto Parish Schools

Sabine Parish Schools

Tuesday evening closures:

Panola College-all campuses
Tenaha vs. Shelbyville basketball. Rescheduled 4:30 Wednesday in Tenaha

Wednesday Weather Delays

Center ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Tenaha ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Timpson ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Joaquin ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30
Shelbyville ISD: 10 a.m. Staff at 9:30 Muffins with Mom-Feb. 13
San Augustine ISD: 10 a.m.
West Sabine ISD: 10 a.m.
Hemphill ISD: 10 a.m.
Tri-County Head Start: 10 a.m.
Panola College-all campuses: 12 noon start
Dr. Steve Oates’ Clinic: 10 a.m.

Closings:

Sabine Parish Schools

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST
WEDNESDAY...

* EVENT...A SECONDARY ROUND OF PRECIPITATION WILL BEGIN DEVELOPING
  BY THIS LATE AFTERNOON...BRINGING RAIN WHICH WILL QUICKLY
  TRANSITION TO A WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION BY SUNSET. SLEET AND
  FREEZING RAIN WILL CONTINUE THROUGH EARLY WEDNESDAY
  MORNING...WITH ICE ACCUMULATIONS NEAR ONE QUARTER OF AN INCH...TO
  AS MUCH A THIRD TO HALF INCH POSSIBLE IN SOME LOCALES.

* TIMING...BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES WILL SUPPORT ICE
  ACCUMULATIONS IN THE ADVISORY AREA THIS EVENING THROUGH THE
  OVERNIGHT HOURS.

* IMPACT...ICING OF ELEVATED OBJECTS...SUCH AS BRIDGES AND
  OVERPASSES...AND TREES AND POWER LINES...IS POSSIBLE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF ICE FROM
SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN ARE EXPECTED THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT.
STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY
HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE. THERE MAY ALSO BE SOME POWER OUTAGES DUE
TO THE ACCUMULATION OF ICE ON POWER LINES OR MORE LIKELY SOME ICE
COATED FALLEN BRANCHES ON THE POWER LINES.

Arrest Report

2/10/14--2/11/14

Shelby County:

Schanen Marx, 48, Tenaha, Warrant-Hindering Apprehension

Randy L. Fountain, 49, Center, Driving While License Invalid

Stacey Coats, 42, Nacogdoches, Tampering/Fabricating Evidence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

San Augustine County:

Wallace C. Clifton, Public Intoxication with Prior Convictions, Tampering with Evidence

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

Girls’ basketball playoffs last night:

The Tenaha Lady Tigers are headed to the area round of the Class A, Div. I playoffs after a 44-39 bi-district win over Neches last night in Rusk. Tenaha advances to take on Dallardsville Big Sandy in the area round Friday night in Lufkin, either the high school or Angelina College. The site and time are to be determined today.

Meanwhile, the San Augustine Lady Wolves defeat Evadale, 53-49 in Woodville last night, to move on to the area round of the Class A, Div. I girls’ playoffs Friday night against state-ranked Cushing. That second round game will be at 6 Friday at Angelina College in Lufkin.

In the Class 2A playoffs last night, state-ranked and undefeated Central Heights over Deweyville, 70-35.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons are waiting on their first playoff opponent, as they’ll meet the winner of the West Sabine/Colmesneil game being played tonight. That area round game is tentatively Friday night in Lufkin.

Other scheduled girls’ basketball playoff action tonight:

The Martinsville Lady Pirates are playing Wells in a first-round playoff game at 7:30 in Woden.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs will play Woodville at 8 p.m. in Hudson, in bi-district action.

In boys’ basketball tonight, weather permitting it’s the last regular season game as Central comes to Center, Carthage at Huntington and Hudson at Diboll. The Riders are in the playoffs, and with a win, would have a share of the district championship. Central is 9-2, Center and Diboll are 8-3, and Jasper is 8-4. All are post-season bound.

It’s Senior Night at Roughrider Gym Tuesday, as the senior players will be recognized prior to tip-off.

District 22-1A, Div. I games tonight: Shelbyville at Tenaha, Joaquin at Timpson and Martinsville at Gary. Tenaha has won the district and is 9-0, with Shelbyville and Martinsville, second and third respectively. The Dragons and Pirates are 6-3.

Tenaha ISD has advised tonight’s Tenaha-Shelbyville games will start with JV at 4:30, followed by varsity due to weather.

In District 23-1A, Div. I, San Augustine goes to Broaddus, and West Sabine will be at Zavalla, as S.A. and West Sabine are tied for the district lead at 8-1tonight. Should both win, and end in a tie, a district playoff game will be played Friday at Angelina College to determine seeding. Could be another district playoff this week if Broaddus loses to S.A., and Brookeland beats Pineywoods, there would be a tie for the third playoff spot.

Scheduled soccer action today: the Riders go to Hudson and Hudson girls will be in Center to play the Lady Riders, both in district action. Meanwhile, the Tenaha Lady Tigers go to Tatum. Last Saturday, the Tenaha Lady Tigers took a 2-0 win over the Texas High JV girls in Texarkana.

Girls’ softball regular season is expected to start today: Marshall at Center; Newton at Joaquin; Shelbyville at Hemphill; and Garrison at Lufkin.

Baseball scrimmages today: Center at Tatum; West Sabine at Shelbyville; and Garrison at Winona

Mangum Funeral Home announces funeral service for 79-year old Loyce Yvonne Andrews Johnson of Center. She passed away Monday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 this evening at Mangum Funeral Home. Among Loyce Yvonne Andrews Johnson’s survivors are her husband, Fred Johnson of Center; daughters, Pam Sanford and Karen Albert of Center; and sister, Mauddie Gilchrist of Center.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces a graveside service for 60-year old Mr. Marion O’Neil “Bo” Whiteside of Gary. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson. Marion O’Neil “Bo” Whiteside is survived by son, Randy Whiteside of Rush Springs, OK, and Jason Whiteside of Gary; brothers, Kenneth Whiteside of Timpson and James Whiteside of Longview; and sisters, Patsy Bright of White Oak, and Betty Shields of Longview.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service is pending for 61-year old Mrs. Alice J. Swindle of San Augustine. She passed away Friday at Memorial Health System of East Texas in San Augustine.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 81-year old Lessie Sowell of Center. Memorial service will be at 2 Thursday at Holiday Nursing Home in Center.

The Party Primary Elections are three weeks from today on March 4, and early voting in person begins next Tuesday, Feb. 18, and will continue thru Feb. 28. Also, the deadline to request a ballot by mail is February 21, and remember a photo ID will be required for voting in person. If you don’t have a Drivers’ License or other form of photo ID, the Texas Dept. of Public Safety is issuing free Election Identification Certificates. In San Augustine County, Election Administrator Deborah Woods is also providing the free IDs, from 8-3, Mon-Friday through March 4.

Tomorrow morning on the KDET/KQBB local newscasts, I will begin a three-part series on the two county-wide party primary races in Shelby County, starting with the county treasurer’s race, and the county judge’s race Thursday and Friday.

A ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday morning  as Nacogdoches Medical Center will break ground on construction of a 10-thousand square foot 24-hour satellite emergency department and diagnostic imaging center. The ceremony will be at 11 a.m. at the hospital’s property at Hwy. 96 south and Loop 500 in Center. The public is invited to join the hospital and local leaders to celebrate the occasion. 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 $7.5-million facility will also have a fully staffed laboratory and imaging services, and should be open by this Fall.

The special meeting of the San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court scheduled for this morning has been postponed, once again, due to weather. That meeting will now take place at 9 Thursday morning at the San Augustine County Courthouse.

No weather-related road issues being reported this morning by TxDOT, nor Shelby or San Augustine County officials.

The rain stopped last night, we had some wind that helped dry the roadways, and temperatures stayed at or above freezing. However, we do remain under a Winter Weather Advisory through 6 tomorrow morning, as another round of precipitataion is headed our way today.

The National Weather Service is saying this next wave of moisture will likely have more to it. We have a 60 percent chance of freezing rain and sleet before 9am, then a chance of rain and sleet between 9am and noon, then rain likely after noon, with a high near 35. Tonight, Rain, freezing rain, and sleet likely before midnight, then a chance of freezing rain,  with a low around 28. Little or no ice accumulation is expected.

Weather Changes Today

Delay Starts

Center Christian Academy (Center): 10 a.m.

Broaddus ISD: 10 a.m.

Nacogdoches ISD: Two-hour delay

Central Heights ISD: 10 a.m. start. Today's career fair canceled.

