Arrest Report

5/29/14--5/30/14

Shelby County:

Christopher Bolton, 38, Center, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Forgery

Cedric Colston, 42, Nacogdoches, Warrant-Non Support

Richard Ethridge, 40, Center, Warrant-Burglary of a Building & Warrant-Forgery

David Kirkpatrick, 42, Henderson, Violation of Parole

San Augustine County:

Amanda McNeil, 46, Center, Order Modifying Community Supervision, 10 Days in Jail.

Note: All Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

During Day 2 of testimony in the Deedra Grubbs’ Capital Murder Trial in Center, the prosecution called several witnesses to the stand to establish that Deedra Grubbs and her husband Bobbie, were involved in a robbery April 25, 2012, at a Montgomery County home, and were on the run from law enforcement, eventually ending up in Shelby County.

Grubbs’ sister, Nancy McCuwen told the jury she had advised her sister via a text message to turn herself in, knowing that she and Bobbie were in trouble for incident in The Woodlands. Ms. McCuwen added she thought her sister was doing drugs.

A former neighbor of Deedra Grubbs also testified that she was contacted by Grubbs asking her to pick up her daughters after school, and take care of them if anything happened to her and Bobbie. Michelle Joplin said after she picked up the girls, police arrived at her home, along with CPS and took possession of the children.

Another friend of the Grubbs, Jimmy Stockton testified he also received a text message from Deedra Grubbs asking him to pick up her two daughters, which he said no to. Stockton said he knew of drug use by both the Grubbs.

A Lufkin gold buyer also took the stand showing documentation, including a copy of a drivers’ license, that Deedra Grubbs had been in his store with jewelry to sell.

Also yesterday, several law enforcement officers took the stand, including the ones that responded to the shooting scene at the Joaquin Country Inn, as well as those involved in the stop of the Grubbs outside Cleveland in the stolen vehicle taken from Joaquin. A picture of Bobbie Grubb's shoe, covered in blood was also shown.

Deedra Grubbs is accused of being her husband’s accomplice in the violent crime spree that ended with the shooting death of Joaquin Country Inn housekeeper Martha Chan, and shooting assault of two other employees on April 27, 2012.

If she’s found guilty, Deedra Grubbs faces life in prison without possibility of parole.

Day 3 of testimony continues this morning in District Judge Charles Mitchell’s courtroom.

Despite the Timpson City Council rejecting a proposal to have wheeled garbage carts provided for residents at a minimal monthly charge, one Timpson property owner has decided to foot the expense of the containers for residents of his mobile home community on Timpson Street.

Frank Barnes had Piney Woods Sanitation deliver 13 of the 95-gallon carts to his park this week. Mayor Debra Smith said the city had been receiving calls on a regular basis concerning spilled and strewn garbage at the park due to stray animals and overfilled open containers for some time now. She said Barnes took it upon himself to help remedy the situation.

Believing it would be good for the town, Mayor Smith said she had approached the council to add the same garbage carts for all residents for just an extra $1.50 a month to their monthly santitation service, but could not get the council to OK it.

She added thought that Piney Woods Sanitation will provide cart service for any resident of Timpson at a fee of $2.50 per month billed directly to the customer, even though the council did not agree. The residential garbage monthly rate in Timpson is $11.45 a month.

Mayor Smith said a resident can contact city hall at 254-2421 or Piney Woods Sanitation at 936-876-5640 to discuss garbage cart service.

Next week is rodeo week in Shelby County, as the oldest continuous rodeo in East Texas will be held June 6 & 7 at the Shelby County Expo Center. The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo promises loads of family fun, excitement and at a reduced admission, according to Boo Klein.

Klein says all tickets pre-sale and at the gate are $5, and available pre-sale at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. You’ll be able to save a dollar Saturday night at the gate by just wearing your western hat. Kids 6 and under get in free. There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes.

Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo, at 7:30 next Friday and Saturday nights at the Shelby County Expo Center, produced by Klein Brothers Rodeo. The rodeo is sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep.

High School graduation ceremonies scheduled for tonight include: Center High School at 8 p.m. at Roughrider Stadium. In case of rain, graduation will be held at Roughrider Gym. Timpson High School graduation is 7 p.m. in the gym; Joaquin's graduation is at 8 p.m. in the gym; Shelbyville High School has their graduation at 7 p.m. in the gym; Broaddus' graduation is at 8 p.m. in the high school gym; and Martinsville seniors will graduate at 7 p.m. tonight.

Garrison seniors graduate at 8 p.m., Saturday, at Bulldog Stadium, while San Augustine seniors will walk the stage at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6 at Wolf Stadium. Congratulations to the Class of 2014.

The Class of 2014 top honor graduates from area high schools include: Center-Valedictorian is Megan Nehring and Salutatorian is Madison Davis; Joaquin’s top graduate is Saul Ruiz, with Caleb Hill the second ranking senior; Shelbyville’s valedictorian is Emma Walker and Josie Fuller is Salutatorian; at Tenaha, the valedictorian is Cinthya Leos and salutatorian is Sierra Collins, and Garrison’s top three graduates are, valedictorian Lauren Mitchell, salutatorian Hannah Kimbrough and historian is Kaelyn Stanaland. Timpson’s top-two honor graduates are twin brothers Jace Archer is valedictorian and Cade Archer is salutatorian.  

The City of Joaquin is gearing up for its Centennial Celebration to be held June 13 & 14. The event will mark 100 years of incorporation for Joaquin, and the committee members have been hard at work to make sure the various events go off without a hitch on June 13 & 14.

There will be a free gospel singing featuring Trey Wilson, The Stanleys and Sherry Morris will kick things off at 6 p.m. Friday, June 13 at the Joaquin High School Gym. Saturday's schedule will include vendor booths, a parade at 10 a.m., Jaws of Life Demonstration and BBQ brisket plate sale by the Joaquin Fire Dept., in addition to games for the kids, local singers performing, as well as recognitions and awards at 1 p.m. A cake walk at 3 p.m., and the celebration will move to the Logansport Riverfront at 8 p.m. for a free concert from the group Windstorm, Centennial fireworks show at 9 p.m. at the Logansport River Front Pavillion.

For more information on the City of Joaquin's 100th anniversary, contact city office at 936-269-3021. By the way, anyone interested in having an entry in the Joaquin Centennial Parade please contact the City Hall at 936-269-3021 before 4 pm, June 6. No 18 wheelers are being allowed due to the turns on the streets. Also a pet parade will follow directly behind the main parade. All pets are welcome, but must be on a leash or attended by owner.

Obits:

Mangum Funeral Home announces the passing of  91-year old Mr. Alvin Dorner of Center. He passed away Thursday evening at Pine Grove Nursing Home in Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 today at Mangum Funeral Home. Graveside service and burial will be held in Haskell, Texas, Saturday. Among Alvin Dorner’s survivors, are his wife, Mrs. Margie Slatter Dorner of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces graveside service for 59-year old Joe David Bullard, Sr. of Center. He passed away Wednesday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service with military honors will be held at 2 Saturday at Rocky Mount Cemetery in the Rocky Mount Community of Louisiana. Among Joe David Bullard, Sr’s survivors,, his wife, Barbara Bullard of Center; sons, J.D. Bullard of Bossier City; Daniel Culver of Nacogdoches, and James Bullard of Johnson City, Tenn.; daughter, Christina Bullard of Johnson City, Tenn.; brothers, Mac Bullard of Sarepta, La., Ray Dell Bullard of Nacogdoches, and Maston Andrew Louis Bullard of Blanchard, La.; sisters, Annie Elaine McDaniel of Denham Springs, La., Patty Sue Hodiness of Magnum, La., Katie Louise Lancios of Clinton, La., and Tammy Adams of Shreveport.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 84-year old Robert Lee “Dick” Johnson of Center. Lay in State will be from 10 to 11 Saturday morning at Triumph Church in Center, with service to follow. Interment will be at Westview Cemetery in Center. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 tonight at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Among Robert Lee “Dick” Johnson’s survivors are, a daughter, Alice Dick of Center; six sons, Carl Johnson, Robert Lynn Johnson, Glen Johnson, Bobby Johnson, and Tommy Johnson, all of Center, and Charles Johnson of Dallas; a sister, Dessie Manning of Los Angeles; a brother, Jessie Sims of San Augustine; and brother-in-law, Kent Jones of Center.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 42-year old Mrs. Georgia Lynn Jones of Tyler. Service will be at 1 today at Friendly Baptist Church in Tyler, with interment in Memorial Park Cemetery in Tyler.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 101-year old Mrs. I.T. Winn of Galveston. Visitation and wake will be from 12:30 to 9 today at Garner & Son Chapel. Service will be at 11 Saturday at Macedonia Baptist Church, with interment in Lane Town Cemetery. She was a native of Hemphill.

Garner & Son Mortuary announces service for 61-year old Mr. Jerry L. Bluford of San Augustine. Service will be at 11 today at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church with interment at Haley Bush Cemetery.

Garner & Son Mortuary announces service for 83-year old Mrs. Georgia Mae Taylor of San Augustine. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 today at the True Vine Baptist Church. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church with interment in Lane Town Cemetery.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 11 Saturday morning in Westview Cemetery in Center for 80-year old Dorothy Mae Randle. She passed away May 9 in Dallas.

In sports,

At the UIL State Softball Tournament yesterday the Class 1A state championship game and 2A championship games were played, as defending state champ, Weimar takes a 4-3 win over Harleton in the 1A title game, while Crawford grabs the 2A championship with a 5-3 win over East Bernard.

In the Class 3A semi-finals it was Van beating Snyder, 15-13, and LaGrange-Huffman Hargrave. The 3A Final is at 10 Saturday.

Today’s tournament action has the Class 4A semi-finals, as Barbers Hill v. Ennis at 9 a.m.; and Aledo v. Buda Hays at noon. The Class 5A semis have Lubbock Coronado v. Deer Park at 3 p.m. and The Woodlands v. San Antonio Southwest at 6 p.m. The 4A final is at 1 p.m. Saturday, with the 5A final at 4 p.m.

As for the boys,

At the Class 1A Region III Final best-of-three baseball series last night in Kilgore, despite a rain delay, No. 1 state-ranked Douglass throws a shutout at defending state champion Price Carlisle, 7-0. Game 2 will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Morris Frank Park in Lufkin. The winner moves on to the state baseball tournament in Round Rock next week.

The 3A Region III Final in Houston last night saw College Station come away with a 9-1 over Silsbee. College Station has been ranked No. 1 most of the season. They move on to the state tournament next week.

The 2A Region III Final has Salado vs. Troy in Belton at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

The annual Preston Football Camp will be held Saturday, June 7 at Roughrider Stadium. The camp hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dwight Preston at 598-2470.

The 22nd annual Darren Wilson Golf Classic will be held Saturday, June 14th at Center Country Club. This annual tournament is held to raise funds that go to the Darren Wilson Scholarship Fund. The event has raised over $140,000.00 to benefit area students. There will be a large silent auction during the day long event as part of the fundraiser. The format of the one day affair will be a six man scramble. There is a fee of $80 per player. This fee covers the green fee, eight iron shot off one of the par 5 holes. Lunch will be cooked and served by the Shelby County Cookers before the tournament kicks off. You better hurry and get signed up. For more information please contact Larry Horn, Glen Cordray or Joe Whittlesey at the Center Country Club 936-598-7415 or 936-598-5515.

Arrest Report

5/28/14--5/29/14

Shelby County:

Joseph Gipson, 24, Center, Evading Arrest

Christopher Bolton, 38, Center, Warrant-Theft by Check and Warrant-Theft

Michael Barbee, 48, Shelbyville, Assault-Family Violence Causing Bodily Injury

Giovani Johnson, 25, Center, Public Intoxication

San Augustine County:

Jamarion Watts, 18, San Augustine, Motion for Adjudication; Assault causing Bodily Injury

Note: All Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Convicted DeSoto Parish child-killer Brian Horn officially received the death sentence Wednesday morning in Mansfield, as District Judge Robert Burgess sent him to the Louisiana State Penitentiary to await execution.

The 37-year old Horn was found guilty last month of first-degree murder in the death of 12-year old Justin Bloxom of Stonewall. The crime took place in March of 2010.

Judge Burgess blocked the defense from allowing Horn to speak and apologize to Bloxom’s family from the stand. His attorney had sought a continuance, which was denied by Judge Burgess. Their appeal to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal also was denied, and the Louisiana Supreme Court turned down a request for a review of the decisions.

Amy Fletcher, Justin's mother, directly addressed Horn while in court, saying, "May God have mercy on your soul.”  Ms. Fletcher says she suffers from depression, uncontrollable bouts of crying, fear, guilt and nightmares. 

Opening testimony began yesterday in Shelby County in the capital murder trial of Deedra Grubbs. The 39-year old stands accused for her part in the murder of Martha Acevedo-Chan, and shooting assault of Quinton "Sam" Watts and Marilyn Retamar in April 2012 at the Joaquin Country Inn.

The first day of the trial started much like that of her husband’s Bobbie Grubbs’ a couple of weeks ago, as the timeline of events unfolded leading to the Grubbs fleeing to Shelby County.

Among the individuals taking the stand were Mary Jane and Charles Cashdollar, who told of the events during an assault and burglary at their home in Montgomery County by the Grubbs two days before the Joaquin shootings.

The Grubbs reportedly took four firearms from the Cashdollar home, which were identified in evidence by Charles Cashdollar. One of the firearms was reportedly used during the shooting at the motel.

Ms. Cashdollar also said she received a number of injuries from Bobbie Grubbs when assaulted during the home invasion.

Court-appointed attorney Deck Jones is arguing Deedra Grubbs was also a victim of her husband, saying she was bi-polar, into drugs and very submissive to Bobbie and had nothing to do with the shootings.

A friend of Deedra Grubbs and a Montgomery County detective also took the stand yesterday. State appointed prosecutor Ralph Guerrero is presenting the state’s case, and is saying Deedra conspired with her husband to commit the shootings.

Bobbie Grubbs was found guilty by a jury last week and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Deedra Grubbs also faces the same penalty if found guilty.

Testimony continues this morning in District Judge Charles Mitchell’s courtroom.

A bill named for the DeSoto Parish woman killed by her estranged husband has passed the Louisiana legislature, less than a month after her death. 

Gwen Salley was shot to death by her husband Michael Salley on May 2, just a week after she filed a protective order against him. The order filed on April 29 listed the Salley's divorce as pending. Michael Salley had just been released on $50,000 bond from a previous domestic violence charge when he abducted the 39-year-old mother from their daughter's daycare in Stonewall, forced her to drive into Caddo Parish and down a logging road, and then shot and killed her before turning the gun on himself.

Senate Bill 292 establishes grounds for immediate divorce when a spouse or child has been physically or sexually abused by the other spouse and when a protective order or injunction has been issued against the other spouse. It also tightens bail restrictions for domestic violence offenders. 

Gwen's Law received unanimous approval in the Louisiana House Tuesday, three weeks to the day Salley was buried. Now Gwen's law is headed to the desk of Gov. Bobby Jindal for his signature.

Shelby Savings Bank will be hosting a reception Saturday evening for two retiring members of the Shelby Savings Bank board of directors.

James Campbell and Gail Cuculic will both be stepping down from the board of directors.

Campbell has spent more than 35 years leading Shelby County Savings Association/Shelby Savings Bank, and has been the driving force behind the creation of Shelby Savings Association, then as chairman of the board and the last two years as chairman emeritus.

Cuculic served Shelby Savings Bank as president for seven years, vice chairman 20 years, and for the last two years vice chairman emeritus.

A come-and-go reception for the two will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Saturday, at the John Dean Windham Civic Center in Center.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 59-year old Joe David Bullard, Sr. of Martinsville. He passed away Wednesday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. That’s service pending for Joe David Bullard, Sr. at Watson & Sons.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 93-year old Janie McSwain Johnson of Cleveland. Service will be at 1 today at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Old Salem Cemetery. Among Janie McSwain Johnson’s survivors are, a son, Rev. Buddy Johnson of Waxahachie; two daughters, Jane Edwards of Ft. Worth and Jean Anderson of Cleveland; two sisters, Maxine Jernigan and Christine Mahan of Center; and brother, Bobby McSwain of Irving. In lieu of flowers, it was Janie’s desire that memorial donations be made to Baptist Missionary Association of America, Mexico Missions, P.O. Box 30910, Little Rock, Ark. 72260.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 84-year old Robert Lee “Dick” Johnson of Center. He passed away Monday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Lay in State will be from 10 to 11 Saturday morning at Triumph Church in Center, with service to follow. Interment will be at Westview Cemetery in Center. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 Friday at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Among Robert Lee “Dick” Johnson’s survivors are, a daughter, Alice Dick of Center; six sons, Carl Johnson, Robert Lynn Johnson, Glen Johnson, Bobby Johnson, and Tommy Johnson, all of Center, and Charles Johnson of Dallas; a sister, Dessie Manning of Los Angeles; a brother, Jessie Sims of San Augustine; and brother-in-law, Kent Jones of Center.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 42-year old Mrs. Georgia Lynn Jones of Tyler. Service will be at 1 Friday at Friendly Baptist Church in Tyler, with interment in Memorial Park Cemetery in Tyler. Wake and visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at Steward Family Funeral Home in Tyler.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 101-year old Mrs. I.T. Winn of Galveston. Visitation and wake will be from 12:30 to 9 Friday at Garner & Son Chapel. Service will be at 11 Saturday at Macedonia Baptist Church, with interment in Lane Town Cemetery. She was a native of Hemphill.

Garner & Son Mortuary announces service for 61-year old Mr. Jerry L. Bluford of San Augustine. Wake and visitation will be from 12:30 to 9 today at Garner & Son Chapel. Service will be at 11 Friday at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church with interment at Haley Bush Cemetery.

Garner & Son Mortuary announces service for 83-year old Mrs. Georgia Mae Taylor of San Augustine. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at the True Vine Baptist Church. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church with interment in Lane Town Cemetery.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 11 Saturday morning in Westview Cemetery in Center for 80-year old Dorothy Mae Randle. She passed away May 9 in Dallas.

In sports,

At the UIL State Softball Tournament in Austin yesterday, in the Class 1A semi-finals, Harleton shut-out Hubbard, 5-0, and Weimar blanked Petrolia, 6-0. The 1A final is at 3 this afternoon.

In the Class 2A semi-finals, East Bernard tosses a shut-out at Hawley, 7-0, and Crawford advances with a 9-2 win over Lone Oak. The 2A final is at 6 p.m. tonight.

Today’s earlier tournament action will be the 3A semis, as Van takes on Snyder at 9 a.m., and La Grange against Huffman Hargrave in the other. The 3A state championship will be at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The 4A & 5A semi-finals will be played Friday, with finals on Saturday.

The boys are involved in region finals action. In the Class 1A, Region 3 Final, it’s defending state champion Price Carlisle taking on No. 1 state-ranked Douglass. The best-of-three series will be played today and Saturday. Game 1 is at 5 p.m. this afternoon in Kilgore at Driller Park, with Game 2 at 2 p.m. Saturday at Lufkin’s Morris Frank Park. Game 3 follow. This marks the fourth straight year the two teams have met in the playoffs, with Price Carlisle winning the previous three, including the past two seasons in the region final.

In the Class 2A and 3A Region 3 finals, they’re both one-game winner takes all.

The 3A Region Final has Silsbee vs. College Station at the University of Houston, with first-pitch at 7:30 p.m. tonight. The 2A Region Final has Salado vs. Troy in Belton at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo is June 6 & 7 at 7:30 each night, sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Presale tickets are $5, and can be purchased at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under get in free. There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes. On Saturday night only, anyone wearing a western hat will receive $1 off their admission ticket at the gate. Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up.

The annual Preston Football Camp will be held Saturday, June 7 at Roughrider Stadium. The camp hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dwight Preston at 598-2470.

Sign-up is underway for the 22nd annual Darren Wilson Golf Classic to be held June 14th at Center Country Club. This annual tournament is held to raise funds that go to the Darren Wilson Scholarship Fund. Over $140,000.00 has been raised to benefit our area students. There will be a large silent auction during the day long event as part of the fundraiser. The format of the one day affair will be a six man scramble. There is a fee of $80 per player. This fee covers the green fee, eight iron shot off one of the par 5 holes. Lunch will be cooked and served by the Shelby County Cookers before the tournament kicks off. You're encouraged to sign up now to ensure a spot in the tournament. For more information please contact Larry Horn, Glen Cordray or Joe Whittlesey at the Center Country Club 936-598-7415 or 936-598-5515.

Arrest Report

5/27/14--5/28/14

Shelby County:

Chris Owens, 35, Lufkin, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance

San Augustine County:

Krystal Birdwell, 35, Broaddus, Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Delivery and Manufacture of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone

Note: All Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

In Tuesday’s Republican Party primary run-off voting in San Augustine County, David McEachern outpolled Steve Bryan, 145 to 143 to be declared the un-official winner of the party’s nominee for Pct. 4 commissioner. McEachern becomes the apparent candidate-elect for the position, since there’s no Democratic opponent in the November General Election. Bryan had led the four-candidate field after the March 4 election, but did not take a clear majority. The Pct. 4 commissioner’s position is being vacated by Rodney Ainsworth, who chose not to seek re-election. Election administrator Deborah Woods told me last night there’s one provisional ballot to be certified for the run-off race, and the early voting board will probably meet in the next couple of days to certify that ballot.

In the Nacogdoches County Commissioner, Pct. 4 Republican Party run-off, Incumbent Elton Milstead defeats Darren Cook, 509-444. Milstead has no Democratic opponent.

In the statewide races, Wayne Christian’s bid to become a member of the state railroad commission appears to be over, as Ryan Sitton was leading Christian with 58 percent of the votes with 98 percent of precincts reporting this morning. Sitton will now face Democrat Steve Brown in November.

Conservative Houston talk-radio host Dan Patrick has ousted incumbent David Dewhurst with 65 percent of the vote for lieutenant governor. Patrick will now face Democrat Leticia Van de Putte in the November general election. Democrat David Alameel cruised to an easy victory over his opponent, Kesha Rogers, in the runoff election for U.S. Senator. Alameel will face Republican John Cornyn, the incumbent, in November.

In the Republican Party run-off for attorney general, Ken Paxton defeats Dan Branch with 63 percent of the vote. The winner will meet Sam Houston; and for state agriculture commissioner, Sid Miller takes the Republican nomination with 53 percent over Longview’s Tommy Merritt. Miller will meet Democrat Jim Hogan in November. Hogan beat out Kinky Friedman in yesterday’s run-off with 53 percent of the vote.

After the unexpected death of Shelby County Outreach Ministries' executive director Pam White on April 29, the board of directors has been working to continue the day-to-day services to the community.

According to board president Donna Monroe, an interim executive director has been named to assist. Board member Collette Metcalf has stepped in to evaluate and oversee the operations along with assistance from other board members and outreach staff until a permanent director is put in place.

Ms. Monroe said the Shelby County Outreach Ministries Board is actively seeking a full-time qualified executive director, and has appointed a three-person committee to oversee the task. She said once that list has been narrowed down; it will be presented to the board for consideration.

Ms. Monroe expressed the board's desire to make sure the right person is put in place. She gave no time-line for naming a new executive director.

Director resumes are being accepted by board member Casey Williams at the Edward Jones office at 409 Nacogdoches Street in Center.

In a press release, the board said it's committed to finding someone who will embrace the purpose and spirit of the outreach ministries' work and help lead the organization forward. 

Shelby County District Attorney Ken Florence tells us testimony will start this morning in Deedra Grubbs' captial murder trial in Judge Charles Mitchell's 273rd District Courtroom.

Jury selection was held yesterday.

The 39-year old stands accused for her part in the murder of Martha Acevedo-Chan, and shooting assault of Quinton "Sam" Watts and Marilyn Retamar in April 2012 at the Joaquin Country Inn.

Her husband,

Bobbie Dewayne Grubbs was sentenced to life in prison without parole by Judge Mitchell last week for the crime after being found guilty by a jury.

Deedra Grubbs faces the same punishment if found guilty. She’s represented by court-appointed attorney Deck Jones.

A surveillance camera has been able to capture video of a suspected home burglar who is believed to have burglarized two Shelbyville area residences during the daytime on Saturday.

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Investigator DJ Dickerson said the suspect is a white male, approximately 5-8 to 5-9, clean cut with brown hair.

Items taken include a rifle, jewelry and other personal items like a computer hard drive. Dickerson added the burglar finally became aware he was being videoed and destroyed a camera.

The burglar’s vehicle was also videoed, and is described as being a late 1990s Lady Rover Discovery. The burglaries took place at residents on or near FM 417 East.

If you have any information in regards to this case, you’re urged to call the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 598-5601. In a separate incident, a residential surveillance video at a Center home lead to the arrest of a man last week for burglary.

The Timpson ISD is asking for your help in locating a high altitude balloon science package that’s gone missing. The school district in sponsorship with Devon Energy Corporation launched the project that reached an altitude of 100,000 feet above Panola and Shelby counties. However, radio contact with the balloon package was lost on descent with no communication reestablished.

Computer flight models predicted a landing area in southern Panola County and northern Shelby County. Timpson ISD and Devon Energy is requesting the help of landowners in the predicted landing area to search their properties for the flight package. It is asked that if you find any part of the flight package that you call the Timpson ISD Administration at 254-2463, that's 254-2463, and leave your phone number. You will be contacted later by proper personnel. You do not need to recover any of the components of the package as they are highly sensitive instruments. Documentation of the contents and location of landing is essential in establishing key flight events. There's no environment health risks.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is running  $3.43 a gallon, no change in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.39, also no change in the past week. Nationally, the average is $3.63, which is down 2 pennies lower from the same period a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $3.43 at Walmart, the same now for the past two weeks.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Department is hosting a blood drive from 10 to 2:30 today. A donor coach from Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be located at the sheriff's office. Ann Blackwell says t-shirts and snacks are being provided, and anyone 17-year of age is invited to roll up their sleeve and give the gift of life. She added holiday weekends always increase the need so please come by and give so that others might live. If you'd like to set up an appointment to donate, call Ms. Blackwell at 590-9126, or Danielle Almaraz at the sheriff’s office, 598-5601.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 93-year old Janie McSwain Johnson of Cleveland. Service will be at 1 Thursday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Old Salem Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Among Janie McSwain Johnson’s survivors are, a son, Rev. Buddy Johnson of Waxahachie; two daughters, Jane Edwards of Ft. Worth and Jean Anderson of Cleveland; two sisters, Maxine Jernigan and Christine Mahan of Center; and brother, Bobby McSwain of Irving. In lieu of flowers, it was Janie’s desire that memorial donations be made to Baptist Missionary Association of America, Mexico Missions, P.O. Box 30910, Little Rock, Ark. 72260.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 62-year old Sammy R. Dillon of Timpson. Service will be at 2 this afternoon at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, interment with Masonic graveside rites will follow in Cold Springs Cemetery in Garrison. Among Sammy R. Dillon’s survivors, are, his mother, Billie Ruth Dillon of Nacogdoches; wife Pam Dillon of Nacogdoches; son, Kirk Dillon of Nacogdoches; daughter, Natisha Allen of Timpson; brothers, Danny Dillon, Mike Dillon and Tony Dillon; and sister, Tina Lightfoot.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces the passing of 66-year old Nathan Ira Newell of Richwood (in Brazoria County). He passed away Monday in San Augustine. There will be no service, the family has chosen cremation.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 101-year old Mrs. I.T. Winn of Galveston. Visitation and wake will be from 12:30 to 9 Friday at Garner & Son Chapel. Service will be at 11 Saturday at Macedonia Baptist Church, with interment in Lane Town Cemetery. She was a native of Hemphill.

