Arrest Report

6/27/14--6/30/14

Shelby County:

Anthony Wallace, 28, Nacogdoches, Warrant-Driving While License Invalid, Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Driving While License Invalid, No Liability Insurance, Fraud-Illegal Use of a Credit Card

Darryl Lynn Nolan, Jr., 21, Center, Three charges-Abandoning/Endangering a Child, and three charges-Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone

Jamichael Phillips, 24, Center, Three charges-Abandoning/Endangering a Child, and three charges-Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone

Atashia Ayars, 32, Center, three charges-Delivery of a Controlled Substance and Abandoning/Endangering a Child

Triston Derae Patton, 24, Center, three charges-Abandoning/Endangering a Child, two charges-Delivery of Marijuana in a Drug Free Zone, and Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone

Thomas Hogan, 25, Shelbyville, Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile

Oscar Alexander Jones, 43, Joaquin, Assault-Family Violence Causing Bodily Injury and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Yvonne Mitchell, 44, Joaquin, Assault-Family Violence Causing Bodily Injury and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Joshua Jacobs, 22, Shelbyville, Assault

Morgan Ann Magee, 30, Shelbyville, Possession of Marijuana

Juanita Lee Briggs, 31, Carthage, two charges-Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Dontay Dermond Barnes, 33, Center, Evading

Mark Thomas Diebolt, 81, Shelbyville, Deadly Conduct and Resisting Arrest

Donald Yarbrough, 57, Timpson, Unlawful Carrying a Weapon

Charles Phillips, 60, Timpson, Deadly Conduct, Terroristic Threat of Family Household, Public Intoxication and Terroristic Threat Against Public Servant

Eduardo Arriago-Andrado, 20, Center, Public Intoxication and Minor in Consumption

Vicente Miguel Navarrette-Vasquez, 33, Center, Driving While Intoxicated with Child Under 15 and No Drivers License

San Augustine County:

James Johnston, 21, Huntington, No Insurance, Failure to Signal Turn, Expired Inspection and Displaying White Light to Rear

Jose Moreno, Sr., 47, San Augustine, Public Intoxication

Jose Moreno, Jr., 19, Public Intoxication

Valentino Perez, 58, San Augustine, Public Intoxication

Able Valenciana, 37, San Augustine, Driving While Intoxicated and No Drivers License

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

Five occupants of a small SUV, including three children avoided serious injury last Friday morning when the vehicle they were traveling in veered off the roadway and struck a trailer.

Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Jimmy Faulkner reports around 11 o’clock, a Chevrolet Trailblazer headed west on State Hwy. 7 east of Center left the roadway, crossed over the eastbound lane, traveled through a utility pole guy-wire and collided with a gooseneck semi-trailer on private property.

Trooper Faulkner said the driver of the vehicle, 26-year old Brittany Barber of Joaquin was cited for no driver’s license and failure to drive in a single lane.

He also noted texting while driving lead to the incident.

Passengers in the vehicle included 23-year old Leatha Martin, as well as a five-year old, six-year old and five-month old child.

There were no injuries reported from the accident.

Although complete details are still to be released, eight Center men were arrested last week when search warrants were served at two East Center residences where children were present. In addition, a large amount of cash and drugs, including PCP and marijuana were recovered by Center Police at the Brooks and Union Street addresses, located in drug free zones.

Taken into custody last Wednesday and booked on drug charges and abandon/endangering a child were: 24-Kennis Henderson, 37-year old Nicolas Denetri Rushing, 32-year old Atoshia Ayars, 21, year old Brandon Damarcus Roberts, 21-year old Daryl Lynn Nolan, Jr.,  24-year old Jamichael Phillips, 23-year old Trentin Patton and 24-year old Tristan Patton.

A Nacogdoches businessman, who’s a Center native, was arrested last Thursday for a third time after a grand jury indicted him for robbery and injury to a disabled person.

The Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel reported Saturday that 59-year old William Charles “Willie” Hudson, the owner of Nacogdoches Hardware and Rental, allegedly assaulted an SFA employee June 15 at Cole Art Center and taking his keys when Hudson complained that 54-Mark Porter parked in a fire zone across the street from the entrance to Hudson’s store.

It’s reported Porter was diagnosed with throat cancer in December 2010. He received hospital treatment for bruises to his face following the incident with Hudson.

The second arrest came on June 24 when Hudson was reported to have filed a false report which claimed a female barber, and business neighbor in downtown Nacogdoches, exposed herself on June 13.

City officials have said Hudson has repeatedly confronted customers, visitors and other downtown business owners over parking issues and what he deems violations of city ordinance since he leased the former Cason-Monk Hardware building on Commerce Street.

A Houston area teenager, who was brought back to life after being underwater at Lake Sam Rayburn for nearly half an hour Saturday afternoon, died later that night in a Houston hospital.

Jasper County authorities say, 13-year-old Zorian Esquel, of Katy, passed away at Texas Children's Hospital, after being revived by paramedics in Jasper. Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens along with the Jasper County Emergency Corps were advised that a boy was missing, and was last seen in the water at Ebenezer Park.

Wadens used a nearby fisherman’s sonar in the boat to locate the teen's body in water about 10 feet deep. Without diving equipment, two wardens dove under and pulled up the boy's body about 26 minutes after he went under.

Paramedics performed CPR and began detecting a heartbeat and pulse enroute to the Jasper hospital. Esquel was flown to Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston, where he later died. 

Newton County officials say one of two suspects involved in last Wednesday afternoon’s robbery of the Sabine Sate Bank in Burkeville has turned himself in, while another remains at-large.

Authorities say 20-year old Michael Byerly surrendered, while 21-year old Xavier Clark is still being sought.

Trudy Woods, the bank’s branch manager was in the process of re-entering the bank to turn off a light that had been left on, when she was stabbed in the incident, receiving a punctured lung, and is reported to be stable in a Houston hospital. 

The Tenaha City Council will have a meeting at 5:15 this afternoon, and among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be the opening of bids on making a handicap bathroom accessible at the Tenaha Municipal Building in preparation for moving city hall; participating with the City of Center in a recycling program; and proposed plans for city property, Tenaha Beautification & Events.

In executive session, Tenaha City Council will discuss a job proposal submitted by Stacy Cranford for providing consultant assistance to the water department to help with compliance. Any action taken will be done so in open session.

District Clerk Lori Oliver has notified us the jury that had been summoned for Monday, July 7 for the 123^rd District Court Honorable Charles C. “Brick” Dickerson, presiding, has been cancelled due to scheduled cases being resolved or passed. If you had been called for jury duty July 7 in Judge Charles “Brick” Dickerson’s court for next Monday, July 7, you have been released until you receive a future summons.

Center Broadcasting Company announces two changes to its family of stations. Beginning today, Monday, June 30, there is a call letter and an exciting format change to one of its existing frequencies.  “The XX’s in East Texas, KXXE, the New Country Channel,” has debuted on 92.5 FM.

“KXXE is playing the biggest country hits from the 1990s and 2000s – plus today’s hottest songs, 24-hours a day,” according to Blake Michaels, CBC program director. “We’ll have more back-to-back country with less interruption.”

Michaels says core artist include Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum and Dierks Bentley, along with Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, and of course George Strait, among others.

Michaels added “The XX’s in East Texas” will give the younger country radio listeners in deep east Texas their own station.” He says the popular format will be geared toward an 18+ audience, which for the advertiser is the core retail spending age group.

He says KXXE, just like the other company stations is also available via the Center Broadcasting website at cbc-radio.com, and you can download the Tune-in radio app for your I-Phone and Android device and take it along wherever you go.

KXXE, “The XX’s in East Texas” joins other CBC stations, Real Country Q-100 KQBB and Community Radio KDET 930AM

If you're making plans for the Fourth of July weekend, here are some of the activities around the area.

The Tenaha Businessmen and HOPE Project in Tenaha announce the first Tenaha Independence Day Celebration Family Festival to be held in conjunction with Tenaha Independence Day Celebration Firework Display, Friday, July 4. Events are planned for the downtown Tenaha Square, and include a vendor area; Little Miss/Miss Firecracker pageant at 2:30 p.m.; Veteran Recognition; American as Apple Pie Eating Contest; Patriotic Pet Parade; Red, White and Bounce Park; Yankee Doodle's Den for big kids; and a 50/50 raffle. For more information, phone 936-332-8813, or visit celebratetenaha.com. Events will move to Tiger Stadium at 7 p.m. for the free patriotic and gospel singing, featuring The Calvary Boys at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Tenaha ISD cheerleaders will have the concession stand. Lawn chair space is available.