Hemphill ISD: 10 a.m. start

West Sabine ISD: 10 a.m. start

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MIDNIGHT UNTIL 6 AM WEDNESDAY

Today: A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 44. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Tonight: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 31. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday: A chance of freezing rain and sleet before 9am, then a chance of rain and sleet between 9am and noon, then rain likely after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 36. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday Night: Rain, freezing rain, and sleet likely before midnight, then a chance of freezing rain. Cloudy, with a low around 25. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
6 AM CST WEDNESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SHREVEPORT HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR DEEP EAST TEXAS...ALL OF NORTH
LOUISIANA.....FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 AM CST WEDNESDAY.

THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* EVENT...PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP TONIGHT AND WILL
  TRANSITION TO A MIX OF SNOW...SLEET...AND FREEZING RAIN AS
  TEMPERATURES FALL BELOW FREEZING TONIGHT. TEMPERATURES MAY WARM
  ENOUGH DURING THE DAY FOR SOME PRECIPITATION TO CHANGE BACK OVER
  TO RAIN BUT WILL REMAIN MIXED WITH WINTRY PRECIPITATION THROUGH
  EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING. STORM TOTAL ICE ACCUMULATIONS SHOULD
  REMAIN JUST BELOW ONE QUARTER OF AN INCH.

The flu season is starting to decrease in some parts of the country, but overall, remains elevated as we enter the middle of February, typically the month with the heaviest outbreak of influenza.

The Centers for Disease Control says flu activity is likely to continue for several more weeks. Dr. Mark Cline of Cline Family Medicine in Center says the numbers of reported flu cases his facility has seen is starting to decline. He noted the influenza virus came much earlier this season than usual, and while the worst of the activity has decreased, influenza is still a very real threat at least through the month of March. Dr. Cline added it’s is highly advisable to get vaccinate against influenza.

The CDC suggested anyone aged 6 months and older who has not gotten a flu vaccine yet this season should get one now. All flu vaccines are designed to protect against 2009 H1N1 viruses which are the most common flu viruses so far this season.

It's also important that people at high risk for serious flu complications who develop flu-like symptoms or anyone with severe illness consult a health care provider to see whether influenza antiviral drugs might be needed. Dr. Cline reminds you the vaccine cannot cause influenza or make your sick.

Shelby County Commissioners will be meeting at 9:30 this morning, and among the agenda items to be discussed and possibly taking action is hearing a request from Tax Accessor/Collector Debora Riley for hiring a temporary employee for the voter registration office, using Chapter 19 funds; a request from District Clerk Lori Oliver to purchase a new laptop computer from the District Court Technology Fund/Court Records Preservation Fund for the purpose of jury selection and district court proceedings; and a request from County Clerk Allison Harbison for renewal of the election services agreement contract.

n addition, the court will commend Sheriff Willis Blackwell and the Sheriff’s Dept. on the certificate of compliance with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards; and acknowledge Constable Pct. 2 Jamie Hagler on successfully completing the 40-hour course for newly elected constables.

That’s a meeting of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court meeting in regular session at 9:30 this morning.

San Augustine County Commissioners’ will be meeting at 9 this morning and again Tuesday. Today, the court will discuss and may take action on several agenda items. Among those will be maintenance of Advanced County 911 Road Signs; accepting TCEQ Voluntary Permit Revocations; the Brookeland ISD burn turn-around; a request to purchase non-grant glauconite; county clerk’s copier lease; new vender credit applications; and hear an update on the CETRZ grant (state road funding).

Tuesday, San Augustine County Commissioners will hear from Dr. Freddie Avant from the SFA School of Social Work, who’ll present information on a two-year Social Service Needs Assessment, which was used in the county’s successful project proposal and bid to HUD for the building to house the county’s multi-service center. The court is expected to sign over the building to Tri-County for use as a “one-stop” social services center. The building is located on Hwy. 96 south at FM 1277. San Augustine County will also transfer ownership of a mini bus to Tri-County to be used as the first transit vehicle in the county.

A reception will follow the meeting. Tuesday’s meeting of the San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court starts at 9.

The City of Center Planning and Zoning Commission will be meeting at 5 Tuesday to discuss and consider rezoning the property at 1217 Louisiana Street. City Manager Chad Nehring said the property owner, Ralph Godsey obtained approval for the house at the location to be changed to a commercial/office use property several years ago. However, they’re now asking for it to revert back to a single-family home.

At their regular monthly meeting last Thursday, the Center ISD Board of Trustees authorize administration to submit application for a low attendance day waiver as a result of the late start and winter weather on January 24; approve a resolution to amend the scripting of the Wells Fargo Bond Contract in order to allow the district to keep the QSCB sinking fund deposits with the insurer (Center ISD); approve the interlocal agreement with the West Texas Food Cooperative for the 2014-2015 school year; and employee Alex Cloudy as a Center Intermediate School instructional aide; and employ the following substitute teachers, Kimberly Baker, Rebecca Carroll, Pearlie Nash, Sydney Jones, Dian Black, and Brianna Evans.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces pending service for 60-year old Mr. Marion O’Neil “Bo” Whiteside of Gary. He passed away Friday in Gary.

In boys’ basketball Friday,

The Center Roughriders clinched a playoff spot with a 54-49 win over Carthage, to keep the Bulldogs’ perfect winless record intact in Dist. 20-3A. The Riders improve to 8-3, tied with Diboll for second, who lost to district leading Central, 68-53. Central is 9-2. Jasper beats Huntington, 64-49, and goes to 8-4. Central, Center, Diboll and Jasper are all assured the playoffs, the fight comes down to seeding in post-season. Tuesdays schedule has Central at Center, Carthage at Huntington and Hudson at Diboll. The Riders can have a share of the district championship with a win tomorrow night.

It’s Senior Night at Roughrider Gym Tuesday, as the senior players will be recognized prior to tip-off. The Center Middle School Cheerleaders will also be recognized at the game. In honor of their recognition, they will also be cheering on the Riders. 

The District 22-1A, Div. I playoff picture is set as the District Champion Tenaha Tigers are 9-0 with an 80-37 win over Gary, and the Shelbyville Dragons sewed up the playoffs with a 64-42 win against Timpson. Meanwhile, Martinsville also claimed a playoff spot as they edge past Joaquin, 31-29. Shelbyville and Martinsville have 6-3 marks. Gary drops to 3-6, Joaquin 2-7 and Timpson 1-8. The only thing that might change in the district playoff picture would be the order of finish for runner up and third place between Shelbyville and Martinsville. Tomorrow night, the last district games have Shelbyville at Tenaha, Joaquin at Timpson and Martinsville at Gary.

The San Augustine Wolves got even with West Sabine, taking an  78-59 win, and tying up the District 23-1A, Div. I lead at 8-1. The two state-ranked teams will finish the regular season Tuesday night as San Augustine goes to intra-county rival Broaddus, and West Sabine heads to Zavalla. Should both win, and end in a tie, a district playoff game will be played Friday at Angelina College to determine seeding. Broaddus is 5-4, after Brookeland surprised the Bulldogs, 72-56. Brookeland is now 4-5. A loss by Broaddus to S.A., and a Brookeland win over Pineywoods Tuesday, would result in a tie for the third playoff spot, and require a district playoff game later this week between Broaddus & Brookeland.

In the girls’ high school basketball playoffs tonight, the Tenaha Lady Tigers will take on Neches in Rusk at 6:30 pm. in a Class A, Div. 1 bi-district game. Tenaha fans who wish to attend tonight’s game can do so on a Tiger Charter bus.  Price of the ride is only $4 and seats can be reserved in the high school office. 

Also tonight, the San Augustine Lady Wolves will be playing a Class 1A-Div. I first-round game at 6:30 against Evadale in Woodville.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons will play the winner of the West Sabine/Colmesneil game being played tonight. That second-round Class 1A, Div. I area game is tentatively set for 7 p.m. Friday night, Feb. 14, at Angelina College, in a Class A, Div. I second-round game.

The Martinsville Lady Pirates are playing Wells in a first-round playoff game at 7:30 Tuesday in Woden.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs are in the Class 2A state playoffs and will play Woodville at 8 p.m. Tuesday night in Hudson, in bi-district action.

In another girls’ playoff games of interest Tuesday, state-ranked and undefeated Central Heights will take on Deweyville at 6 at West Sabine High School.

By the way, Tenaha ISD will play hosts to a Class 3A girls’ bi-district basketball game at 6:30 tonight as Diboll plays Palestine at the Tenaha ISD Special Events Center.