Garner & Son Mortuary announces service for 61-year old Mr. Jerry L. Bluford of San Augustine. Wake and visitation will be from 12:30 to 9 Thursday at Garner & Son Chapel. Service will be at 11 Friday at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church with interment at Haley Bush Cemetery.

Garner & Son Mortuary announces service for 83-year old Mrs. Georgia Mae Taylor of San Augustine. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at the True Vine Baptist Church. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church with interment in Lane Town Cemetery.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 85-year old Robert Lee Johnson of Center. He passed away Monday at Nacogdoches Medical Center.

In sports,

This week’s UIL Softball State Tournament in Austin will once again have East Texas flavor as both Van and Harleton will be vying for state championships.

Van is making its third state tournament appearance, will face Snyder at 9 a.m. Thursday from the University of Texas’ Red and Charline McCombs Field in one Class 3A semifinal. If Van wins Thursday, it will meet either La Grange or Huffman Hargrave at 10 a.m. Saturday in the state title game.

Harleton which is making its second appearance at state, will play Hubbard at 9 a.m. this morning in one Class A semifinal. If Harleton wins its semifinal, it will play either Petrolia or Weimar at 3 p.m. Thursday for the championship.

The Class 2A semi-finals are also being played today, as Hawley takes on East Bernard and Crawford goes up against Lone Oak. The 1A & 2A Finals set for Thursday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the boys are in region final action this week. In the Class 1A, Region 3 Final, it’s defending state champion Price Carlisle taking on No. 1 state-ranked Douglass. The best-of-three series will be played Thursday and Saturday. Game 1 is at 5 p.m. Thursday in Kilgore at Driller Park, with Game 2 at 2 p.m. Saturday at Lufkin’s Morris Frank Park. Game 3 follow.

Class 2A region 3 final is Salado vs. Troy in Belton; and Class 3A has Silsbee vs. College Station at the University of Houston, both in a one-game winner takes all.

SFA men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood has a new multi-year contract with a hefty raise. Underwood has agreed to a new eight-year contract that will pay the coach a base of $225,000 per year, not the $400,000 that was reported by ESPN last week. Underwood made $175,000 in the first year of a five-year contract last season, and an extra $20 by reaching four incentives. The new deal is the longest and richest ever for a SFA coach. Underwood took the SFA basketball program to its most successful season in school history.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo is June 6 & 7 at 7:30 each night, sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Presale tickets are $5, and can be purchased at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under get in free. There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes. On Saturday night only, anyone wearing a western hat will receive $1 off their admission ticket at the gate. Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up.

The annual Preston Football Camp will be held Saturday, June 7 at Roughrider Stadium. The camp hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dwight Preston at 598-2470.

Sign-up is underway for the 22nd annual Darren Wilson Golf Classic to be held June 14th at Center Country Club. This annual tournament is held to raise funds that go to the Darren Wilson Scholarship Fund. Over $140,000.00 has been raised to benefit our area students. There will be a large silent auction during the day long event as part of the fundraiser. The format of the one day affair will be a six man scramble. There is a fee of $80 per player. This fee covers the green fee, eight iron shot off one of the par 5 holes. Lunch will be cooked and served by the Shelby County Cookers before the tournament kicks off. You're encouraged to sign up now to ensure a spot in the tournament. For more information please contact Larry Horn, Glen Cordray or Joe Whittlesey at the Center Country Club 936-598-7415 or 936-598-5515.

Shelby County County Extension Agent Lane Dunn has informed us that the The Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension Service Farm Pond Management seminar that was scheduled for tonight has once again been cancelled due to weather. If you have any question, you can contact the extension office at 598-7744. It's not sure at this time when the farm pond management seminar will be re-scheduled. Once again, the Agri-Life Extenion Service Farm Pond Management seminar scheduled for tonight has been cancelled.

Arrest Report

5/26/14--5/27/14

Shelby County:

Carlos Roland, 30, Center, Public Intoxication-3^rd or more

Michael Anthony Hill, Jr., 26, Center, Driving While Intoxicated with Open Container, and two charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance

Steven Dwayne Risinger, 42, Marshall, Driving While Intoxicated with Open Container-3^rd or More.

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Today is Primary Run-off Election Day, as polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There are statewide run-offs in the Republican and Democratic Parties. Locally, there’s one local run-off race, in San Augustine County between Steve Bryan and David McEachern for the Republican Party Pct. 4 Commissioner position. Bryan had 138 votes to 128 for McEarchern in a four-person field in the March 4 Primary.

The state-wide Republican Party run-offs include the nominee for lieutenant governor between incumbent David Dewhurst and Dan Patrick, state railroad commission nominee between Wayne Christian and Ryan Sitton; attorney general between Ken Paxton and Dan Branch; and state agriculture commissioner Sid Miller and Tommy Merritt.

Democratic state-wide run-offs include U.S. Senate as Kesha Rogers faces off with David Alameel; and commissioner of agriculture as Kinky Friedman takes on Jim Hogan.

A reminder: If you voted in a party primary, you can only vote in that same party’s runoff”.  If you did not vote in the March 4 Primary you may still vote and can vote in the runoff election for either party.

Today’s polling places have been combined in most precincts. In Shelby County: Precincts 1 N, 1 SO, 1 SE, 1 SW, 1W, and 2 at Center Church of Christ; Precincts 3, 4, 6, 7 in Shelbyville at First Baptist Church; Precinct 5 at Joaquin First United Methodist Church; Precinct 8 at Tenaha First United Methodist Church; and Precincts 9 N, 9 S at Texas State Bank in Timpson.

San Augustine County polling locations Tuesday: Precinct 1 at San Augustine High School Gym Lobby; Precincts 2, 5, 11: Reed Chapel Baptist Church, in San Augustine; Precinct 3, 6, 7, 8  at the Senior Citizens Building, in San Augustine; Precinct 4 at First United Methodist Church in San Augustine; Precinct 9 at Long Pines Baptist Church, Hwy 83 @ old FM 705 and Precinct 10 at Chinquapin Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

 Remember you must have your ID in order to vote.

Texas State Bank in Joaquin and the U.S. Small Business Administration has been given the green light to proceed with foreclosure proceedings against Hotel Fredonia in Nacogdoches. The trustee in SE Pack Hospitality Chapter 7 bankruptcy withdrew objection to the lien holder’s attempts last week. The foreclosure sale is now scheduled to take place next Tuesday, June 3 at the Nacogdoches County Courthouse. Foreclosure sales have been postponed numerous times while lien holders negotiated with prospective buyers. Reents closed the property in November 2013, five years after acquiring it for $2.5 million.

We told you yesterday that a Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Warden was severely injured when he was thrown from a boat Sunday afternoon on Lake Sam Rayburn.

There is a correction to that story, Game Warden Henry Alvarado was in fact on patrol with another warden in the lake when their vessel hit a wave, did a 180, and Alvarado was ejected from the boat. The warden’s leg was struck by the engine’s propeller, causing severe laceration.

Warden Alvarado was life-flighted to a Beaumont hospital where he’s reported to be in stable condition after surgery.

As you know, you can never tell what may be in the roadways in these parts at any given time. So was the case Monday morning when a traveler on U.S. Hwy. 59 between Timpson and Garrison, at the county line, came upon a large number of feral hogs in the roadway near the Attoyac River Bridge.

Texas DPS Trooper John Hallenbeck said a Liberty County couple traveling northbound just before 5:45 yesterday morning came upon the wild swine and was unable to avoid striking them.

In the process, the vehicle left the roadway and rolled onto its side. There were no injuries to the two occupants of the early model Jeep Cherokee. However, a number of feral hogs weren’t as fortunate.

The Timpson Volunteer Fire Department and ambulance service and police department assisted with traffic and road clean up.

A blood drive will be held at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., tomorrow, Wednesday. A donor coach from Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be on site. To find out more about the event, or schedule an appointment, contact Ann Blackwell at 590-9126, or Danielle Almaraz at the sheriff’s office, 598-5601.

The Texas Department of Transportation’s 13^th annual “Click it or Ticket” seat belt campaign continues through this upcoming weekend, as motorist who don’t buckle up in compliance with state seat belt laws face fines and court costs up to $200. Stepped up enforcement began last week, as the campaign is credited with motivating millions of motorist to always use their seat belts. Only 76 percent of Texans used seat belts when the campaign began in 2002. Today, 9 out of 10 Texans buckle up. Texas law requires everyone in a vehicle to be buckled up, including back seat passengers.

High School graduation is this week for the Class of 2014, as most graduates will receive their diplomas on Friday. Tenaha's High School's graduation ceremony will be at 7 on Thursday night at the special events center. Here's a rundown of graduation exercises planned for May 30. Center High School graduation is at 8 p.m. at Roughrider Stadium; Timpson High School graduation is 7 p.m. at Bear Stadium; Joaquin's graduation is at 8 p.m. next Friday at the gym; Shelbyville High School has their graduation at 7 p.m. in the gym on May 30; Broaddus' graduation is at 8 p.m. in the high school gym; and Garrison seniors graduate at 8 p.m., this Saturday, at Bulldog Stadium. San Augustine graduates will walk the stage at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6 at Wolf Stadium. Congratulations to the Class of 2014.

The Class of 2014 top honor graduates from area high schools include: Center-Valedictorian is Megan Nehring and Salutatorian is Madison Davis; Joaquin’s top graduate is Saul Ruiz, with Caleb Hill the second ranking senior; Shelbyville’s valedictorian is Emma Walker and Josie Fuller is Salutatorian; at Tenaha, the valedictorian is Cinthya Leos and salutatorian is Sierra Collins, and Garrison’s top three graduates are, valedictorian Lauren Mitchell, salutatorian Hannah Kimbrough and historian is Kaelyn Stanaland. Timpson’s top-two honor graduates are twin brothers. Jace Archer is valedictorian and Cade Archer is salutatorian. 
 

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 93-year old Janie McSwain Johnson of Cleveland. Service will be at 1 Thursday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Old Salem Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 Wednesday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Among Janie McSwain Johnson’s survivors are, a son, Rev. Buddy Johnson of Waxahachie; two daughters, Jane Edwards of Ft. Worth and Jean Anderson of Cleveland; two sisters, Maxine Jernigan and Christine Mahan of Center; and brother, Bobby McSwain of Irving. In lieu of flowers, it was Janie’s desire that memorial donations be made to Baptist Missionary Association of America, Mexico Missions, P.O. Box 30910, Little Rock, Ark. 72260.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 62-year old Sammy R. Dillon of Timpson. Service will be at 2 Wednesday at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, interment with Masonic graveside rites will follow in Cold Springs Cemetery in Garrison. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 this evening at Taylor Funeral Home. Among Sammy R. Dillon’s survivors, are, his mother, Billie Ruth Dillon of Nacogdoches; wife Pam Dillon of Nacogdoches; son, Kirk Dillon of Nacogdoches; daughter, Natisha Allen of Timpson; brothers, Danny Dillon, Mike Dillon and Tony Dillon; and sister, Tina Lightfoot.

In sports,

The semi-finals are set for this week’s girls’ state softball tournament in Austin. In the Class 1A semis will be Hubbard/Harleton and Petrolia/Weimar; 2A, Hawley/East Bernard; Crawford/Lone Oak; Class 3A, Snyder/Van and LaGrange/Huffman Hargrave; 4A, Barbers Hill/Ennis and Aledo/Buda Hays; and in 5A, Lubbock Coronado/Deer Park and The Woodlands/San Antonio Southwest. Semi-finals begin tomorrow in 1A & 2A.

Meanwhile, the boys are in region final action this week. In the Class 1A, Region 3 Final, it’s defending state champion Price Carlisle taking on No. 1 state-ranked Douglass. The best-of-three series will be played at Morris Frank Park in Lufkin. Game 1 is at 7 p.m. Thursday, with Game 2 at 2 p.m. Saturday. Game 3 would be at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Class 2A region 3 final is Salado vs. Troy in Belton; and Class 3A has Silsbee vs. College Station at the University of Houston, both in a one-game winner takes all.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo is June 6 & 7 at 7:30 each night, sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Presale tickets are $5, and can be purchased at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under get in free. There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes. On Saturday night only, anyone wearing a western hat will receive $1 off their admission ticket at the gate. Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up.

Sign-up is underway for the 22nd annual Darren Wilson Golf Classic to be held June 14th at Center Country Club. This annual tournament is held to raise funds that go to the Darren Wilson Scholarship Fund. Over $140,000.00 has been raised to benefit our area students. There will be a large silent auction during the day long event as part of the fundraiser. The format of the one day affair will be a six man scramble. There is a fee of $80 per player. This fee covers the green fee, eight iron shot off one of the par 5 holes. Lunch will be cooked and served by the Shelby County Cookers before the tournament kicks off. You're encouraged to sign up now to ensure a spot in the tournament. For more information please contact Larry Horn Glen Cordray or Joe Whittlesey at the Center Country Club 936-598-7415 or 936-598-5515.

The annual Preston Football Camp will be held Saturday, June 7 at Roughrider Stadium. The camp hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dwight Preston at 598-2470.

After her husband was found guilty last week by a Shelby County Jury, the capital murder trial of Deedra Grubbs is set to begin tomorrow morning in Judge Charles Mitchell’s 273^rd District Courtroom.

Bobbie Dewayne Grubbs was sentenced to life in prison without parole last Monday for the death of Martha Acevedo-Chan in April 2012 at the Joaquin Country Inn. In addition, Grubbs was found guilty on two counts of aggravated assault for shooting two other employees of the motel, Quinton Watts and Marilyn Retamar.

Deedra Grubbs also faces life in prison without parole. The trial will begin with jury selection.

Today is Memorial Day…

There are several Memorial Day observances being held this morning.

The annual Timpson Memorial Day observance will be at 10 this morning on the downtown Park Plaza in Timpson. The event is sponsored by American Legion Post 90, and Timpson ISD staff and students.

In Center at 11 this morning, VFW Post 8904 & the Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual Memorial Day program at the historic courthouse; and in San Augustine, American Legion Post 387, VFW 9313 and Historical Society will host the annual Memorial Day observance in the Museum Theater and at the Courthouse Square in San Augustine starting at 11.

The holiday weekend has proven to be deadly on one waterway.

Two Tyler County residents were killed and another injured following a boating accident Saturday afternoon in northwest Jasper County on the Angelina River.

Jasper County officials are saying two boats collided nearly head-on, resulting in the deaths of a man and woman in one boat and injuring a man in the other in the Bevilport Community.

Dead at the scene were 52-year old Arlon Wayde Chance and 38-year old Charlotte Benton Bowden, both of the Fred Community of Tyler County.

The injured man was not identified.

It’s reported there were three other individuals unharmed in the vessel containing the injured man.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens continue to investigate the mishap.

On Sam Rayburn Sunday afternoon, an off-duty Texas Parks & Wildlife game warden was critically injured.

Warden Henry Alvarado was somehow thrown out of the boat he was in and the boat engine’s propeller cut his leg, leaving severe trauma.

Paramedics are saying another game warden is being credited with saving Alvarado’s life.

It’s reported the main artery in the warden’s leg was severed, and the other game warden applied pressure tourniquets, keeping Alvarado from bleeding to death.

He was flown by medical helicopter to a Beaumont hospital where he’s undergoing treatment for the injury.

Another tip has lead local law enforcement to an illegal drug manufacturing facility in the western part of Shelby County.

Sheriff Willis Blackwell said his department got information last Wednesday that a met lab was located inside a shop in the Aiken Community. According to a press release, Sheriff Blackwell said Sheriff’s Deputy Adam Renfro and Cody Muse, along with Narcotics Investigator John Pope converged on the location and made contact with two suspects.

Sheriff Blackwell said 49-year old Randy Fountain of Center and 43-year old Stacy Coats of Nacogdoches were found to be in possession of one gram of meth. Both were taken into custody and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. Coats was also wanted on a Nacogdoches County warrant for Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Sheriff Blackwell reminds citizens, if you see any out of the usual activity in your neighborhood, to contact his office or your local law enforcement and report it.

Thanks to a Center homeowner having a video surveillance camera system, a well-known area burglar has been arrested. Center Police arrested 52-year old Jessie Ray Hamilton of Center after he was caught on video last Wednesday, May 21 entering the garage of the Pecan Street residence while the homeowners were asleep and took several items. It’s reported Center P-D detective David Haley reviewed the video and identified the suspect right away as being Hamilton. He was arrested Friday for Burglary of a Habitation.

Tomorrow is Party Primary Run-off Election Day, as polls will be open statewide from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There's one local run-off race, and it’s in San Augustine County between Steve Bryan and David McEachern for the Republican Party Pct. 4 Commissioner position.

The Republican Party run-offs statewide, include the nominee for lieutenant governor between incumbent David Dewhurst and Dan Patrick, state railroad commission nominee between Wayne Christian and Ryan Sitton; attorney general between Ken Paxton and Dan Branch; and state agriculture commissioner Sid Miller and Tommy Merritt.

Democratic state-wide run-offs include U.S. Senate as Kesha Rogers faces off with David Alameel; and commissioner of agriculture as Kinky Friedman takes on Jim Hogan.

A reminder: If you voted in a party primary, you can only vote in that same party’s runoff”.  If you did not vote in the March 4 Primary you may still vote and can vote in the runoff election for either party.

Tuesday's polling places have been combined in most precincts. In Shelby County: Precincts 1 N, 1 SO, 1 SE, 1 SW, 1W, and 2 at Center Church of Christ; Precincts 3, 4, 6, 7 in Shelbyville at First Baptist Church; Precinct 5 at Joaquin First United Methodist Church; Precinct 8 at Tenaha First United Methodist Church; and Precincts 9 N, 9 S at Texas State Bank in Timpson.

San Augustine County polling locations Tuesday: Precinct 1 at San Augustine High School Gym Lobby; Precincts 2, 5, 11: Reed Chapel Baptist Church, in San Augustine; Precinct 3, 6, 7, 8  at the Senior Citizens Building, in San Augustine; Precinct 4 at First United Methodist Church in San Augustine; Precinct 9 at Long Pines Baptist Church, Hwy 83 @ old FM 705 and Precinct 10 at Chinquapin Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

Remember you must have your ID in order to vote.

Shelby County Commissioners will have a special meeting at 9:30 Tuesday morning, and among the agenda items for discussion and possible approval will be a presentation from District Attorney Ken Florence in regards to pay Justice Systems software, case management program in the amount of $4,200; approve Memorandum of Understanding between Shelby County Indigent Health Care and Indigent Healthcare Solutions for the software increase of $4 a month; renewal of the termite contract with East Texas Exterminating for the historic courthouse; moving $50-thousand from the general fund, to be split equally between Pct. 1 and 3, to lay asphalt on County Roads 1000 and 3203 to improve road conditions; and purchase of a portable storage climate controlled building to be used to house files for the District Clerk and County Clerk’s offices.

In addition, County Extension Agents Lane Dunn and Jheri-Lynn Smith will address the court to present the county with “Building a Better Texas Award” and signing of a Centennial resolution.

The San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court will have a regular meeting at 9 Tuesday morning and among the items for discussion and possible action will be a Web site hosting agreement for the county tax office; a request for reimbursement for airport expenses from RAMP Grant; architectural drawing for county jail code upgrade; and a budget amendment for the sheriff’s office.

In addition, commissioners will consider approving the Townsend Park Outdoor Park Day on June 14; the County Indigent Burial Policy; and Central Appraisal District 2014 estimated values.

There will also be a presentation to the county auditor and county treasurer for completing continuing education; an update on National Forest Funding.

At their regular meeting May 19, the Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees re-organized with Jay Dee Cockrell elected as president; Luke Garrett vice president; and Ronnie Belrose chosen as board secretary.

The board also voted to hire the following teachers, Ronna Yates, Tara Harris, and Tori LaFluer, and Ashley Cogburn as a counselor. The Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees will meet again June 16.

TxDOT says there are several road projects planned to start over the next week in Shelby and San Augustine County that motorist should be mindful of during their travels. Here is a list of some of the projects this week, weather permitting.

Shelby County:
TxDOT contractor, Drewery Construction Company, is scheduled to begin a $5.5 million project to reconstruct a portion of U.S. 84 in Shelby County starting Wed., May 28, weather permitting. The project stretches from the Rusk County Line to U.S. 59 in Timpson. Motorists should be prepared for various changes during the work which is expected to take about a year to complete.

San Augustine County:
TxDOT contractor, Clark Construction, of San Antonio, continues to apply seal coat to roadways throughout the Lufkin District. This week, weather permitting, operations are tentatively set to move to U.S. 96 in San Augustine County. TxDOT’s preventative maintenance program is a two-step seal coat process that covers an existing roadway with a layer of hot asphalt followed by rock. The process seals the roadway to keep water out thereby adding years of life and requiring less maintenance while providing a new driving surface for motorists.

Drivers are reminded to expect short delays and day time lane closures in the work locations.

Remember to slow down, be patient and pay attention in these new work zones as well those that are currently under way. This means there could be intermittent lane closures or merging traffic so allow extra time to reach your destinations. Look for flaggers and signage to assist you in your drive through work zones. Remember, traffic fines double when workers are present.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 93-year old Janie McSwain Johnson of Cleveland. She passed away Sunday in Cleveland. Service will be at 1 Thursday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Old Salem Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 Wednesday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Among Janie McSwain Johnson’s survivors are, a son, Rev. Buddy Johnson of Waxahachie; two daughters, Jane Edwards of Ft. Worth and Jean Anderson of Cleveland; two sisters, Maxine Jernigan and Christine Mahan of Center; and brother, Bobby McSwain of Irving. In lieu of flowers, it was Janie’s desire that memorial donations be made to Baptist Missionary Association of America, Mexico Missions, P.O. Box 30910, Little Rock, Ark. 72260.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of service Sunday for 92-year old Jane Roberts Perry of Center. She passed away Thursday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Service was held at Watson & Sons Chapel with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Jane Roberts Perry’s survivors are, children, Wayne Perry of Center, Sue Dumatrait of Ragley, Louisiana, and Janice Askew of Gilmer.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 62-year old Sammy R. Dillon of Timpson. He passed away Sunday in Garrison. Service will be at 2 Wednesday at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, interment with Masonic graveside rites will follow in Cold Springs Cemetery in Garrison. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 Tuesday at Taylor Funeral Home. Among Sammy R. Dillon’s survivors, are, his mother, Billie Ruth Dillon of Nacogdoches; wife Pam Dillon of Nacogdoches; son, Kirk Dillon of Nacogdoches; daughter, Natisha Allen of Timpson; brothers, Danny Dillon, Mike Dillon and Tony Dillon; and sister, Tina Lightfoot.

In sports,

High School baseball playoff action:

The Garrison Bulldogs had their season come to an end Saturday night in College Station as Troy takes Games 2 & 3 to advance to the Class 2A Region 3 Final this week. Garrison won the opening game of the best-of-three region semi-final series Friday, 6-2, before Troy came back with 7-4 and 10-6 wins.

Meanwhile, Central Heights was swept by Salado in the other Class 2A Region 3 semi-final series in Franklin, 11-2 Friday and 11-1 Saturday. Salado will play Troy for a trip to the state tournament.

In the Class 1A, Region 3 semi-finals, Douglass sweeps Harleton, 3-0 and 8-0 in Kilgore to move on to the region final this week against familiar foe, Price Carlisle. The two met in last year’s region final with Price Carlisle moving on to take the state championship. Price Carlisle beat Evadale, 7-2 in a single-game playoff in Lufkin to advance.

In the Class 3A Region 3 semi-final, Silsbee will advance to the region final as they take the best-of-three series against Caldwell in three games. Silsbee won Game 1, 22-9 Thursday, with Caldwell coming back to even the series with a 2-0 win Saturday. Silsbee took the rubber game, 11-1, and will play College Station this week. College Station beat Huffman Hargrave in three games.

The girls’ softball teams are set for this week’s state softball tournament in Austin, and in the Class 1A semis will be Hubbard/Harleton and Petrolia/Weimar; 2A, Hawley/East Bernard; Crawford/Lone Oak; Class 3A, Snyder/Van and LaGrange/Huffman Hargrave;  4A, Barbers Hill/Ennis and  Aledo/Buda Hays; and in 5A, Lubbock Coronado/Deer Park and The Woodlands/San Antonio Southwest.

Sign-up is underway for the 22nd annual Darren Wilson Golf Classic to be held June 14th at Center Country Club. This annual tournament is held to raise funds that go to the Darren Wilson Scholarship Fund. Over $140,000.00 has been raised to benefit our area students. There will be a large silent auction during the day long event as part of the fundraiser. The format of the one day affair will be a six man scramble. There is a fee of $80 per player. This fee covers the green fee, eight iron shot off one of the par 5 holes. Lunch will be cooked and served by the Shelby County Cookers before the tournament kicks off. You're encouraged to sign up now to ensure a spot in the tournament. For more information please contact Larry Horn Glen Cordray or Joe Whittlesey at the Center Country Club 936-598-7415 or 936-598-5515.

The annual Preston Football Camp will be held Saturday, June 7 at Roughrider Stadium. The camp hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dwight Preston at 598-2470.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo is June 6 & 7 at 7:30 each night, sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Presale tickets are $5, and can be purchased at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under get in free. There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes. On Saturday night only, anyone wearing a western hat will receive $1 off their admission ticket at the gate. Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up.

Arrest Report

5/22/14--5/23/14

Shelby County:

Aaron Cody Porter, 23, Center, Driving While Intoxicated, Capias Pro Fine, Original Charge: Theft

Randy Fountain, 49, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Stacey Coats, 43, Nacogdoches, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Davie Lewis, 34, Timpson, Warrant-Violation of Probation

Everett Johnson, 49, Center, Burglary of a Building

San Augustine County:

David W. Cooper, Jr., 34, San Augustine, Motion for Adjudication, Original Charge: Criminal Mischief

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

The San Augustine County Sheriff's Office is saying a teenager shot and killed his father Wednesday night during an argument involving his parents.

Chief Deputy Gary Cunningham says 52-year old Dalton West received a single gunshot wound to the chest at a home on County Road 3120 in the Broaddus area around 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Chief Cunningham said deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call and arrived to find West dead. During the investigation deputies learned that West and his wife had been involved in a heated argument when the 16-year old son retrieved a gun from inside the home and confronted west.

Chief Cunningham said at some point, a single round discharged into West's chest.

He added at this point, there 's not enough evidence for criminal charges against the teenager.

A Shelbyville area woman received serious injuries Thursday afternoon and was life-flighted to University Health Hospital in Shreveport with 2^nd and 3^rd degree cooking grease burns.

According to an article on ShelbyCountyToday.com, 23-year old Briana Cartwright was cooking when she stopped to get her toddler son to sleep, when she fell asleep as well. The report says Ms. Cartwright awoke to the house full of smoke, and while attempting to remove the pot from the stove, grease spilled on her.

She reportedly received 3^rd degree burns to her right side, 2^nd degree burns to her chest and left leg, and burns to her left arm.

An emergency crew from ACE EMS was dispatched via 9-1-1 around 1:30 on FM 2694. It’s reported Shelbyville first-responder Steve Dudley responded when he was flagged down by a motorist with the burn victim. A landing zone was established at Shelbyville High School.

Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges is saying a Garrison man has been arrested for a second time for allegedly sexually assaulting multiple children dating back to 1996.

Sheriff Bridges said original charges were filed against 39-year old Horace Rambin, but other people came forward to the district attorney’s office and filed additional charges.

Rambin was released Wednesday on $150,000 bond following his indictment on three counts of sexual assault of a child and six counts of indecency with a child.