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for the annual Timpson Frontier Days, to be held July 3-6. The Sonny Tippett Memorial Gospel Singing at 7 p.m., Thursday night, will get events underway at First Baptist Church. Pre-sale tickets for the singing are $8, and available from Marilyn Corder, at Timpson Public Library, TNT News, and King’s Nursery in Tenaha. Tickets will be $10 at the door. A carnival will also start Thursday, with all-u-can-ride armbands $15 in advance at the library, or $18 at the carnival. In addition to a full-day of events on Saturday, including a Relay for Life Walk, parade with a bike decorating contest, pet show, car and truck show, domino tournament, ice cream and pea shelling contest, live entertainment, cake auction, and a street dance Saturday featuring, “A Pack of Strays” from Center. New events this year include a laser light show Saturday night, and re-enactments of gun fighting on the streets of Timpson. For more, call 936-254-2966.

Huxley Bay Marina is hosting a Fourth of July celebration event, including craft booths, children activities, the band Ashton Hill and a fireworks display that night.

The Broaddus Fire Department’s Fourth of July Firework Show will be held at the Broaddus Baseball Complex next Friday. The show starts as the sun goes down with a band and more colors than ever. There will be concession with snacks and drinks.

The annual Nacogdoches Freedom Fest is Friday, July 4 in downtown. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with fireworks at dark.

The City of Jasper’s Independence Day Celebration will be Saturday, July 5 at the Gazebo at Sandy Creek Park. There will be live music, a dunking booth, food vendors and contest. A fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 88-year old Arrie Fay McGee Rawlings of Houston, formerly of Joaquin. She passed away Saturday at her residence. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service will be at 11 Tuesday at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Joaquin. Among Arrie Fay McGee Rawlings’ survivors are, daughter, Carla Fay Rawlings Estrada of Houston; and son, Bryan Wesley Rawlings of Jacinto City. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pine Ridge Cemetery Fund at Texas State Bank in Joaquin.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 78-year old Buster Ford of Center. He passed away Friday at Green Acres Nursing Home in Center. Service will be at 11 this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Buster Ford’s survivors are, children, Jackie Ford, Timothy Ford, Rick Ford and Phillip Ford.

Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson announces pending service for 66-year old Judy Milford Ramsey of Timpson. She passed away Sunday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. 

The District 21-1A Boys’ All District Baseball selections have been announced, and as would be expected, state champion Douglass dominated the superlatives. However, named as the Newcomer of the Year is Joaquin Ram freshman, Brock Lawson. First Team all-district choices include: Designated Hitter: Timpson Bear senior Tanner Murdock; Catchers: Joaquin sophomore, Cole Powdrill and Timpson junior, Brandon Torres; First Base: Shelbyville Dragon senior, Brandon Schilder; Infield: Joaquin senior, Lance Lawson, and Joaquin senior, Cage Belrose; Outfield: Timpson senior, Colten McSwain; Joaquin freshman, Nate Belrose, and Shelbyville senior, Cole Mooney.

Second-team all-district picks are: First Base: Joaquin junior, Adam Mason and Martinsville junior, Caden Still; Degisnated Hitter: Joaquin junior, Tyler Walker, and Shelbyville senior, Ethan Gurley; Pitcher: Tenaha Tiger junior, Tyler Davidson; Catcher: Shelbyville senior, Colton Brown; Infield: Timpson sophomore, Hunter Smith, Timpson junior Keaton Bush, Shelbyville sophomore, Kent Vaughn, Joaquin sophomore, Tawren Williams and Shelbyville sophomore, Wyatt Farraher; Outfield: Martinsivlle junior, Cy Compton, Shelbyville junior, CJ Watson, Timpson sophomore, Hayden Smith, Joaquin senior, Armondo Robles, and Tenaha senior, Tyler Green; Utility Player: Tenaha senior Tristin Green.

The District 21-1A Coach of the Year is Douglass’ Eugen Lafitte; MVP: Douglass senior, Brandon Stanfield; Offensive Player of the Year: Douglass senior, Bryce Westbrook; Defensive Player of the Year: Cushing junior, Cameron Burk; and Pitcher of the Year: Douglass senior, Brock Lawson.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

Arrest Report

6/26/14--6/26714

Shelby County:

Tracy Stockstill, 52, Timpson, Warrant-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Warrant-Driving While License Invalid

Charles Seth Alexander, 25, Timpson, Warrant-Theft

Anthony Darell Wallace, 28, Nacogdoches, Warrant-Driving While License Invalid, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Driving While License Invalid, Warrant-No Liability Insurance and Warrant-Illegal Use of Credit Card

San Augustine County:

Todd B. Newman, 32, San Augustine, Dallas County Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Driving While Intoxicated-3^rd or more

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

Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell told Center Broadcasting Thursday that their trace on the missing teenage girl from Center that left with her boyfriend last weekend is focusing on Mexico.

Sheriff Blackwell said they lost the "ping" on a cell phone at the border at El Paso or the Mexico side of the border area.

He said right now, Mexican authorities are working in Mexico to help local and federal authorities locate 15-year old Brisedia Escheverria and 29-year old Pedro Ceferino.

Sheriff Blackwell said since the female was a minor, it's being treated as a kidnapping.

It's reported the girl left her home on County Road 3754 with Ceferino last Saturday night after her father told Ceferino he could not date his daughter. 

Quick response by three Nacogdoches County fire departments kept damage at a minimal Thursday afternoon when a Garrison Laundromat caught fire.

Owner of the business, Susan Chandler, said the laundromat had been closed, but some people have a key if they want to do laundry.

She said someone was drying clothes and left them unattended when the fire started.

Fire departments from Garrison, Appleby and Central Heights responded to the call.

Sex crime charges keep mounting for a Sabine County man, who was already being jailed on three child sex crimes.

Sabine County Sheriff Tom Maddox says two more charges were filed this week on 47-year old Bobby Dean Elliott of Pineland. He was already being held on two sexual assault of a child charges, and a charge of indecency with a child.

The charges were brought after a 15-year old girl made an outcry that Elliott had assaulted her.

Pineland Police and Sabine County Sheriff’s Office filed separate charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Elliott’s bond is now $700,000 collectively. It’s reported more charges are pending.

The Timpson City Council will have a special meeting at 5 this afternoon to discuss and possibly take action on several agenda items.

Those include rescinding the hire of Everrick Brinson for the water department; he reportedly stayed with his current employer; and the possibility of hiring Kevin Bond on a 90-day probation to fill that position.

Also, Timpson City Council may take action on emergency repairs by Russell Drilling on a city water system pump that was possibly struck by lightning, and amend the budget to cover those repairs.

If you're making plans for the Fourth of July weekend, here are some of the activities planned around the area.

The Tenaha Businessmen and HOPE Project in Tenaha announce the first Tenaha Independence Day Celebration Family Festival to be held in conjunction with Tenaha Independence Day Celebration Firework Display, Friday, July 4. Events are planned for the downtown Tenaha Square, and include a vendor area; Little Miss/Miss Firecracker pageant at 2:30 p.m.; Veteran Recognition; American as Apple Pie Eating Contest; Patriotic Pet Parade; Red, White and Bounce Park; Yankee Doodle's Den for big kids; and a 50/50 raffle. For more information, phone 936-332-8813, or visit celebratetenaha.com. Events will move to Tiger Stadium at 7 p.m. for the free patriotic and gospel singing and fireworks.

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for the annual Timpson Frontier Days, to be held July 3-6. The Sonny Tippett Memorial Gospel Singing on Thursday night will get events underway at First Baptist Church. Pre-sale tickets for the singing are $8, and available from Marilyn Corder, at Timpson Public Library, TNT News, and King’s Nursery in Tenaha. Tickets will be $10 at the door. A carnival will also start Thursday, with all-u-can-ride armbands $15 in advance at the library, or $18 at the carnival. In addition to a full-day of events on Saturday, including a Relay for Life Walk, parade with a bike decorating contest, pet show, car and truck show, domino tournament, ice cream and pea shelling contest, live entertainment, cake auction, and a street dance Saturday featuring, “A Pack of Strays” from Center. New events this year include a laser light show Saturday night, and re-enactments of gun fighting on the streets of Timpson. For more, call 936-254-2966.