Arrest Report

2/7/14--2/10/14

Shelby County:

Shanki Lister, 35, Driving While License Invalid-Previous Convictions

Craig Alan Borders, 41, Center, Warrant-Endangering a Child

Jeanese Louise Fenley, 32, Timpson, Warrant-Forgery Against the Elderly

Ricky James Jackson, 21, Shelbyville, Possession of Marijuana

Emilee Sarah Champagne, 21, Homeless, Warrant-Abandon, Endangering a Child

Stacy Roy, 44, Tenaha, Warrant-twice, Violation of Probation Original Charge-Theft by Check

Marcus Olivas, 25, Tenaha, Bond Surrender, Warrant-Burglary of a Habitation, Failure to Appear; Original Charge-Criminal Mischief

San Augustine County:

Arlan N. Speer, Theft, Criminal Mischief, Burglary of a Building & Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle

Dwight Martin, Assault-Family Violence

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

After the DETCOG offices, his home and church were raided by Federal Agents this week, DETCOG Director Walter Diggles, says he wasn’t surprised to be made “a target” because of the “high-profile” nature of his job.

In today’s Lufkin Daily News, Diggles said the process that DETCOG went through with the federal agencies was a little unsettling, but he added, “in my business you always look for things that may happen unexpectedly.”

Diggles was in Austin on business when agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigations criminal investigations division, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations arrived at multiple locations in Jasper on Wednesday.

The investigation apparently centers around the faith-based organizations Diggles works with that DETCOG funnels funds into. Diggles said he would be surprised for agents to find any wrongdoing.

An FBI-Dallas spokeswoman said Thursday no new information on the raid or investigation was available. She added there are a number of things that could happen from here.

When the Shelbyville ISD Board of Trustees meet at 6 Monday night, they’ll be calling for a school board election for May 10 to fill the 3-year terms presently held by Tiffanne Klein and Faye Allen.

Election judges will also be named at that time. Early voting for the Shelbyville ISD trustee election will be April 28 thru May 6.

Superintendent Dr. Ray West said the school district will also be making application to the state for weather related Waiver Days, so as not to lose financial funding from the state.

He said the board will also consider revision to the Cheerleader Constitution to allow for more positions on the squads.

Dr. West says construction continues on the all-purpose gym and classrooms for the middle school, and although there’s been some discussion and interest, the matter of placing artificial turf at Dragon Stadium has not been placed on a board agenda for action.

In regards to Shelbyville’s new UIL district re-alignment, Dr. West said he likes the local match ups and feels confident about the Dragons’ competition chances.

After being indicted last month on two counts of felony theft and one count of public contract fraud and malfeasance in office, the former head of DeSoto Parish Schools, 79-year old Walter Lee of Shreveport, is accused of breaking more state law. An independent audit released earlier this week mirrors the findings of state auditors last month. The report alleges Lee double billed expenses to the school district and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, of which he’s a member, from 2009-12.

he indictments accuse him of failing to reimburse the school system around $4-thousand for fuel expenses. The other count is over $15-hundred charged for lodging and meals.

DeSoto Parish Attorney Richard Johnson said Lee would have his first court date March 5.

The public contract fraud is connected to Lee’s early return of a leased vehicle, which cost taxpayers $10,000 because of an early termination fee and the lease of a higher-priced vehicle. Malfeasance is alleged by Lee’s performance of his duties as superintendent in an “unlawful manner.” State and independent auditors also cited Lee for self-approved raises not authorized by the DeSoto Parish School Board.

Since new superintendent Cade Brumley took over the DeSoto Parish School System in 2012, he’s inherited a number of unrelated instances of mis-management of funds. These included the taking of concession money; non-payment of invoices resulting in the school’s bank account being overdrawn; no receipts submitted for fuel purchases made with fuel cards or odometer readings; coaches using fuel cards to put gas in personal vehicles.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 86-year old Walter Arnold Hendricks, Jr. of Lufkin. Service will be at 2:30 this afternoon at the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin, with interment at Glendale Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Irene Flurry Hendricks of Lufkin; sons, David Hendricks of Lufkin, Ralph Hendricks of Houston, Ronnie Hendricks of Nacogdoches and Joe Hendricks of Lufkin; and daughters, Linda Dunn of Houston, and Judy Doyle of Center.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces funeral service for 89-year old Robert E. “Bobby” Molloy of Timpson. He passed away Thursday in Timpson. Service will be 11 Saturday at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, with interment to follow at the church cemetery. Family visitation will be from 6-8 tonight at Taylor Funeral Home. Survivors include his wife, Ruby Winnie Molloy of Timpson; and sons, Randall Earl Molloy and Larry Keith Molloy all of Timpson.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces funeral service for 80-year old Samuel Mart Gipson of Tyler Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke Baptist Church in Tyler with burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Garrison. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Community Funeral Home in Timpson.

Garrison Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 89-year old Stewart Winston Todd of Nacogdoches. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Greenwood Cemetery, in Garrison.

Garner & Sons Mortuary of San Augustine is in charge of service for 73-year old Mrs. Eula Ikner of San Augustine. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, with interment in Thompson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 today at Garner & Sons.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 79-year old Clyde Saunders Lilly of Broaddus. Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Cowboy Church in San Augustine.

Garrison Funeral Home announces funeral service for 73-year old Robert “Bob” Groce of Garrison. He passed way Wednesday in Garrison. Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Arlam Baptist Church with burial in Cold Springs Cemetery in Garrison. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Saturday at Garrison Funeral Home.

Arrest Report

2/6/14--2/7/14

Shelby County:

Heather Ricks Terry, 31, Huntington, Theft of Property

Ray Boatwright, 34, TDCJ, Bench Warrant-Burglary of a Building

Brandon Roberts, 21, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tampering or Fabricating Evidence

San Augustine County:

Stephenson Burrell, Aggravated Assault-Family Violence

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

Add another name to the National Signing Day list, Center Roughrider Kiounis Williams has committed to play football this fall at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall. Williams is a multiple sport athlete, having played linebacker for the Riders.

There’s two games left in the boys’ high school district basketball schedule, and there’s a number of key match-ups tonight.

The Center Roughriders are a game back of the Dist. 20-3A leaders at 7-3 as they’ll be at 0-10 Carthage. Central and Diboll are on top at 8-2, with Diboll at Central tonight. Huntington is 1-9 and goes to 7-4 Jasper. The top four teams advance to post-season.

In District 22-1A, Div. 1, Tenaha has won the district championship, and will carry their 8-0 record into tonight’s game at home against 3-5 Gary. Timpson is 1-7 and goes to 5-3 Shelbyville, and 5-3 Martinsville heads to 2-6 Joaquin. The top three teams are headed to the playoffs.

In District 23-1A, Div. 1, looks like the top-3 teams are just about set, as West Sabine is 8-0, followed by San Augustine at 7-1 and Broaddus at 5-3, two games ahead of Brookeland. Tonight in Pineland, West Sabine and S.A. meet. The Tigers got away with a win in San Augustine last month. Broaddus heads to Brookeland and Zavalla at Pineywoods.

In the girls’ high school basketball playoffs, the Tenaha Lady Tigers will take on Neches in Rusk at 6:30 pm. Monday night in a Class A, Div. 1 bi-district game. Tenaha fans who wish to attend Monday night’s game can do so on a Tiger Charter bus.  Price of the ride is only $4 and seats can be reserved in the high school office.  The $4 reservation is for the bus ride only.  Tickets will be at the expense of the patron upon arrival. Only 9th grade students and above can ride without being accompanied by a parent. 

Also, the San Augustine Lady Wolves will be playing a first round game at 6:30 Monday against Evadale in Woodville.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons have a first-round bye in the playoffs due to winning district, and won’t know their second round opponent  after tonight. They’re tentatively looking to play next Friday night, Feb. 14, possibly at Angelina College.

Softball scrimmage action scheduled today, the Center Lady Riders will travel to Garrison; Waskom at the Joaquin Lady Rams; and the Shelbyville Lady Dragons at Central Heights.

Baseball scrimmage today, Garrison at Alto; Saturday, Center at Jacksonville

Soccer, the Tenaha boys and girls teams will host New Summerfield at 5:30 today. Friday night, the Center Rider and Lady Rider soccer teams will open district against Diboll. The Riders are home, and the Lady Riders will go to Diboll. Saturday, Tenaha Girls Soccer @ Texas High 12:00/2:30 pm.

We even have tennis, the Center Rider Varsity Tennis will be at Jacksonville (all day) Friday.

The Shelbyville ISD has released the Dragons’ varsity non-district football schedule for the upcoming season, which will kick-off on Aug. 29. Shelbyville will open with a road trip to Linden-Kildare, then have back-to-back home games against Garrison and Tenaha, followed by a trip to Colmesneil and finish out at home with Queen City. The District 10-2A, Div. II schedule will be finalized next Wednesday. Shelbyville will have district games against San Augustine, Joaquin, Beckville, Cushing and West Sabine.