He was first arrested Jan. 23 on three counts of sexual assault of a child after reportedly confessing to raping a 12-year old girl in July 1996.

The indictment also accuses Rambin of assaulting two other victims-each younger than 17 from August of 1996 to July 1999.

Beginning Jan. 1 of next year, the City of San Augustine will have a grease trap ordinance. City Manager Bruce Milstead said something had to be done to help cut costly replacement of lift-station pumps, since the pumps don’t handle grease well, prolonging the city’s sewage line infrastructure, and also address an issue with grease flowing into the city streets every time it rained.

Milstead added that commercial businesses, nursing homes and schools would be properly notified of the new grease trap ordinance.

In addition, he said San Augustine was in negotiations with Pineywoods Sanitation for outside garbage collection in hopes of getting out of the business and saving money in that department.

Today's the final day for early voting for next Tuesday's Party Primary Run-off Election. Registered voters have through the end of business today to cast their ballots. There's one local run-off race, and it’s in San Augustine County between Steve Bryan and David McEachern (McKatherine) for the Republican Party Pct. 4 Commissioner position.

There's several state-wide Republican Party run-offs, including the nominee for lieutenant governor between incumbent David Dewhurst and Dan Patrick, state railroad commission nominee between Wayne Christian and Ryan Sitton; attorney general between Ken Paxton and Dan Branch; and state agriculture commissioner Sid Miller and Tommy Merritt.

Democratic state-wide run-offs include U.S. Senate as Kesha Rogers faces off with David Alameel; and commissioner of agriculture as Kinky Friedman takes on Jim Hogan.

Early voting in Shelby County is taking place at County Clerk Allison Harbison’s office on the downtown Center Square from 8 to 4:30 through Friday, while San Augustine County voters can cast their early ballots at Election Administrator Deborah Wood’s Office in the El Camino Justice Center from 8 to 4, and the Broaddus Community Center from 9-4. A reminder: If you voted in a party primary, you can only vote in that same party’s runoff”.  If you did not vote in the March 4 Primary you may still vote and can vote in the runoff election for either party.

Tuesday's polling places have been combined in most precincts. In Shelby County: Precincts 1 N, 1 SO, 1 SE, 1 SW, 1W, and 2 at Center Church of Christ; Precincts 3, 4, 6, 7 in Shelbyville at First Baptist Church; Precinct 5 at Joaquin First United Methodist Church; Precinct 8 at Tenaha First United Methodist Church; and Precincts 9 N, 9 S at the Timpson School Gym Foyer.

San Augustine County polling locations Tuesday: Precinct 1 at San Augustine High School Gym Lobby; Precincts 2, 5, 11 at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, in San Augustine; Precinct 3, 6, 7, 8  at the Senior Citizens Building, in San Augustine; Precinct 4 at First United Methodist Church in San Augustine; Precinct 9 at Long Pines Baptist Church, Hwy 83 @ old FM 705 and Precinct 10 at Chinquapin Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

Polls will be open from 7 to 7 Tuesday, and remember you must have your ID in order to vote.

Monday is Memorial Day, and there will be several observances around the area. American Legion Post 90, Timpson ISD staff and students will present their annual Memorial Day Program at 10 a.m. at the Timpson Plaza. The program will include patriotic music played by the Timpson Bear Band, posting of flags by FFA members, the names of fallen heroes who died during military service to our country will be read, and a group of speakers who will talk about the legacy of service recognition of Gold Star mothers, sisters and daughters who lost a relative in service to our country.

In Center, VFW Post 8904 & the Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual Memorial Day Program on at 11 am in the Historic Courthouse on the Square in Center. Names of all Shelby County Veterans killed in action from the Civil War to today’s War on Terror will be read. Special honorees this year will be the nine County Vietnam Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial wreath will be decorated by members and citizens as the names are read. At the end of the program all will adjourn to the Veterans Memorial outside for the wreath laying, playing of Taps and raising of the flags.

In San Augustine, American Legion Post 387, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9313, and Historical Society will host the annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday in the Museum Theater and at the Courthouse Square. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the theater and will end with the raising of the US flag to full staff, recital of "In Flander's Fields,", the laying of wreaths at the monuments on the courthouse lawn to our war dead.

By the way, VFW Post 8904 Quartermaster Larry Hume tells us flags are to be flown at half-staff for Memorial Day.  They should be lowered to half-staff at sunrise on Monday, May 26th, and raised at noon the same day.  If you have a flag outside that cannot be lowered you can still show respect for the day by tying a black streamer of ribbon or cord at the top.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for Jane Perry of Center. She passed away Thursday in Nacogdoches. Service is pending for Jane Perry at Watson & Sons.

Mangum Funeral Home announces graveside service for 75-year old Carl Brown of Timpson. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. today at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Shelby County. There will not be any visitation. Among Carl Brown’s survivors are, wife, Linda Brown of Timpson; step-children, Christy Brown Bass of Center, Belinda Brown Burgay of Timpson; brothers & sisters, Paul Brown of Garrison, Nolan Brown of Nacogdoches, Wayne Brown of Douglass, Harley Brown of Longview, Archie Brown of Alabama and Ivern Shaw of the Blackjack Community; and brother-in-law, Frank Ceal of Highlands.

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old Roy Kenneth Mosby of Gary, formerly of Garrison. Visitation will be from 12 to 2 this afternoon at Garrison Funeral Home, followed by service at 2 in the funeral home chapel, with interment at Greenwood Cemetery. Among Roy Kenneth Mosby’s survivors are, his wife, Dian Mosby of Gary; daughters, Sheila Ferrell of Seabrook, Brenda Brandon of Oklahoma, Lynette Greer of Vidor, Mary Chiz-Wertz of Gary and Amberly Jacobs of Vidor; and a son, Kirk Mosby of Crawfordville.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 72-year old Calvin Watson of San Augustine.  Service will be at 2 Saturday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with interment at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 today at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Calvin Watson’s survivors are, his wife, Juanita Watson of San Augustine; daughters, Brenda Thomas, Jennie Crawford and Angela Jackson all of San Augustine, Barbara Owens of Mt. Pleasant and Teresa Jackson of Milam; a brother, Elvin Watson of San Augustine; and 4 sisters, Stella Watson of San Augustine, Lorene Wiatt of Lufkin, Joyce Clayton of Hemphill and Sybil Fountain of Nacogdoches.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home of Nacogdoches announces funeral service for 67-year old Anita Louise Rhodes of Central Heights, formerly of Timpson. Service will be at 1 p.m. today at Cason Monk-Metcalf Chapel, with interment at Rock Spring Cemetery in Nacogdoches County. Among Anita Louise Rhodes’ survivors are, her husband, Bill Rhodes, son, Lindy Cordell Hailey; daughter, Kerri Lynn Martin; mother, Dorline Box; and brothers, Billy Ray Box and James Box. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 212 Gene Samford Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75904-3358.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 84-year old Annie Fay (Jack) Johnson of Center. She passed away Tuesday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 tonight at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Lay-in-state will be held from 10-11 Saturday morning at St. Paul Baptist Church in Center. Services will be held directly following the lay-in-state, with interment at Westview Cemetery in Center. Among Annie Fay (Jack) Johnson’s survivors are her husband, Robert Johnson; daughter Alice Dock; sons, Carl Johnson, Robert Lynn Johnson, Bobby Johnson, Glen Johnson and Tommy Johnson, all of Center, and Charles Johnson of Dallas; and a brother, Kent Jones of Center.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 46-year old James Derek (Do Right) Belin of Center. He passed away Monday in Huxley. Visitation is being held today at Community Funeral Home in Center. Service will be at 12 noon Saturday at Center Triumph Church, with interment at Thompson Cemetery in Shelbyville. Among James Derek (Do Right) Belin’s survivors are, his wife, Chinita Belin of Center; daughter, Jamine Belin of Center; brothers, Joe Belin of Houston and Travis Belin of Center; and sister, Tonya Belin of Center.

Garner & Son Mortuary announces pending service for 70-year old Troy Bratchett of San Augustine. He passed away Saturday at Memorial Medical Center in San Augustine.

The 22nd annual Darren Wilson Golf Classic will be June 14th at the Center Country Club. This annual tournament is held to raise funds that go to the Darren Wilson Scholarship Fund. During the past 21 years, over $140,000.00 has been raised to benefit our area students. There will be a large silent auction during the day long event as part of the fundraiser. The format of the one day affair will be a six man scramble. There is a fee of $80 per player. This fee covers the green fee, eight iron shot off one of the par 5 holes. Lunch will be cooked and served by the Shelby County Cookers before the tournament is kicks off. You're encouraged to sign up early to ensure a spot in the tournament. For more information please contact Larry Horn Glen Cordray or Joe Whittlesey at the Center Country Club 936-598-7415 or 936-598-5515.

The annual Preston Football Camp will be held Saturday, June 7 at Roughrider Stadium. The camp hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dwight Preston at 598-2470.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo is June 6 & 7 at 7:30 each night, sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Presale tickets are $5, and can be purchased at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under get in free. There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes. On Saturday night only, anyone wearing a western hat will receive $1 off their admission ticket at the gate. Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up.

High School baseball playoff action:

The No. 1 state-ranked team in Class 1A, Douglass defeated Harleton, 3-0 last night in Kilgore in Game 1 of their region semi-final series. Game 2 will be at 5 tonight at Driller Park in Kilgore. If necessary, Game 3 would follow. The winner will advance to play the Price Carlisle/Evadale winner in the region final next week.

The Price Carlisle/Evadale regional semifinal is a one-game playoff to be played at 6:30 tonight at Morris Frank Park in Lufkin.

In the Class 3A region semi-finals, Silsbee shows no mercy on Caldwell, as they take a 22-9 win last night in Game 1 of their best-of-three series in New Caney. Game 2 is at 7 tonight. The series winner has the College Station/Huffman Hargrave winner in the region final next week.

The Garrison Bulldogs will play Troy in a Class 2A state baseball regional semi-final series starting tonight in College Station. Game 1 of that series will be at 7 p.m. at A&M Consolidated, with Game 2 at 4 p.m. Saturday. The winner will move on to the Region Final against the Central Heights/Salado winner.

The Central Heights-Salado 2A regional semi-final series will start tonight in Franklin. Game 1 is at 7 p.m., with Game 2 at noon Saturday.

Details are not known, but the San Augustine County Sheriff's Office is investigating a possible shooting incident that lead to a possible death last night in the county.

Officials with the San Augustine County Sheriff's Office would not disclose any details this morning, just to say that an incident did take place.

We received a report around 11 last night that a justice of the peace and funeral home were called to an unknown area of San Augustine County in regards to a possible shooting.

We'll have more information as it becomes available.

DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated a shooting incident in Logansport Tuesday night which resulted from a domestic dispute.

According to a press release, 25-year old Eric D. Ford was arrested after he retrieved a shotgun from a car and shot multiple rounds striking one victim in the shoulder as he attempted to leave the scene, and another that tried to rush Ford and disarm him.

The disturbance occurred in the 400 block of Pierce Road in Logansport around 8:15 p.m. Authorities say both gunshot victims were able to leave the residence and later call 9-1-1 with non-life threatening injuries. Another victim was later battered by Ford inside the residence.

Eric Ford was arrested on two counts of Aggravated Second Degree Battery and a count of Domestic Abuse Battery. Upon booking in the DeSoto Parish Detention Center, deputies recovered three narcotic pills that Ford did not have a prescription for. He was then charged with Possession of Schedule III Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Institution.

A Chireno man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly beating his 13-year old daughter with an extension cord. According to the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, 50-year old Michael Allen Locke has been charged with second-degree felony injury to a child. Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office investigators say they were advised by an official at Woden ISD that a child had been spanked with an extension cord. The girl told the school administrator she woke her mother up around midnight Tuesday because of an ear ache. That’s when Locke allegedly told the girl she wasn’t going to school. He grabbed her by the hair, threw her on the bed and started hitting her with an extension cord wherever he could. It was reported the beating had occurred on numerous occasions. The girl received cuts on her arm and both legs.

At their meeting Tuesday night, the San Augustine City Council decided to appoint Claudia Cabriales to fill the Position 5 spot on the council.

According to City Manager Bruce Milstead, the opening came about when former council woman Tressie Simon took the job as director at the El Camino Tourism Center-which would have been a conflict of interest. Ms. Simon replaces the late Bill Simmons at the center. Ms. Cabriales was sworn into place at the meeting.

San Augustine City Council also gave Milstead the go-ahead to file application with DETCOG for a regional solid waste project grant, which he said no plan has been put in place for its use.

In other action, the San Augustine Council agreed to close some two blocks of Columbia Street downtown from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 20, for the Sam Rayburn High School Fishing Tournament Block Party. Milstead said some 700 to 900 participants and their parents, family and friends are expected to converge on San Augustine for the event. 

The Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation recognized former president and CEO of Port-A-Cool, William “Bill” Lloyd for his donations to the foundation by presenting him a plaque of appreciation this week. Lloyd is now a Gold Level contributor, making him the third individual to reach the $50,000 plateau. Lloyd retired from Port-A-Cool in January, and has been very involved in civic organizations in Center, including the Center Rotary Club and other groups. He says he’ll remain in Shelby County and continue to be active. The Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation has over $2 million in assets and has given more than 1,500 scholarships totaling over $1.2 million since 1989.

High School graduation is just a week away for the Class of 2014, as most graduates will receive their diplomas next Friday, May 30.

However, Tenaha's High School's graduation ceremony will be next Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m. at the special events center.

Here's a rundown of graduation exercises planned for May 30. Center High School graduation is at 8 p.m. at Roughrider Stadium; Timpson High School graduation is 7 p.m. at Bear Stadium; Joaquin's graduation is at 8 p.m. next Friday at the gym; Shelbyville High School has their graduation at 7 p.m. in the gym on May 30; and Broaddus' graduation is at 8 p.m. in the high school gym.

San Augustine graduates will walk the stage at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6 at Wolf Stadium.

Logansport High School held its graduation on Monday of this week. Congratulations to the Class of 2014.

A Nacogdoches structure has been named to the Preservation Texas' 11th annual list of Texas' Most Endangered Places. The Clay House at 720 Bois d'Arc was built circa 1905, according to Preservation Texas. A press release says the Clay House is considered to be the finest house in the Zion Hill Historic District of Nacogdoches. The house was built for Charlie Clay and his family, and is an important example of vernacular architecture in one of the most intact early 20th century African-American working class neighborhoods in Texas. The release says the Clay House celebrates the contributions of African-Americans to the history of the Zion Hill neighborhood. Significant repairs would be needed in order for the structure to be a museum. Another deep east Texas site, the Mary Allen Seminary in Crockett was also named to the Most Endangered Places list.

Mangum Funeral Home announces pending service for 75-year old Carl Brown of Timpson. He passed away Wednesday at Green Acres Nursing Home in Center. Among Carl Brown’s survivors are, wife, Linda Brown of Timpson; step-children, Christy Brown Bass of Center, Belinda Brown Burgay of Timpson; brothers, Paul Brown of Garrison, Nolan Brown of Nacogdoches, Wayne Brown of Douglass, Harley Brown of Longview, Archie Brown of Alabama and Ivern Shaw of the Blackjack Community.

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old Roy Kenneth Mosby of Gary, formerly of Garrison. He passed away Tuesday at his residence. Visitation will be from 12 to 2 Friday at Garrison Funeral Home, followed by service at 2 in the funeral home chapel, with interment at Greenwood Cemetery. Among Roy Kenneth Mosby’s survivors are, his wife, Dian Mosby of Gary; daughters, Sheila Ferrell of Seabrook, Brenda Brandon of Oklahoma, Lynette Greer of Vidor, Mary Chiz-Wertz of Gary and Amberly Jacobs of Vidor; and a son, Kirk Mosby of Crawfordville.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 72-year old Calvin Watson of San Augustine. He passed away Tuesday at his residence. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with interment at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 Friday at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Calvin Watson’s survivors are, his wife, Juanita Watson of San Augustine; daughters, Brenda Thomas, Jennie Crawford and Angela Jackson all of San Augustine, Barbara Owens of Mt. Pleasant and Teresa Jackson of Milam; a brother, Elvin Watson of San Augustine; and 4 sisters, Stella Watson of San Augustine, Lorene Wiatt of Lufkin, Joyce Clayton of Hemphill and Sybil Fountain of Nacogdoches.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home of Nacogdoches announces funeral service for 67-year old Anita Louise Rhodes of Central Heights, formerly of Timpson. She passed away Tuesday in Nacogdoches. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 this evening at Cason Monk-Metcalf. Service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home chapel, with interment at Rock Spring Cemetery in Nacogdoches County. Among Anita Louise Rhodes’ survivors are, her husband, Bill Rhodes, son, Lindy Cordell Hailey; daughter, Kerri Lynn Martin; mother, Dorline Box; and brothers, Billy Ray Box and James Box. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 212 Gene Samford Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75904-3358.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 85-year old Mrs. Annie Fay Johnson of Center. She passed away Tuesday night at Nacogdoches Medical Center.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 46-year old James Derek Belin of Center. He passed away Monday in Ragtown.

Garner & Son Mortuary announces pending service for 70-year old Troy Bratchett of San Augustine. He passed away Saturday at Memorial Medical Center in San Augustine.

High School baseball playoff action today:

The Class 1A’s No. 1 state-ranked team, Douglass has a three-game regional semi-final series with Harleton in Kilgore at Driller Park beginning at 5 this afternoon with Game 1, and Game 2 will follow 30 minutes later. If necessary, Game 3 is at 6 Friday. The winner advances to play the Price Carlisle/Evadale winner in the region final.

The Price Carlisle/Evadale regional semifinal is a one-game playoff to be played at 6:30 Friday at Morris Frank Park in Lufkin.

In the Class 3A region semi-finals, Caldwell will play Silsbee in a best-of-three region semi-final series in New Caney. Game 1 is at 7 tonight, with Game 2 at 7 Friday. The series winner has the College Station/Huffman Hargrave winner in the region final next week.

The Garrison Bulldogs will play Troy in a Class 2A state baseball regional semi-final series starting Friday night in College Station. Game 1 of that series will be at 7 p.m. at A&M Consolidated, with Game 2 at 4 p.m. Saturday. The winner will move on to the Region Final against the Central Heights/Salado winner.

The Central Heights-Salado 2A regional semi-final series will start Friday night in Franklin. Game 1 is at 7 p.m., with Game 2 at noon Saturday.

The annual Preston Football Camp will be held Saturday, June 7 at Roughrider Stadium. The camp hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dwight Preston at 598-2470.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo is June 6 & 7 at 7:30 each night, sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Presale tickets are $5, and can be purchased at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under get in free. There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes. On Saturday night only, anyone wearing a western hat will receive $1 off their admission ticket at the gate. Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up.

Arrest Report

5/20/14--5/21/14

Shelby County:

Contina Kay Barton, 34, Tenaha, Warrant-Harassment

Michael David Lorton, 23, Joaquin, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Sexual Assault of a Child

Jonathan Johnson, 22, Center, Disorderly Conduct

San Augustine County:

Nicholas Speer, 32, Broaddus, Operating an Unregistered Vehicle on Public Road and Smith County Warrant-Possession of a Controlled Substance

Steven Davis, 36, San Augustine, Terroristic Threat

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital has a new CEO as Scott Street was recently named to the position. Street will officially join the hospital on July 7. He comes to Nacogdoches from Rogers, Arkansas where he was president and CEO of Mercy Health System. Street was chosen from 77 applicants, and was introduced to the hospital yesterday. He takes over the helm of Nacogdoches Memorial 16 months after the death of Tim Hayward.

We want to bring you up-to-date on an investigation by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department involving a shooting incident that occurred in the Joaquin area last month.

Sheriff Willis Blackwell tells us after autopsy results came back and his department was able to further their investigation, the death of 19-year old Dalton Williams has been declared a suicide.

Sheriff Blackwell said deputies responded to the incident in a wooded area on FM 2787 on April 14 and found Williams deceased from a single gunshot wound to the head.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is hosing a blood drive a week from today, Wednesday May 28 at the sheriff’s office in Center. A donor coach from Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be on site taking donations from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sheriff Willis Blackwell says with a new 24-hour emergency care facility coming later this year to Shelby County, now’s the time to start giving.

That’s a blood drive a week from today, May 28 at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. To find out more and set up an appointment contact Ann Blackwell at 590-9126, or Danielle Almaraz at the sheriff’s office at 598-5601.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is running about $3.43 a gallon, up four cents in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.39, up two cents in the past week. Nationally, the average is $3.62, which is down 6 pennies from the same period a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $3.43 at Walmart, which is the same as last week.

Next Monday is Memorial Day, and there will be several observances around the area.

American Legion Post 90, Timpson ISD staff and students will present their annual Memorial Day Program at 10 a.m. at the Timpson Plaza. The program will include patriotic music played by the Timpson Bear Band, posting of flags by FFA members, the names of fallen heroes who died during military service to our country will be read, and a group of speakers who will talk about the legacy of service recognition of Gold Star mothers, sisters and daughters who lost a relative in service to our country.

In Center, VFW Post 8904 & the Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual Memorial Day Program on at 11 am in the Historic Courthouse on the Square in Center. Names of all Shelby County Veterans killed in action from the Civil War to today’s War on Terror will be read. Special honorees this year will be the nine County Vietnam Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial wreath will be decorated by members and citizens as the names are read. At the end of the program all will adjourn to the Veterans Memorial outside for the wreath laying, playing of Taps and raising of the flags.

In San Augustine, American Legion Post 387, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9313, and Historical Society will host the annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday in the Museum Theater and at the Courthouse Square. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the theater and will end with the raising of the US flag to full staff, recital of "In Flander's Fields,", the laying of wreaths at the monuments on the courthouse lawn to our war dead.

By the way, VFW Post 8904 Quartermaster Larry Hume tells us flags are to be flown at half-staff for Memorial Day.  They should be lowered to half-staff at sunrise on Monday, May 26th, and raised at noon the same day.  If you have a flag outside that cannot be lowered you can still show respect for the day by tying a black streamer of ribbon or cord at the top.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces graveside service for 67-year old Daniel Harrington of the Dreka Community. He passed away Monday at his residence. Visitation will be from 11 to 1 today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 1:30 at Reynolds Cemetery in the Dreka Community of Shelby County. Among Daniel Harrington’s survivors are, his wife, Shirley Harrington of Shelbyville; daughters, Panny Younker of Houston, Michelle Lavergne of Port Neches, Danelle Galloway of Washington state, and Rachelle Pryor of Nederland; and son, John Harrington of Groves.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 78-year old Donald Edward Felts of San Augustine County. Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. today at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel. Private visitation will be prior to service. Among Donald Edward Felts’ survivors are his wife, Kathy Louise Felts of San Augustine; daughters, Kristina Husband of San Augustine, Amie Albritton of Nacogdoches; sister, Susan F. Payne of Broaddus; and brother, John Paul Felts of Corpus Christi.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 46-year old James Derek Belin of Center. He passed away Monday in Ragtown.

Garner & Son Mortuary announces pending service for 70-year old Troy Bratchett of San Augustine. He passed away Saturday at Memorial Medical Center in San Augustine.

In sports,

The Garrison Bulldogs will play Troy in a Class 2A state baseball regional semi-final series starting Friday night in College Station. Game 1 of that series will be at 7 p.m. at A&M Consolidated, with Game 2 at 4 p.m. Saturday. The winner will move on to the Region Final against the Central Heights/Salado winner.

The Central Heights-Salado 2A regional semi-final series will start Friday night in Franklin. Game 1 is at 7 p.m., with Game 2 at noon Saturday.

In Class 1A regional semi-final action, defending state champion Price Carlisle will play Evadale in a one-game playoff at 6:30 Friday night at Morris Frank Park in Lufkin. The winner has the winner of the Douglass/Harleton region semi-final in the Region Final next week.

No. 1 state-ranked Douglass has a three-game regional semi-final series with Harleton in Kilgore at Driller Park beginning Thursday afternoon. Game 1 is at 5 p.m., with Game 2 to follow 30 minutes later. If necessary, Game 3 is at 6 Friday.

Price Carlisle knocked Douglass out of the state playoffs last season in the Region Final enroute to the state championship.

If you're keeping up with the Class 3A regional action, Caldwell will play Silsbee in a best-of-three region semi-final series in New Caney. Game 1 is at 7 Thursday night, with Game 2 at 7 Friday. Caldwell defeated Center and Carthage in the playoffs.

It's Physical Day for Center ISD, as the Center Athletic Department is holding physical examinations for all 6^th Graders, 8th Graders, and 10th Graders that plan to be in any Center Athletic Program in the 2014-2015 school year. A reminder: any other students who are not in those grades, and who do not have a physical on file need to get a physical as well if they plan to be in athletics next year. The physical will cost $20. Checks will be accepted and must be made payable to Center Athletics.

The annual Preston Football Camp will be held Saturday, June 7 at Roughrider Stadium. The camp hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dwight Preston at 598-2470.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo is June 6 & 7 at 7:30 each night, sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Presale tickets are $5, and can be purchased at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under get in free. There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes. On Saturday night only, anyone wearing a western hat will receive $1 off their admission ticket at the gate. Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up.

Early voting for the May 27 Party Primary Run-off Election continues through Friday, May 23. There’s no local election run-off in Shelby County, but there's one in San Augustine County, between Steve Bryan and David McEachern (McKatherine) for the Republican Party Pct. 4 Commissioner position.

There's several state-wide Republican Party run-offs, including the nominee for lieutenant governor between incumbent David Dewhurst and Dan Patrick, state railroad commission nominee between Wayne Christian and Ryan Sitton; attorney general between Ken Paxton and Dan Branch; and state agriculture commissioner Sid Miller and Tommy Merritt.

Democratic state-wide run-offs include U.S. Senate as Kesha Rogers faces off with David Alameel; and commissioner of agriculture as Kinky Friedman takes on Jim Hogan.

Early voting in Shelby County is taking place at County Clerk Allison Harbison’s office on the downtown Center Square from 8 to 4:30 through Friday, while San Augustine County voters can cast their early ballots at Election Administrator Deborah Wood’s Office in the El Camino Justice Center from 8 to 4, and the Broaddus Community Center from 9-4.

A reminder: If you voted in a party primary, you can only vote in that same party’s runoff”.  If you did not vote in the March 4 Primary you may still vote and can vote in the runoff election for either party.

Arrest Report

5/19/14--5/20/14

Shelby County:

Shaddrick McCollister, 30, Center, Warrant-Terrorist Threat

Joseph Gipson, 24, Center, Evading Arrest

Daniel Carl, 54, Center, Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone

Austin Hennigan, 20, Beckville, Public Intoxication

San Augustine County:

Joyce Brown, 44, San Augustine, Public Intoxication and Criminal Trespass

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Following apologies by the city council and the mayor, longtime Tenaha City Secretary Doyce Bailey will be returning to work this morning.

Mayor Pro Tem Claudine Wilson Howard spoke on behalf of the council in requesting Ms. Bailey return to the position she’s held for 32 years.

Following the May 10 city election in which he was re-elected to a second term, Mayor Johnson had terminated Ms. Bailey for supposedly not receiving her support in the election. However, when the air was cleared at last night’s meeting, all parties were agreement they were ready to move forward and get past the bump in the road.

In other business, the Tenaha City Council voted to take the appropriate action to do what they can to move city hall to the municipal building after some plumbing work is done and other renovation and ADA accessible requirements are checked on. 

It took a jury less than 45 minutes of deliberation Monday to find Bobbie Dewayne Grubbs guilty of capital murder in the death of Martha Acevedo-Chan in April 2012 at the Joaquin Country Inn.