Huxley Bay Marina is hosting a Fourth of July celebration event, including a fireworks display that night. There will be craft booths, children’s activities and the band Ashton Hill will also be performing.

The Broaddus Fire Department’s Fourth of July Firework Show will be held at the Broaddus Baseball Complex next Friday. The show starts as the sun goes down with a band and more colors than ever. There will be concession with snacks and drinks.

The annual Nacogdoches Freedom Fest is Friday, July 4 in downtown. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with fireworks at dark.

The City of Jasper’s Independence Day Celebration will be Saturday, July 5 at the Gazebo at Sandy Creek Park. There will be live music, a dunking booth, food vendors and contest. A fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 89-year old Ann Octavia Hudspeth Richardson of Fort Worth. She passed away Tuesday in Grandbury. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 2 Sunday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will follow at 2 at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Old Sardis Cemetery in San Augustine County. Among Ann Octavia Hudspeth Richardson’s survivors are, daughters, Exa Richardson Smith of Grandbury and Cynthia Richardson Murray of North Carolina; and brother, Jack (Lester V.) Hudspeth of Lufkin.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 33-year old Jeremy Rick Sims of Shelbyville. He passed away Wednesday night as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident in Shelbyville. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville. Jeremy Rick Sims is survived by a daughter, Millie Sims of Center; father, Rickie Sims of Shelbyville; mother, Elizabeth Sitton of Woden; sister, Brittany Lummus of Woden; brothers, Dewayne Sims of Meridian, Rick Foehner of Shelbyville, Jamie Dutton of Houston, Josh Dutton of Center, Aaron Sitton of Nacogdoches and Brian Sitton of Baytown; and grandmother, Lue Margaret Sims of Shelbyville.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 70-year old Jessie Lee Bishop of Shelbyville. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 Saturday at McClelland Community Church in Shelbyville, with interment at McClelland Cemetery.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old Betty Doris Taylor of Joaquin.  Service will be at 11 this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Johnson Cemetery in Joaquin.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 46-year old Ora Verdell “Bubba” Christopher, Jr. of Nacogdoches. Service will be at 1 p.m. today at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Nacogdoches County, with interment at Shady Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches County.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 86-year old Jane Frances Young Smith of Garrison. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Garrison, with a reception following in the church Christian Life Center. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Garrison Building Fund or Hospice of East Texas in Tyler.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 68-year old Betty Ruth Slatten of College Station, formerly of Center. She passed away Thursday at St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan. Service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at the First United Methodist Church in Center, with burial at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 Saturday at Mangum Funeral Home. Among Betty Rush Slatten's survivors are, daughter, Haley Beth Williams of College Station; mother, Blanche Haley of Center; and brother, Denny Haley of Center.

If you're a fresh-water boater, listen up, there's a new regulation by Texas Parks and Wildlife to curtail the spread of zebra mussels that goes into effect July 1.

Beginning Tuesday, boaters must drain all water from their boat and on-board receptables before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water anywhere in Texas. The new TPWD regulation applies to all types and sizes of boats whether powered or used on public waters.

The regulation requires the draining of livewells, bilges, motors, and any other receptacles or water-intake systems coming into contact with public waters.

Live fish, including personally caught live bait, cannot be transported from the water body where the fish were caught in or aboard a vessel in water from the water body where the fish were caught.

Anglers participating in a fishing tournament confined to one water body may transport live fish in water from that single water body to an identified off-site weigh-in location, but all water must be drained and properly disposed of before leaving that location.

Anglers are required to possess documentation provided by tournament organizers that identify them as participants in the tournament.

A Nacogdoches businessman and Center native, arrested earlier this month for assaulting a man and taking his keys, has been arrested a second time for filing a false report.

According to The Daily Sentinel, 59-year old William Charles “Willie” Hudson, the owner of Nacogdoches Hardware & Rental accused a woman of exposing herself to him when she allegedly raised her dress and made comments of a sexual nature.

Nacogdoches PD officers found that Hudson’s allegations were materially false, according to the report.

The affidavit shows the woman was not wearing a dress, but instead pants and other clothes, along with a barber’s smock.

The complaint was reported to have been filed three days before Hudson’s arrest for robbery, when he took the keys of 54-year old Mark Porter, the technical director for SFA’s School of Theatre after he parked a truck behind the SFA’s Cole Art Center, across from the hardware store in downtown Nacogdoches.

Willie Hudson

Arrest Report

6/25/14--6/26/14

Shelby County:

Ryan Michelle Warner, 35, Longview, Possession of a Controlled Substance-Heroin & Possession of a Controlled Substance-Meth

Charles Edwards, Jr., 29, Timpson, Assault-Causing Bodily Injury

David Hendricks, 30, Timpson, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Assault

Darryl Nolan, 51, Center, Three Warrants-Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Kevin Zamora, 23, Timpson, Warrant-Capias-Child Support

Clyde Rutherford, 54, Shelbyville, Warrant-Assault-Family Violence by Occlusion

San Augustine County:

Troy Stotlar, 41, Hudson, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Engaging in Criminal Activity

Jamarcus Barnes, 23, San Augustine, Motion for Adjudication of Guilt

Melvin M. Moore, of Georgia, Georgia Warrant-Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

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

We’ve been telling you about Center businessman and volunteer fireman Kevin O’Connor’s medical condition that he needing a double lung transplants. Well, O’Connor had the procedure done Sunday morning and according to his wife, Saundra, is on the road to recovery.

Ms. O’Connor said her husband was up and walked about 50 feet Tuesday with a walker, and the doctors and family are excited and pleased with his progress. She added he should have been moved into a regular room yesterday.

Despite the positive progress after the double-lung transplant, Ms. O’Connor said Kevin still has a long way to go, and will have to stay in Houston from 9 to 12 months. She said he has a lot of great people working to make him better, including respiratory and physical therapist, doctors and nurses, and she said there’s no doubt, “God has put them in the perfect place.”

Saundra O’Connor would like to thank everyone for their prayers and their help in every way. She said despite Kevin’s progress, they still need your prayers.

O’Connor had a heart attack in 2008, and was diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. There was no cure or treatment, so therefore the need for a double lung transplant.

Center Volunteer Fireman are selling chances on three guns to be given away with all proceeds going to the Kevin O’Connor family to help with expenses. You can contact any Center Fireman to purchase tickets or give donations. The tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Tickets are being sold now through Saturday, Aug. 2. Tickets are also available at the Center Broadcasting Company studios and at the Center Fire Department. You can also call Volunteer Fire Chief Rodney Mathews at 591-4941.

Kevin O'Connor

According to officials, there are no new leads in finding the suspect responsible for last Saturday morning's home invasion in Center when Billy Don and Janice Hughes were assaulted at their home on Hwy. 7 west.

Center Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect wanted in the traumatizing incident. The Hughes' described the suspect as being a black male clothed in a devil suit. Mr. Hughes sustained injuries to his face and mouth when the attacker hit him with a hand gun. 

Anyone who has information regarding this crime should call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at centercrimestoppers.com. Remember you don't have to give your name. All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous.

Rewards will only be paid on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.

A man and woman were arrested by Timpson Police Tuesday afternoon in possession of illegal contraband.

Chief Kent Graham says he performed a routine traffic stop on U.S. Hwy. 59, and when the suspects began to act suspicious, he received consent to search the auto, and found in a natural void, Meth and Heroin.

Chief Graham said his search netted eight grams of meth and a half-gram of Black Tar Heroin. He added the street value was a little under a thousand dollars.

Arrested and charged were 36-year old Robert Dacus of Dallas, and 35-year old Ryan Michelle Warner of Longview. They were booked on two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance each for the Heroin and Meth.

Chief Graham reports Warner had to be taken to San Augustine Memorial Hospital after arriving at the Shelby County Jail for seizures. He said after she received medical clearance, she was formally charged.

Chief Graham said they were in the Timpson area visiting family.

The Sabine State Bank branch in Burkeville was robbed late Wednesday afternoon, and a female employee was stabbed during the incident.

Newton County officials are looking for three suspects—one of which fled the scene on foot, and the other two in a black Ford Mustang.

It’s reported the bank’s manager; Trudy Woods had locked up the bank for the day and was preparing to go home when she noticed some lights had been left on in the building. When Ms. Woods opened the front door of the bank, one man shoved her inside and stabbed her in the back. She reportedly suffered a punctured lung, and was flown by medical helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. Her condition is not known.