Center Youth Baseball will have their final sign-up from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., today at the Center Middle School Cafeteria. Birth certificates are required for first-time players.

Center ASA Softball will not have a late registration date. However if you still want to sign up your girls please call Sean Crouch 590-2754 or David Lawrence 332-5332. Sunday, February 9th will be the last day to register.

TYLER, Texas - The former Chief Financial Officer for Dr. Tariq Mahmood's Texas hospitals has been charged with health care fraud violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today (Thursday).

Joe White, 66, of Cameron, Texas, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 22, 2014, and charged with making false statements to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and aggravated identity theft.  White appeared for an arraignment hearing today (Thursday) before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 established incentive payments under the Medicare and Medicaid programs for eligible professionals and eligible hospitals that meaningfully use Certified Electronic Health Record Technology.  The incentive programs were created to promote the adoption of health information technology and encourage the electronic exchange of health information in order to improve the quality and lower the cost of health care in the United States.  Upon meeting certain conditions, an eligible hospital could qualify for incentive payments from CMS if the hospital attested that it had meaningfully used Certified Electronic Health Record Technology for the prior fiscal year.

According to the indictment, on Nov. 20, 2012, White falsely attested to CMS that Shelby Regional Medical Center (Shelby Regional) met the meaningful use requirements for the 2012 fiscal year.  However, Shelby Regional relied on paper records throughout the fiscal year and only minimally used electronic health records.  To give the false appearance that the hospital was actually using Certified Electronic Health Record Technology, White directed its software vendor and hospital employees to manually input data from paper records into the electronic health record (EHR) software, often times months after the patient was discharged and after the end of the fiscal year.

The indictment further alleges that White falsely attested to the hospital's meaningful use by using another person's name and information without that individual's consent or authorization.  As a result of the false attestation, CMS paid Shelby Regional $785,655.00.  In total, hospitals operated by Dr. Mahmood, including Shelby Regional, were paid $16,794,462.66 by the Medicaid and Medicare EHR incentive programs for fiscal years 2011 and 2012.

"As more and more federal dollars are made available to providers to adopt Electronic Health Record systems, our office is expecting to see more cases like this one," said Special Agent in Charge Mike Fields of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General's (OIG) Dallas Regional Office.  "The Office of Inspector General is committed to protecting the millions of taxpayer dollars used to pay providers to adopt Electronic Health Record systems."

If convicted, White faces up to five years in federal prison for making a false statement and up to two years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Texas Office of the Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (OAG-MFCU), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth C. McGurk are prosecuting this case.

A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Today: A 20 percent chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. South wind around 5 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain, with a low around 40.

Monday: A 40 percent chance of rain, with a high near 49.

Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain, with a low around 35.

Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of rain, with a high near 40.

Center Crime Stoppers needs your help in locating a man wanted for Burglary of a Habitation and Burglary of a Building. Center Police Department issued an arrest warrant Wednesday for 31-year old Joshua Glenn Booher. He’s described as a white male, and knows he’s wanted and is on the run. He was last seen driving a green Toyota car and may be traveling with his small son. Booher has made threats against law enforcement and is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities are advising if you see Joshua Glenn Booher, do not try to make contact with him. If you have any information that leads to his arrest, call Center Crime Stoppers at 598-SAFE, or send a web tip at www.centercrimestoppers com. You could earn a cash reward up to $1,000 if your information leads to the arrest of the suspect. Remember, you don’t have to give your name.

Today: A 20% chance of snow before noon, then a slight chance of rain and snow, with a high near 35. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: A 30% chance of snow before noon, then a chance of rain and snow between noon and 3pm, then a chance of rain after 3pm.  High near 41. East wind around 5 mph. Chance New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday Night: A 30% chance of rain before midnight, then a chance of snow, with a low around 31. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

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

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 52.

Arrest Report

2/5/14--2/6/14

Shelby County:

David McMahon, 23, Center, Warrant-Violation of Protective Order

San Augustine County:

Joseph Woods, Warrant-Failure to Appear; Original Charge-Theft by Check

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

Federal agents did a simultaneous raid on the offices of Deep East Texas Council of Governments in Jasper, the home of DETCOG Director Walter Diggles, in addition to the Jasper church Diggles pastors, Lighthouse Church of God in Christ yesterday morning. An FBI spokeswoman from the Dallas office said agents from their agency, along with the Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury Criminal Investigation Unit and Homeland Security Investigations spent several hours at the locations. The FBI says the raid follows a long and extensive investigation. Agents hauled out file cabinets and boxes from the locations, placing them into large trucks. Diggles was in Austin when the raid occurred.

The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office took a zero tolerance stance when it came to a hoax threat made against the Woden ISD last Sunday.

Three individuals were arrested Wednesday on a warrant and charged with terroristic threat which is a third-degree felony. Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges said the suspects, all former Woden students, were identified and questioned early Monday morning. He said his investigators were able to determine that the threat was a hoax and that none of the suspects were actually planning any type of violent act against the school.

Charged were 19-year old Cade Watson, 18-year old Daisy Martinez and 18-year old Jessica Lyons. S

heriff Bridges said his office was notified Sunday of a threat that was circulating on Facebook towards the Woden ISD, on a site called Woden Trash. After several hours of investigating, the sheriff’s office was able to obtain an IP address to the computer used in the threat.

Sabine County District Attorney Kevin Dutton said Wednesday morning in a statement he’s turned the ongoing Alfred Wright case over to the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Dutton said his decision was based on the allegations against Sheriff Tom Maddox, and to avoid any appearance of impropriety. Dutton said any further questions should be directed to the Texas Rangers or the Texas Attorney General’s Office. It was on Monday that the Justice Department said they will be investigating Wright's death.

Attorneys for former mortician Bernie Tiede, who’s serving a life sentence for the death of a rich Panola County widow, are seeking a lighter sentence. Tiede’s in prison for the 1997 death of 81-year-old Marjorie Nugent.

Panola County Court documents unsealed Wednesday show Tiede's attorneys want to introduce new evidence of a history of severe sexual abuse of Tiede and an abusive relationship between him and Nugent. Tiede's attorney, Jodi Cole, writes that the abuse finally pushed Tiede over the edge and he shot his elderly companion.

The 55-year old Tiede, was convicted by a San Augustine County jury in February 1999 of killing Nugent and keeping her body in a freezer for nine months.

Judge Diane DeVasto has asked for help from attorneys in gathering all the information and records needed for the case, with a new hearing tentatively scheduled for March.

In addition, Tiede has a pending felony theft charge against him which will reportedly be taken up at a later date.

The Center ISD Board of Trustees have a regular meeting at 6 tonight, and among agenda items for consideration and possible action will be authorizing administration to submit application for low attendance days waiver. Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry said the waiver is related to the late start on Jan. 24 due to icy weather. He said the district had low attendance that day and the waiver would exempt CISD from financial losses.

Also, the resolution amending wording on Wells Fargo Bond Contract will be discussed, which Hockenberry said would keep parts of payments in the district’s possession for longer periods of time.

He added the agenda item related to House Bill 5 Community Engagement Survey Dialogue is still being clarified, and part of the bill includes a community engagement survey that must be locally developed and distributed. The district will begin discussing the process to meet the requirements and execution.

In addition, the CISD board will consider any leaves of absence, resignation/retirement, employment of personnel and sub teachers.

The Center High School CX debate team won its fourth straight- district title Wednesday at SFA.  The team of Yvette Garcia and Brianna Suell defeated Carthage in the finals to claim the district champion and advance to the UIL State Tournament in Austin. Kelsie Waller and Dallas O'Donnell captured fourth place for the Riders.  The team of Jesus Valdez and Allan Avenado and the team of Landri Roberts and Amanda Nachman also represented the Riders. Brianna Suell was also named the top speaker for the tournament, the fourth time in a row a Rider has brought back that award.

For the first time in 66 years, bond money will be spent for construction at Panola College in Carthage.

The college and administration will unveil new construction and renovation plans to the public in an event at 10 this morning at the M.P. Baker Library.

You’re invited to see the design of the exterior of each building, as well as the floor plan for the two new buildings on campus, which includes a new Student Life Center, a new 76-thousand sq. ft. science and health science building.

Panola President Dr. Greg Powell will make the presentation.

A Center native has been tabbed to be the new president and CEO of Port-A-Cool. Ben Wulf was named to that post, assuming the role from Bill Lloyd who retired last month.