In addition, Grubbs was found guilty on two counts of aggravated assault for shooting two other employees of the motel, Quinton "Sam" Watts and Marilyn Retamar.

The state and defense had rested their case by lunch yesterday, and closing arguments were presented at 2 o’clock in Judge Charles Mitchell’s 273^rd District Courtroom.

Bobbie Grubbs has been sentenced to life without parole on all counts by Judge Mitchell.

Grubb’s wife, Deedra’s trial is set to start May 27 in Center. She also faces life in prison without parole.

Shelby County Court (Misdemeanor) is cancelled for Tuesday, May 20. Anyone scheduled to appear on this date, please return Tuesday, June 3, or contact the County Attorney Gary Rholes’ office to make sure you are scheduled at 936-598-6100.

The Timpson City Council will have a regular meeting at 5:30 today as the council will canvass the results of the May 10 election and issue the oath of office to Mayor Debra Smith, and council members Yvonne Ramsey and Ronnie Wolfe. The election of a mayor pro-tem will also take place.

Among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be deconstruction and debris removal of a metal building on the corner of Railroad and Bremond Street, and removal of the wood and metal sheds attached to the Cobb building. This property, located next to city hall was purchased by the city last year.

In addition there will be possible action on a garbage item on Timpson Street and other areas of the city. Also on the action agenda will be matters of the Timpson Volunteer Fire Department. Among the department reports, the Municipal Court has collected some $43, 500 in April, with the city’s portion almost $24-thousand.

At the Joaquin City Council’s regular meeting at 6 tonight, members will discuss and possibly take action on combining the Joaquin and Haslam water under one system number with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; closing J.C. Leggett, Preston and Steve Hughes Drive for the Centennial Celebration on June 14; amending an ordinance to close unused portions of Wall St., Bonaparte St., and Virginia and Lemon St.; and possible action on repairing the walking track at the park.

Center Crime Stoppers is asking for your help to gain information on a break-in that occurred over the weekend at the Tri-County offices on Nacogdoches Street in Center.

Center Police Department Detective David Haley says suspect(s) gained entry into the offices through windows and five Dell computer, including two laptops were taken. Detectives handling the investigation report they were able to collect DNA samples and fingerprints from the scene.

Center P.D. Detective Stephen Stroud said, “Burglaries are picking up. They would like to remind everyone to lock doors on vehicles and homes. Keep everything well lighted and if you see anything suspicious, do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement from you area.

Center Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information. Anyone who has information regarding this crime should call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at www.centercrimestoppers.com. Remember you don't have to give your name. All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous. Rewards will only be paid on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.

A Center man was arrested by San Augustine County Sheriff’s Deputies last Saturday for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year old girl in December of 2013. Twenty-one year old Christian Rios is being held in the San Augustine County Jail on a first-degree felony charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to Chief Deputy Gary Cunningham, Rios was a friend of the victim’s family, and he forcefully sexually assaulted the teenager. Rios is also being held on a probation violation in Shelby County. 

Two longtime friends and members of the Shelby Savings Bank board of directors are both retiring.

In a press release, it was announced yesterday that James Campbell and Gail Cuculic will both be stepping down from the board of directors. Campbell has spent more than 35 years leading Shelby County Savings Association/Shelby Savings Bank, and has been the driving force behind the creation of Shelby Savings Association, then as chairman of the board and the last two years as chairman emeritus.

Cuculic served Shelby Savings Bank as president for seven years, vice chairman 20 years, and for the last two years vice chairman emeritus.

A come-and-go reception for the two will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Saturday, May 31 at the John Dean Windham Civic Center in Center.

Campbell and a group of like-minded visionaries banded together to organize Shelby County Savings Association in the late 1970s. He was already leading several successful ventures, including General Shelters and the Center Livestock Auction, but he saw a need for a lending institution that would serve the local needs of East Texans. 

Originally a CPA, Cuculic had worked in the poultry industry and the insulation business before joining Shelby Savings Bank in 1984, first as vice president and then replacing original president Joe Fomby.

Shelby County Savings officially opened on July 27, 1982, in a portable building on Austin Street, with three employees and $1.5 million in assets. Today the bank has 78 employees in four locations and, as of Feb. 28, 2014, $264,888,626 in working assets.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo is June 6 & 7, and according to Ann Blackwell, the rodeo queen, duchess and princess contest for this year only will be postponed.

Ms. Blackwell said this will give the committee time to re-group and come back strong for next year. She added there’s currently a wonderful court; they’ll just work for two years.

She advised ladies to keep the Sheriff’s Posse Queen’s contest on your radar for next year. Again, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Queen’s contest has been postponed for this year’s rodeo.

As for the rodeo performances, they’re set for 7:30 nightly at the Shelby County Expo Center. Tickets are $5, and can be purchased at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and at Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under are free.

There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes. On Saturday night only, anyone wearing a western hat will receive $1 off their admission ticket at the gate.

Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up.

The Deep East Texas Council of Governments will have their 45^th annual membership meeting and awards luncheon at noon Thursday at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin. The Ralph W. Steen East Texan of the Year Award will be among the awards presented. The event guest speaker is state Rep. Trent Ashby of Lufkin, who represents Angelina, Houston, San Augustine and Trinity counties and serves on the Appropriations and the Natural Resource committees in the Texas House of Representatives. The public in invited and tickets are $12 at the door.

Next Monday is Memorial Day, and there will be several observances around the area.

American Legion Post 90, Timpson ISD staff and students will present their annual Memorial Day Program at 10 a.m. at the Timpson Plaza. The program will include patriotic music played by the Timpson Bear Band, posting of flags by FFA members, the names of fallen heroes who died during military service to our country will be read, and a group of speakers who will talk about the legacy of service recognition of Gold Star mothers, sisters and daughters who lost a relative in service to our country.

In Center, VFW Post 8904 & the Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual Memorial Day Program on at 11 am in the Historic Courthouse on the Square in Center. Names of all Shelby County Veterans killed in action from the Civil War to today’s War on Terror will be read. Special honorees this year will be the nine County Vietnam Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial wreath will be decorated by members and citizens as the names are read. At the end of the program all will adjourn to the Veterans Memorial outside for the wreath laying, playing of Taps and raising of the flags.

In San Augustine, American Legion Post 387, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9313, and Historical Society will host the annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday in the Museum Theater and at the Courthouse Square. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the theater and will end with the raising of the US flag to full staff, recital of "In Flander's Fields,", the laying of wreaths at the monuments on the courthouse lawn to our war dead.

By the way, VFW Post 8904 Quartermaster Larry Hume tells us flags are to be flown at half-staff for Memorial Day.  They should be lowered to half-staff at sunrise on Monday, May 26th, and raised at noon the same day.  If you have a flag outside that cannot be lowered you can still show respect for the day by tying a black streamer of ribbon or cord at the top.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for Daniel Harrington of the Dreka Community. He passed away Monday at his residence. Service is pending at Watson & Sons for Daniel Harrigton.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 78-year old Donald Edward Felts of San Augustine County. He passed away Saturday at his residence. Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel. Private visitation will be prior to service. Among Donald Edward Felts’ survivors are his wife, Kathy Louise Felts of San Augustine; daughters, Kristina Husband of San Augustine, Amie Albritton of Nacogdoches; sister, Susan F. Payne of Broaddus; and brother, John Paul Felts of Corpus Christi.

The Garrison ISD is in search for a new athletic director and head football coach as Craig Barker leaves Garrison after two seasons to take over the same duties at Class 4A Kaufman High School, east of Dallas. In two seasons, Barker guided the Bulldogs to a 19-5 record, a district title and two playoff berths. Barker assumes his new job in Kaufman today. The Garrison job was Barker’s first as an AD and head football coach. Garrison Superintendent Darren Webb said he will meet with the Garrison ISD school board tonight to discuss hiring a new AD and head football coach.

The annual Preston Football Camp will be held Saturday, June 7 at Roughrider Stadium. The camp hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dwight Preston at 598-2470.

Arrest Report

5/16/14--5/19/14

Shelby County:

Jeffery Hudson, 43, Logansport, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

Angela Strickland, 33, Center, Violation of Probation, OC: Driving While Intoxicated with Open Container

Justin Gibbs, 25, Center, Disorderly Conduct

Travis Handy, 52, Shelbyville, Criminal Mischief, Assault-Family Violence Causing Bodily Injury

Leon Johnson, 58, Center, Disorderly Conduct

Lorena King, 37, Timpson, Violation of Probation, OC: Hopkins County-Injury to a Child or Elderly with Intention of Causing Bodily Injury

Jamarcus Tanner, 17, Tenaha, Warrant-Burglary of a Building and Public Intoxication

Everardo Baylon, 53, Center, Driving While Intoxicated with Open Container

Rodolfo Gray, 24, Tenaha, Public Intoxication, Warrant-Bail Jumping, Warrant-Driving While License Invalid, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Assault

Latarrance Gray, 22, Center, Driving While Intoxicated and No Drivers License

San Augustine County:

David A. Roberts, 47, Broaddus, Motion for Adjudication (Tampering with Government Records), and Violation of Probation out of Polk County

Jody S. Bedley, 36, Broaddus, Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle

Christian Rios, 21, Center, Aggravated Sexual Assault

Antwon Davis, 26, San Augustine, Assault-Family Violence

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

The Texas Workforce Commission says April was a robusts month for Texas job growth, as the unemployment rate continues to fall. The April rate of 5.2 percent is the lowest in almost six years for the state.

Locally, the rate has also dropped area-wide, as Shelby County's rate has fallen one-percentage point in the past year, the same as the state's to 5.2 percent. In the past month there's been a 7-tenths of a percentage drop.

San Augustine County's April unemployment is at 7.5 percent, an over two-percentage decline in the past 12 months, and down from 8.4 just last month.

Sabine County's rate is 10.2 percent, as double-digit unemployment continues.

In other neighboring counties, Nacogdoches County's April rate is 4.6 percent; Angelina at 3.6 percent; and Panola County with a 3.6 percent unemployment rate.

Early voting for the May 27 Party Primary Run-off Election begins today and will continue until this Friday, May 23. There’s no local election run-off in Shelby County, but there's one in San Augustine County, between Steve Bryan and David McEachern for the Republican Party Pct. 4 Commissioner position. Bryan had 138 votes to 128 for McEarchern as Bryan did not have a clear majority in the four-person March 4 party primary.

There are also several state-wide Republican Party run-offs, including the nominee for lieutenant governor between incumbent David Dewhurst and Dan Patrick, state railroad commission nominee between Wayne Christian and Ryan Sitton; attorney general between Ken Paxton and Dan Branch; and state agriculture commissioner Sid Miller and Tommy Merritt.

Democratic state-wide run-offs include U.S. Senate as Kesha Rogers faces off with David Alameel; and commissioner of agriculture as Kinky Friedman takes on Jim Hogan.

Early voting in Shelby County will take place at County Clerk Allison Harbison’s office on the downtown Center Square from 8 to 4:30 this week, while San Augustine County voters can cast their early ballots at Election Administrator Deborah Wood’s Office in the El Camino Justice Center from 8 to 4, and the Broaddus Community Center from 9-4.

A reminder: If you voted in a party primary, you can only vote in that same party’s runoff”.  If you did not vote in the March 4 Primary you may still vote and can vote in the runoff election for either party.

An overloaded power strip is to blame for a house fire late Friday night in Center. Center Fire Chief Keith Byndom says his department responded to a call just after 11 in the 300 block of Schillings Street were neighbors had already begun to extinguish the fire. Chief Byndom said fireman rolled upon the wood frame home of Debra Jordan’s with smoking coming from the structure. He said a couple of men were outside and saw the blaze near a window and took action by breaking out a window and used a water hose to extinguish the blaze. Chief Byndon said fireman used fans to ventilate the house of smoke. There were no injuries reported.

The Tenaha City Council will meet at 5:15 this afternoon. Among the agenda items for discussion and consideration will be the canvassing of the May 10 election, as well as administering the oath of offices and the election of a Mayor Pro Tem. T

he new council members will include Mayor Orinthia Johnson, and council members Michael Baker, Durand Steadman and Tom Rinkle.

The council will also revisit the moving of city hall to the municipal building and hear from department heads.

Also on the agenda is going into executive session to discuss the employment status of city secretary Doyce Bailey and the job performance of Wes Wheeler. If there's any action to be taken on items discussed in closed session, the council will act on those in open session.

As we told you Friday, the council's discussion in executive session concerning Ms. Bailey that was suppose to take place last Thursday was delayed due to the item not properly being worded on the agenda.

I spoke with Mayor Johnson over the weekend and he advised Ms. Bailey did not come back to work Friday, although he stated to us Thursday she had her job back, as far as he was concerned.

At the Center ISD Board meeting last Thursday night, trustees have the go-ahead for administration to proceed with physical improvements to Center Middle School, as well as repair the roof of the 7^th and 8^th grade building. No budget costs were made available for the repairs. In addition, Deputy Superintendent of Schools Rayford Copelin was asked to investigate the costs of improving the auditorium.

Center High School students, staff and programs were also recognized at the meeting. Principal Tim Norman thanked the board for their support, and welcomed the members of the board to come view the art work that’s presently being displayed throughout CHS. Students representing FFA, Floral Design, Choir, National Honor Society, BETA, Band, Twirlers, UIL, Athletics, as well as World Geography-Human Trafficking Project were in attendance. Trustees also received various gifts from students.

In public comment, Brad Nachman addressed the board representing the CHS Band Booster Club announcing the boosters provided 11 scholarships.

In personnel matters, a leave of absence was given to Rosa Barbee; and hired for employment were Laura Hightower, ELAR teacher-Center Middle School; Erinn Moseley, 4^th/5^th Grade Math/Science Teacher at Center Intermediate School; and Amiee Vaughn, Health Science Teacher at Center High School. Retirements were accepted for Sherri Burgay and Debbie Johnson; and the resignations of Laura Hancock, Christy Littleton, LeeAnn McGraw, Lacy Pierce, Allison Sanford and Kellie Sanford.

The Tenaha ISD Board of Trustees will have a called regular meeting at 5:30 this afternoon, and among their agenda items for discussion and possible approval will canvass of the school board trustee election. New members include: Michael Ogden and Vickie Jernigan. In addition, the board will consider approval on the certification of the anticipated tax collection rate for 2014; the certification of 2013 excess tax debt collection; requesting bids on fuel, bread, milk, produce, snacks and cafeteria food and non-food items. The Tenaha trustees will also consider approval of budget amendments as recommended by Superintendent Scott Tyner. These include a facelift to Tiger Gym, drainage and access issues between Tiger Stadium and the band hall, band hall refurbishment for better acoustics and a switch to LED technology in the special events center. Prior to this meeting, at 5:15 there will be a public meeting to discuss federal programs.

The Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees will meet at 7:30 tonight, and among their agenda items will be reorganizing the board with the administering of oath to new board members Pam Hearnsberger, Jimmy Hamilton and Chrisco Bragg, and then election of officers. In addition the board will go into closed session for personnel discussion, with any action if needed to take place in open session.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Shelby Beautiful Clean committee recently announced Ron Bogue of Center as the recipient of the Yard of the Month recognition for May.  He is located at 208 Kennedy Street. A certificate of appreciation was presented to Mr. Bogue for outstanding beautification contributions, along with the traditional Yard of the Month sign.  The recipient of the Yard of the Month is recognized for enlightening and achieving general beautification, exceeding local standards and demonstrating excellence in community landscape. Jodi Fountain serves as chairman for the Shelby Beautiful Clean committee, and says it’s hoped that other residential property owners will follow example. Shelby Beautiful Clean is an affiliate of both Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful. In addition to public recognition of businesses and individuals, the committee coordinates Shelby Spring Clean, recycling, general beautification projects and Shelby Fall Clean. If you know someone in Shelby County who has a beautiful yard, or if you have passed by and noticed an outstanding yard, please call the Chamber office at 936-598-3682 or email the chamber at info@shelbycountychamber.com.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of a graveside service Saturday fro 53-year old Michelle (Mikki) Jane Mueller of Tenaha. She passed away Thursday at her residence. Graveside service was at 4 Saturday at New Prospect Cemetery, Timpson. Among Michelle (Mikki) Jane Mueller’s survivors are, daughter, Laura Mueller of Tenaha; son, Bobby Mueller of Tenaha; mother, Pat Shaver of Tenaha; father, Bruce Lewis of Minnesota; brothers, Brian Lewis of Tenaha and David Lewis of Minnesota, and sister, Cindy Delatte of Tomball.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces a graveside service for 56-year old Jon Keith Griffin of San Augustine. He passed way Saturday in Tyler after a lengthy illness. Graveside service will be at 11 this morning at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden. Among Jon Keith Griffin’s survivors are his sons, Jeremy Griffin of San Augustine, Jonathan Griffin of Beach City, Texas; brothers, Jason Hines of San Augustine, Paul and Jeff Griffin of Lumberton; sister, Gayle Griffin of Lumberton; parents, Muriel Jean Hines and husband Cleo of San Augustine, and Malcom Griffin and wife Dorothy of Lumberton.

The Garrison Bulldogs have earned a spot into the Class 2A state baseball regional semi-finals by winning their best-of quarter-final series with Groveton in three games in Palestine. Garrison took Game 1, 11-1, lost Game 2, 9-6, before winning Game 3, 5-4. They’ll move on to play Troy this week in College Station, for a shot to advance to the region final. Game 1 of that series will be at 7:30 Friday at A&M Consolidated, with Game 2 at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Central Heights also moves on to the Class 2A region semi-final round after knocking off Kirbyville in three games in their quarter-final series. Central Heights won Game 1, 2-1, Kirbyville got the Game 2 win, 6-5, to force Saturday’s rubber game, which the Blue Devils won, 3-1 in Pollock. Central Heights will meet Salado this week.

In Class 1A, No. 1 state-ranked Douglass sweeps West Sabine, 11-1, 6-3 to advance to the region semi-finals to play Harleton.

The Carthage Bulldogs had their season end Saturday when Caldwell swept the Class 3A best-of-three series in Waxahachie. After taking a 15-1 win Thursday, Caldwell came back with a 5-3 decision Saturday. Caldwell moves on to play Silsbee in the region semi-finals this week.

In the softball playoffs:

The two-time defending Class 3A state champion Hudson Lady Hornets were sent home, as Huffman Hargrave swept the best-of-series, 4-3 and 11-1 in Hunstville. Hargrave advances to the region final to play Columbia.

In Class 1A, the state’s No. 1 team, Beckville will miss a return trip to Austin, as Harleton bounced the Lady Bearkats from postseason by taking Saturday’s third game, 3-1 in Marshall. Harleton will meet Grapeland for the region final. Grapeland defeated Zavalla to advance.

The Angelina College Lady Roadrunner softball team captured the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship in Saint George, Utah, Sunday defeating Central Florida, 8-5.

The Center Athletic Department has set this Wednesday as Physical Date. All 6^th Graders, 8th Graders, and 10th Graders that plan to be in any Center Athletic Program in the 2014-2015 school year will need a physical. A reminder: any other students who are not in those grades, and who do not have a physical on file need to get a physical as well if they plan to be in athletics next year. The physical will cost $20. Checks will be accepted and must be made payable to Center Athletics.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo is June 6 & 7 at 7:30 each night, sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Presale tickets are $5, and can be purchased at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under get in free. There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes. On Saturday night only, anyone wearing a western hat will receive $1 off their admission ticket at the gate. Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up.

• Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
• Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
• Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.
• Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
• Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
• Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Arrest Report

5/14/14--5/15/14

Shelby County:

James Cody Fleming, 30, Shelbyville, Criminal Mischief, Warrant-Theft

James Melvin Fleming, 60, Timpson, Theft

Edward Eugene Moorman, 39, Center, Aggravated Assault, Family Violence Causing Bodily Injury

John Howard Moore, 58, Shelbyville, Driving While Intoxicated

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All Subjects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

In Tenaha yesterday afternoon, it was the meeting that wasn’t, as an agenda posting technicality postponed a city council meeting that was suppose to see the Tenaha City Council meet and go into executive session to discuss the recent firing of longtime city secretary Doyce Bailey by Mayor Orinthia Johnson on Monday for not supporting him during the recent election. The Texas Open Meetings Act requires when a governing body goes into executive session to discuss personnel that that individual’s name be included under the proper item—in this case yesterday, it did not. The agenda was also signed by an unauthorized officer of the city, municipal judge Jenny Hicks, instead of Mayor Johnson.

Mayor Johnson said Ms. Hicks had used previous meeting agendas as a guide.  

Mayor Johnson said the agenda would be corrected and posted, and the council would meet again Monday. The result left those in attendance wondering if any business the city had conducted in past was done properly? Regardless, the large-vocal gathering all agreed the city and citizens needed to come together and work through this issue and others. Ms. Bailey, who’s served as city secretary for 32 years, was in attendance, but had no comment. Mayor Johnson said he made an attempt to contact her Monday following the termination, and even solicited the help of council member Claudine Wilson Howard, to offer Ms. Bailey her job back. However, she would not take his call.

Mayor Johnson said Ms. Bailey had her job back today, if she wanted it, and she’s still on the payroll. Although Mayor Johnson did terminate Ms. Bailey, the final call is left up to the city council. 

Week one of Bobbie Grubb’s capital murder trial will come to an end today as the jury has heard testimony since Tuesday centering on the events leading up the April 2012 shooting death of Martha Acevedo-Chan, and shooting assault of Quinton Watts and Marilyn Retamar at the Joaquin Country Inn.

The first few days of the trial has included statements from Mary Jane Cashdollar, who was assaulted in her Montgomery County home by Grubbs and his wife Deedra, to two-days later when Grubbs shot the three employees of the motel. Grubbs has said robbery was the motive behind the shootings. This was all revealed through a video confession made by Bobbie Grubbs to a Montgomery County detective. Grubbs has said he should be punished for the crimes and that his wife is innocent.

Bobbie Grubbs is represented by court-appointed attorney John R. Smith.

Deedra Grubbs trial is to start May 27.

The middle-aged couple entered pleas of not guilty to both charges. Both face up to life in prison without the possibility of parole if found guilty. 

A citizen’s tip has lead Timpson Police to the arrest of a Panola County man and a Shelby County woman.

Chief Kent Graham says the individuals were at an abandoned house on Hwy. 59 south of Timpson around 7:15 Tuesday evening when officers Michael Williams and Thomas Jernigan drove up on 39-year old Billy Givins of Beckville removing boxes of items from the home.

Officers approached the suspect and found him in possession of a small amount of meth. Chief Graham said officers had cuffed Givins, and while they were speaking with the female, 32-year old Misty Hensarling of Joaquin, Givins bent down, picked up the bag of meth with his mouth, and took off running. After a short pursuit, he was taken back into custody.

Chief Graham said a search also turned up a .32 hand gun in the suspect’s possession. Billy Givins was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Evidence and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Hensarling was book on a warrant for Violation of Probation, original charge: Theft by Check.

The property owner did not wish to file any charges.

We were informed by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce late yesterday, that due to unforeseen circumstances the Center Airport Fly-In committee and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce are rescheduling the Young Eagle student flights previously planned for tomorrow, Saturday, May 17. According to committee chairman, Sammy Dance, “We regret the change in date, but all efforts will be made to set a new date as soon as possible.” All students that registered for this Saturday will be personally contacted and given the opportunity to fly on the rescheduled date.

Early voting for the May 27 Party Primary Run-off Election begins Monday and will continue until Friday, May 23. There’s no local election run-off in Shelby County, but there's one in San Augustine County, between Steve Bryan and David McEachern (McKatherine) for the Republican Party Pct. 4 Commissioner position. Bryan had 138 votes to 128 for McEarchern as Bryan did not have a clear majority in the four-person March 4 party primary.

There are also several state-wide Republican Party run-offs, including the nominee for lieutenant governor between incumbent David Dewhurst and Dan Patrick, state railroad commission nominee between Wayne Christian and Ryan Sitton; attorney general between Ken Paxton and Dan Branch; and state agriculture commissioner Sid Miller and Tommy Merritt.

Democratic state-wide run-offs include U.S. Senate as Kesha Rogers faces off with David Alameel; and commissioner of agriculture as Kinky Friedman takes on Jim Hogan.

Early voting in Shelby County will take place at County Clerk Allison Harbison’s office on the downtown Center Square from 8 to 4:30 next week, while San Augustine County voters can cast their early ballots at Election Administrator Deborah Wood’s Office in the El Camino Justice Center from 8 to 4, and the Broaddus Community Center from 9-4.

A reminder: If you voted in a party primary, you can only vote in that same party’s runoff”.  If you did not vote in the March 4 Primary you may still vote and can vote in the runoff election for either party.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 82-year old Evelyn Frances Chandler Frazer of Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at 2 p.m. Sunday at Brazoria Cemetery in Brazoria. Among Evelyn Frances Chandler Frazer’s survivors is a daughter, Carol Ann Davis of Brazoria; sisters, Ruth Bishop of Shelbyville, Alice Ansley of Gary, Jerri Ann Chandler of Shelbyville and Billie J. Briggs of Van Vleck.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 82-year old Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates of Shelbyville. Memorial service will be at 1 Saturday, at Ephesus Baptist Church in Shelbyville. Among Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates’ survivors are, nieces, Regina Martin of Georgia and Janice Cates of Mississippi; and sister-in-law, Teresa Cates of Georgia.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 83-year old Miriam Adams Jernigan of Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Mt. Herman Cemetery. Among Miriam Jernigan’s survivors are children, Rickie Paul Jernigan of Center, Reba Ann Powers of Amarillo, Rebecca Towns of Center, and Woodie Jernigan of Center; daughter-in-law, Vivian Jernigan Ford of Center; and sister-in-law, Betty Adams Simmons of Nacogdoches.

Mangum Funeral Home announces a graveside service for infant Dixie LeeAnn Graves. Graveside service will be at 4 today at Strong Cemetery. Dixie LeeAnn Graves is survived by parents, Kirk & Amanda Shofner Graves of Shelbyville; three brothers, Trey, Bailey and Paxton Graves; and granddaughter of R.E. “Bubba” Shofner of Shelbyville and Janet and Tom McLeod of Shreveport; and great grandmother, JoAnn Shofner.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 53-year old Barry Ivie of San Augustine. Graveside service will be at 2:30 this afternoon in the Gann Cemetery in Angelina County. Visitation will be prior to graveside only. Among Barry Ivie's survivors are his father and step-mother, Marvin and Bettie Ivie of Jefferson; and sister, Kimberly of Houston.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 53-year old Bernard Lynn Evans of San Augustine. He passed away Wednesday in San Augustine. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with burial at Dickerson Cemetery in San Augustine County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 today at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 81-year old Robert Yarbrough of Garrison. He passed away Wednesday morning at his residence in Garrison. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 this evening a Community Funeral Home in Timpson. Service will be at 1 Saturday at New Liberty Baptist Church in Garrison, with interment at New Liberty Cemetery in Garrison. Robert Yarbrough is survived by a daughter, Johnnie Nash of Center; and a son, Trayland Johnson.

It’s the quarter-final round of the state baseball playoffs.

In Class 2A, the Garrison Bulldogs will play Groveton in a best-of-three series beginning at 7 p.m. tonight in Palestine. Game 2 will be played at 4 p.m. Saturday, and Game 3 would follow. The winner advances to the region semi-finals to play the Rogers/Troy winner.

Central Heights defeats Kirbyville, 2-1 in Game 1 of their best-of-three Class 2A regional quarter-final playoff series in Nacogdoches. Game 2 will be at 7 tonight in Jasper. If needed, Game 3 would be at noon Saturday at Pollock Central. The winner moves on to play the Clifton/Salado winner.