At this time, it’s unknown how much money was taken in the robbery.

The Sabine State Bank branch in Burkeville opened on Hwy. 63 about three months ago.

Officials with Nacogdoches Medical Center say construction progress is just about on schedule for their emergency department and diagnostic imaging center being built in Center. The hospital's Chief Operating Officer, Clay Farrell said other than some weather delays, they're still looking at opening the 24-hour facility in mid December.

The $7-million facility is being constructed at Hwy. 96 south at Loop 500. A "topping out" ceremony was held last week on the 10,000 sq. ft building as the final steel beam was put in place.

Farrell says the Shelby County Community has been very supportive of the project.

He adds the satellite emergency department will provide emergency services for adults and children, and will be staffed by experienced, board-certified physicians with direct access to surgeons and specialty physicians.

He says a lot of work has gone into making the center a reality. Some $4 million in equipment will be installed in the facility.

A job fair was also held in Center recently with around 60 to 80 interested candidates applying for a variety of jobs that will be available at the center.

Farrell said job postings will start in the Fall, with hiring and training to begin soon afterwards.

If you're making plans for the Fourth of July weekend, here are some of the activities planned around the area.

The Tenaha Businessmen and HOPE Project in Tenaha announce the first Tenaha Independence Day Celebration Family Festival to be held in conjunction with Tenaha Independence Day Celebration Firework Display, Friday, July 4. Events are planned for the downtown Tenaha Square, and include a vendor area; Little Miss/Miss Firecracker pageant at 2:30 p.m.; Veteran Recognition; American as Apple Pie Eating Contest; Patriotic Pet Parade; Red, White and Bounce Park; Yankee Doodle's Den for big kids; and a 50/50 raffle. For more information, phone 936-332-8813, or visit celebratetenaha.com. Events will move to Tiger Stadium at 7 p.m. for the free patriotic and gospel singing and fireworks.

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for the annual Timpson Frontier Days, to be held July 3-6. New events this year include a laser light show and re-enactments of gun fighting on the streets of Timpson. In addition, the Sonny Tippett Memorial Gospel Singing on Thursday night at First Baptist Church in Timpson, a carnival, Relay for Life Walk, parade, pet show, car show, domino tournament, ice cream contest, live entertainment, cake auction, and a street dance featuring, “A Pack of Strays” from Center.

Huxley Bay Marina is hosting a Fourth of July celebration event, including a fireworks display that night. There will be craft booths, children’s activities and the band Ashton Hill will also be performing.

The Broaddus Fire Department’s Fourth of July Firework Show will be held at the Broaddus Baseball Complex next Friday. The show starts as the sun goes down with a band and more colors than ever. There will be concession with snacks and drinks.

The annual Nacogdoches Freedom Fest is Friday, July 4 in downtown. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with fireworks at dark.

The City of Jasper’s Independence Day Celebration will be Saturday, July 5 at the Gazebo at Sandy Creek Park. There will be live music, a dunking booth, food vendors and contest. A fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 70-year old Jessie Lee Bishop of Shelbyville. He passed away Tuesday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 Saturday at McClelland Community Church in Shelbyville, with interment at McClelland Cemetery. Among Jessie Lee Bishop’s survivors are, wife Ruth Bishop of Shelbyville; children, Jack Bishop and Anita Evans, both of Tennessee; Bobby Allgood and Randy Allgood, both of Cleveland, and Larry Allgood of Porter; brothers, James (Bill) Bishop and Harold Bishop, both of Tennessee; sister, Lynda Bishop of Tennessee; and sisters-in-laws, Alice Ansley of Gary and Jerrie Chandler of Shelbyville.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old Betty Doris Taylor of Joaquin. She passed away Wednesday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 today at Watson & Sons Chapel. Service will be at 11 Friday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Johnson Cemetery in Joaquin. Among Betty Doris Taylor's survivors are, her husband, Doyl Taylor of Joaquin; daughters, Betty Ann Cockrell of Longview and Gayle Green of Hallsville; brother, Harold English of Keithville, La.; brother-in-law, Ray Fisher of Pelican, La.; and sister-in-law, Faye Ashley of Joaquin.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 46-year old Ora Verdell “Bubba” Christopher, Jr. of Nacogdoches. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 1 Friday at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Nacogdoches County, with interment at Shady Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches County. .

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 86-year old Jane Frances Young Smith of Garrison. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Garrison. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Garrison Building Fund or Hospice of East Texas in Tyler.

Hawthorn Funeral Home in Carthage announces service for 83-year old Jane Golden of Carthage. She passed away Tuesday in Longview. Service will be at 10 this morning at Southside Baptist Church in Carthage, with a private family burial at Shelbyville Cemetery. Among Jane Golden's survivors are, her husband, D.D. Golden of Carthage; children, Dennis Golden and Suzon Cloud, both of Carthage, Dixon Golden of Center, and Gary Golden of Hemphill; and brother, David Swanzy of Center.

Arrest Report

6/24/14--6/25/14

Shelby County:

Stephen Verhalen, 41, Longview, Driving While Intoxicated

Brandon Roberts, 21, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Keith Harris, 30, Center, Warrant-Bond Surrender, Original Charge: Forgery & Warrant-Violation of Parole, Original Charge: Burglar of a Habitation

Dawn Pacileo, 49, Joaquin, Driving While Intoxicated

Matthew Roy, 25, Tenaha, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Forgery

Robert Dacus, 36, Dallas, Possession of a Controlled Substance-Heroin & Possession of a Controlled Substance-Meth

San Augustine County:

Kevin L. Lynch, 50, Center, Public Intoxication

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

Authorities continue to search for a Center teenager that went missing last Saturday night, when she left her parent’s home with a man.

Sheriff Willis Blackwell says the 15-year old female, Brisedia Echeverria, left with her 29-year old boyfriend, Pedro Ceferino against her father's wishes.

Sheriff Blackwell says the he told deputies that Pedro Ceferino of Center arrived at his home on County Road 3754 and asked for permission to date the teen. After the father found out Ceferino's age, he refused.

It’s reported Ceferino’s phone has been tracked to the Mexico border area, and authorities have asked for assistance from the Border Patrol and FBI.

As of this morning, the duo were still missing.

A DeSoto Parish man had died after falling from a tree that was being cut in Sabine Parish.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office is saying 56-year old Ronnie Meshell of Mansfield died Sunday at University Health in Shreveport from injuries sustained in the fall last Friday afternoon on Hwy. 171 in Converse.

The report is saying the harness that was securing Meshell to the tree failed, possibly due to age or damage from the chainsaw being used to cut the tree. Meshell reportedly fell from the tree and landed on the ground causing substantial injury.

No foul play is suspected in the failure of the equipment.

The Panola County Watchman newspaper is reporting a man that was supposedly robbed of nearly $20,000 in casino winnings earlier this year has now been arrested in Oklahoma for allegedly stealing cattle.

The article says 30-year old Jacob Thompson, who owns a cattle company in Carthage was arrested for aggravated theft when he tried to purchase 400 head of cattle from Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction with a bad check for more than $300,000.

In January, Thompson was supposedly robbed in his driveway at gunpoint of winnings by two unknown men after a night at the Horseshow Casino in Bossier City. No suspects were ever found and police reportedly soon questioned discrepancies in Thompson’s story.

The Watchman is also saying he was arrested in January this year in Red River Parish when he received $30,000 worth of cattle at auction there and never paid for them.

An interesting project will take place in Shelby County this weekend, as a group that goes around to communities building permanent wheelchair ramps will be sawing and nailing away on Saturday. The Spirit of Hope 5K and New Destinations are bringing their RampUP project in to the area.

Shannon Singh is the race director, she says what's needed are local volunteers to help build this Saturday, in addition to future builds. She adds no experience is required.

She says anyone wanting to help construction ramps, can contact her, Shannon at 719-238-8023, or go to spiritofhope5K.com, look under RampUP and find out more.

The ramp building project starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, and will run up until around lunch.

Ms. Singh said they hoped to be involved in as many Shelby County RampUP builds as possible, and that all 5K sponsorships will go towards this cause and funding these builds.

Information on the 5K and sponsorships is on the Spirit of Hope website.