The Center based company manufactures portable evaporative coolers and evaporative media that are distributed world-wide. Wulf’s appointment follows an impressive tenure during his time at Port-A-Cool where he most recently served as vice president of marketing and international sales.

Wulf said he was excited about the vision of the company and added he looked forward to the responsibility of guiding the company to the next level of leadership.

Ben Wulf is a Center High School and Rice University graduate.

Wednesday was National Signing Day as senior student-athletes across the country made the commitment to further their education and athletic careers. Locally, the Class of 2014 included: San Augustine wide receiver Dez Randle, who signed with Trinity Valley Community College in Athens.

Tenaha Head Football Coach Terry Ward has been nominated to be a part of the coaching staff in the 4th Annual Heart of a Champion Bowl slated for June 14 at Tyler’s Rose Stadium. It's a bowl game set up by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Coaches from all over East Texas came together Tuesday, and drafted 100 senior players to participate in the game. The players will be divided up into a red team and a blue team, and Coach Ward will coach on the red team and be on the defensive side. Coach Ward says being a part of this bowl game to represent Tenaha is an honor. The rosters will be finalized and announced February 16th.

In girls’ high school basketball playoff news, the Tenaha Lady Tigers will take on Neches in Rusk at 6:30 pm. Monday night in a Class A, Div. 1 bi-district game. Tickets are $5.00 Adult/$3.00 Student.

Also, the San Augustine Lady Wolves will be playing a first round game at 6:30 Monday against Evadale in Woodville.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons have a first-round bye in the playoffs due to winning district, and won’t know their second round opponent till after tomorrow night. They’re tentatively looking to play next Friday night, Feb. 14, possibly at Angelina College.

Boys’ district basketball Friday night, 20-3A, Center at Carthage, Diboll going to Central and Huntington’s at Jasper. In District 21-1A, Div. 1 it’s Gary at Tenaha, Martinsville at Joaquin and Timpson at Shelbyville; and in District 22-2A, Div. 1, San Augustine at West Sabine in a key match-up, Broaddus at Brookeland and Zavalla at Pineywoods.

Softball scrimmage action scheduled today, the Timpson Lady Bears are to host West Sabine at 4:30. Friday, the Center Lady Riders will travel to Garrison; Waskom at the Joaquin Lady Rams; and the Shelbyville Lady Dragons at Central Heights.

Soccer, the Tenaha boys and girls teams will host New Summerfield at 5:30 today. Friday night, the Center Rider and Lady Rider soccer teams will open district against Diboll. The Riders are home, and the Lady Riders will go to Diboll.

We even have tennis, the Center Rider Varsity Tennis will be at Jacksonville (all day) Friday.

Shelbyville Youth Baseball/Softball Sign up has been extended to today, Thursday, February 6th from 5-8 at the Shelbyville FBC. Please make sure you are there with your child to sign up. Once the signups are over uniforms will be ordered and kids cannot be added after that takes place. THIS WILL BE THE LAST SIGNUP DATE.

Center Youth Baseball will have their final sign-up from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7 at the Center Middle School Cafeteria. Birth certificates are required for first-time players.

Center ASA Softball will not have a late registration date. However if you still want to sign up your girls please call Sean Crouch 590-2754 or David Lawrence 332-5332. Sunday, February 9th will be the last day to register.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 88-year old Lee Esco Rhame. Service will be at 2 this afternoon at Sardis Cemetery. Among Lee Esco Rhame’s survivors are a son, Jimmy Rhame of Center; two daughters, Sue Jansen and Tammy Lewis of Center; and brothers, Maurice Rhame of Lufkin, and Leon Rhame of Port Neches.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces the passing of 86-year old Walter Arnold Hendricks, Jr. of Lufkin. He passed away Tuesday. Service will be at 2:30 Friday at the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin, with interment at Glendale Cemetery. Family visitation will be from 5:30 to 7 tonight at Carroway Funeral Home in Lufkin. Survivors include his wife, Irene Flurry Hendricks of Lufkin; sons, David Hendricks of Lufkin, Ralph Hendricks of Houston, Ronnie Hendricks of Nacogdoches and Joe Hendricks of Lufkin; and daughters, Linda Dunn of Houston, and Judy Doyle of Center.

Watson & Sons announces a memorial service for 81-year old Lessie Sowell of Center. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13 at Holiday Nursing Home.

Garrison Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 89-year old Stewart Winston Todd of Nacogdoches. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Greenwood Cemetery,in Garrison. Stewart Winston Todd passed Nov. 18.
 

Arrest Report

2/4/14--2/5/14

Shelby County:

Lee Garrett, 22, Nacogdoches, Warrant-Violation of Probation; Original Charge: Delivery of a Controlled Substance

San Augustine County: None Reported

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

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is running about $3.06 a gallon, down a penny in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.10. Nationally, that average is $3.26, down some 23-cents from this week a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning, lowest we found was at Wal-Mart, Brookshire Brothers, and Valero on San Augustine Street in Center, where it’s down two-cents this week at $3.07 a gallon. In Hawaii, price is $4.01 a gallon for the high side nationwide. On the low side, it’s $2.99 in Montana.

A former Tyson Foods chicken processor employee in Carthage is suing the company saying she was injured when an overhead hook caught her hair weave and dragged her down the assembly line.

Betty Josephine Stoker of Marshall, alleges the incident took place in June of 2012 at the Carthage facility. She said she was told to leave her station where she pulled chicken livers to help a colleague in the overhead packing area of the plant. Stoker said she had never worked this job before and wasn’t given any training or instructions how to safely perform the job assignment.

The suit, filed last month, Stoker was struck in the head by a metal shackle, and the hook on the shackle caught the hairpiece she was wearing and dragged her down the line by the head and neck.

The suit says Stoker had lost consciousness and was taken to the nurse’s station, before being transferred to the Carthage hospital, and then to a Longview hospital. She’s reportedly suffered from more injuries to her neck and back.

Tyson’s accused of negligence for failing to provide a safe place to work, failing to properly train, failing to warn of any hazards or risk with the job, and other safety claims. Stoker wants damages for past medical expenses, which the suit states are currently in excess of $200,000, and future medical expenses. Stoker is also suing for loss of earning capacity, disfigurement, impairment, pain and suffering, interest, costs and exemplary damages.

The U.S. Department of Justice says they will open an investigation into the death of the Jasper man, whose body was found in Hemphill, after missing for 19 days. Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said Monday the death of Alfred Wright will be investigated after filing a petition a couple of weeks ago with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

Jackson Lee’s petition highlighted eight points where she believes “overwhelming and credible evidence” was ignored by the Sabine County Sheriff’s initial investigation. The FBI and Texas Rangers have already been called in to assist with the investigation. When Wright’s body was found by family members, it was reported to be unclothed, his neck slit, with a missing ear and two missing teeth.

The Congresswoman is also saying there’s “documented racial violence towards African Americans in South East Texas, and that she’s just looking to ensure equal justice is provided for all, including the Wright’s family.”

In Sabine County, an agreement has been reached in a federal lawsuit where the parent of a fourth-grader in the West Sabine ISD alleged that faculty members violated his son’s Fourth Amendment rights when they checked his rear end for evidence of feces.

The father, Wes Little and Lufkin attorney Brent Watkins, filed the lawsuit a year ago against the district’s elementary principal and school nurse.

The U.S. District Court’s Marshall Division said through the Report of Mediation, that the parties have settled all claims.

Little filed the lawsuit after West Sabine ISD principal Deborah Lane and school nurse JoAnn Clark checked every fourth-grader for evidence to find out who had defecated on the gym floor. It was reported by school staff the two had peeked inside the pants. But, the lawsuit says each child’s pants and underwear were pulled down past their buttocks.

The Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizure. Particulars of the settlement are not known.

The Party Primary Elections are a month away, and races are heating up in the area. Early voting in person begins Feb. 18, and will continue thru Feb. 28. Also, the deadline to request a ballot by mail is February 21, and remember a photo ID will be required for voting in person.

In Shelby County, there are two locally contested races in the Democratic Primary; and five in the Republican Primary.

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 has incumbent Rick Campbell receiving a challenge from 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.

The Center Broadcasting Political Calendar is underway, if you’re a candidate and haven’t contacted us about having your name included call our business office at 598-3304.