In Lufkin last night, No. 1 state-ranked Douglass takes an 11-1 five-inning win over West Sabine in Game 1 of their best-of-three Class 1A regional quarter-final series. Game 2 is at 6 tonight, and if necessary, Game 3 is 2 p.m. Saturday. The winner will have the Bowie/Harleton winner in the region semi-finals.

Up at Waxahachie last night, Caldwell blistered Carthage, 15-1 in five innings in Game 1 of a Class 3A region quarter-final series. Game 2 is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, and Game 3 would follow. Caldwell eliminated the Center Roughriders from the playoffs last weekend. The winner has the Silsbee/Splendora series winner in the regional semi-finals next week.

In the softball playoffs it’s the region semi-finals,

Hudson is the lone District 20-3A team left. The two-time defending state champions are playing Huffman Hargrave in a best-of-three series starting tonight at 7 at Sam Houston State in Huntsville. Game 2 is 6 p.m. Saturday.

In Class 1A, Beckville is playing Harleton in the regional semi-final round in a best-of series in Marshall that started last night, with Harleton coming away with a 3-1 win over No. 1 ranked Beckville.

In another Class 1A series, Zavalla takes on Grapeland at Morris Frank Park in Lufkin with Game 1 at 6 tonight.

The Center Athletic Department has set a Physical Date for May 21st. All 6^th Graders, 8th Graders, and 10th Graders that plan to be in any Center Athletic Program in the 2014-2015 school year will need a physical. A reminder: any other students who are not in those grades, and who do not have a physical on file need to get a physical as well if they plan to be in athletics next year. The physical will cost $20. Checks will be accepted and must be made payable to Center Athletics.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo is June 6 & 7 at 7:30 each night, sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Presale tickets are $5, and can be purchased at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under get in free. There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes. On Saturday night only, anyone wearing a western hat will receive $1 off their admission ticket at the gate. Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up.

Arrest Report

5/14/14--5/15/14

Shelby County:

Billy Givins, 39, Beckville, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Evidence, Escape and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

Kristin Paige Wilburn, 19, Joaquin, Possession of a Controlled Substance

David Nathan Lewis, 34, Timpson, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Warrant-Manufacturing and Delivery of a Controlled Substance

San Augustine County:

Clayton E. Williams, 25, Chireno, Theft

Note: All Subjects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

We want to bring you up-to-date on the investigation of the chase and shooting incident that occurred in Lout Town on Hwy. 87 south of Shelbyville earlier this month.

Texas DPS Press Secretary Tom Vinger told Center Broadcasting Wednesday that Trooper Zachary Mills was released from Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview this week after receiving treatment for a broken leg in the May 4 incident.

Trooper Vinger said Texas Rangers and Highway Patrol continue to investigate the matter, which ended after shots were fired by DPS Trooper Dustin Ramos and Center Police Sgt. Duane Gordon, killing Jonathan Swindle of Shelbyville.

According to the preliminary investigation, Trooper Mills was out of his patrol car and was struck in the bar ditch as Swindle drove a stolen pickup truck off the roadway, around the spike strip.

We’ll continue to bring you updates from DPS as they become available.

Center Broadcasting reported yesterday that former Shelby Regional Hospital owner; Dr. Tariq Mahmood had rescinded his guilty-plea deal, changed attorneys and asked for a postponement to allow his new counsel time to prepare for trial, in regards to billing fraud and stealing patient's IDs. We have a bit more information on the matter.

The Dallas Morning News reported earlier this week that U.S. District Judge Michael Schneider had granted Mahmood's request. However, Judge Schneider, with noted frustration during Monday's hearing because of previous delays, gave Mahmood and his attorney until July 21 to start his jury trial.

Mahmood, who owned and operated six troubled rural Texas hospitals, including Shelby Regional, was indicted in April 2013 for billing fraud and hit with a second set of charges in December for allegedly stealing patient identities to carry out his scheme.

There are some scams going around the area that you should be aware of.

The Center Police Department is saying a scam involving a card received through the mail claiming the recipient could receive "$100 in gift savings" for use at Wal-Mart or Target is making the rounds. There's an 855 number printed on the card asking the receiver to call and claim $100. However, the person answering the call is asking for the caller's debit or credit card information. The Center Police Department says if you received such a card, to contact them at 598-2788.

Also, Shelby Savings Bank is warning customers and citizens of a new scam they became aware of Tuesday. According to Jeremy Fenley, Vice President, Chief Information Officer, a person is making phone calls claiming to be from a satellite service of the bank. The caller-id shows the phone number 936-591-0179 which is a phone number from Shelby Savings North Branch. The bank advises the person is not affiliated with Shelby Savings Bank and to use caution and don't give out personal or financial information to the caller.

In addition, the Nacogdoches Police Department is warning citizens of a telephone scam, where the caller identifies himself as a lieutenant with a Nacogdoches County or District Court. The person then tells the victim they owe money on a warrant or find and demands money be paid following their specific instructions. Nacogdoches law enforcement has asked the public not to give information to the caller and hang up immediately.

The Center ISD Board of Trustees will have a regular meeting at 6 tonight, and among the agenda items for discussion and will be physical improvements to Center Middle School.

Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry tells us that the school is aging and needs physical attention. He said for the most part some interior and exterior painting, replacement of wood facings, HVAC improvements, if necessary and affordable are the primary needs.

Also, the trustees will consider delegating contractual authority to Dr. Hockenberry. Per policy, the school board approves all employee contracts. He said with this time of year the so-called “hiring season”, the best candidates for employment are in high demand, and the window to employ the best candidates is small. By delegating authority to him until Sept. 1, it allows for the district to enter into contracts sooner rather than waiting for the next board meeting.

Also on tonight’s agenda will discussion on conducting a surplus sale this summer. Dr. Hockenberry said items will include computers, equipment and furniture that have exceeded their useful life.

The Shelbyville ISD met Tuesday and canvassed the votes from last Saturday’s trustee election, as Mark Bohannon and Tim Bradshaw were sworn-in as new board members.

Superintendent Dr. Ray West said the new school board officers elected were Kelly Parker as president; Etola Jones, vice president, and Joey Lawson, secretary.

In personnel matters, Dr. West said David Turner has been hired as the new Dragon baseball coach. Coach Turner will come to Shelbyville after nine successful seasons at New Deal, located in the panhandle near Lubbock.

Dr. West added that Shelbyville ISD was excited in being able to get a coach with the playoff experience and success that Coach Turner brings to the table. New Deal, like Shelbyville, is also a Class 1A school.

Coach Turner reportedly led New Deal to two trips to the state baseball tournament, one state finalist, and six district champions, and nine playoff appearances. 

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee hosted their annual Teacher Appreciation Reception yesterday to recognize the teacher of the year, and named as the Elementary Teacher of the Year was April Ramsey of Timpson Elementary, while Chris Watlington of Center High School was the Secondary Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to these educators, and thanks for what you do!

Huxley Helping Hands, a local mission group from the Huxley Community, is holding a food pantry for the residents of Shelby County this Saturday. Proof of residency is required. There will only be one box per household given. Sign in starts at 9am until food is gone at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 901 Southview Circle, Center, Texas. For more information on the food pantry you may contact Jessica Kay at 936-572-3463.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for infant Michael Drake Tapley. He passed away Monday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. this afternoon at White Rock Cemetery in Center. Among Michael Drake Tapley’s survivors are his parents Michael Tapley and Sarah Smith of Center; brothers, Jaden, Conner and Kamden Tapley, all of Tatum; step brother, Chandler Smith of Logansport; grandparents, Rhonda Cotton of Center and Mona Smith of Logansport; great-grandmother, Lois Chandler of Center; and great-great grandmother, Louise Dent of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 82-year old Evelyn Frances Chandler Frazer of Center. She passed away Tuesday in Nacogdoches. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at 2 p.m. Sunday at Brazoria Cemetery in Brazoria. Among Evelyn Frances Chandler Frazer’s survivors is a daughter, Carol Ann Davis of Brazoria; sisters, Ruth Bishop of Shelbyville, Alice Ansley of Gary, Jerri Ann Chandler of Shelbyville and Billie J. Briggs of Van Vleck.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 82-year old Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates of Shelbyville. Memorial service will be at 1 Saturday, May 17 at Ephesus Baptist Church in Shelbyville. Among Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates’ survivors are, nieces, Regina Martin of Georgia and Janice Cates of Mississippi; and sister-in-law, Teresa Cates of Georgia.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 83-year old Miriam Adams Jernigan of Center. She passed away Tuesday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Friday evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Mt. Herman Cemetery. Among Miriam Jernigan’s survivors are Rickie Paul Jernigan of Center, Reba Ann Powers of Amarillo, Rebecca Towns of Center, and Woodie Jernigan of Center; daughter-in-law, Vivian Jernigan Ford of Center; and sister-in-law, Betty Adams Simmons of Nacogdoches.

Mangum Funeral Home announces a graveside service for infant Dixie LeeAnn Graves. Graveside service will be at 4 Friday at Strong Cemetery. Dixie LeeAnn Graves is survived by parents, Kirk & Amanda Shofner Graves of Shelbyville; three brothers, Trey, Bailey and Paxton Graves; and granddaughter of R.E. “Bubba” Shofner of Shelbyville and Janet and Tom McLeod of Shreveport; and great grandmother, JoAnn Shofner.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 53-year old Barry Ivie of San Augustine. He passed away Wednesday in San Augustine. Graveside service will be at 2:30 Friday in the Gann Cemetery in Angelina County. Visitation will be prior to graveside only. Among Barry Ivie's survivors are his father and step-mother, Marvin and Bettie Ivie of Jefferson; and sister, Kimberly of Houston.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces pending service for 81-year old Robert Yarbrough of Garrison. He passed away Wednesday morning at his residence in Garrison.

Arrest Report

5/13/14--5/14/14

Shelby County::

Sammy Samford, 49, Joaquin, Assault-Family Violence

Joseph Raducka, 35, Timpson, Criminal Trespass

Eric McCollister, 39, Center, Warrant-Evading Arrest and Driving While License Invalid-Enhanced

Misty Hensarling, 32, Joaquin, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Theft by Check

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All Subjects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Testimony began yesterday in the capital murder trial of Bobbie Grubbs, who’s been charged with the April 2012 shooting death of Martha Acevedo-Chan and the shooting assault of Quinton Watts and Marilyn Retamar at the Joaquin Country Inn.

It’s believed robbery was the motive behind the shootings, as money was missing from the motel and the couple hijacked one of their victims' cars.

Two days prior to the incident in Shelby County, Grubbs and his wife, Deedra Grubbs committed a home invasion in The Woodlands.

Testimony on Tuesday in District Judge Charles Mitchell’s 273^rd District Court, centered on the Montgomery County assault and burglary, and their capture there after fleeing the Joaquin crime scene. In addition, the state presented a video statement from Grubbs confessing to the shootings, saying he intended to kill all three.

Bobbie Grubbs is represented by court-appointed attorney John R. Smith.

Deedra Grubbs trial is to start May 27.

The middle-aged couple entered pleas of not guilty to both charges. Both face up to life in prison without the possibility of parole if found guilty. 

After saying he would enter a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud last week, word now from the U.S. Attorney’s office is that former Shelby Regional Hospital owner, Dr. Tariq Mahmood wants to retract the plea and proceed with a trial by jury, with a new attorney. At Monday’s hearing in Tyler Federal Court, Mahmood asked for a 90 day postponement to allow his new counsel time to prepare. The motions must be approved by U.S. District Judge Michael Schneider. Mahmood was indicted on healthcare fraud and additional counts involving allegations that he altered codes underlying $1.1 million in billings to Medicare.

Center Broadcasting has been able to confirm that long-time City of Tenaha secretary Doyce Bailey was terminated from her position Monday morning by Mayor Orinthia Johnson for reportedly no supporting him in the recent election.

CBC made contact with Mayor Johnson yesterday, and asked him if Ms. Bailey had indeed been let go, he would not confirm, saying he had no comment. Ms. Bailey on the other hand responded by saying she was called into Mayor Johnson’s office and fired, saying the mayor based his decision on her not supporting him during the last election. He won re-election last Saturday.

Ms. Bailey has been Tenaha city secretary for 32 years, and said after her dismissal Monday she was escorted out of city hall by City Marshall Jimmy Wagstaff.

There will be a special meeting of the Tenaha City Council at 5:15 Thursday, with the only item on the agenda listed as an executive session concerning personnel.

Ms. Bailey says she feels confident the council will re-instate her to the position as city secretary. She had no comment as to whether she would pursue any legal option. 

Acting on a number of citizen complaints, a joint effort between the Center Police Department and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department resulted in the arrest of two men at a Tenaha residence on drug related charges Monday morning.

Officers converged on 410 North Center Street and arrested 33-year old Tavoris Giles of Tenaha and 27-year old Leonard Blackshire of Timpson. Officers gained entry into the house and detected marijuana by odor and in sight. Giles reportedly tried to fight officers once they had probable cause to search, saying he reached for a gun several times before being detained.

Officials say they recovered over four grams of crack, as well as a quantity of hydro marijuana with a street value of $25 a gram, along with methadone pills. In addition, some $15,000 in cash was seized. Search of a vehicle at the property recovered an assault rifle.

Giles was charged with delivery of marijuana in a drug free zone; resisting arrest, search or transport; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; money laundering; two counts of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance in a drug free zone.

Blackshire was booked on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia; violate promise to appear; money laundering; delivery of marijuana in a drug free zone; and two counts of delivery of a controlled substance in a drug free zone.

Departments assisting in the bust included the Tenaha City Marshal’s Office, Timpson Police Department, and Shelby County Constables Precincts 4 and 5.

As the school year winds down, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will salute the talented teachers throughout the county’s school districts at 4 o’clock this afternoon when a teacher appreciation reception is held at the Windham Civic Center.

Kelly Lucas is chairperson of the chamber’s education committee. She says teachers of the year from each campus will be recognized, and the event allows the chamber to express gratitude and appreciation to educators throughout Shelby County.

She adds the Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year will be chosen from the nominees submitted by each campus.

The Teacher of the Year each campus are:

F.L. Moffett Primary School – Sherry Lawson

Center Elementary School – Olinda Hale

Center Intermediate School – Daniel Driver

Center Middle School – Sheila Haddox

Center High School – Chris Watlington

Excelsior ISD – Jennifer Cecil

Joaquin Elementary School – Terri Smith

Joaquin Junior High School – Madison Carrington

Joaquin High School – Marilyn Stewart

S.W. Carter Elementary – Phyllis Horton

Shelbyville Middle School – Stephany Carter

Shelbyville High School – Cole Harrison

Timpson Elementary – April Ramsey

Timpson Middle School – Jill Hailey

Timpson High School – Maria Aparicio

A Natural Gas Vehicle Workshop developed for the area by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Energy Task Force and the Center Economic Development Committee will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. next Wednesday, May 21 at the Windham Civic Center. The public is invited to hear the industry specialist discuss vehicle conversions and fueling options as the community faces the future. Presentations will cover vehicle conversions and Compressed Natural Gas fueling stations and equipment.  CNG transition for school districts will be addressed along with a bus exhibit. Among the presenters will be a Natural Gas Industry Update from Texas Railroad Commission regional coordinator, Susan Shifflett, and State Senator Robert Nichols will be the keynote speaker, discussing the future of natural gas in Texas. Registration is required by today, Wednesday by calling the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 598-3682. Lunch is included in the $10 fee.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce advised us yesterday afternoon that all slots have been filled for this Saturday’s Fly-in Young Eagle Rally at Center Municipal Airport. The chamber says the response was overwhelming for student’s ages 8 to 17 to receive free airplane rides. The event is sponsored by The Center Municipal Airport Advisory Board and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Gates will open at 9 a.m. with flights beginning at 10 a.m.

The 31^st annual River City Festival in Logansport will be held this weekend, starting Friday. This year’s theme is “Building Bridges”. The events include a parade, Treasure Hunt, entertainment – various musical groups, cheerleaders, tumblers, etc. Performances on the amphitheater stage throughout the festival; there are craft booths, lots of great food booths, car show, face painting, games of skill, a frog race, organized team competitions such as volleyball, and endurance games. There’s a big dance on Saturday night, and fun time has been ordered for all that attend.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for Michael Drake Tapley, infant son of Michael Tapley and Sarah Smith. He passed away Monday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 83-year old Miriam Jernigan of Center. She passed away Tuesday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces graveside service for 78-year old Charles “Charlie” Roy Chase of Center. Graveside service with military honors will be at 10 this morning at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Charles “Charlie” Roy Chase’s survivors are, sons, Richard Chase of Center and Roy Edward Chase of Beaumont; and daughters, Jana Leija of Houston and Shirley Metz of Baytown.

Mangum Funeral Home announces a graveside service for infant Dixie LeeAnn Graves. Graveside service will be at 4 Friday at Strong Cemetery. Dixie LeeAnn Graves is survived by parents, Kirk & Amanda Shofner Graves of Shelbyville; three brothers, Trey, Bailey and Paxton Graves; and granddaughter of R.E. “Bubba” Shofner of Shelbyville and Janet and Tom McLeod of Shreveport; and great grandmother, JoAnn Shofner.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 82-year old Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates of Shelbyville. Memorial service will be at 1 Saturday, May 17 at Ephesus Baptist Church in Shelbyville. Among Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates’ survivors are, nieces, Regina Martin of Georgia and Janice Cates of Mississippi; and sister-in-law, Teresa Cates of Georgia.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 82-year old Evelyn Frances Chandler Frazer of Center. She passed away Tuesday in Nacogdoches. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at 2 p.m. Sunday at Brazoria Cemetery in Brazoria. Among Evelyn Frances Chandler Frazer’s survivors is a daughter, Carol Ann Davis of Brazoria; sisters, Ruth Bishop of Shelbyville, Alice Ansley of Gary, Jerri Ann Chandler of Shelbyville and Billie J. Briggs of Van Vleck.

Early voting for the May 27 Party Primary Run-off Election will be next week, May 19-23. There's one run-off in San Augustine County, between Steve Bryan and David McEachern (McKatherine) for the Republican Party Pct. 4 Commissioner position. There are also several state-wide Republican Party run-offs, including the nominee for lieutenant governor between incumbent David Dewhurst and Dan Patrick, and state railroad commission nominee between Wayne Christian and Ryan Sitton. Early voting in Shelby County will take place at County Clerk Allison Harbison’s office on the downtown Center Square, while San Augustine County voters can cast their early ballots at Election Administrator Deborah Wood’s Office in the El Camino Justice Center. A reminder: If you voted in a party primary, you can only vote in that same party’s runoff”.  If you did not vote in the March 4 Primary you may still vote and can vote in the runoff election for either party.

The San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court will meet at 9 this morning and among the items for discussion and possible action, includes the county indigent burial policy; the county jail code upgrade; and a proclamation declaring May as Elder Abuse Prevention Month. In addition, the commissioners will hear a report on the probation office relocation, and on the CERTZ-FEMA rates matching funds report and update. Expected guest include U.S. National Forest Ranger Kimpton Cooper to give an update on the FSR 317 culvert project; and Texas AgriLife District Extension Administrator, who will present the San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court with the “Building a Better Texas” award.

The Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees will have a special called meeting at noon today, and the only agenda items will be to canvass the results of last Saturday’s school board election.

The Shelbyville ISD Board has a regular meeting at noon today, and among their agenda items will be canvassing of Saturday’s election and re-organization of the school board. Also, the board will consider and act on renewal/termination of probationary administrator contract and possible resignations and employment of personnel.

The Timpson ISD Board of Trustees will have a regular monthly meeting at 6:30 this evening and among their agenda items for discussion and possible action will canvassing of voting results from Saturday’s election and election of board officers; approval of scholarship committee; hiring of personnel and if any, discussion of personnel issues.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce salutes the accomplishments of the talented teachers throughout the county’s school districts. The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will host a Teacher Appreciation reception at 4 tomorrow afternoon at the Windham Civic Center in Center. During the reception the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Education committee will announce the Shelby County Teacher of the Year for Elementary and Secondary schools. This is a time when gratitude and appreciation is expressed to the educators throughout the county. The Teacher of the Year from the Shelby County School Campuses are:

F.L. Moffett Primary School – Sherry Lawson

Center Elementary School – Olinda Hale

Center Intermediate School – Daniel Driver

Center Middle School – Sheila Haddox

Center High School – Chris Watlington

Excelsior ISD – Jennifer Cecil

Joaquin Elementary School – Terri Smith

Joaquin Junior High School – Madison Carrington

Joaquin High School – Marilyn Stewart

S.W. Carter Elementary – Phyllis Horton

Shelbyville Middle School – Stephany Carter

Shelbyville High School – Cole Harrison

Timpson Elementary – April Ramsey

Timpson Middle School – Jill Hailey

Timpson High School – Maria Aparicio

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old J.D. Walton of Joaquin. Service will be at 10 this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among J.D. Walton’s survivors are daughters, Kimberly Walton of Galveston, Michelle Smith of Joaquin and Mickey Estes of Joaquin; sisters, Mickey Young of Buna, Patricia Nunley of Gilmer and Bernice Cooper of Gilmer; brother, Joe Walton of Ben Wheeler; and sisters-in-law, Jan Wolle of South Dakota, Linda Newman of Gary and Belva Spiva of Willis.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 91-year old James Harold Black, Sr. of Palestine. He passed away Saturday in Palestine. Visitation will be from 11 to 2:30 today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. A graveside service, with military honors, will follow at 3 at Salem Cemetery. Among James Harold Black, Sr.’s survivors are wife, Paula Kimbro Black of Palestine; son, Ronald Black of Deer Park; and daughter, Cindy Tindol of Houston.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 90-year old Ruth Laverne Fountain Akridge of Center. Service will be at 1 this afternoon at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Salem Cemetery in Center. Among Ruth Laverne Fountain Akridge’s survivors are, children, Joe Fountain of Center, James Fountain of Joaquin, and Paula Rogers of Oakhurst; Stepchildren, Carolyn Fenley of Center, Susan Toomer of Woden, Billy Akridge of Center and Gene Akridge of Nacogdoches; and sister, Shirley Morgan of Naples, Florida.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces graveside service for 78-year old Charles “Charlie” Roy Chase of Center. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service with military honors will be at 10 Wednesday morning at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Charles “Charlie” Roy Chase’s survivors are, sons, Richard Chase of Center and Roy Edward Chase of Beaumont; and daughters, Jana Leija of Houston and Shirley Metz of Baytown.

Mangum Funeral Home announces a graveside service for infant Dixie LeeAnn Graves. She was born and passed away last Wednesday at UTMB in Galveston. Graveside service will be at 4 Friday at Strong Cemetery. Dixie LeeAnn Graves is survived by parents, Kirk & Amanda Shofner Graves of Shelbyville; three brothers, Trey, Bailey and Paxton Graves; and granddaughter of R.E. “Bubba” Shofner of Shelbyville and Janet and Tom McLeod of Shreveport; and great grandmother, JoAnn Shofner.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 82-year old Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates of Shelbyville. Memorial service will be at 1 Saturday, May 17 at Ephesus Baptist Church in Shelbyville. Among Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates’ survivors are, nieces, Regina Martin of Georgia and Janice Cates of Mississippi; and sister-in-law, Teresa Cates of Georgia.

Arrest Report

5/12/14--5/13/14

Shelby County:

Jeremy Turner, 23, Timpson, Fictitious License Plate

Bryan Green, 25, Center, Warrant-Evading Arrest or Detention; Warrant-Driving While License Invalid-Enhanced

Leonard Blackshire, 27, Timpson, Two Charges for Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Delivery of Marijuana, Money Laundering, Warrant-Violate Promise to Appear and Warrant-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Tavoris Giles, 33, Tenaha, Two Charges of Manufacturing and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Money Laundering, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Resisting Arrest, Search and Transport, and Delivery of Marijuana

San Augustine County:

Keith Denby, 45, Bronson, Public Intoxication

Tom Chandler, 22, Center, Public Intoxication

Matthew Trevino, 27, Center, Public Intoxication

Caleb Norton, 21, Center, Driving While Intoxicated

Note: All Subjects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

In sports,

We’re down to the quarter-final round of the state baseball play offs, and our local teams are just about out of the picture. However, there are some area teams still vying for state championships.

In Class 2A, the Garrison Bulldogs will play Groveton in a best-of-three series beginning at 7:30 Friday night in Palestine. Game 2 will be played at 4 p.m. Saturday, and Game 3 would follow. The winner advances to the region semi-finals to play the Rogers/Troy winner.

Central Heights and Kirbyville will begin a best-of-three series at 7 Thursday night at SFA, with Game 2 at 7 Friday night in Jasper. If needed, Game 3 would be at noon Saturday at Pollock Central. The winner moves on to play the Clifton/Salado winner.

In Class 1A, West Sabine will play No. 1 state-ranked Douglass in a best-of-three series starting Thursday in Lufkin at Morris Frank Park. Game 1 is 6 p.m., with Game 2 at 6 Friday, and if necessary, Game 3 is 2 p.m. Saturday. The winner will have the Bowie/Harleton winner in the region semi-finals.

As for Class 3A, Carthage will take on Caldwell in a best-of-three quarter-final series in Corsicana beginning Thursday night. The opening game is 7:30, with Game 2 at 2 p.m. Saturday, and Game 3 would follow. The winner has the Silsbee/Splendora series winner in the regional semi-finals next week.

In the softball playoffs,

It’s down to the regional semi-finals, and Hudson is the lone District 20-3A team left. Hudson will meet Hargrave this week.

In Class 1A, Beckville will play Harleton in the regional semi-final round, and Zavalla takes on Grapeland.

After receiving some 37 offers from Division I schools seeking his football talent, Nacogdoches football standout, Jaylon Lane has verbally committed to play at Oklahoma State. The 6-2, 185 pound junior said Oklahoma State was one of the first schools that recruited him before he blew up.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo will be June 6 & 7 at 7:30 each night, sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Presale tickets are $5, and can be purchased at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under get in free. There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes. On Saturday night only, anyone wearing a western hat will receive $1 off their admission ticket at the gate. Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up.

The Cities of Timpson and Tenaha voted to retain their current mayors as votes were cast Saturday in city and school elections.

Debra Smith is headed to a third-term in Timpson with a 127-64 win over Councilman George Grace.

Meanwhile, Tenaha Mayor Orinthia Johnson won re-election to a second term with a 128-109 decision over challenger Claudine Wilson Howard. For the one-year unexpired council term in the City of Tenaha, Michael Baker unseated incumbent Mark Hickson, 130-97; and for the two, two-year terms, incumbent Durand Steadman was re-elected with 132 votes, and Tommy Rinkle will also be going on the council with 100 votes.

School trustee elections saw voters in the Shelbyville ISD voice a change as both incumbents Tiffanne Klein and Faye Dale Allen were defeated. Mark Bohannon led the ticket with 235 votes and Tim Bradshaw also won election with 156 votes. Klein had 87 and Allen with 76.

The Tenaha ISD board will also have two new members as Michael Ogden and Vickie Jernigan both pulled in 121 votes, ahead of incumbent Tracy Collins with 119.

The Joaquin ISD will have three new members as Pam Hearnsberger had 305 votes, Jimmy Hamilton with 281 and Chrisco Bragg with 247 votes. Other voting had Thomas Harvey with 235 and Rodney Harper 106.

Timpson ISD voters decided on retaining two current board members Stephen Burgay with 163 votes and Joyce Wolfe with 113. Jim Radar finished with 109 votes.

The Garrison school board elected three, with Olan Woodard, Jr. coming away with 117 votes, Billy Cooper 115 and Perry Honea with 109.

Nacogdoches ISD voters also said NO to the proposed $58 million bond issue, defeating the issue, 1,229 to 940.