The 25^th annual What-A-Melon Festival is two weeks away, and entries for the Largest Watermelon Contest are being accepted now until Friday, July 4. Watermelons MUST be grown in Shelby County, and be attached to the vine when judges assign numbers. Event organizers way it’s the responsibility of each contestant to make sure that the entry form is received by the deadline. Entry forms are available at The Light and Champion and Shelby County Today office, Brookshire Brothers Grocery and Boles Feed. All completed forms will be need to be returned by the deadline date of July 4, to Brookshire Brothers, or faxed to Chandra Atholi at 936-591-8884 or mailed to her attention at 301 Wulf Creek Drive in Center.

Registration is underway for the annual What-A-Melon Festival 5K Run and one mile run/walk that will be held on Saturday, July 12 on the Center Square. The fun run begins at 7 a.m., with the 5K race set to start at 7:30 a.m. Cost to enter the Fun Run is $15, or $20 on race day; and its $25 for the 5K, or $30 on race day. Shirts are guaranteed for the first 150 applicants. This year, all proceeds from the run are going to the Shelby County Scouts, girls and boys. To register go to onestoprace.com, or call Anna Lee at 598-5688.

If you're making plans for the Fourth of July weekend, here are some of the activities planned around the area.

The Tenaha Businessmen Men and HOPE Project announce the first Tenaha Independence Day Celebration Family Festival to be held in conjunction with Tenaha Independence Day Celebration Firework Display, Friday, July 4. Events are planned for the downtown Tenaha Square starting at 2 p.m. Activities include a vendor area; Little Miss/Miss Firecracker pageant; Veteran Recognition; American as Apple Pie Eating Contest; Patriotic Pet Parade; Red, White and Bounce Park; Yankee Doodle's Den for big kids; and a 50/50 raffle. If you wish to be a sponsor, vendor, pageant contestant, volunteer or want more information, phone 936-332-8813, or visit celebratetenaha.com.

By the way, the HOPE Project's Miss and Little Miss Firecracker Fund-raiser Pageant will be held at 2:30 p.m. in downtown Tenaha on July 4. The Miss is for girls ages 8 to 12; and Little Miss for girls ages 2 to 7. Everyone is welcome, and all participants receive a prize. Pageant registration deadline is June 25. For more information call the HOPE Project at 936-332-8813.

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for the annual Timpson Frontier Days, to be held July 3-6. New events this year include a laser light show and re-enactments of gun fighting on the streets of Timpson. In addition, the Sonny Tippett Memorial Gospel Singing on Thursday night at First Baptist Church in Timpson, a carnival, Relay for Life Walk, parade, pet show, car show, domino tournament, ice cream contest, live entertainment, cake auction, and a street dance featuring, “A Pack of Strays” from Center.

Huxley Bay Marina is hosting a Fourth of July celebration event, including a fireworks display that night. There will be craft booths, children’s activities and the band Ashton Hill will also be performing.

The annual Nacogdoches Freedom Fest is Friday, July 4 in downtown. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with fireworks at dark.

The City of Jasper’s Independence Day Celebration will be Saturday, July 5 at the Gazebo at Sandy Creek Park. There will be live music, a dunking booth, food vendors and contest. A fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is averaging $3.50 a gallon, that's up four cents in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.45, up a nickel in the past week. Nationally, the average is $3.68, which is up 13 cents from the same time a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $3.47 at EZ Mart on Tenaha Hwy, which is up three pennies in the past week.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 70-year old Jessie Bishop of Shelbyville, who passed away Tuesday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 46-year old Ora Verdell “Bubba” Christopher, Jr. of Nacogdoches. He passed away Monday at his residence. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 Thursday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 1 Friday at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Nacogdoches County, with interment at Shad Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches County. Among Ora Verdell “Bubba” Christopher, Jr.’s survivors are, wife, Cheryl Christopher of Nacogdoches; children, Jessica Baker of Weatherford and J.D. Christopher of Nacogdoches; mother, Helen Christopher of Nacogdoches; father, Verdell Christopher of Nacogdoches; brothers, Ronald Miller, Steve Christopher and Joey Christopher, all of Nacogdoches; sisters, Tresa Ady of Nacogdoches and Kim Sherrod of New Caney; and mother of his children, Davina Morgan of Buffalo.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 86-year old Jane Frances Young Smith of Garrison. She passed away Monday at the Hospice of East Texas. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Garrison. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Among Jane Frances Young Smith’s survivors are, son, Greg Smith. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Garrison Building Fund or Hospice of East Texas in Tyler.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 76-year old Jean Nielsen of Center. Service will be at 11 this morning at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Among Jean Nielsen’s survivors is a sister, Gracie Forsythe of Center; and sisters-in-law, Yvonne Hogan of Conroe and Ruth Hogan of Conroe.

WEATHER SERVICE RADAR IS DETECTING A STRONG CELL OF THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY TRACKING INTO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SHELBY COUNTY, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE IN CENTER AROUND 4:30 TO 4:45. THE THREAT OF HEAVY RAIN, STRONG WINDS AND POSSIBLE HAIL EXIST WITH THIS ACTIVITY.

Today: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 84. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.

Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.

Arrest Report

6/23/14--6/24/14

Shelby County:

Jacob Dewayne Jackson, 22, Center, Two Warrants for Theft

Nancy Grant Strong, 48, Tenaha, Possession of Marijuana

Michael Reynolds, 44, Center, Warrant-Judgment of Condition by Court for Burglary of a Habitation

Lillian Kendrick, 44, Joaquin, Driving While Intoxicated-Enhanced

Jennifer Anthony, 28, Joaquin, Caddo Parish Warrant-Theft

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department has released more information in regards to a near-fatal swimming pool incident in Joaquin last Friday afternoon.

According to a press release from Sheriff Willis Blackwell, at approximately 4:55pm a 9-1-1 call was received from Kendra May of Joaquin, in reference to a two-year-old falling in the family swimming pool.

The child's father saw her in the pool, dove in the water and removed her from the pool. He immediately initiated CPR.

The release stated Tommy Boyett, a neighbor and member of the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department, arrived on the scene immediately. The fire department was called in to assist and the child was breathing while in the ambulance at 5:19pm.

Life Air Rescue arrived around 5:26pm and transported the child to Willis-Knighton hospital in Shreveport.

The child was released from the hospital on Saturday morning, June 21, in good condition.

Sheriff Blackwell said thanks to trained personnel and quick thinking and action by her parents, a near tragedy has a very happy ending.

We told you yesterday Center Crime Stoppers was offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect wanted in the home invasion incident Saturday morning on Hwy. 7 West in Center.

Billy Don and Janice Hughes were assaulted at their home between Forest Lane and Biggars Street. Sheriff Willis Blackwell says the 911 call came in just before 6 a.m. Saturday from Mr. Hughes saying a black male clothed in a devil suit, attempted to attack Mrs. Hughes while outside watering plants.

Upon hearing Mr. Hughes, the suspect then attacked him. Mrs. Hughes ran into the house and out the front of the home to a neighbor residence to call 911.

Billy Don Hughes sustained injuries to his face and mouth when the attacker hit him with a hand gun.

Sheriff Blackwell urges anyone with information on the incident to contact his office. The sheriff added, “Incidents like this are usually the result of drug use. Hopefully this individual will be apprehended and that the prosecutor and judges will execute swift and harsh punishment on them and others. We don’t need this type of individual in Shelby County.”

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.

The Texas Workforce Commission says the Texas economy continued its trend of job growth in May, as the state's unemployment rate dropped to 5.1 percent, down from 5.2 in April. Shelby County's May unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, down from 5.2 in April, and a full percentage point down from 6.4 in May of last year. San Augustine County's May unemployment was pretty steady at 7.6 percent, down almost two percent from a year ago. In neighboring counties, Sabine County's May unemployment remained double-digit at 10. 9 percent, Nacogdoches County's was 5.1, Angelina County's was 5.2, and Panola County's May unemployment was 4.0 percent.

The Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will have a special meeting at 9:30 this morning to accept or reject bids for road oil.

San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court will meet at 9 this morning and among the agenda items will be the presentation of the outside audit by Mark Goodin of Tiller & Company. The Court will also discuss and consider reappointing Jim McReyolds to the boar of trustees of the Burke Center.

Garrison ISD has a new high school principal as Reid Spivey was named to the position recently. Spivey has been with the Garrison ISD for 10 years, teaching social studies and worked as defensive coordinator for the football team. Spivey takes over for Lance Bernard who became athletic director/head football coach at Garrison ISD.