The Center ISD Board of Trustees have a regular meeting at 6 Thursday evening, and among agenda items for consideration and possible action will be authorizing administration to submit application for low attendance days waiver; a resolution amending wording on Well Fargo Bond Contract; an inter-local agreement with West Texas Food Cooperative for the 2014-15 school year; and House Bill 5 Community Engagement Survey Dialogue. In addition, the CISD board will consider any leaves of absence, resignation/retirement, employment of personnel and sub teachers.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces that service is pending for 88-year old Lee “Esco” Rhame of Center. He passed away at his residence Tuesday.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces funeral service for 85-year old Bernice Adkison Hudman of Timpson. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time at 11 a.m. this morning at Woodland Christian Church in Timpson, with interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Bernice Adkison Hudman is survived by two sons, Jeff Hudman of Longview and Chris Hudman of Athens, Texas; three daughters, Johnnie Nix of Mount Enterprise, Barbara Green of Timpson and Judy Ritter of Timpson; two brothers, Bobby Adkison of Garrison, and Charles Adkison of Houston;  and two sisters, Sue Cox of Nacogdoches, and Barbara Lindsey of Stafford.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 61-year old Ann Lowe of Broaddus. She passed away Monday at her residence. Service will be at 2 this afternoon at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in Lowe Cemetery in San Augustine.

Garrison Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 94-year old Mary Ellen Holeman, of Garrison will be held at a later date. She passed away Monday in Garrison.

Watson & Sons announces a memorial service for 81-year old Lessie Sowell of Center. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Holiday Nursing Home. Among Lessie Sowell’s survivors are children, Marvin Sowell of Center, Issac Sowell of Ore City, Darryl Sowell of Nacogdoches, Sharon Barnett of Nacogdoches, Sharon Barnett of Sherman, Barbara Emerson of Rusk, Johnnie Mae Sowell of Nacogdoches, Calvin Bennett of Texas, Jamie Bosquez of Waco and Matt Bennett of Texas; and two sisters, Virginia Sargent of Nacogdoches, and Curly Moore of The Woden Community of Nacogdoches County; and a brother, Gus Moore of Chireno.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 79-year old Clyde Saunders Lilly of Broaddus. Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 at Cowboy Church in San Augustine.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces funeral service for 80-year old Samuel Mart Gipson of TylerService will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Louis Baptist Church in Tyler with burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Garrison. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Community Funeral Home in Timpson.

Basketball last night:

It was not the result the Center Roughriders wanted in Jasper, as the Bulldogs take a 67-57 win. The setback knocks the Riders out of first in District 20-3A, a game back of 8-2 Central and Diboll that both notched victories last night. Center is 7-3, still very much alive for a playoff spot, while Central beats Hudson, 62-46, and Diboll takes Carthage, 76-61. Jasper improves to 7-4, as two games remain. Friday’s schedule has Center at winless Carthage, Diboll going to Central and 1-9 Huntington’s at Jasper.

District 22-1A-Div. 1 games, saw Tenaha defeating Timpson, 83-37, as the Tigers run their record to 8-0; Joaquin surprises Gary, 59-52 in overtime; and Martinsville pulls up even with Shelbyville in the district race, with a 36-33 win over the Dragons. Martinsville and Shelbyville are now 5-3, while Gary drops to 3-5, Joaquin’s 2-6, and Timpson’s 1-7. Friday night, it’s Gary at Tenaha, Martinsville at Joaquin and Timpson at Shelbyville.

In girls’ action, with the district championship already in hand, the Shelbyville Lady Dragons lost their first district game of the season last night, as Martinsville takes a 44-28 win. The Lady Dragons finish district, 9-1, with Martinsville in second at 8-2.

Meanwhile, in District 23-2A, Div. 1, the top two teams pull off wins, West Sabine improves to 8-0 with a 63-52 win at Broaddus; San Augustine is 7-1 with a 92-31 win at Pineywoods; and Brookeland takes a 102-76 decision over Zavalla. Broaddus is 5-3, with Brookeland 3-5, Zavalla’s 1-7 and Pineywoods 0-8.

District 19-2A, 9-0 Crockett beats Woden, 69-52; and Westwood over Garrison, 68-45.

It’s the first Wednesday of February--National Signing Day for student-athletes across the country. We have several seniors from the Deep East Texas area that are expected to further their educations and athletic careers with decisions today. We’ll let you know those as soon as they become available.

On the heels of Monday’s UIL biennial realignment announcement, Center ISD has released the Roughriders’ non-district football schedule for 2014, and it includes five games against reputable opponents. Center will open up Aug. 29 at Waskom; then have three home games, starting with Buna, Garrison and former district opponent Jasper. The final non-district game is at Hardin-Jefferson. The District 6 4A-Div. II schedule will includes games with Atlanta, Gladewater, Spring Hill, Tatum and Pleasant Grove. The exact order and sites will be determined after a meeting of the new district coaches and administrators in Center next Tuesday.

As for the new district Center will be competing in the next two seasons, Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry said yesterday, the school district is excited. He added it should be very competitive week in and week out. Dr. Hockenberry said as the district received the news Monday he was quite surprised to have teams in the district that far north. Nevertheless, Center ISD is looking forward to Friday nights in the fall.

By the way, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the Bible of Texas football, is saying Center’s new football district, 6 4A, Div. II, along with District 10-2A, Div. II, including San Augustine, Shelbyville and Joaquin, and District 11-3A, Div. II, with the likes of Garrison, Corrigan-Camden, Crockett, and Newton, have all received honorable mention as being the toughest districts in the state after the realignment announcement. Just so you know, the new district Carthage is in, Dist. 9 4A, Div. I, is the toughest in 4A. Carthage, Henderson, Palestine, and Kilgore.

Carthage High School will be presented with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy at 3:15 this afternoon, as part of the ninth annual MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions. Carthage finished No. 57 in the final rankings and is one of 50 schools
being honored on this season's tour. The presentation will be made during a pep rally today. Carthage recently won the Class 3A, Div. I state football championship.
 

SUNNY & COOL.....

Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 45. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. North wind around 5 mph.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of rain, otherwise mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain, with a low around 36.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of rain early. Partly sunny, with a high near 56.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 51.

The Boil Water Notice issued by the Haslam Water Supply last Friday has been rescinded, it’s no longer necessary to boil water before consumption if you’re a customer of the Haslam Water Supply. The system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore adequate pressure, disinfectant levels and/or bacteriological quality and has provided TCEQ with testing results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling.

Arrest Report

2/3/14--2/4/14

Shelby County:

Wayne Dickerson, 74, Timpson, Disorderly Conduct

James Perry, 36, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Marvin Biggar, 54, Center, Driving While Intoxicated (3^rd or more), Driving While License Suspended

Edward Miles, 43, Tenaha, Burglary of a Habitation

Barry W. Smith, 26, Timpson, Warrant-Theft, Violation of Probation: Original Charge-Driving While Intoxicated

Kayla Gunderman, 37, Center, Public Intoxication, Warrants-Theft by Check and Theft

San Augustine County: No Arrest

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

The Tenaha Independent School District has just introduced a new communications tool that allows students or parents to report urgent information to school officials across all district campuses.

Known as Anonymous Alerts®, the system encourages students, parents and staff to confidentially report bullying, cyber-bullying, gang-related issues and other sensitive topics through private messages to school officials by building.

According to Tenaha ISD Superintendent Scott Tyner, the school district has a zero tolerance when it comes to behavior that prevents any student from reaching their full potential. Tyner said it’s the Tenaha ISD’s goal to enhance the student’s learning experience and limit any roadblocks to a student’s success.

A DeSoto Parish convicted child killer was to have been put to death Wednesday for the brutal beating and scalding of his 6-year old stepson almost 22 years ago, but a judge in Baton Rouge has granted a reprieve.

70-year old Christopher Sepulvado was to have died by lethal injection, however, U.S. District Judge James J. Brady granted a stay Monday to allow additional time for review and responses to outstanding issues related to the execution.

Sepulvado was found guilty in 1992 for the death of Wesley Allen Mercer. A year ago he was scheduled to be executed, but plans were halted so the Louisiana Department of Corrections could provide the identity of the lethal drugs, manufacturer and expiration date of the drugs used in the Louisiana Death Chamber.

A trial on the constitutionality of the state’s execution protocol is set for April 7.

A traffic stop by a Desoto Sheriff’s Deputy last week results in the recovery of a missing child and arrest of a suspect on a warrant of Child Stealing.

Authorities say 32-Jesse James Rebel, who had been living in an RV park in Logansport, was booked into the DeSoto Parish Jail on a warrant out of Los Angeles.

Deputy’s stopped a motor home on U.S. Hwy. 171 near Kickapoo for expired license plate. After questioning Rebel, a check produced he was wanted. A search of the vehicle resulted in locating a two-year old child, a large amount of cash and three firearms. A follow up determined Rebel to be the biological father of the child, who disappeared in November of last year with the child, and had not made contact with the child’s mother, and gave no indication he was leaving with the child.