The Shelby County Commissioners' Court meets at 9:30 this morning and among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be approving a proclamation for May to be Elder Abuse Awareness Month; the re-appointment of Rick Campbell and Allison Harbison to serve on the DETCOG Board of Directors; and approve and execute the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund Grant Program.

The City of Center Street Improvements for Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 4 this afternoon to approve the Fiscal Year 2013 Audit, the 2014 Street Program, discuss and approve matching funds for Texas Downtown Revitalization Grant Program and discuss construction of sidewalks on MLK Drive.

When the Center City Council meets at 5 today, their agenda will include several Texas Capital Fund Grant matters having to do with the new Center Motor Company construction, and the proposed Country Place Homes assisted living facility. In addition, the council will approve a resolution creating park donation fund to ensure funds, pledges and grant proceeds; and discussion and possible renewal of the two-year mowing and maintenance contract for city property that has a $2,500 increase. There’s also a request from First Baptist Church for temporary closure of Pecan, Porter and Jackson Streets this Saturday, May 17 for their car show. The council is also likely to cancel the May 26 meeting due to the Memorial Day Holiday.

The Timpson City Council has a special meeting at 5 this afternoon, and the lone agenda item is to go into executive session to discuss disciplinary action and/or termination of a water/sewer department employee. The Timpson City Council will also discuss and possibly take action to hire a full time employee for the position in the water/sewer department.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson was in charge of service Sunday for 80-year old Elizabeth Ann Hooper of McKinney, formerly of Timpson. She passed away Friday in Frisco, Texas. Service was held at Taylor Funeral Home with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson. Among Elizabeth Ann Hooper’s survivors are, sons, Kim Parkman of Marshall, and Brad Parkman of McKinney.

We announced that service is pending for infant Dixie LeeAnn Graves. She was born and passed away May 7 in Galveston. She’s the daughter of Kirk & Amanda Shofner Graves of Shelbyville; three brothers, Trey, Bailey and Paxton Graves; and granddaughter of R.E. “Bubba” Shofner of Shelbyville and Janet and Tom McLeod of Shreveport; and great grandmother, JoAnn Shofner.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 91-year old James Harold Black of Palestine. He passed away Saturday in Palestine. Among James Harold Black’s survivors are his wife, Paula Kimbro Black of Palestine.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old J.D. Walton of Joaquin. He passed away Saturday in San Augustine. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 10 Tuesday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among J.D. Walton’s survivors are daughters, Kimberly Walton of Galveston, Michelle Smith of Joaquin and Mickey Estes of Joaquin; sisters, Mickey Young of Buna, Patricia Nunley of Gilmer and Bernice Cooper of Gilmer; brother, Joe Walton of Ben Wheeler; and sisters-in-law, Jan Wolle of South Dakota, Linda Newman of Gary and Belva Spiva of Willis.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 90-year old Ruth Laverne Fountain Akridge of Center. She passed away Friday in Carthage. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 1 Tuesday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Salem Cemetery in Center. Among Ruth Laverne Fountain Akridge’s survivors are, children, Joe Fountain of Center, James Fountain of Joaquin, and Paula Rogers of Oakhurst; Stepchildren, Carolyn Fenley of Center, Susan Toomer of Woden, Billy Akridge of Center and Gene Akridge of Nacogdoches; and sister, Shirley Morgan of Naples, Florida.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces graveside service for 78-year old Charles “Charlie” Roy Chase of Center. He passed away Saturday in Nacogdoches. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 Tuesday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service with military honors will be at 10 Wednesday morning at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Charles “Charlie” Roy Chase’s survivors are, sons, Richard Chase of Center and Roy Edward Chase of Beaumont; and daughters, Jana Leija of Houston and Shirley Metz of Baytown.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 82-year old Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates of Shelbyville. Memorial service will be at 1 Saturday, May 17 at Ephesus Baptist Church in Shelbyville. Among Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates’ survivors are, nieces, Regina Martin of Georgia and Janice Cates of Mississippi; and sister-in-law, Teresa Cates of Georgia.

Several local track athletes have brought home medals from the UIL state track and field meet held Friday and Saturday in Austin. The Shelbyville Lady Dragon 1600-meter relay team captured the gold with a time of 4:03.94, winning by .03 of a second. The state champion mile relay team members are Stephanie Cartwright, Adaisia Cartwright, Jakyra Ross and Cleosha Jeter. Also, San Augustine’s Anwar Davis is the Class 1A state champion in the 100 meter dash with a time of 10.74.

Other state track and field medal winners include the Timpson boys’ 800-meter relay team that took third. Members are Terence Garrett, Shakar Johnson, Eric Gossett and Devonta Thompson. Both San Augustine girls’ relay teams that qualified for state came home with hardware as the 800-meter were silver medallist and the 400 meter finished third. The team includes Ve’Shun Lacy, Latavia Edwards, Jazmine Watts and Ky’Ashlyn Price. Price also took silver in the 200 meter dash. As a team, the San Augustine girls’ finished in a three-way tie for second place with 36 points. The San Augustine boys’ 400-meter relay just missed medalling, coming in fourth. Garrison girls’ 110-hurdler Jasia Berry was also able to grab a bronze.

In the state baseball playoffs, the Center Roughriders and Joaquin Rams were both eliminated over the weekend.

The Center Roughriders were knocked from the Class 3A state baseball playoffs, as Caldwell swept the best-of-three area championship series. Caldwell took an 8-3 win Friday in Madisonville, and closed out the series with a 2-1 win Saturday at Pollock Central. Caldwell moves on to play Carthage in the region quarterfinal round. It took Carthage three games to beat West and advance.

The Joaquin Rams’ season came to an end Saturday, as West Sabine took the Class 1A area championship best-of-three series in Nacogdoches in back-to-back games. West Sabine came away with a 4-1 in nine innings Friday, and took the series with a 7-4 win Saturday. West Sabine advances to play Douglass in the region quarter-final round this week.

The Garrison Bulldogs will advance in the Class 2A playoffs after sweeping Elysian Fields. Garrison rallied for a 5-4 win Friday night, and took a 6-4 win on Saturday. Garrison will meet Groveton in the quarter-finals. By the way, Garrison pitcher Kaleb Kirk has signed to play baseball at Centenary College in Shreveport.

Central Heights is headed to the quarter-final round of the Class 2A playoffs after win their best-of-three area series in two games, 7-6 and 4-2. Central Heights will now play Kirbyville.

In the softball playoffs:

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs had their season come to close as Woodville came back from Friday’s 3-1 loss, to take two games Saturday, 16-8 and 9-4, in a Class 2A region quarter-final series in Lufkin. Woodville moves on to play Salado in the region semi-finals.

The Center High School Athletic Awards were presented Thursday night and named as recipients of the annual R.E. Malone Award were Rider Kiounis Williams and Lady Rider co-winners, Jasmine Crawley and Jayson Cassell.

The Timpson ISD Athletic Banquet is planned for 6:30 p.m., tonight, Monday, at the Good Hope Baptist Church Family Life center. The tickets are $10.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door. Student athletes will attend free of charge.

Happy Mothers Day!

Lake Wind Advisory till 7 p.m.

·  Today A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

·  Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 15 mph.

·  Monday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

·  Monday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

·  Tuesday Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a high near 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

·  Tuesday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.

·  Wednesday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.

·  Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

·  Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Results of May 10 City & School Elections

City of Timpson

Mayor

(i)Debra Smith 127 winner
George Grace 64

The Center Roughrider baseball team lost to Caldwell, 2-1 Saturday afternoon in Pollock Central, and were elminated in the state Class 3A playoffs. Caldwell took an 8-3 win Friday night in the best-of-three area round serids. Caldwell advances to play the winner of the Carthage/West area best-of-three series.

Due to loss of water pressure Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our system to notify customers of a need to boil water prior to consumption. To ensure destruction of all  harmful bacteria and microbes, water for drinking cooking and making ice should be boiled.

Water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil for two minutes. In lieu of boiling you may purchase water from some other source.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water the City of Tenaha water system officials will notify you the water is safe for consumption. Instruction to discontinue boiling water will be made in the same manner as this notice.

For questions call city call at 936-248-3841 or TCEQ at 512-239-4691.

The 36^th annual Center Broadcasting Company &

Shelby County Bass “Take a Kid Fishing Bream Tournament”

Final Results

Age 3-5

Largest Single Bream by Weight: .69 Brayden Wells

Smallest Fish by Length: 2 1/8 inches Makayla McFadden

Heaviest Stringer (Max. 5 Fish): 2.46 pounds Brayden Wells

Age 6-10

Largest Single Bream by Weight: .57 Zane Griffith

Smallest Fish by Length: 2 3/16 inches Brayden Raymond

Heaviest Stringer (Max 5 Fish): 2.38 Shane Schilder

Age 11-15

Largest Single Bream by Weight: .59 MeKayla Moore

Smallest Fish by Length: 2 1/16 inches Collin Cooper

Heaviest Stringer (Max 5 Fish): 2.64 pounds Sawyer Hendricks

Heaviest Overall Bream: .69 Brayden Wells

Shelby County Bass Anglers’ Casting Contest

Age 3-5

1^st Place: Morgan Doggett – Bullseye

2^nd Place: Case Milford – 7 inches

3^rd Place: Heidi Stutts – 17 inches

Age 6-10

1^st Place: Shane Schilder – 12 inches

2^nd Place: Akeelah Garrett – 17 inches

3^rd Place: Roper Smith – 23 inches

Age 11-15

1^st Tanner Taylor – 14 inches

2^nd Collin Cooper – 24 inches

3^rd – Jordan Allen - 

Riders, Rams on brink of elimination from state baseball playoffs.

The Center Roughriders took an 8-3 loss to Caldwell last night in Madisonville in Game 1 of their best-of-three area playoff series. Game 2 is at 2 p.m. this afternoon in Central Pollock. Center Broadcasting will have the play-by-play with Don Wall starting with pre-game at 1:50 on Q-100 KQBB, and online at cbc-radio.com. If needed, Game 3 would follow Game 2.

Meanwhile, the Joaquin Rams lost in nine innings to West Sabine, 4-1 in Nacogdoches. Game 2 will be at 2 p.m. at Nacogdoches High School. Game 3 would follow Game 2.

GREAT TAKE A KID FISHING WEATHER. YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN CENTER BROADCASTING AT HUXLEY BAY MARINA ON TOLEDO BEND. WEIGH-IN ACTIVITIES START AT 12:30.

·  Today A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

·  Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 10 mph.

·  Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 10 to 20 mph.

·  Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

·  Monday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

·  Monday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

·  Tuesday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 71.

·  Tuesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.

·  Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 78.

Center City Manager Chad Nehring reports the completed section of Martin Luther King Drive from Shelbyville Street (Highway 87 S) to Garfield Street will be reopened Monday morning, May 12th. The concrete has sufficiently cured and hardened to support the weight of the daily truck traffic to the feed mill. The contractor is working as quickly as possible with some weather delays and slowing construction to ensure access to properties. The remaining construction south of Hopkins Street will begin next week and generally consist of only one-half the roadway at any given time allowing access to adjoining resident's properties during this time.

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SHREVEPORT LA
1027 AM CDT FRI MAY 9 2014

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SHREVEPORT HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR...
  SABINE COUNTY IN EASTERN TEXAS...
  SAN AUGUSTINE COUNTY IN EASTERN TEXAS...
  SHELBY COUNTY IN EASTERN TEXAS...

* UNTIL 1230 PM CDT

* AT 1026 AM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAS INDICATED THAT
INTENSE...HEAVY RAINFALL WAS ONGOING ACROSS THE WARNED AREA. DOPPLER
RADAR ESTIMATES OF NEAR TWO TO THREE INCHES OF RAIN PER HOUR WILL BE
POSSIBLE ALONG A NARROW BAND ACROSS NORTHERN SAN AUGUSTINE COUNTY
INTO SOUTHERN SHELBY COUNTY AND NORTHERN SABINE COUNTY TEXAS.

* LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
PATROON...BLAND LAKE AND SAN AUGUSTINE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE
ROADWAY. THE WATER DEPTH MAY BE TOO GREAT TO ALLOW YOUR CAR TO CROSS
SAFELY. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND.

The Center High School Athletic Awards were presented last night and named as recipients of the annual R.E. Malone Award were Rider Kiounis Williams and Lady Rider co-winners, Jasmine Crawley and Jayson Cassell.

The Dallas Morning News is reporting that former Shelby Regional Hospital owner, Dr. Tariq Mahmood, has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The deal with prosecutors comes 13 months after Mahmood was indicted on that charge and additional counts involving allegations that he altered codes underlying $1.1 million in billings to Medicare. The charges carry a combined penalty of more than 20 years in prison, with eh conspiracy count alone bringing up to 10 years. It’s unknown if Mahmood has pleaded guilty to any other charges. A hearing on the deal has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday in Tyler Federal Court. Mahmood’s former chief financial officer, Joe White of Cameron is also under indictment on identity theft in a related case. White is slated to go to trial this summer. White’s attorney has said he’s pursuing a deal with prosecutors, as well.

The 36th annual Center Broadcasting-Shelby County Bass Angler's Take a Kid Fishing Tournament will be held tomorrow at Huxley Bay Marina on Toledo Bend. When the event started in 1978, it was Center Broadcasting’s vision to create a fishing tournament that would encourage families to spend time together while enjoying the outdoors.

Center Broadcasting’s Lori Collins-Alvis says the community and businesses come together to make the traditional event possible.

Trophies are given in three age divisions from 3 to 15 years for smallest fish by length, heaviest stringer by weight and largest single bream by weight.

In addition, the bass anglers invite kids to take part in their casting contest, where they’ll have prizes!

Children that participate in the tournament can expect free food and drinks along with prizes.

We are asking that participants be in the weigh-in line no later than 12:30 Saturday afternoon.

It’s a great way to kick-off the Mother’s Day weekend. The Center Broadcasting-Shelby County Bass Angler’s annual Take a Kid Fishing Tournament tomorrow at Huxley Bay Marina.

Jury selection begins Monday in Center for Capital Murder defendant Bobbie Grubbs, who's charged in the April 2012 shooting death of Martha Acevedo-Chan, and the shooting assault of Quinton Watts and Marilyn Retamar at the Joaquin Country Inn.

Grubbs and his wife, Deedra Grubbs have both entered pleas of not guilty to all charges. Judge Charles Mitchell of the 273rd District Court will preside over proceedings, as evidence is expected to be presented starting Tuesday.

Shelby County District Attorney Kenneth Florence will be assisted by deputy assistant DAs Ralph Guerrero and Wesley Mau, who were provided by Attorney General Greg Abbott.

Bobbie Grubbs will be represented by court-appointed attorney John R. Smith.

Deedra Grubbs' trial is set to start May 27, as both face up to life in prison without the possibility of parole if found guilty.

The Grubbs face additional charges in Harris County after beating and robbing a woman before fleeing to Shelby County.

They were both apprehended in Cleveland after stealing a car and fleeing the crime scene in Joaquin on April 27, 2012.

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs released the April sales tax revenue for cities across the state, and in Shelby County there’s been just over a three-percent decline for the same period a year ago. The City of Center’s sales tax revenue was down two-and-a-half percent with April’s check $285,819. Center’s year-to-date payment is down 2.79 percent from a year ago, at $1.3 million. Tenaha was down 18 percent compared to April 2013, and Timpson saw an 11 percent drop. Tenaha’s April check from the state was $7-thousand, and Timpson’s almost $19-thousand. Joaquin’s April sales tax revenue was up very slightly, with the city receiving a payment of almost $30-thousand, while Huxley saw an over 10 percent increase from a year ago, and is receiving a check for just over $1-thousand.

In San Augustine, April’s sales tax revenue check is $35, 830, down almost 10-and-a-half percent from April 2013. San Augustine’s 2014 payment to date is down almost 10 percent. Broaddus’ April payment was up almost 31 percent from last year, receiving a check for $38-hundred.

Saturday is Election Day for several municipalities and school districts in the area, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In the City of Timpson, for mayor, incumbent Debra Smith is challenged by Councilman George Grace.

In the City of Tenaha, the mayor’s race has incumbent Orinthia Johnson challenged by Claudine Wilson Howard. For the one-year council term in Tenaha, incumbent Mark Hickson is challenged by Michael Baker. As for the two available two-year terms, incumbent Durand Steadman is challenged by Cliff Lloyd and Tommy Rinkle.

In the Timpson ISD trustee election there’s three vying for two trustee positions incumbents Joyce Wolfe and Stephen Burgay are challenged by Jim Rader.

Tenaha ISD has two trustee positions up for election with three running. They are incumbent Tracy Collins, and Michael Ogden and Vickie Jernigan.

The Joaquin ISD has three positions available with six running. They are incumbent John Paul Lawson, in addition to Rodney Harper, James Hamilton, Thomas Harvey, Chrisco Bragg and Pam Hearnsberger;

The Shelbyville ISD Board of Trustees has two positions open, with four running. They are incumbents Tiffanne Klein and Faye Dale Allen, and Tim Bradshaw and Mark Bohannon;

The Garrison ISD is electing three trustees with four seeking those positions. They are Russell O’Dell, Olan Woodard, Jr., Perry Honea and Billy Cooper. 

Nacogdoches ISD voters are also casting ballots on a $58-million bond election.

All registered voters in Timpson and Tenaha, regardless of city or school election can cast their ballots at their respective schools Saturday.

Timpson area voters can do so in the gym foyer, and Tenaha at the administration building.

The Joaquin ISD is voting at the school administration building and also at the Huxley Fire Department; and Shelbyville ISD voters can vote at the school administration. Garrison ISD voters will be casting ballots at Garrison City Hall.

Center Broadcasting will be posting results of Saturday’s voting on our Facebook page.

At their called meeting Wednesday, the Center ISD Board of Trustees recognized Center Middle School students, staff and programs. Middle School principal Matt Gregory advised the board that the "What a Difference a Day Makes" display, that's located in the middle school's library was created by the school's fine arts students and will be display in San Antonio on May 18. He also introduced Sheila Haddox s the Center Middle School Teacher of the Year. In addition, Center Middle School students were recognized for their accomplishments during the 2013-2014 school year.

Center ISD trustees voted to hire the following personnel at the meeting. They include: Alex Cloudy as Center Middle School science teacher/coach; Debra Hippler, Center Intermediate School 4th/5th grade math/science teacher; Gregory Rowe as Center Middle School social studies teacher; and Chelsi White as Center Elementary School Life Skills instructor.

The First Willie P. Richardson Catfish Extravaganza is set for Saturday, May 10th at Banita Creek Hall – Nacogdoches. All the fun starts at 6pm with the weigh-in for the biggest catfish....Enjoy an all-you-can-eat catfish dinner, entertainment from me, Brad Maule, Kim Crisp aka Camo Elvis and Stephen Pate's Rockingp Band. Catfish Queen Pageant. Male & Female Divisions...Gonna be HILARIOUS! 100% of ticket sales go to East Texas Foster Family Association and will help local area children. Tickets are $20 each and available by calling Julia Martin Jones at 936.205.4405. More info visit www.WilliePRichardson.com

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 84-year old Jose Gorgonio Valencia-Ramirez of Shelbyville. He passed away Tuesday at his residence. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 3:30 this afternoon at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 4 at Strong Cemetery. Among Jose Gorgonio Valencia-Ramirez survivors are, wife, Maria Salazar of Mexico; daughters, Eduarda Valencia and Maria Jesus Valencia of Mexio; sons, Raymundo Valencia Santes of Center, Nieves Valencia of Shelbyville, Jose Valencia of Center and Jose Gorgonio Valencia of North Carolina.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 82-year old Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates of Shelbyville. He passed away April 29 at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Memorial service will be at 1 Saturday, May 17, at Ephesus Baptist Church in Shelbyville. Among Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates’ survivors are, nieces, Regina Martin of Georgia and Janice Cates of Mississippi; and sister-in-law, Teresa Cates of Georgia.

The Joaquin Rams’ Class 1A area championship baseball series with West Sabine in Nacogdoches was postponed last night, and will be played starting tonight at 6. Game 2 is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, and Game 3, if necessary, will follow. The series winner moves on to play the Douglass/Dallardsville Big Sandy winner in the region quarter-finals.

The Center Roughriders will meet Caldwell in a Class 3A best-of-3 area championship series starting at 7 tonight in Madisonville. Game 2 will be at 2 Saturday in Pollock Central, and if needed, Game 3 will follow. The series winner has the winner of the Carthage/West series in the region quarter-finals next week. Center Broadcasting will have Rider playoff action on Q-100 KQBB as Don Wall handles the play-by-play.

The Garrison Bulldogs will play Elysian Fields in a Class 2A area round series in Marshall at East Texas Baptist University. Game 1 is at 7 p.m. tonight, with Game 2 at 3 p.m. Saturday, and if necessary, Game 3 will follow. The series winner has the winner of the White Oak/Groveton game in the quarter-final round.

Central Heights will take on Tatum in a Class 2A area round best of series starting at 7 tonight in Henderson. The series winner meets the Kirbyville/New Diana winner in the region quarterfinal round.

In the softball playoffs:

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs have a Class 2A region quarterfinal best-of-three series against Woodville scheduled to start at 7 tonight at Morris Frank Park in Lufkin. Game 2 is at 4 Saturday, and if necessary, Game 3 would follow. The winner moves on to the region semi-final to play the winner of the Bruceville-Eddy/Salado winner.

Center will be the site for a Class 1A girls’ softball quarterfinal series when No. 2 state-ranked Beckville clashes with Cushing starting today, weather permitting. A double-header will start at noon. If necessary, Game 3 is 3 p.m. Saturday.

Center High School is hosting a 5k run/walk to help aid human trafficking victims. The 5k will be held at Center High School at 8 tomorrow morning. For registration or donation information visit www.centerisd.org or email Brad Lawrence at brad.lawrence@centerisd.org.

There’s a number of local athletes taking part in the UIL state track and field meet in Austin today & Saturday hoping to bring home gold medals and the title as best in Texas.

San Augustine state qualifiers include: Tia Barnes in the girls’ shot put; Ky’Ashlyn Price in girls’ long jump and 200-meter dash; and Anwar Davis in the boys’ 100-meter dash; in addition to the girls’ 400 & 800-meter relays (Ve’Shun Lacy, Latavia Edwards, Jazmine Watts, Ky’Ashlyn Price), and the boys’ 400 & 800-meter relays (Dez Randle, Jarvis Smith, Jamikel Roberts, Anwar Davis)

Shelbyville state qualifiers are: Bailey Robalais (Rab-a-lay) in he girls’ discus; Mikel Carter in boys’ pole vault; Emma Walker in the 1600-meter run; and the girls’ 1600-meter relay (Stephanie Cartwright, Adaisia Cartwright, Jakyra Ross, Cleosha Jeter)

Timpson state qualifiers include: Mack Hamilton in the boys’ 800-meter run; and the boys’ 800-meter relay (Terence Garrett, Shakar Johnson, Eric Gossett, Devonta Thompson)

In Class 2A, Garrison’s Jasia Berry in the girls’ 110 hurdles; Willie Rogers in high jump; Taylor Webb in girls’ pole vaulting; and Lacy Lee in girls’ discus.

Arrest Report

5/8/14--5/9/14

Shelby County:

James Tyler Bailey, 21, Center, Driving While Intoxicated

Elidio Sonit-Garcia, 43, Center, Warrants-No Drivers License, No Liability Insurance, Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and No Seat Belt for a Child

Clifford Evans, 55, Tenaha, Warrant-Theft

San Augustine County:

Zhikavan Wilson, 20, San Augustine, Evading Arrest and Endangering a Child; Nacogdoches Traffic Warrants and Motion for Adjudication; Angelina County Hold for Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle

Ever H. Bahena, 34, San Augustine, Driving While Intoxicated

Rhonda Wilson, 34, San Augustine, Criminal Trespass of a Habitation

Michael Wilson, 28, San Augustine, Criminal Trespass of a Habitation

Lisa Carrington, 48, Negreet, Louisiana, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Hindering a Secured Creditor

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

Arrest Report

5/7/14--5/8/14

Shelby County:

Doyle Johnson, 30, Timpson, Warrant-Theft

Monica Moore, 34, Timpson, Assault-Family Violence

Kathleen Moore, 36, Timpson, Assault-Family Violence

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The suspect in Sunday’s deadly car chase south of Shelbyville may have been under the influence of the drug PCP—if his actions are an indicator, according to local officials. When the property owner on CR 2420 called the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office they indicated that 38-year old Jonathan Swindle was walking around his house taking off his clothes. Investigators on Wednesday released the 9-1-1 call that led to the deadly car chase Sunday at Lout Town. Swindle was shot by law enforcement after hitting a state trooper with a stolen truck. Shelby County Sheriff’s Investigator D.J. Dickerson and Center Police Detective David Haley told a Tyler TV station (KYTX) Swindle’s behavior was exactly like someone on PCP. They added someone on PCP will take off their clothes so they can try to cool down. Dickerson and Haley said there’s a new stronger version of the drug that gives people super-human strength and convinces some of them that they’re God. Haley said individuals under the influence of PCP will be calm one minute and the next second they’re violent. Swindle reportedly swerved off of Hwy. 87 to avoid throw-down spikes and hit Trooper Zachary Mills. He continues to recover at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview. Whether Swindle was on PCP will have to be determined by autopsy results. His funeral service is pending at Community Funeral Home in Center.

A Nacogdoches car dealership was hit by thieves Monday night when over $30,000 worth of wheels and tires were taken off brand new vehicles on the dealership’s lot. Rex Perry GMC-Cadillac-Hyundai on Loop 224 at Old Tyler Road had wheels and tires taken off two Cadillac Escalades, two GMC Sierra pickup trucks and two GMC Yukons, leaving all of the vehicles sitting on wooden blocks. According to the police report, the thefts occurred sometime between 11 p.m. Monday and 8:45 Tuesday morning. Anyone with any information about the suspect or suspects involved in the crime is urged to call the Nacogdoches Police Department at (936) 559-2607. The same type thefts have occurred at other new car dealerships in Texas and Louisiana, including Tyler, Kirbyville and Silsbee. Car dealerships in Center or San Augustine have reported no similar incidents.

Saturday is Election Day for several municipalities and school districts in the area, and polls will be open in Texas from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Cities of Timpson and Tenaha are electing a mayor, and the City of Tenaha is voting on a one-year council term and two-two-year council positions.

In the Timpson ISD, two trustee positions are to be filled; the Tenaha ISD has two board spots; while the Joaquin ISD is looking to fill three positions; and the Shelbyville ISD has two trustee seats to elect. Meanwhile, the Garrison ISD is filling three trustee positions.

Nacogdoches ISD voters are being asked to vote on a $58-million bond issue.

All registered voters in Timpson and Tenaha, regardless of city or school election can cast their ballots at their respective schools Saturday. Timpson area voters can do so in the gym foyer, and Tenaha at the administration building. The Joaquin ISD is voting at the school administration building and also at the Huxley Fire Department; and Shelbyville ISD voters can vote at the school administration.

Garrison ISD voters will be casting ballots at Garrison City Hall.

Center Broadcasting will be posting results of Saturday’s voting on our Facebook page.

San Augustine native Tyler Jackson has been promoted to vice president at Shelby Savings Bank. Board Chairman Rick Campbell made the announcement yesterday.

Campbell said Jackson has done an outstanding job and they expect more great things from him. He added Jackson is an example of the great people that East Texas produces.

Tyler Jackson graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in finance and returned to San Augustine in 2009 and began work at Shelby Savings Bank soon afterwards in the loan servicing department. In 2011 he moved to the Hemphill branch as a loan officer, and then transferred to the San Augustine branch in 2012.