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or more commonly referred to as STAAR test preliminary scores have been released, and while the Center ISD had overall areas of positive improvement compared to last year's scores, there's some subjects, especially in the jr. high that showed substantial drops from the 2012-1013 results. Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry says the Center ISD is trying to down-play some of the STAAR testing to help alleviate some of the pressure.

Center Intermediate School, 4th & 5th grade scores in Reading, Math, Writing and Science were all pretty well ahead of last year's testing. Fifth grade math was up 31 percent to an 87 percent passing rate, and 20 percent in reading, while 4th grade writing was 23 percent better than the year before.

On the other hand, Center Middle School showed some sub-par results, primarily in seventh-grade math, as scores were 20 percent below the 2012-13 levels at 54 percent passing; and eighth-grade social studies were 23 percent behind at 43 percent passing.

When it came to high school, Algebra I, Biology, English I and especially U.S. History all performed better this time around, as U.S. History was at a 96 percent passing rate and Biology at 95 percent.

Hockenberry said the official STAAR test results will be made available next month, and after an appeal period, they'll be made official sometime in the fall.

The Texas A&M University and TCEQ will be conducting an informational meeting about their current Recreational Use Study on streams in East Texas at 6 p.m. tomorrow night in the BBVA Bank Conference Room, at 123 S. Harrison Street in San Augustine. A Recreational Use Attainability Analysis is being carried out on Ayish Bayou in San Augustine County. Joe Martin, with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and John Baker, with Texas AgriLife Research and Extension, Texas A & M University, will present information about the Recreational Use Attainability Analysis. They will also be available to talk with local residents about their knowledge of the stream, how they use the stream for recreation, and locations where recreation occurs on the stream. For additional information, please contact Joe Martin 512-239-3163 or John Baker 979-218-8245.

A ribbon cutting event will be held in downtown San Augustine at 2 p.m. Thursday for the new Texas Star Retail store. The public in invited to attend and welcome owners, Johnny & Tammy Shofner. The store is located in the J.P. Mathews building.

If you have not had your blood pressure screened recently or you would like information on how to live a healthier, happier life, then Wednesday is your chance.  A Blood Pressure Screening and Healthy Living Information session will be held at the San Augustine Courthouse from 9 -12 tomorrow. Paula Botsford, is a Public Health Educator along with an Registered Nurse, will be providing the screening and answering questions and handing out information on the healthy living life style.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 76-year old Jean Nielsen of Center. She passed away Monday at Pine Grove Nursing Home. Service will be at 11 Wednesday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Among Jean Nielsen’s survivors is a sister, Gracie Forsythe of Center; and sisters-in-law, Yvonne Hogan of Conroe and Ruth Hogan of Conroe.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 59-year old Marlin Thompson of Garland. He passed away Saturday at Baylor Medical Center in Garland. Service will be at 11 this morning at Sholar Cemetery in Shelby County. Among Marlin Thompson’s survivors are, mother, Iva Nell Moore Stevens of Garland; children, Marlin Anthony Thompson of Center and Sara Thompson of Center; brothers, Marcus Thompson of Garland and Rodney Thompson of Forney; and sisters, Mary Thompson of Carthage, Lois Hamilton of Tawakoni and Gay Nell Null of Garland.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 87-year old Betty Ponder of Joaquin. Service will be at 2 this afternoon at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from 12 noon to service time at Mangum Funeral Home. Burial will be in Benton, Illinois.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 71-year old Mary Joyce Dickerson of San Augustine. Service will be at 10 this morning at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel in San Augustine, with burial at Chinquapin Cemetery, San Augustine County.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors of Nacogdoches announces service for 74-year old James E. Raney of Nacogdoches. He passed away last Saturday in Nacogdoches. James Raney was a former mayor of Nacogdoches, former Nacogdoches ISD board member, served on a number of boards, and for 37 years owned Varsity Book Store at SFA. Service will be at 10 this morning at Christ Episcopal Church in Nacogdoches, with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery.  

Today: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

As of 1:00 PM, power supplied by DETEC's Prospect, Timpson, Tenaha, Fitze, Garrison, Central Heights, Shady Grove and Martinsville Substations should be restored.

If you are still experiencing an outage, please contact DETEC at 1-800-392-5986.

Today's outages were due to an outage experienced by SWEPCO - Southwestern Electric Power Company.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked with SWEPCO to restore power as soon as possible.

This from Brittney Johnson with Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative:

Due to an outage experienced by SWEPCO - Southwestern Electric Power Company, the DETEC service areas powered by our Prospect, Timpson, Fitze, Central Heights, Shady Grove and Martinsville Substations have been affected.

We understand that being without electricity is a hardship, please be assured that DETEC is working diligently with SWEPCO to restore your power as soon as possible.  At this time, an estimated restoral time is unknown.  We will continue to keep you updated as updates are known.  Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

We’ve received information that a two-year old child was life-flighted to a Shreveport hospital as a precaution after an incident involving a kiddy pool near Joaquin Friday afternoon.

The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department is reporting emergency personnel were called to a mobile home park on FM 2428 around 5 p.m. where the incident was reported to have occurred.

Officials say the mother saw the little girl go into the pool and was able to reach her quickly.

The child was reportedly conscious and alert when she was transported by ACE EMS into the helicopter for transfer to a Shreveport hospital.

Center Police is investigating an incident that took place Saturday morning where a couple was assaulted at their home by an individual described as wearing a “devil” Halloween mask.

As Billy Don and Janice Hughes went out on the back porch of their home on Hwy. 7 west, it’s reported a man described as being black with a mask on with two horns and crazy teeth, struck Mr. Hughes in the head with a pistol, and shoved Mrs. Hughes down. She was able to escape and hide from the suspect, going several houses down the highway to seek help.

Billy Don and Janice Hughes are reported to be OK following the attack.

Center Crime Stoppers needs your help in finding the suspect responsible for this incident. Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information. Call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at centercrimestoppers.com.

Remember, you don’t have to give your name. All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous.

Rewards will only be paid on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.

Word came last Friday that the skeletal remains found in San Augustine County back in March have been identified as a Jacksonville woman who went missing nearly eight years ago.

Shunte Coleman had been missing since July 2006, and her skeletal remains were found by a forester in a thickly wooded area of San Augustine County, near the intersection of FM 1196 and County Road 347.

Coleman wasn't the only woman who mysteriously disappeared that year. Terri Reyes vanished shortly after, and her body was also found in San Augustine County in the Bannister Wildlife Management Area in the Angelina National Forest, just one month later after going missing.

Both women have ties to former Jacksonville police officer, Larry Pugh, who is reported to have lived and attended school in San Augustine. At the time, Pugh was being investigated on sexual assault charges, and both women were scheduled to testify against him. He later pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges and was sentenced to federal prison.

It's unclear if Pugh is being looked at as a possible suspect in Coleman or Reyes' deaths. He is set to be released from prison in 2018.

Coleman’s death is being investigated by the San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Texas Rangers and FBI.

Shunte Coleman

Shelby County Commissioners' Court has a special meeting at 9:30 this morning, and among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be joining with the City of Center to bring back a recycling program to the county.

County Judge’s Administrative Assistant Deanne Sample, tells us since the City of Center suspended the recycling program due to expense a few years ago, the city is asking the county for assistance in paying for the program.

To hopefully provide further assistance, Commissioners will also approve a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant application with DETCOG for a Regional Solid Waste Grants Program. Ms. Sample says this includes litter and illegal dumping cleanup/community clean-up events, among other categories.

The court may possibly take action on renewal of an Annual Peopleware Agreement between Shelby County Tax Office and Computer Information Concepts beginning Aug. 1.

Following the special meeting this morning, the commissioners' court will have a special meeting at 10:30 to hear a presentation from Ralph Wallace with the Texas County & District Retirement System to discuss county employee retirement options.

The Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will have a special meeting at 9:30 Tuesday morning to accept or reject bids for road oil.

San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court will meet at 9 Tuesday morning and among the agenda items will be the presentation of the outside audit by Mark Goodin of Tiller & Company. The Court will also discuss and consider reappointing Jim McReyolds to the boar of trustees of the Burke Center.

When the Center City Council meets at 5 this afternoon, they’ll consider establishing a “No Parking” Zone along Henrietta Street adjacent to Center Mini-Park.