Rebel had cashed out large sums of money from a bank account, obtained the motor home and was traveling with the child living out of the motor home.

The child was placed with the Office of Child Services pending arrangements to return the child to the mother California. Rebel said he had been staying at a Logansport RV park for a few weeks, and was heading to his home in North Dakota when he was stopped.

Rebel is awaiting extradition to California with a bond of $120-thousand.
 

In Panola County, there will be a hearing Wednesday afternoon to hear matters in convicted murderer Bernie Tiede’s appeal.

According to the Panola Watchman newspaper, documents were filed last week that included the official recusal of 123^rd District Judge Charles “Brick” Dickerson, the appointment of Judge Diane DeVasto, and Criminal District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson filing of the writ of habeas corpus on Tiede’s behalf.

Before the recusal, Judge Dickerson ordered Tide’s writ be sealed and gave no reason, and said he wanted to remove himself since he had represented murder victim Majorie Nugent’s estate against Tiede. Tiede’s serving a life-sentence for the murder of Ms. Nugent.

At the time, he was the beneficiary of Ms. Nugent’s multi-million dollar estate. He’s served 14 years for murder intentionally causing death.

Last Friday, Stefon Thompson represented Center High School at the UIL Vocal Solo and Ensemble Contest at Whitehouse High School. He prepared and memorized a Class 1 Solo, the most difficult level solo, and received a Superior rating, or rating of 1, for his performance. Stefon will now advance to the state level of competition which will be held Memorial Day weekend. CHS Choir Director is Donna Ivey. Congrats!

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce announces the Shelby County Grill Fest 2014. The Chillin’ and Grillin’ event is planned for Saturday, March 22 at the Windham Civic Center. Teams are invited to take part in categories to include: brisket, chicken and pork spare ribs.

There’s a $6,750 payoff, with the first place team receiving $1,000 per meat category, with a trophy for grand champion and reserve champion.

Entry fee is $250, which includes all meat categories, with a $50 discount if registered prior to March 17. A registration form is available online at shelbycountychamber.com. The contest is sanctioned by Lonestar Barbecue Society.

In addition, there will be a 42, horseshoe and washer pitching contest, and live bands during the afternoon. Contact the chamber for more info. 

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches weekly rankings are out and the Tenaha Tigers are No. 8 in the Class 1A, Div. 1 Poll, while the San Augustine Wolves have dropped to No. 15 after a loss to West Sabine on Jan. 21. West Sabine, meanwhile, is No. 14.

In the girls’ rankings, The Chireno Lady Owls are No. 10 in Class 1A, Div. II, and Cushing’s No. 22 in 1A, Div. I. The Central Heights girls are 31-0 and remain No. 4 in the Class 2A poll.

Tonight’s Dist. 20-3A boys’ schedule has the Center Roughriders traveling to Jasper. The Riders are tied with Central and Diboll for the district lead at 7-2. Diboll goes to Carthage and Hudson at Central.

In District 21-1A, Div. I, Timpson travels to district leading Tenaha, who’s 7-0. The Tigers can clinch a share of the district championship with a win. Martinsville is 4-3 and heads to 5-2 Shelbyville, and Joaquin goes to Gary.

Meanwhile, in District 22-1A, Div. 1, San Augustine goes to Pineywoods Academy, West Sabine at Broaddus and Zavalla at Brookeland. The Wolves are 6-1, a game back of 7-0 West Sabine.

All girls’ teams will be playing their last regular games of the season tonight.

Joaquin Junior, Chloe Brown,  and Center High Senior Garrett Stanley, recently competed in a powerlifting meet in Huntington. They both won first place in their weight classes. In addition, Brown and Stanley also won the "Lifter of the Meet" award for the girls and boys respectively.

Wednesday is National Signing Day for student-athletes across the country. Here at home, there are a number of high school seniors that will be looking to “ink” to further their academic and athletic careers.

Among the top prospects from the area:

Center: Kicker Luis Garcia, and wide receiver/free safety DeJalen Preston.

Timpson: Offensive Guard/Defensive Tackle Dimric Caraway

San Augustine: Offensive Lineman Jarvis Payne.

Garrison:

Jake Christian; Kade Hammer, Cameron Rodriguez, Chris Feaster, and Logan Clark.

Obits:

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces funeral service for 85-year old Bernice Adkison Hudman of Timpson. She passed away Sunday at her home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Woodland Christian Church in Timpson, with interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Bernice Adkison Hudman is survived by two sons, Jeff Hudman of Longview and Chris Hudman of Athens, Texas; three daughters, Johnnie Nix of Mount Enterprise, Barbara Green of Timpson and Judy Ritter of Timpson; two brothers, Bobby Adkison of Garrison, and Charles Adkison of Houston;  and two sisters, Sue Cox of Nacogdoches, and Barbara Lindsey of Stafford.

Watson & Sons announces a memorial service for 81-year old Lessie Sowell of Center. She passed away last Friday at Holiday Nursing Home in Center. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Holiday Nursing Home. Among Lessie Sowell’s survivors are children, Marvin Sowell of Center, Issac Sowell of Ore City, Darryl Sowell of Nacogdoches, Sharon Barnett of Nacogdoches, Sharon Barnett of Sherman, Barbara Emerson of Rusk, Johnnie Mae Sowell of Nacogdoches, Calvin Bennett of Texas, Jamie Bosquez of Waco and Matt Bennett of Texas; and two sisters, Virginia Sargent of Nacogdoches, and Curly Moore of The Woden Community of Nacogdoches County; and a brother, Gus Moore of Chireno.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 79-year old Clyde Saunders Lilly of Broaddus. He passed away Sunday in San Augustine. Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 at Cowboy Church in San Augustine.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces funeral service for 80-year old Samuel Mart Gipson of Tyler. He died Jan. 28 at a Tyler hospice. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Louis Baptist Church in Tyler with burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Garrison. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Community Funeral Home in Timpson.

Today: A 100% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 50. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of rain, with a high near 41. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain, with a low around 35.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of rain, with a high near 43.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain, with a low around 36.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of rain, with a high near 48.

District 6 4A-Div 2 Football
Atlanta
Center
Gladewater
Longview Spring Hill
Tatum
Texarkana Pleasant Grove

District 19 4A Basketball
Carthage
Center
Henderson
Rusk
Tatum


District 10 2A Div 2 Football
Beckville
Cushing
Joaquin
Pineland West Sabine
San Augustine
Shelbyville

District 23 2-A Basketball
Broaddus
Brookeland
Lufkin Pineywoods
Community Academy
Pineland West Sabine
San Augustine
Zavalla


District 11 2A-Div 2 Football
Fruitvale
Maud
Mount Enterprise
Overton
Tenaha
Timpson

District 22 2-A Div 2 Basketball
Beckville
Joaquin
Martinsville
Shelbyville
Tenaha
Timpson


District 11 3A-Div 2
Corrigan-Camden
Crockett
Deweyville
Garrison
Hemphill
Newton

District 22 3-A Basketball
Corrigan-Camden
Garrison
Hemphill
Nacogdoches Central
Heights
Newton
Pollok Central
Woden
Woodville

Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is reporting an electrical outage in Shelby County this morning, which also has the KDET AM transmitter off the air. Deep East Texas says a blown circuit has affected power since 2 this morning to some thousand customers in the Upper Arcadia Road, Fulsom Chapel Road (F.M. 2026), parts of Hwy. 96 north, and Hwy. 87 north of Center. The co-op is saying it could take another hour or two before electrical service is back to normal.

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

Arrest Report
1/31/14--2/3/14

Shelby County:

Tim Duke, 41, Mt Enterprise, Public Intoxication

Ginger Rae Eaves, 35, Carthage, Warrant-Theft By Check

Justin Will Barbee, 29, Center, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge-Possession of a Controlled Substance

Michael Amburn, 42, Center, Assault-Family Violence

Jafredric Washington, 25, Logansport, Possession of Marijuana

Alonzo Lane, 25, Mansfield, La., Possession of Marijuana, Failure to ID

Paul Carroll, 33, Timpson, Assault-Family Violence, Interferance with a 911 Call

San Augustine County:

Christopher Malone, Motion to Revoke Probation, Terroristic Threat

Clay J. Holmes, Evading Arrest in a Vehicle

Tillman A. Luther, Hunting from a Vehicle

Dakota S. Johnson, Hunting from a Vehicle

Hunter J. Wilson, Public Intoxication

Jeremy S. Lacy, Warrant-Service Motion to Revoke

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

In boys’ high school basketball action from Friday:

The top of the District 20-3A standings is back to a three-way tie at 7-2 as the Center and Diboll get wins. Meanwhile, Jasper loses for the second time in a week, to drop two games back of the leaders. The Roughriders beat Huntington, 57-49, and Diboll defeats Jasper, 63-44. Jasper drops to 6-4. Central had the night off and is 7-2. Hudson remains in alive in the playoff hunt with a 59-50 overtime win over Carthage.