Jackson and his wife Marcia have two children, and his parents are Mike and Debbie Jackson of San Augustine.

Shelby Savings Bank president and COO Will Lucas said it was an honor to announce the promotion, adding he’s incredibly talented.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo will be June 6 & 7 at 7:30 each night, sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep.

Presale tickets are $5, and can be purchased at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under get in free.

There will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes.

On Saturday night only, anyone wearing a western hat will receive $1 off their admission ticket at the gate.

Entertainment will be provided by three different East Texas Equestrian Drill Teams. The Rustlers, the 4-8 year olds; The Young Guns, the 8-14 year olds; and The Roughriders, age 15 & up. The Roughrider team won the world’s cup at the Super Ride Drill Team Competition in 2013. The Rustlers and Young Guns placed first in their division.

The Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and its Ladies Auxiliary will have a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse at 11 a.m., this morning, to remember the service and sacrifice of those Americans that lost their lives in World War II. Today is the 69^th anniversary of VE Day-- the surrender of Nazi Germany ending the war in Europe. The public is invited to attend.

Funeral service will be held Saturday in Los Angeles, California for Yandell Lister. He passed away last Friday. He was the son of Rausie and Woodrow Lister. He resided in Los Angeles where he was a Metro bus driver for many years. He was the nephew of Eula and Marcellus White. Among Yandell Lister’s survivors are, his wife, Margrette Lister; daughter, Yenesha Lister; a son, Raymond Stewart; and brother, Wendell Lister.

The Center High School Athletic Department will be hosting its annual Athletic Banquet at 6 tonight in the Center High School Cafetorium. Athletes will be admitted free of charge. Parents and guests will be charge $5 at the door. A meal will be provided.

In the state baseball playoffs:

The Joaquin Rams will play West Sabine in a Class 1A area round best-of-three series at Nacogdoches High School starting tonight, weather permitting. Game 1 is set to start at 6 p.m., with Game 2 at 6 p.m. Friday, and if needed, Game 3 at 6 Saturday. The series winner moves on to play the Douglass/Dallardsville Big Sandy winner in the region quarter-finals.

The Center Roughriders will meet Caldwell in a Class 3A best-of-3 area championship series starting at 7 tomorrow night in Madisonville. Game 2 will be at 2 Saturday in Pollock Central, and if needed, Game 3 will follow. The series winner has the winner of the Carthage/West series in the region quarter-finals next week. Center Broadcasting will have Rider playoff action on Q-100 KQBB as Don Wall handles the play-by-play.

The Garrison Bulldogs will play Elysian Fields in a Class 2A area round series in Marshall at East Texas Baptist University. Game 1 is 7 p.m. Friday, with Game 2 at 3 p.m. Saturday, and if necessary, Game 3 will follow if necessary. The series winner has the winner of the White Oak/Groveton game in the quarter-final round.

Central Heights will take on Tatum in a Class 2A area round best of series starting at 7 tonight in Henderson. The series winner meets the Kirbyville/New Diana winner in the region quarterfinal round.

In the softball playoffs:

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs have a Class 2A region quarterfinal best-of-three series against Woodville scheduled to start Friday at Morris Frank Park in Lufkin. Game one is 7 Friday, with Game 2 at 4 Saturday. If necessary, Game 3 would follow. The winner moves on to the region semi-final to play the winner of the Bruceville-Eddy/Salado winner.

Center will be the site for a Class 1A girls’ softball quarterfinal series when No. 2 state-ranked Beckville clashes with Cushing. Game 1 is to be played at noon Friday, with Game 2 to follow Game 1. If necessary, Game 3 is 3 p.m. Saturday.

Center High School is hosting a 5k run/walk to help aid human trafficking victims. The 5k will be held at Center High School this Saturday, May 10th, at 8 am. For registration or donation information visit www.centerisd.org or email Brad Lawrence at brad.lawrence@centerisd.org.

There’ll be a number of local athletes taking part in the UIL state track and field meet in Austin Friday & Saturday hoping to bring home gold medals and the title as best in Texas.

San Augustine state qualifiers include: Tia Barnes in the girls’ shot put; Ky’Ashlyn Price in girls’ long jump and 200-meter dash; and Anwar Davis in the boys’ 100-meter dash; in addition to the girls’ 400 & 800-meter relays (Ve’Shun Lacy, Latavia Edwards, Jazmine Watts, Ky’Ashlyn Price), and the boys’ 400 & 800-meter relays (Dez Randle, Jarvis Smith, Jamikel Roberts, Anwar Davis)

Shelbyville state qualifiers are: Bailey Robalais (Rab-a-lay) in he girls’ discus; Mikel Carter in boys’ pole vault; Emma Walker in the 1600-meter run; and the girls’ 1600-meter relay (Stephanie Cartwright, Adaisia Cartwright, Jakyra Ross, Cleosha Jeter)

Timpson state qualifiers include: Mack Hamilton in the boys’ 800-meter run; and the boys’ 800-meter relay (Terence Garrett, Shakar Johnson, Eric Gossett, Devonta Thompson)

In Class 2A, Garrison’s Jasia Berry in the girls’ 110 hurdles; Willie Rogers in high jump; Taylor Webb in girls’ pole vaulting; and Lacy Lee in girls’ discus.

The 36th annual Center Broadcasting-Shelby County Bass Angler's Take a Kid Fishing Tournament is Saturday at Huxley Bay Marina on Toledo Bend. The free tournament is for kids 3 to 15, and every child registered will receive a prize. Today at 12 noon is the absolute cut-off for having your child registered. Forms must be brought to Center Broadcasting by noon today. We're asking for all tournament participants to be in the weigh-in line at Huxley Bay no later than 12:30 Saturday afternoon. Trophies will be awarded to the category winners in each age division. It's a great way to get Mother's Day weekend started. Everyone is invited to join us for the Take a Kid Fishing Tournament this Saturday at Huxley Bay Marina on Toledo Bend. For any late registrations, we need those by noon today here at the radio station if you want your child to be eligible for the tourney and receive a prize.

Arrest Report

5/6/14--5/7/14

Shelby County:

Natasha Roland, 31, Center, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Failure to ID

Brandon Loftin, 32, Joaquin, Warrant-Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

Albert Barnfield, 53, Center, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Fictitious Vehicle Registration

Kelly Amburn, 18, Shelbyville, Theft, Engaging in Criminal Activity & Failure to ID

San Augustine County:

Billy W. Murray, 71, Milam, Public Intoxication

Donald Ray Cook, 65, San Augustine, Driving While Intox.-1^st

Vernon J. Hopson, 21, San Augustine, Theft

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

As Texas Rangers and DPS continue their investigation into last Sunday’s trooper-related fatal shooting in Shelby County, the two law enforcement officers that responded with gun-fire that reportedly resulted in the death of 38-year old Jonathan Swindle, remain on regular duty.

Center Police Chief Jim Albers told Center Broadcasting yesterday that Sgt. Dewayne Gordon has requested some personal leave, but is expected to return to work shortly. Chief Albers added if Sgt. Gordon needs to be placed on administrative leave that would be his decision as chief of police. He added he expects the investigation by Rangers and DPS to be completed quickly.

We also asked Chief Albers if Sgt. Gordon leaving the city limits was justifiable and routine to pursue a suspect in the county when the call originated outside the city of Center, he advised his department was asked by DPS to assist and provide “mutual aid”. Chief Albers says this is just a common response that ALL police and fire units do to assist other agencies when needed.

Center DPS Sgt. Kevin Hussey was in Austin for training, and was unavailable for comment concerning Trooper Dustin Ramos’ status. We’ve been advised by DPS they’ll have more when their investigation concludes.

We were able to verify through an undisclosed source that Trooper Ramos was in the middle of his regular off-work schedule this week.

Sgt. Gordon and Trooper Ramos reportedly fired on Swindle after he veered off Hwy. 87 in a stolen truck into a pasture at Lout Town, after striking Trooper Zachary Mills.

After 15 years in prison, Bernie Tiede is a free man. Both Panola County District Attorney Danny “Buck” Davidson and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Edward Gripon recommended Tuesday that Tiede be released from prison on time served.

Judge Diane DeVasto set bond at $10,000. It stipulates that Tiede maintain steady employment, surrender his passport and not leave an area surrounding Austin. Tiede would live in an apartment provided by Richard Linklater, the director of the film, “Bernie”. Tiede left with Linklater last night.

Tiede’s case will now go to the Criminal Court of Appeals, who’ll make the final ruling on whether or not Tiede will be released permanently. There’s no time frame for that case.

Tiede admitted to killing his friend and Carthage millionaire Marjorie Nugent in 1996. He was convicted of Nugent’s death in 1999 and sentenced to life in prison. Under that sentencing, he would not be eligible for parole until 2027.

Dr. Gripon told the court that he believes Tiede experienced a dissociative episode when the offense against Marjorie Nugent was committed. He said he believes the incident was not premeditated.

Davidson said based on new evidence he believes a history of abuse and other factors led Tiede to kill Nugent. He told the court he no longer believes a life sentence is appropriate.

Felony warrants are expected to be filed on two individuals that fled the scene of a two-vehicle accident Sunday afternoon near Timpson.

ShelbyCountyToday.com is reporting that 34-year old David Lewis, Jr. of Timpson, the driver of a Pontiac G6, along with a passenger, 22-year old Jacob Jackson of Shelbyville, attempted to make an illegal u-turn in front of a Shreveport family on Hwy. 59 north near FM 1645, causing the Ford pickup driven by 30-year old Jedediah Davenport to roll and come to rest on its top in a bar ditch.

The article said Lewis and Jackson fled the scene on foot and were not at the scene when DPS Trooper Zach Mills arrived. It's reported Davenport, along with her wife, 25-year old Bridgette Davenport were transported to Timpson ambulance to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. Their two young children were unharmed.

Lewis and Jackson are expected to be charged with failure to stop and render aid.

The Economic Development Committee of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce has formed an Energy Task Force to host a Natural Gas Vehicle Workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 at the Windham Civic Center. The public is invited to hear the industry specialist discuss vehicle conversions and fueling options as the community faces the future. State Senator Robert Nichols will be the keynote speaker, discussing the future of natural gas in Texas. Registration is required by Wednesday, May 14 by calling the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 598-3682. Lunch is included in the $10 fee.

The Center Municipal Airport Advisory Board and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce are making preparations for the Center Fly-in Young Eagle Rally to be held Saturday, May 17 at the Center Municipal Airport. The Young Eagle Rally provides free airplane rides for students ages 8 to 17. For students to participate, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or call 598-3682 or come by the chamber office on the downtown Center square to pre-register on or before May 15. There will be a limited number of registrations taken for the event. The Center Fly-in committee will be providing a hot dog lunch. Gates will open at 9 a.m. with flights beginning at 10 a.m.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is running about $3.43 a gallon, down four cents in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.44, down two pennies in the past week. Nationally, the average is $3.64, which is up 13 cents from the same period a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $3.44 at Walmart, which is down three cents from last week.

The Center High School Athletic Department will be hosting its annual Athletic Banquet at 6 Thursday evening in the Center High School Cafetorium. There will be a $100 cash drawing for all of the student athletes in attendance. Athletes will be admitted free of charge. Parents and guests will be charge $5 at the door. A meal will be provided. Roughrider boosters are invited to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments that the CHS Athletic Program has experienced this school year.

In the state baseball playoffs:

The Center Roughriders will meet Caldwell in a Class 3A best-of-3 area championship series starting at 7 Friday night in Madisonville. Game 2 will be at 2 Saturday in Pollock Central, and if needed, Game 3 will follow. The series winner has the winner of the Carthage/West series in the region quarter-finals next week. Center Broadcasting will have Rider playoff action on Q-100 KQBB as Don Wall handles the play-by-play.

The Joaquin Rams will play West Sabine in a Class 1A area round best-of-three series at Nacogdoches High School. Game 1 is 6 p.m. Thursday, with Game 2 at 6 p.m. Friday, and if needed, Game 3 at 6 Saturday. The series winner moves on to play the Douglass/Dallardsville Big Sandy winner in the region quarter-finals.

The Garrison Bulldogs will play Elysian Fields in a Class 2A area round series in Marshall at East Texas Baptist University. Game 1 is 7 p.m. Friday, with Game 2 at 3 p.m. Saturday, and if necessary, Game 3 will follow if necessary. The series winner has the winner of the White Oak/Groveton game in the quarter-final round.

Central Heights will take on Tatum in a Class 2A area round best of series starting at 7 Thursday in Henderson. The series winner meets the Kirbyville/New Diana winner in the region quarterfinal round.

In the softball playoffs:

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs have a Class 2A region quarterfinal best-of-three series against Woodville scheduled to start Friday at Morris Frank Park in Lufkin. Game one is 7 Friday, with Game 2 at 4 Saturday. If necessary, Game 3 would follow. The winner moves on to the region semi-final to play the winner of the Bruceville-Eddy/Salado winner.

Center will be the site for a Class 1A girls’ softball quarterfinal series when No. 2 state-ranked Beckville clashes with Cushing. Game 1 is to be played at noon Friday, with Game 2 to follow Game 1. If necessary, Game 3 is 3 p.m. Saturday.

Center High School is hosting a 5k run/walk to help aid human trafficking victims. The 5k will be held at Center High School this Saturday, May 10th, at 8 am. For registration or donation information visit www.centerisd.org or email Brad Lawrence at brad.lawrence@centerisd.org.

The 36th annual Center Broadcasting-Shelby County Bass Angler's Take a Kid Fishing Tournament is Saturday at Huxley Bay Marina on Toledo Bend. The free tournament is for kids 3 to 15, and every child registered will receive a prize. We're asking for all tournament participants to be in the weigh-in line at Huxley Bay no later than 12:30 Saturday afternoon. Trophies will be awarded to the category winners in each age division. It's a great way to get Mother's Day weekend started. Everyone is invited to join us for the Take a Kid Fishing Tournament this Saturday at Huxley Bay Marina on Toledo Bend.

Arrest Report

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

Shelby County:

David Whitton, 54, Center, Criminal Mischief

Killian Richey, 23, Center, Warrants-Theft of Firearm, Unsafe Speed, Failure to Report an Accident, No Drivers License; Washington County Warrant-Burglary of a Building

San Augustine County:

Brent Hopson, 23, San Augustine, Theft

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

Trooper Zachary Mills recovering in a Longview hospital. Photo from Shelly Spivey Mills' Facebook page.

The suspect involved in the auto theft, pursuit, trooper-involved fatal shooting incident Sunday evening near FM 139 in the Lout Town area, has been identified.

According to DPS, the individual was 38-year old Jonathan Swindle of Shelbyville. He reportedly took a pickup unauthorized from a residence in the Shelbyville area on CR 2420, which lead to the chase. The result was DPS Trooper Zachary Mills being struck by the vehicle, and ultimately lead to Swindle being shot to death by an unidentified trooper and a Center Police Department officer.

The multi-agency pursuit along and around State Hwy. 87 ended when the suspect, after having already driven over a set of throw-down spikes, avoided a second set placed by Trooper Mills, going off the roadway into the bar ditch striking Trooper Mills, before being forced into a pasture by a Center PD unit, where he was mortally wounded.

An autopsy was ordered, and Swindle’s body taken to Beaumont. Funeral Service for Jonathan Swindle is pending at Community Funeral Home.

Trooper Mills was life-flighted to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview where he continues to recover from a broken leg.

Jonathan Swindle

The investigation continues by the Texas Rangers and DPS. 

A Timpson area family lost their home and belongings to a fire early Sunday morning. James Sullivan, his sister Ruth Ruggs, along with two other family members escaped the blaze on FM 2667, the Lake Timpson Road. Despite efforts by the Timpson Volunteer Fire Department, the mobile home was a total loss. It’s reported they’re staying at a Center motel since they have no local family. Sullivan was taken by Timpson ambulance to a Nacogdoches hospital to be checked out for smoke inhalation. The family is in need of clothing and a place to stay. If you can assist, contact Timpson City Hall for more information.

Also, in an unrelated need, an account has been established at Farmers State Bank for the Jodie Fountain family. They lost their home and belongings in a house fire April 17 on Pearl Lake Road off Hwy. 7 West in the McSwain Hill area. The community has been generous with donations, according to a family friend. They’re reportedly in need of funds, therefore the start of account at Farmers State Bank for the Jodie Fountain family.

Center Crime Stoppers is offering cash reward of up to $1,000 for information on the following crime. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the theft of approximately 18 cattle panels that were reportedly stolen on County Road 3252 in Joaquin sometime during the night Sunday or early yesterday morning.

The panels are 11 feet, green/rust in color and heavy duty. Suspect(s) entered the property to access the panels by cutting a barb wire fence.

Anyone who has information regarding this crime should call Center Crimestoppers at 936-598-SAFE, that’s 598-7233 or submit a tip online at www.centercrimestoppers.com.

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

The City of Joaquin has lifted the Boil Water Notice that was placed on the city’s water system last Friday. After water sample test came back OK from the lab Monday morning, the city notified Center Broadcasting it was no longer necessary to boil water before consumption in the City of Joaquin. Again, the Boil Water Notice in the City of Joaquin has been rescinded.

Early voting by personal appearance for the Saturday, May 10 General Election will come to an end today. City elections will be held in Timpson and Tenaha; and school trustee elections in Timpson, Tenaha, Joaquin Shelbyville and Garrison ISDs.

Remember, you must have an acceptable form of ID in order to vote.

Here are the contested races and early voting locations and times.

In the City of Timpson, for mayor, incumbent Debra Smith is challenged by Councilman George Grace. Voting is taking place from 7 to 7 today at city hall.

In the City of Tenaha, the mayor’s race has current mayor Orinthia Johnson, and challenger Claudine Wilson Howard. For the one-year council term, incumbent Mark Hickson is challenged by Michael Baker. As for the two available two-year terms, incumbent Durand Steadman is challenged by Cliff Lloyd and Tommy Rinkle. City of Tenaha early voting is from 8 to 4 today at city hall.

All school trustee election will take place their district's administration building during the week, Monday thru Friday.

In the Timpson ISD there’s three vying for two trustee positions incumbents Joyce Wolfe and Stephen Burgay are challenged by Jim Rader. Voters in the Timpson ISD can cast ballots early from 8 to 4.

Tenaha ISD has two trustee positions up for election with three running. They are incumbent Tracy Collins, and challengers Michael Ogden and Vickie Jernigan. Early Voting in the Tenaha ISD is from 7:30 to 3:30.

The Joaquin ISD has three positions available with six running. They are incumbent John Paul Lawson, in addition to Rodney Harper, James Hamilton, Thomas Harvey, Chrisco Bragg and Pam Hearnsberger. Joaquin ISD voters can vote early from 8 to 4.

The Shelbyville ISD Board of Trustees has two positions open, with four running. They are incumbents Tiffanne Klein and Faye Dale Allen, and challengers Tim Bradshaw and Mark Bohannon. Early voting for Shelbyville ISD is from 7:45 to 3:45.

The Garrison ISD is also having an election, as Russell O’Dell, Olan Woodard, Jr., Perry Honea and Billy Cooper are on the ballot. Early voting is from 8 to 5.

Nacogdoches ISD voters are also casting ballots on a $58-million bond election.

Early voting for the May 27 Party Primary Run-off Election will be May 19-23. There's one run-off in San Augustine County, between Steve Bryan and David McEarchern (McKatherine) for the Republican Party Pct. 4 Commissioner position. There's also several state-wide run-offs, including the Republican nominee for state railroad commission between Wayne Christian and Ryan Sitton.

A reminder: If you voted in a party primary, you can only vote in that same party’s runoff”.  If you did not vote in the March 4 Primary you may still vote and can vote in the runoff election for either party.

If you have travel plans to and from Lufkin this afternoon, be aware TxDOT and its contractor for the U.S. 59/Loop 287 N. Interchange Project, have plans to move northbound U.S. Hwy. 59 traffic to the newly built director connector bridge this afternoon. Motorists are reminded to use caution when traveling through the area as traffic acclimates to the new flow. The three-year, $52 million project is expected to be completed in late fall 2015. As construction progresses, TxDOT encourages motorists to plan ahead allowing extra time or using alternate routes to reach their destinations. Caution is advised when traveling through this and all work zones. Motorists are also reminded to slow down and obey all traffic control devices.  Remember, traffic fines double when workers are present.

The Center ISD Board will have a special meeting at noon Wednesday. The only item on the agenda will be recognition of the Center Middle School students, staff and programs. In addition, Trustees may consider district employees.

Sixity-nine years ago on May 8th, 1945 the United States and its Allies accepted the formal unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany thus ending World War II in Europe. The United States suffered 213,407 casualties in Europe and Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and it’s Ladies Auxiliary

will remember their service and sacrifice with a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse.  The program will be Thursday, May 8th, at 11 am.  As always the public is invited.

Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, announces a graveside service for 85-year old Mrs. Marian Gentry, of Timpson. She passed away Monday in Center. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Corinth Cemetery, Timpson. Among Marian Gentry’s survivors are a son, James Ray Gentry; and a sister, Lorene McEntire of Timpson.

The Center Roughriders will meet Caldwell in a Class 3A best-of-3 area baseball championship series starting at 7 Friday night in Madisonville. Game 2 will be at 2 Saturday in Pollock Central, and if needed, Game 3 will follow. Both Center and Caldwell swept their bi-district opponents, Center defeated Rusk and Caldwell took two games over Lorena, 11-1 and 5-0. Caldwell is the second place team from Dist. 18-3A, finishing behind top-ranked College Station. The series winner has the winner of the Carthage/West series in the region quarter-finals next week. Center Broadcasting will have Rider playoff action on Q-100 KQBB as Don Wall handles the play-by-play.

The Joaquin Rams will play West Sabine in a Class 1A area round best-of-three series at Nacogdoches High School. Game 1 is 6 p.m. Thursday, with Game 2 at 6 p.m. Friday, and if needed, Game 3 at 6 Saturday. The series winner moves on to play the Douglass/Dallardsville Big Sandy winner in the region quarter-finals.

The Garrison Bulldogs will play Elysian Fields in a Class 2A area round series. Game 1 is 7 p.m. Friday in Longview, with Game 2 at 3 p.m. Saturday in Marshall, and if necessary, Game 3 in Marshall. The series winner has the winner of the White Oak/Groveton game in the quarter-final round.

Central Heights will take on Tatum in a Class 2A area round best of series starting at 7 Thursday in Henderson. The series winner meets the Kirbyville/New Diana winner in the region quarterfinal round.

In the softball playoffs:

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs have a Class 2A region quarterfinal round best-of-three series against Woodville. The site, date and times are still being worked out. The winner moves on to the region semi-final to play the winner of the Bruceville-Eddy/Salado winner.

Center will be the site for a big Class 1A girls’ softball quarterfinal series when Beckville clashes with Cushing. Game 1 is to be played at noon Friday, with Game 2 to follow Game 1. If necessary, Game 3 is 3 p.m. Saturday.

Center High School is hosting a 5k run/walk to help aid human trafficking victims. The 5k will be held at Center High School this Saturday, May 10th, at 8 am. For registration or donation information visit www.centerisd.org or email Brad Lawrence at brad.lawrence@centerisd.org.

Arrest Report

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

Shelby County:

James Pounders, 33, Center, Violation of Parole, Original Charge: Burglary of a Habitation

Giovani Tyrone Johnson, 25, Center, Criminal Mischief

Andrew Tyne Allison, 33, Carthage, Possession of a controlled substance & Failure to ID

Ernesto Gonzalez, 33, Center, Driving While Intoxicated with a Child under 15-years of age

Tony Teston, 19, Shreveport, Disorderly Conduct & Public Intoxication

Johnny Taylor, 18, Joaquin, Driving While Intoxicated & No Drivers License

Justin Ross, 21, Joaquin, Driving While Intoxicated & Wrong Fictitious Registration

Jason Dupree, 28, Timpson, Driving While Intoxicated-2nd Offense

Christopher Barton, 23, Joaquin, Assault of a Public Servant, Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor & Public Intoxication

Richard Etheridge, 39, Center, two warrants-forgery

Ruben Camarillo, 20, Center, Possession of Marijuana

Esteban Rodriguez, 27, Center, Nacogdoches Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Driving While Intoxicated

Ronisha Maye, 23, Fresno, Texas, Galveston County Warrant-Forgery by Passing

Ashley Hammond, 25, Farmers Branch, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Orginal Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance

William Lovell, III, 31, Tenaha, Warrant-Intoxication Assault

Robert Chambliss, 31, Tenaha, Possession of a Controlled Substance & Possession of Marijuana

Lorenzo Lane, 39, Joaquin, Nacogdoches Warrant-Failure to ID and Driving While License Invalid. Shelby County Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Jonas Goodwin, 29, Center, Public Intoxication

Daniel Ainsworth, 27, Marshall, Marion County Warrant-Burglary of a Habitation

Elidio Sonit-Garcia, 43, Center, Driving While Intoxicated with Child Under 15-years of age

Elisha Cruse, 23, Joaquin, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Assault

Contina Barton, 34, Tenaha, Criminal Trespass

San Augustine County:

Shelby Robinson, 18, San Augustine, Possession of Marijuana

Zachery Prater, 19, San Augustine, Possession of Marijuana

Jamie Perez, 25, Massachusetts, Driving While License Invalid & No Insurance

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

Texas Rangers and the Department of Public Safety continue to investigate a trooper-involved fatal shooting Sunday night that occurred in the Lout Town area south of Shelbyville.

DPS is saying Trooper Zachary Mills attempted to stop a stolen 2003 Dodge pickup on Hwy. 87 using throw-down spikes around 6:30 p.m., when the unknown suspect left the roadway and struck the trooper. The unidentified suspect reportedly continued to drive into a nearby pasture, where he was fatally shot.

The preliminary investigation indicates that shots were fired from a DPS trooper and Center Police Department officer. Trooper Mills was life-flighted to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview where he reported to have a broken leg, and non life-threating injuries.

Center Police, along with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office were assisting DPS in the stop. We’ll have more details of the incident as they become available.

We told you Friday that an oil spill occurred at the Lake Sam Rayburn Dam and oil flowed into the Angelina River. According to power plant officials the dam experienced a main power transformer failure at some point last Monday morning and it was noticed by workers at the facility that oil sheen was appearing on the river around mid morning. Less than 100 gallons of non-hazardous insulating oil escaped into the Angelina River, and no oil made it into Lake Sam Rayburn. Officials say the spill is not expected to have any environmental impact on the waterway. The dam is expected to resume its generating as early as today.

Early voting by personal appearance for the Saturday, May 10 General Election will come to an end tomorrow, Tuesday. City elections will be held in Timpson and Tenaha; and school trustee elections in Timpson, Tenaha, Joaquin Shelbyville and Garrison ISDs. Remember, you must have an acceptable form of ID in order to vote.

Here are the contested races and early voting locations and times.

In the City of Timpson, for mayor, incumbent Debra Smith is challenged by Councilman George Grace. Voting is taking place from 8-5 today and from 7 to 7 tomorrow at city hall.

In the City of Tenaha, the mayor’s race has current mayor Orinthia Johnson, and challenger Claudine Wilson Howard. For the one-year council term, incumbent Mark Hickson is challenged by Michael Baker. As for the two available two-year terms, incumbent Durand Steadman is challenged by Cliff Lloyd and Tommy Rinkle. City of Tenaha early voting is from 8 to 4 today and Tuesday at city hall.

All school trustee election will take place their district's administration building during the week, Monday thru Friday.

In the Timpson ISD there’s three vying for two trustee positions incumbents Joyce Wolfe and Stephen Burgay are challenged by Jim Rader. Voters in the Timpson ISD can cast ballots early from 8 to 4.