City Manager Chad Nehring said the city has received numerous calls and concerns regarding the obstruction of traffic due to individuals not using the parking lot, but rather opting for the convenience of parking on the street next to the playground and pavilion. Nehring said since there was no land available for additional parking, the council will consider creating a “No Parking” Zone on the north (residential) side of Henrietta Street, directly across from the fenced park.

Also on today’s agenda, Center City Council will consider the Economic Development Corporation’s suggestion to reimburse Tenet Healthcare for site development assistance at the new 24-hour emergency facility at Loop 500 and U.S. 96 South. Nehring said this has to do with Tenet connecting to the City’s sanitary sewer system, and is beyond the standard budget already approved.

Center City Council will also consider and possibly take action on approving the Shelby County Appraisal District Board Fiscal Year 2015 Budget as being one of the participating county entities.

The council is also expected to add a reserve officer to the Center Police Department, which Nehring said would be replacing a position, vacated from inactivity and is not increasing the size of the reserve force. He added that Andrew Williams will be replacing Chris Wheeler, which will give the Center PD nine reserve officers; and council will reappoint Barbara Bittick to the Center Housing Authority Board.

Prior to this afternoon's meeting, the council will have a special workshop session at 4 for preliminary Budget discussion.

The San Augustine City Council has a called meeting at 5 Monday, and among the agenda items will be a discussion and possible action to approve minor construction on the front side of the historic Lewis Railroad Hotel building,  and discussion and action, if any, on the San Augustine Volunteer Fire Department Policies and Procedures. City Manager Bruce Milstead says this will address emergency dispatching since there are no guidelines at this time. Milstead advised the meeting with the DETCOG Economic Development Committee last Thursday concerning grant funding to assist with construction of a new fresh water storage tank went well. He said the committee will take the information to Austin and hope to have an answer possibly this week.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of service Sunday for 99-year old Hoy McMahon of Center. He passed away Friday at Holiday Nursing Home in Center. Service was held at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at North Jericho Cemetery, Center. Among Hoy McMahon’s survivors are, children, Linda Moody of Center, Tommy McMahon of Center and Jimmy McMahon of Dallas.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 92-year old Velma Odell Smith of Center. She passed away Friday at her residence. Service will be held at 10 this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Old Salem Cemetery, Center. Among Velma Odell Smith’s survivors are, children, Betty Sue McSwain of Deadwood, Jeanene Porter of Deadwood and Gene Edward Smith of Center; son-in-law, the Rev. Mervin Scott of Deadwood; sisters, Vaudine Adams and Bastine Folsom, both of Center; and brother, James Verlon Luman of Center.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 79-year old Clara Risinger of the East Hamilton Community. She passed away Saturday at her home. Service will be at 4 this afternoon at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel, with burial at East Hamilton Cemetery. Among Clara Risinger’s survivor is, her husband Travis Risinger of East Hamilton; and sister, Ruth Cooper of Orange.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 87-year old Betty Ponder of Joaquin. She passed away Friday at her residence. Service will be at 2 Tuesday at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from 12 noon to service time at Mangum Funeral Home. Burial will be in Benton, Illinois. Among Betty Ponder’s survivors are her husband, Solon “Wayne” Ponder of Joaquin; daughter, Francis Neely of Seattle, WA, Debra Goodwin of Sparks, Nevada; and son, Floyd Dale Ponder of San Antonio.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors of Nacogdoches announces service for 60-year old Deborah Jean Scott-Hurst of Center. Service will be at 2:30 today at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel in Nacogdoches, with interment at Maroney Cemetery, located off Hwy. 7 in Nacogdoches. Among Deborah Jean Scott-Hurst’s survivors are, son, Justin Hurst of San Marcos; mother, Marjorie Scott of Houston; and two sisters, Majorie Bartlett of Houston and Patricia Eagar of Maui, Hawaii.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 71-year old Mary Joyce Dickerson of San Augustine. She passed away Sunday in San Augustine. Service will be at 10 Tuesday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel in San Augustine, with burial at Chinquapin Cemetery, San Augustine County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 this evening at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Mary Joyce Dickerson’s survivors are, sons, Joey Dickerson of Chireno, Michael Dickerson of San Augustine; daughters, Lisa Goodman of Lufkin; brother, Harvey Herrington of Jasper; sisters, Colleen Beckman of Hemphill, Dorothy Tatum of Hemphill, Faye Dickerson of Bronson, JoAnn Forse of Pineland and Jeanette Harvey of Shelbyville.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine hit the newsstand Friday, as the bible of Texas Football makes its preseason predictions for the upcoming season. With the formation of a Class 6A division, high school teams have for the most part moved up in classification, and realigned into one of two divisions—Div. I for the larger enrollment schools, and then Div. II. As for local teams, the Center Roughriders are now in District 6-4A, Division II, and according to the magazine, The Riders are predicted to finish fifth in the six-team district. Ahead of Center is projected district champ Gladewater, then Tatum, Atlanta and Spring Hill.

The Tenaha Tigers are getting the nod from Texas Football to not only win District 11-2A, Div. II, but to take all the marbles, and claim another state championship. Tiger running back Cobe Caraway is also the preseason state-wide MVP, and linebacker DeMarcus Perry is a pre-season all-state pick, and head coach Terry Ward is the pre-season coach of the year in 2A. Tenaha finished 2013 as 1A, Div. II semifinalist. The Timpson Bears are picked to finish third in the six-team member Dist. 11-2A, Div. II, behind Maud.

One of the toughest 2A districts in the region is 10-2A, Div. I, as San Augustine, Shelbyville and Joaquin are picked respectively behind West Sabine. San Augustine quarterback Jamikel Roberts is the pre-season district MVP. In District 11-3A, Div. II, which is another tough one, Garrison is predicted to finish third behind Newton and Corrigan-Camden.

The football season is scheduled to kick-off Aug. 29.

Over 130 high school students from all over the state and region gathered on Lake Sam Rayburn yesterday for The Sam Rayburn National High School Open Bass Tournament. Winning the rain-drenched event was the team of Dillion Harrell and Brendon Reavis of New Caney, with a total weight of 21 pounds, including a big fish of 7 pounds.

Arrest Report

6/20/14--6/23/14

Shelby County:

Mark Gassiott, 35, Center, Warrant-Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle

Zhikavan Wilson, 20, Center, Assault Causing Bodily Injury, Angelina County Warrant-Interfere with an Emergency Call, Warrant-Capias-Unlawful Restraint & Warrant-Capias-Criminal Trespass

Andrew Booker, 20, Joaquin, Public Intoxication

Small Moreno, 33, Center, Driving While Intoxicated-2nd Offense

Matthew Bryan, 27, Gary, Public Intoxication

Angela Cordova, 30, Timpson, Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction, No Liability Insurance and Wrong Registration Sticker

San Augustine County:

Able Valenciana, 37, San Augustine, No Driver's License and Reckless Driving

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

Today: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.

Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph after midnight.

Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph after midnight.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind around 5 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.

Arrest Report

6/19/14--6/20/14

Shelby County:

Seltisha Rugley, 24, Center, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Doyle Ray Mayhaw, 48, Garrison, Burglary of a Vehicle

Mark Gassiott, 35, Center, Theft of a Motor Vehicle

Oleta Cooper, 34, Center, Theft of a Motor Vehicle

Brandon Loftin, 32, Joaquin, Warrant-Theft

James Cody Fleming, 30, Shelbyville, Warrant-Theft

Donald Runnels, 47, Joaquin, Evading Arrest & Driving While Intoxicated

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The boil water notice is still in effect for the city of Center—city wide. Word should be given sometime this morning or whether it’s OK for City of Center residents to resume the regular consumption of water as samples are going through testing at the lab. City Manager Chad Nehring tells us it’s an 18-hour process, and city staff was reporting good chlorine residuals for disinfections throughout the water system yesterday afternoon. Nehring said results should be back around 8 this morning, and if the all-clear is given, you’ll be advised by the city through a call out by phone, or they’ll advise us to relay the information. The City of Center issued a boil water notice Wednesday night when workers had to drain the 18 inch water main that had to be repaired due to a leak.

Tyson Processing Plant in Center has some work changes for today, Friday. The Day Shift Evis, Cut-up and Labeling will start 2 hours late today, Friday. The Night Shift will start at normal time, today, Friday.