Tuesday’s games will have Center at Jasper, Diboll at Carthage and Hudson at Central.

No big changes in the District 22-1A, Div. 1 race, as Tenaha improves to 7-0 with a 56-28 win over Martinsville. Shelbyville goes to 5-2 with a 56-48 win against Joaquin, and Timpson gets its first district win, 47-46 in double over time against Gary. The Dragons are 5-2, Martinsville 4-3, and Gary 3-4, with three games left on the district schedule.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons are 9-0, clinching the District Championship defeating the Joaquin Lady Rams.

Tomorrow night, Timpson goes to Tenaha, Martinsville at Shelbyville and Joaquin at Gary.

It remains a three-team race in District 23-1A, Div. 1, as San Augustine takes out Brookeland, 115-41, improving the Wolves to 6-1; while West Sabine remains undefeated at 7-0, with a 61-33 win over Pineywoods, and Broaddus beats Zavalla, 53-40, giving the Bulldogs a 5-2 mark.

Tuesday’s schedule has San Augustine at Pineywoods, West Sabine at Broaddus and Zavalla at Brookeland.

In District 19-2A, Central Heights beats Woden, 44-32, and Crockett over Palestine Westwood, 54-24.

The Central Heights girls go to 31-0 on the season, beating rival Woden, 57-53 in double-overtime.

Tuesday’s games, Westwood at Garrison, Central Heights at Groveton, and Woden at Crockett.

Looks like we’ll get a break from the rain today, and permitting, there’s baseball scrimmages scheduled. The Center Roughriders are scheduled to be in Garrison for a 5 p.m. start. As for softball the regular season begins next week, scrimmage action scheduled today has the Center Lady Riders at Central Heights, with Nacogdoches also taking part. The Joaquin Lady Rams have a scheduled scrimmage Tuesday at Stanley.

Sign-ups for Center Youth Baseball will continue from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, and this Friday, February 7 at the Center Middle School Cafeteria. *Birth certificates will be required for anyone whose has not played with Center Youth Baseball League before. Fees: Ages 4-6 (t-ball) $70, Ages 7-12 $85, Ages 13-14 $110. Tryouts for ages 7-12 will be at 5:30 on Thursday, February 20 and Friday, February 21 at the Center Youth Baseball Complex. *T-ball will not have a tryout. Opening day will be on March 29

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 81-year old Yvonne Harris of Timpson. Service will be at 11 this morning at First United Smyrna Baptist Church in Timpson, with interment to follow at Smyrna Cemetery. Yvonne Harris is survived by 2 daughters, Fay Johnson of Timpson and Brenda Gaston of Dallas; 2 sons, Alfred Osby and Calvin Osby of Houston; 2 sisters, Annie Crockett of Timpson and Annie Bell Driver of Houston; and a brother, Ramsey Harris of Houston.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces pending service for 85-year old Bernice Hudman of Timpson. She passed away Sunday in Timpson.

The former owner of Shelby Regional Hospital faces additional charges after a federal grand jury in Tyler handed down seven counts of aggravated identity theft last month.

Dr. Tariq Mahmood had his rural hospital chain collapse last year amid reports of reckless care and alleged fraud. The latest charges are on top of the eight counts of healthcare billing fraud brought last year. The Dallas businessman has pleaded not guilty to both sets of charges.

Mahmood allegedly aided and abetted by others both known and unknown to the grand jury unlawfully used the names of Medicare beneficiaries in a conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

Details of the alleged theft are not provided in the new indictment. Mahmood’s attorney has won a postponement of his trial until late spring or summer.

The original indictment accuses Mahmood of conspiring to defraud government health insurance programs through $1.1 million in bogus claims for patient care at his 6 hospitals, including Shelby Regional, which closed last July.

We’ve been told a Sheriff’s Sale is scheduled for this week at the Shelby County Courthouse to sell the former hospital property on Hurst Street.

I spoke with County Judge Rick Campbell Friday afternoon and wanted to bring you up-to-date on the volunteer fire department radio situation in the county.

Judge Campbell advised as of last week, the older analog radio equipment that Sheriff Willis Blackwell had taken out of use last month, is now back operational allowing the Shelbyville and West Shelby County fire departments to have two-way radio communications again. Judge Campbell said the antenna and repeater were installed on the cable TV tower in East Center last Tuesday, thanks to over $150-thousand in state and local private funding.

He said Shelbyville and West Shelby County were the only departments in the county that couldn’t communicate after being paged out, since they didn’t have their own private radio channels like those in Timpson, Tenaha, Joaquin and Center.

A decision was made by Sheriff Blackwell to allow paging of fires on the sheriff’s office frequency, but asked departments to not carry on two-way communications.

Judge Campbell said a new Emergency Only Channel has been put into use that will be utilized by the county’s fire departments during mutual aid events and other county-wide emergencies.

The return of the sheriff’s department analog equipment may be short-term, as he said the FCC is requiring all analog radio equipment to be turned off in 2015. That means more funding will be needed as fire departments will be looking at complete radio replacements to digital.

A boil water notice was issued Friday afternoon for residents of Logansport and customers of the Haslam Water Supply. If you live in Logansport or on the Haslam Water Supply you should boil your water for at least one minute before drinking, cooking or brushing your teeth. The boil advisory will remain in effect until further notice for the Town of Logansport and the Haslam Water Supply.

A traffic stop by a Desoto Sheriff’s Deputy last week results in the recovery of a missing child and arrest of a suspect on a warrant of Child Stealing. Authorities say 32-Jesse James Rebel, who had been living in an RV park in Logansport, was booked into the DeSoto Parish Jail on a warrant out of Los Angeles.

Deputy’s stopped a motor home on U.S. Hwy. 171 near Kickapoo for expired license plate. After questioning Rebel, a check produced he was wanted. A search of the vehicle resulted in locating a two-year old child, a large amount of cash and three firearms. A follow up determined Rebel to be the biological father of the child, who disappeared in November of last year with the child, had not made contact with the child’s mother, and gave no indication he was leaving with the child.

Rebel had cashed out large sums of money from a bank account, obtained the motor home and was traveling with the child living out of the motor home. The child was placed with the Office of Child Services pending arrangements to return the child to the mother California. Rebel indicated he had been staying at the Logansport RV park for a few weeks and said he was heading to his home in North Dakota when he was stopped.

Rebel is awaiting extradition to California with a bond of $120-thousand.
 

In Panola County, there will be a hearing Wednesday afternoon to hear matters in convicted murderer Bernie Tiede’s appeal. According to the Panola Watchman newspaper, documents were filed last week that included the official recusal of 123^rd District Judge Charles “Brick” Dickerson, the appointment of Judge Diane DeVasto, and Criminal District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson filing of the writ of habeas corpus on Tiede’s behalf.

Before the recusal, Judge Dickerson ordered Tide’s writ be sealed and gave no reason, and said he wanted to remove himself since he had represented murder victim Majorie Nugent’s estate against Tiede.

Tiede’s serving a life-sentence for the murder of Ms. Nugent. At the time, he was the beneficiary of Ms. Nugent’s multi-million dollar estate. He’s served 14 years for murder intentionally causing death.

A Tenaha native has been named the new board chair of East Texas Baptist University in Marshall. Panola County Judge David Anderson, who grew up in Tenaha, begins his fifth year as an ETBU trustee. Anderson follows in his late father, Marshall Anderson’s footsteps becoming a trustee and eventual board chair at the university in the 1960 and 70s. Judge Anderson was involved in the family business for a number of years in Tenaha, Anderson Manufacturing.

Today is the last day to register to vote for the March 4 Party Primary Election. If you’re not registered, go to Shelby County Clerk Allison Harbison’s office on the south side of the Center Square, or to San Augustine County Election Administrator Deborah Woods’ office, located in the El Camino Justice Center, 225 North Harrison.

The San Augustine Garden Club will be holding their Pies and More auction and Political Forum at 6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, February 4^th in the 3rd Floor District Courtroom of the San Augustine County Courthouse. This is an opportunity to meet the candidates running for the various political offices in San Augustine County.

The Center Broadcasting Political Calendar will begin tomorrow and continue until Primary Election Day, March 4. If you’re a candidate and wish to have your name included, please contact our business office, 598-3304.