Tenaha ISD has two trustee positions up for election with three running. They are incumbent Tracy Collins, and challengers Michael Ogden and Vickie Jernigan. Early Voting in the Tenaha ISD is from 7:30 to 3:30.

The Joaquin ISD has three positions available with six running. They are incumbent John Paul Lawson, in addition to Rodney Harper, James Hamilton, Thomas Harvey, Chrisco Bragg and Pam Hearnsberger. Joaquin ISD voters can vote early from 8 to 4.

The Shelbyville ISD Board of Trustees has two positions open, with four running. They are incumbents Tiffanne Klein and Faye Dale Allen, and challengers Tim Bradshaw and Mark Bohannon. Early voting for Shelbyville ISD is from 7:45 to 3:45.

The Garrison ISD is also having an election, as Russell O’Dell, Olan Woodard, Jr., Perry Honea and Billy Cooper are on the ballot. Early voting is from 8 to 5.

Nacogdoches ISD voters are also casting ballots on a $58-million bond election.

Early voting for the May 27 Party Primary Run-off Election will be May 19-23. There's one run-off in San Augustine County, between Steve Bryan and David McEarchern for the Republican Party Pct. 4 Commissioner position.

There's also several state-wide run-offs, including the Republican nominee for state railroad commission between Wayne Christian and Ryan Sitton.

A reminder: If you voted in a party primary, you can only vote in that same party’s runoff”.  If you did not vote in the March 4 Primary you may still vote and can vote in the runoff election for either party.

The Center High School Class of 2014 volunteered at the East Texas Food Bank in Tyler last Friday morning before officially starting their Senior Trip. Almost 130 Seniors joined together and stuffed over 2000 bags that will be distributed to over 8900 kids in the East Texas Area. A number of Center residents will receive the food bags from Friday’s event. When talking with multiple seniors, they agreed that this was a unique, rewarding, and fun experience that they could see themselves doing again. Career Counselor, Alease Copelin said, she could see this becoming a tradition!" 

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce held its third annual BBQ Cook-off and Bike Rally Saturday, as BBQ teams competed in beans, brisket, chicken and pork ribs for almost $3,000 in prize money and trophies.

According to chamber president Paul Smith, the Midnight Cookers from Tenaha were crowned the Grand Champion cook team. The Midnight Cookers took first in chicken, second in ribs, and second in brisket to receive the most points. Taking first place beans was the Nacogdoches Go Texan team with chief cook Brian Stephenson; first place ribs to Mitchell 2000 from Many, Louisiana and first place brisket to Big Hoops of Timpson.

Smith said the event drew a good number of motorcycle riders that participated in people’s choice, slowest bike ride and carburetor toss. The People’s Choice award went to Jason Terry of Timpson with his 2011 Evo Frame and ’82 Suzuki engine; slowest bike ride: Dennis Leggett of Joaquin; and carburetor toss: Ernest Parker. Smith expressed his appreciation to all that attended and took part in the cook-off and bike rally.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 83-year old Billie Jane Edwards of Center. She passed away last Thursday at Pine Grove Nursing Home in Center. Service will be at 2 this afternoon at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Visitation will be held an hour prior to service time. Among Billie Jane Edwards’ survivors are, Penny Garcia of Center and Shelly Gonzales of Joaquin; and grandson, Kenneth Robertson of Tenaha.

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 91-year old Winston Simms of Garrison. He passed away Friday in Garrison. Service will be at 10:30 this morning at Garrison First United Methodist Church with burial in Greenwood Cemetery in Garrison. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:30 this morning at the church. Among Winston Simms’ survivors are, his wife, Margaret Simms of Garrison; and daughters, Lillian Cook and Linda Irwin, both of Garrison.

The Center Roughriders are bi-district baseball champions after sweeping the Rusk Eagles in a two game bi-district series in Lufkin. The Riders are now headed to the area round of the Class 3A state baseball playoffs, and will take on Caldwell. Center opened their first-round series with a 3-0 win Friday night as Dalton Horton went the distance pitching a one-hitter. In Game 2 Saturday, Jacob Mitchell got the win. The site and times for the Rider’s area round series are being finalized. Center Broadcasting will have Rider playoff action on Q-100 KQBB as Don Wall handles the play-by-play.

It was a good bi-district round for the other three Dist. 20-3A teams as well, as Carthage, Hudson and Diboll also advance to area.

The Joaquin Rams have also picked up a bi-district championship winning both games against Kennard in their Class 1A bi-district series. The Rams took a 6-0 win Friday night as Gage Belrose pitched a complete game. Joaquin took a 10-4 win in Thursday’s opener. The Rams will move on to area where they’ll face West Sabine this week.

The Garrison Bulldogs are headed to the second round of the Class 2A baseball playoffs after sweeping their bi-district series with Hemphill. Garrison took a 5-4 win Friday in Hemphill, after a 2-1 decision Thursday at home. The Bulldogs will meet Tatum in area this week.

Central Heights beats Corrigan-Camden, 8-1 Friday in a Class 2A bi-district game. The Blue Devils will meet Tatum in area.

The Broaddus Bulldogs are finished in the Class 1A playoffs after Dallardsville Big Sandy wins their best-of-three bi-district series in two games. Big Sandy will now face No. 1 state-ranked Douglass in area this week.

It came down to Game 3, but the Garrison Lady Bulldogs have advanced to the region quarterfinal round of the Class 2A state softball playoffs with a 2-1win over Sabine Saturday in Marshall. A Game 3 was needed after Sabine took an 8-6 win Friday night. Garrison will now play Woodville in the quarter-finals.

Center High School is hosting a 5k run/walk to help aid human trafficking victims. The 5k will be held at Center High School this Saturday, May 10th, at 8 am. For registration or donation information visit www.centerisd.org or email Brad Lawrence at brad.lawrence@centerisd.org.

Due to conditions that have occurred recently in the water system which require a Boil Water Notice, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our public water system Joaquin  Water Supply, PWS ID 2100010 to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption.

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

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

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

Arrest Report

5/1/14--5/2/14

Shelby County:

Michael Royce Tapley, 30, Tenaha, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Driving While Intoxicated-3^rd Offense

Jeffery Diaz, 28, Center, Warrant-Failure to Pay Child Support

Ryan Clifton, 33, San Augustine, Warrant-Theft

San Augustine County: No Arrested Reported

Note: All Subjects are Innocent until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law.

Texas Rangers have been asked to assist in the investigation of a 14-month old Timpson area child’s death after the toddler was found floating in a bathtub last Sunday afternoon by a family acquaintance.

Sheriff Willis Blackwell said in order to make sure all evidence was processed properly he requested assistance from Ranger Travis Brazil from Nacogdoches. The sheriff told us the investigation was coming together and it pointed to an unfortunate bad accident. He added CPS has also become involved, and if there were any charges to be filed, it would be up to them.

Trenton Parks was pronounced dead at Nacogdoches Medical Center, upon arrival by Timpson Volunteer Ambulance. The child’s parents, David and LeAnn Parks were at the home on County Road 4694 in the Rose Hill community, reportedly asleep, when a friend, Clayton Russell discovered the child in the tub with the water still running.

Sheriff Blackwell said the final cause of death has not been declared awaiting autopsy and toxicology results. The Parks’ three-year old child was also in the home and was unharmed.

Texas Parks and Wildlife officials are saying an oil spill occurred on Lake Sam Rayburn earlier this week when a piece of hydropower equipment overheated, and oil escaped inside the dam, and apparently spilled into the Angelina River and Lake Sam Rayburn. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have not released any information about the spill. It’s being reported by KJAS radio in Jasper that boats have been seen in the river and lake next to the dam this week with buoys deployed to contain the oil. The Corps of Engineer’s website is saying the turbines inside the dam have been shut off and the dam has not released any water since midnight Wednesday morning.

Both Toledo Bend Reservoir and Sam Rayburn Reservoir have made “Bassmaster” magazine’s Top 100 bass lakes list. Toledo Bend comes in at number 15, down from the No. 10 spot a year ago; while Sam Rayburn drops from No. 2 to No. 26. The magazine says Toledo Bend is starting off hot this year, with several local tournaments taking more than 27 pounds to win. It added, you’d better have a double-digit bass if you want to win big-bass honors (a 12.86 was landed here in February). For fun fishing, this lake can’t be beat (as long as you stay in the boat lanes to avoid hitting one of the 13 million stumps that litter this bass haven). As for Rayburn, the publication says “This lake was on fire last year, leading to its No. 2 ranking. Although it is still a crazy productive bass fishery, the new-lake effect anglers experience in 2013 had worn off a bit. Still, expect to catch plenty of fish in the 5-pound range plus a kicker in a day's fishing." The list was the magazine's third annual ranking of America's best bass fisheries. Lake Michigan's Sturgeon Bay earned the No. 1 spot on the list, and Texas and California tied for the states with the most entries on the list. Both states had eight lakes on the Best Bass Lakes of 2014 list.

Watson & Sons announces pending service for 83-year old Billie Jane Edwards of Center. She passed away Thursday. Service is pending at Watson & Sons Funeral Home.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 66-year old Harriett Russell of Center. Service will be at 10:30 this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel with interment at Clever Creek Cemetery in Center. Among Harriett Russell's survivors are, daughters, Dr. Marcia Bridwell Edson of Kentucky and Angela Bridwell Ford of Nacogdoches; brothers, Dudley Russell of Katy, Larry Russell of Center, and Glynn Russell of Center; sisters, Paula Russell Thurmond of Sugarland and Vicky Russell Hudson of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 34-year old Jose Garcia-Broca of Center. He passed away Monday in Ohio. Service will be at 12 noon Saturday at St. Therese Catholic Church in Center, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. A visitation will be held two hours prior to service. Among Jose Garcia-Broca’s survivors are, his wife, Sara Garcia of Center; sons, Jesse Miguel Garcia and Preston Maddox Garcia, both of Center; mother, Nelli Garcia Broca of Mexico; and sisters, Paulina, Margarita and Miguel, all of Mexico.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of service for 53-year old Pam White of Center. She was the executive director of Shelby County Outreach Ministries and was a board member of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Mt. Herman Cemetery. Among Pam White’s survivors are, sons, Joey White of Shelbyville and Josh White of Center; parents, Bobby and Shirlene Jones of Center; and sister, Wendy Hicks of New Mexico.

The family of Pam White has asked in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the Shelby County Outreach Ministries, P.O. Box 1029, Center.

Friends of Pam White have set up a separate account with Farmers State Bank to help with funeral expenses. The account is: Pam White, Farmers State Bank. Also, a gofundme account has been set up online to assist.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 86-year old Sally Lawson, formerly of Shelbyville. She passed away Thursday in Port Arthur. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 Saturday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 2 Sunday at Sardis Cemetery.

Mangum Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 64-year old Anne Goodwyn Horne of Center. She passed away Thursday at her home in the Neuville Community. Graveside service will be at 2 Sunday at Neuville Cemetery, Shelby County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 Saturday at Mangum Funeral Home. Among Anne Goodwyn Horne’s survivors are, her husband, Dale Horne of Center; son, Ray Griffin of Shelbyville; sisters, Martha Rae Wolf of Tennessee, Sue Babin of Beaumont and Pat Jernigan of Shelbyville; and sisters-in-law, Carolyn Lamb of Center and Joan Andrews of Center.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 48-year old Tommy Rector of Center. He passed away Tuesday morning at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. A Wake will be held from 6 to 8 this evening at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Service will be at 11 Saturday at St. Paul Baptist Church in Center, with interment at Westview Cemetery in Center. Among Tommy Rector’s survivors are, his wife, Laginia Rector of Center; daughters, Latundra Rector of Center, LaRhonda Garrett of Shelbyville and Tamara Harris of San Antonio; a sister, Paulette Holcombe of Houston; brothers, Billy Wayne Rector and Johnny Wayne Rector, both of Dallas.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 66-year old Sarah Frances Clay Brown of San Augustine. Service will be at 1 Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, with burial at Mosaic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 today at the funeral home.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 59-year old Melvin Crawford of Center. Service will be at 11 Saturday at St. John Baptist Church in Center with interment at St. John Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 today at Garner & Son Chapel. Among Melvin Crawford’s survivors are, his wife Lena Crawford of Center; son, Joseph Tarver of Center; daughters, Aretha Williams and Brandi Tufts, both of Ft. Worth and Celena Tarver of Center; a brother, Daniel Crawford, Jr. of Garland and a sister, Alice Richards Horn of Pineland.

Garner & Son Mortuary announces service for 66-year old Johnny Horton, Sr. of San Augustine. Service will be at 10:30 Saturday at True Vine Baptist Church, with interment at Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 today at Garner & Son. Among Johnny Horton Srs survivors are, his father, Lance Horton of Center; three sons, Johnny B. Horton, Jr. of San Augustine, Shun Crain of California and Chris Crain of Dallas; and a sister, Earline Malone of San Augustine.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons saw their softball season come to an end last night as Zavalla takes a 5-1 area round win in Nacogdoches. Zavalla will move on to the Class 1A region quarterfinal round where they’ll meet No. 1 state-ranked Alto.

In Marshall last night, the Garrison Lady Bulldogs come away with a 5-0 win over Sabine in Game 1 of their best-of-three area round championship series in Marshall. Game 2 will be at 6 tonight at East Texas Baptist University. Game 3, if necessary will be at 2 Saturday in Marshall. The series winner will take on the Woodville/Tatum series winner in the Class 2A region quarterfinals.

The Center Roughriders are set to enter the state baseball playoffs tonight for the first time in 9 seasons as they play Rusk in a best-of-three Class 3A bi-district series starting at 7 o’clock at Morris Frank Park in Lufkin. Game 2 will be at 2 Saturday, with a Game 3, to follow if needed. The series winner has the Lorena/Caldwell series winner next in area round. Center Broadcasting will have live coverage of the Riders throughout the state playoffs as Don Wall will be describing every pitch. We'll have the broadcast on Q-100 KQBB starting tonight with pre-game at 6:50.

The Joaquin Rams have entered post-season with a 10-4 win over Kennard in Game 1 of their Class 1A best-of-three bi-district series in Woden. Game 2 will be played at 5:30 tonight in Woden. If needed, Game 3 would follow. The series winner will move on to area to meet West Sabine next week.

The Garrison Bulldogs opened up the Class 2A playoffs last night with a 2-1 win over the Hemphill Hornets in a best-of-three, home-and-home series. The action heads to Hemphill tonight for Game 2 starting at 7. If a third game is needed, it will be at 2 Saturday in Hemphill. The winner will meet the Hawkins/Elysian Fields winner in the area round next week.

Central Heights will take on Corrigan-Camden in a Class 2A bi-district game at 6 tonight at the SFA Jaycee’s Field in Nacogdoches.

The Broaddus Bulldogs will play Dallardsville Big Sandy in a Class A bi-district series home-and-home series beginning this afternoon. Game 1 is at 4:30 in Dallardsville, with Game 2 at 11 a.m. Saturday in Broaddus, and if necessary, Game 3 would follow. The series winner has No. 1 state-ranked Douglass in area next week.

Arrest Report

4/30/14--5/1/14

Shelby County:

Barry W. Smith, 26, Timpson, Bench Warrant-Original Charge: Burglary of a Vehicle

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All Subjects are Innocent until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law.

The Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel is reporting today that a Lufkin court has ruled that Texas State Bank of Joaquin and the U.S. Small Business Administration may continue foreclosure proceedings against Hotel Fredonia.

The property’s parent company filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy last month, owing more than $5 million. Texas State Bank is the first lienholder and began foreclosure proceedings in December 2013 – a month after Hotel Fredonia owner Susan Reents filed for personal bankruptcy protection. She closed the property in November 2013.

She acquired the hotel for $2.5 million in 2008. The bank’s general counsel, Paul Clark, says the foreclosure sale is now scheduled for the first Tuesday in June, but that could change.

With the sudden death of Shelby County Outreach Ministries' Executive Director Pam White Tuesday night, it's the board of director's intention for the ministries' programs to continue on as planned.

Outreach Ministries' Board President Donna Monroe told us yesterday, it's the board's intentions and wishes that employees and volunteers carry on Pam's visions she had for the outreach. Ms. Monroe added Pam we will missed tremendously, and what she has done for the community will always be remembered.

Ms. Monroe said the board will be meeting very soon to discuss the future leadership of the ministry. Shelby County Outreach, along with the Meals on Wheels and nutrition sites in both Shelby and San Augustine Counties were all closed yesterday out of respect.

Center Broadcasting was notified by Hazel Beasley, who heads up meal preparations, that the Meals on Wheels program will be up and running today and Friday as scheduled. However, the nutrition sites will remain closed until Monday.

Among the programs that are overseen by Shelby County Outreach Ministries are the nutrition sites, Meals on Wheels in both counties, in addition to the Unique Boutique store in East Center, the Helping Hands Outreach, and food pantry.

Josh Crawford is a program director, he says they will continue onward and upward, and that Pam's dream must live on and come to pass.

Pam White suffered a massive heart attack at the close of business Tuesday at the outreach ministries' offices on Shelbyville Street. This corrects the earlier information we were provided. Funeral service for 53-year old Pam White is pending.

The City of Joaquin has notified Center Broadcasting they will be disconnecting a main water line today, Thursday at around 12:00 noon. Downtown Joaquin will possibly be affected for up to 8 hours by this shutoff. The Haslam area will not be affected. Due to the water outage, Joaquin ISD will release early today. The elementary school will release at 1:10 pm and the Junior High/High School will release at 1:20 pm.  

Center Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information on the whereabouts of two individuals. Authorities are searching for 31-year old Lorenzo Oneal Lane. He's wanted for felony violation of probation. Lane is described as being 6-5, 280 pounds black male with brown eyes. In addition, 43-year old Patrick Lamar Peterson of Joaquin is wanted for unpaid child support. He's described as being a black male, 6-2, 135 pounds and has brown eyes. If you know of the whereabouts of these two suspects you are asked to please call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at www.centercrimestoppers.com. Remember you don't have to give your name. All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous. Rewards will only be paid on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.

Patrick PetersonLorenzo Lane

The UIL held the Region 21 UIL Concert and Sight-reading contest for bands and three Shelby County bands brought home some hardware. The Shelbyville Dragon and Timpson Bear bands earned the coveted "Sweepstakes" award, meaning they had first division ratings in all 3 UIL events this year, which includes marching, concert and sight-reading. The Roarin' Band from Tigerland in Tenaha had a first division on stage and in sight-reading for a "Concert Sweepstakes". For the Shelbyville band, it was the fifth consecutive year for Sweepstakes. Timpson and Shelbyville were two of three Class 1A bands in the region to awarded Sweepstakes. Congratulations to our local bands on an outstanding year!

We told you yesterday the Shelby County Sheriff's Posse Rodeo will be held June 6 & 7, now comes word entries are being taken for the Queen, Duchess and Princess contest of the rodeo.

There are 3 age groups: Queen contestants must be between the ages of 16 and 24; Duchess contestants between 11 and 15, and Princess contestants between 5 and 10 years of age. Age is determined as of January 1. The contestants will compete in speeches, modeling and interviews, as well as horsemanship competition.

All competition is open to the public except for the personal interview portion. Entry is open to eligible young ladies who reside in Texas. Reigning royalty include Queen Harli Joe Cowdin of Grand Cane, LA; Duchess Emily Andrus of Carthage; and Princess Leiza Klein of Shelbyville. These young ladies will be making appearances at local sponsor businesses during rodeo week.

For more information and entry form, contact Ann Blackwell at 936-590-1855 or 936-590-9126 or you can email at tablackwell@yahoo.com. Entry deadline is June 1.

A Rodeo Queen clinic will be held Saturday, May 17, from 3:30 to 8:30pm. The cost is $50 which includes pageant notebook and dinner. You're asked to please register by May 14.

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its third annual BBQ Cookoff at Frontier RV Park and Storage. This year’s event will feature a Bike Rally, says chamber of commerce president Paul Smith. There’s a free dance Friday night with Curtis Daniels, and gates will open at 10:30 Saturday morning, as cook off teams compete for $2,600 in cash prizes and trophies. They'll have arts & crafts and plenty of food for tasting. The third annual Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce BBQ Cook off and Bike Rally, with all activities at Frontier RV Park & Storage on Hwy. 59 South. 

The Tenaha Beautification & Even Committee is having Trash to Treasures along the Tracks from 9 to 3 Saturday. Garage sale items will be available for selling and trading on the Tenaha Square.

Excelsior PTO is hosting the Excelsior Extravaganza, a huge sales event from 11 to 6 Saturday at the Excelsior school in Aiken. By the way, chicken dinners will be served from 11 to 3 for $6, with leg quarters prepared by the Shelby County Cookers. All money raised from the dinner sale will go to help the Michael & Sarah Simmons family.

It is going to be busy in downtown San Augustine!  This Friday and Saturday May 3 and 4  is the annual Sale on the Trail as businesses in the Main Street district will be having special events, porch sales, inside sales, trailer sales, garage sales, and sidewalk sales. It’s also the opening of the Farmers Market on the south side of the square. 

Nacogdoches County pastor is on the receiving end of love and support, as his congregation is having a benefit garage sale Friday and Saturday to assist him and his family as he recovers from a serious illness. Homer Murray, pastor of Holly Springs Baptist Church on Hwy. 59 between Garrison and Appleby, has suffered through two aneurysms and has mounting medical bills. A benefit garage sale is to be held Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the church, in addition, barbecue plates will be sold from 10 to 2 Saturday.

The 2014 River City Fest Pageant will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday, May 3 in the Multi Purpose Room at Logansport High School. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 81-year old Calvin Monroe “Pete” Cates of Shelbyville. He passed away Tuesday at Nacogdoches Medical Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 53-year old Pam White of Center. She passed away Tuesday in Nacogdoches.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 64-year old Ronald Hoyt Patterson of Center. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service will be at 10 this morning at Powdrill Cemetery in Center. Among Ronald Hoyt Patterson’s survivors are, sons, Tyler Patterson of Tyler, Sean Patterson of Houston and Jason Patterson of Alaska; sisters, Florine Rudd of Jackson, Tenn., and Deborah Beckers of Port Neches. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church for youth summer camp.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces graveside service for 59-year old Janet Paulette Wilson of Center. Graveside service will be at 2 this afternoon at Antioch Cemetery in Center. Visitation will be held prior to service form 12 to 1:30 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Among Janet Wilson’s survivors are a son, Andrew Wilson of Marshall; mother, Wynnell Lawson of Center; brother, Jerry Lawson of Center; sister, Jenny Ray Fancher of Center; and grand-daughter, Kaleigh Wilson of Marshall.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 66-year old Harriett Russell of Center. She passed away Tuesday in Nacogdoches. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 10:30 Friday at Watson & Sons Chapel with interment at Clever Creek Cemetery in Center. Among Harriett Russell's survivors are, daughters, Dr. Marcia Bridwell Edson of Kentucky and Angela Bridwell Ford of Nacogdoches; brothers, Dudley Russell of Katy, Larry Russell of Center, and Glynn Russell of Center; sisters, Paula Russell Thurmond of Sugarland and Vicky Russell Hudson of Center.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for one-year old Trenton Deloy Parks of Timpson. Service will be at 10 this morning at Woodland Christian Church in Timpson, with interment to follow at Folsom Chapel Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Trenton Deloy Parks survivors are his parents, David Aaron Parks and Leanne Janette (Fox) Parks of Timpson; a brother, Trevor Parks of Timpson; grandparents, Cecil Parks of Timpson, Debbie Parks of Missouri, and Dion and Shanna Schoening of Timpson; great grandparents, Flavia Langley of Porter, Joe Parks, Sr. of Riverside, and Frank and Bonnie Fox of Onalaska.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 60-year old Brenda Joyce Ricks of Chrieno. Service will be at 4 today in the Chireno Baptist Church, with interment at Lower Chireno Cemetery. Among Brenda Joyce Ricks’ survivors are her husband, James Ricks of Chireno; daughters, Ramona Shaw and Melissa Sanford, both of Chireno; son Micah Ricks of Melrose; sisters, Rebecca Faulk of Lufkin and Dawn Smith of Chireno; and brother-in-law, Nelson Carter of Tyler.

Garner & Sons Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 66-year old Sarah Frances Clay Brown of San Augustine. She passed away Saturday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Service will be at 1 Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, with burial at Mosaic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at the funeral home.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 59-year old Melvin Crawford of Center. Service will be at 11 Saturday at St. John Baptist Church in Center with interment at St. John Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at Garner & Son Chapel. Among Melvin Crawford’s survivors are, his wife Lena Crawford of Center; son, Joseph Tarver of Center; daughters, Aretha Williams and Brandi Tufts, both of Ft. Worth and Celena Tarver of Center; a brother, Daniel Crawford, Jr. of Garland and a sister, Alice Richards Horn of Pineland.

Garner & Son Mortuary announces service for 66-year old Johnny Horton, Sr. of San Augustine. Service will be at 10:30 Saturday at True Vine Baptist Church, with interment at Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at Garner & Son. Among Johnny Horton Srs survivors are, his father, Lance Horton of Center; three sons, Johnny B. Horton, Jr. of San Augustine, Shun Crain of California and Chris Crain of Dallas; and a sister, Earline Malone of San Augustine.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 47-year old Tommy Rector of Center. He passed away Tuesday morning at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital.

Both Shelbyville and Garrison softball teams will enter the area round of the playoffs tonight.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons will play Zavalla in a Class 1A area round playoff game at 6 p.m. tonight at Nacogdoches High School. The winner will face Alto in the region quarterfinal round.

The Garrison Lady Bulldogs will meet Sabine in a Class 2A best-of-3 area series at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall. Game 1 is at 7 this evening, with Game 2 at 6:00 Friday, and if needed, Game 3 at 2 Saturday afternoon. The winner will meet the Woodville/Tatum series winner in the region quarterfinals next week.

In the state baseball playoffs:

The Joaquin Rams will play Kennard in a Class 1A best-of-three bi-district series starting at 6 tonight in Woden. Game 2 will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Game 3, if needed, immediately after Game 2. The series winner will meet West Sabine next. West Sabine finished as the No. 1 seed from 23-1A and they have a first-round bye.

The Center Roughrider will play Rusk in a best-of-three Class 3A bi-district series starting at 7 Friday night at Morris Frank Park in Lufkin. Game 2 will be at 2 Saturday, with a Game 3, to follow if needed. The series winner has the Lorena/Caldwell series winner next in area. Center Broadcasting will have live coverage of the Riders throughout the state playoffs as Don Wall will be describing every pitch. We'll have the broadcast on Q-100 KQBB starting Friday night.

The Garrison Bulldogs will open the Class 2A playoffs with a home-and-home bi-district series against Hemphill. Garrison will host Hemphill at 7 p.m. on tonight before traveling to face Hemphill at 7 p.m. on Friday. If a third game is needed, it will at 2 p.m. Saturday in Hemphill. The winner will meet the Hawkins/Elysian Fields winner in area.

The Broaddus Bulldogs will play Dallardsville Big Sandy in a Class A bi-district series home-and-home series beginning Friday. Game 1 is at 4:30 tomorrow, with Game 2 at 11 a.m. Saturday, and if necessary, Game 3 would follow. The series winner has No. 1 state-ranked Douglass in area next week.

Stephen F. Austin State University head men's basketball coach Brad Underwood will remain with the university contrary to reports on several social media outlets. Reports surfaced Tuesday night that Underwood would be offered the head coaches job at Southern Mississippi. Underwood led the Lumberjacks to a 32-2 record in his first season, including a perfect 18-0 Southland Conference record and SFA's first NCAA tournament win over Virginia Commonwealth.