TxDOT advises contractors will applying a seal coat to more roadways throughout the Lufkin District. Starting today, crews will be sealing a 3.5 mile section of SH 147 from the San Augustine County Line to 3.2 miles south of FM 3123 in Angelina County. The operation will continue this afternoon and Saturday in Sabine County on FM 83, where 10.5 miles stretching from FM 1 to FM 87 will be covered. Seal coating is also scheduled today on U.S. 96 in San Augustine County from the Shelby County line to just north of FM 1279. TxDOT says work in Shelby County this weekend through Monday will be on SH 87 from Loop 500 to FM 417E; and next week on SH 7E from the railroad underpass in Center to US 84; and on SH 84 from US 59 in Tenaha to FM 699.

TxDOT reminds motorists to expect short delays and day time lane closures in the work locations. Drivers should use caution when traveling through work zones which will include flaggers handling traffic control in two-lane areas. Remember, traffic fines double when workers are present.

Heading into the first day of Summer tomorrow, temperatures will be rising to the warmest so far this year. The long summer months are ahead, and unfortunately we have senior neighbors that will have to bare the heat without a means of air conditioning or ample fresh flowing air supply. This is where you can help. Shelby County Outreach Ministries is asking for your assistance in providing much needed fans to senior residents of Shelby and San Augustine counties for the summer weather ahead. Fan donations are being accepted at the senior nutrition sites in Center and San Augustine, and at Unique Boutique and Helping Hands Ministry on Shelbyville Street in Center. Fans will go to citizens 60-years of age and older, and only younger if an individual has a respiratory ailment. For more information, contact Shelby County Outreach Ministries at 936-598-4990. 

The Shelbyville ISD Board of Trustees made three new hires during their special called meeting yesterday.

According to Superintendent Dr. Ray West, the new S.W. Carter Elementary Principal is long-time district employee, Michael Furlow. He has over 20 years at Shelbyville ISD, and recently served as assistant principal. Furlow takes over for Cindy Coleman who left the district at the end of the school year.

Additionally, Dr. West said that Patrick Fulga was hired as a teacher and girls’ coach. Fulga comes to Shelbyville after serving as a girls’ coach in the Colmesneil ISD.

The board also agreed to employee Joyce Oliver as a secondary science teacher. 

The San Augustine City Council has a called meeting at 5 Monday, and among the agenda items will be a discussion and possible action to approve minor construction on the front side of the Lewis Railroad Hotel building and discussion and action, if any, on the San Augustine Volunteer Fire Department Policies and Procedures.

Several Shelby County 4-H members competed at the East Region Horse Show in Athens on Tuesday, June 17. Those placing in Ranch Sorting were: Lieza Klein and Johnathan Oswalt-3rd place; Lieza Klein and Ryan Tilley-4th place; Justin O'Rear and McKaul Martin-5th place; Lieza Klein and Mary Beth Beam-7th place; Blake Griffin and Ryan Tilley-8th place; and Blake Griffin and Johnathan Oswalt-10th place. In Team Penning: Brady Bailey, Johnthan Oswalt and Justin O'Rear were 1st; and Alli Jo Baldwin, Lieza Klein and Blake Griffen were 2nd place. In Team Roping: Blake Griffin-4th place. The Stock Horse High Point Junior was Lieza Klein. Congratulations to these kiddos.

The Bass Federation and FLW's Student Angler Federation High School Fishing Open will be holding a "block party" in downtown San Augustine tonight to kick-off the bass fishing tournament on Lake Sam Rayburn.

Last year's tournament brought in teenagers from five states and raised over $20,000 in scholarships. Terry Sympson of Jackson Hill Marina says the event will possibly have a $300,000 economic impact on San Augustine County.

Lots of activities are planned from 6 to 9 tonight in San Augustine, such as music, food, pro fishermen meet-and-greet, fishing skill clinics and games. Sympson says

Saturday's event will be held from 3 to 8 at Broaddus High School for a boat and tackle show and cookout.

High school anglers will take off from Cassels-Boykin Park off Hwy. 147 at 6 a.m. Sunday for the tournament. Weigh-in will be held at the Bill and Emily Shelton Pavilion at 3 and is open to the public.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors of Nacogdoches announces service for 60-year old Deborah Jean Scott-Hurst of Center. She passed away Thursday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. Service will be at 2:30 Monday, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel in Nacogdoches, with interment at Maroney Cemetery, located off Hwy. 7 in Nacogdoches. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Sunday at Cason Monk-Metcalf. Among Deborah Jean Scott-Hurst’s survivors are, son, Justin Hurst of San Marcos; mother, Marjorie Scott of Houston; and two sisters, Majorie Bartlett of Houston and Patricia Eagar of Maui, Hawaii.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 60-year old Mrs. Shirley McClelland Wilson of Shelbyville. Service will be at 12 noon Saturday at Triumph Church of Center, with interment at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville. Among Shirley McClelland Wilson’s survivors are, husband, Donald Wilson of Missouri City; two daughters, Doneshia Wilson of Missouri City and ConCynthia McClelland of Shelbyville; and son, Gervis Garrett of Houston.

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 92-year old Constance Bernice Rousseau Weber of Huntsville. She passed away Tuesday at her residence. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 this evening at Garrison Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Cole Springs Baptist Church in Garrison, with interment at Cold Springs Cemetery. Among Constance Bernice Rousseau Weber’s survivors are, children, Connie Sandel of Huntsville, Glen Weber of New Waverly, Gilda Ann Ballard of Porter, Carl Weber of Coldspring and Sheila Schlinder of Huffman; and sisters, Opal Chandler of Garrison, Ann Janette Westbrook of Louisville, KY, and Florine Parker of Kilgore.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 84-year old Alvester Hubbard of Center. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center, with interment at Blount Chapel Cemetery in Center. Among Alvester Hubbard’s survivors are, 4 sisters, Mary Ruth Garrett, Edith Thomas and Billie Harris, all of Center, and Laura Lee Moore of Lake Charles; and two brothers, Randy Hubbard of Center and James Moore, Jr. of Lake Charles.

Sadler Funeral Services in Nacogdoches announces service for 24-year old Thaddeus Tyler Myles. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Martinsville School Gym, with burial at Mount Gillion Cemetery, Nacogdoches County. He passed away Wednesday in Lufkin, from injuries received in a swimming accident in July of 2013 at Camp Tonkawa, near Garrison. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 today at Sadler Funeral Services in Nacogdoches.

There will be a benefit Skeet Shoot with all the proceeds going to two law enforcement officers recently injured in the line of duty. Trooper Zack Mills and Game Warden Henry Alvardo, are both undergoing long roads to recovery. Trooper Mills is currently recuperating at home and undergoing rehab for his injuries, while Warden Alvarado is currently awaiting another surgery in a Beaumont Hospital. Both of them have a long road to recovery and numerous forthcoming expenses that will not be covered by any compensation other than their own. The Skeet Shoot will be held at the Fairway Farms in San Augustine tomorrow, Saturday, starting at 9:00am. Each gun will cost $60 with a BBQ lunch being provided. There will also be a gun auction held that will include a Beretta (A400) Semi-Auto 12 gauge shotgun, and a Marlin 30/30 rifle with wood grain stock. **Fairway Farms is 5.9 miles from San Augustine on HWY 21 East.** For more information contact: John Welch at the Center Police Department at 936-598-2788, or Sgt. Shannon Brazeal at the San Augustine Police Department at 936-275-3400.

Shelby County is represented well on the 10U Driven baseball tournament team that’s headed to the World Series in Gulf Shores, Alabama next month. The players, coaches and parents wish to thank all the generous donations that were given to these local boys to help fund their upcoming trip. If you’d like to donate or send “Good Luck” wishes, you can contact any Driven Player of contact Tammy Hanson at 936-254-2391. Shelby County team members include: Chase Adkison, Jake Hanson, Colton Snider, Collin Jones, and Darin Livingston

Registration is underway for the annual What-A-Melon Festival 5K Run and one mile run/walk that will be held on Saturday, July 12 on the Center Square. The fun run begins at 7 a.m., with the 5K race set to start at 7:30 a.m. Cost to enter the Fun Run is $15, or $20 on race day; and its $25 for the 5K, or $30 on race day. Shirts are guaranteed for the first 150 applicants. This year, all proceeds from the run are going to the Shelby County Scouts, girls and boys. To register go to onestoprace.com, or call Anna Lee at 598-5688.

Tyson Foods Processing Plant in Center has advised that the second shift, all departments, will not work today, Thursday, June 19.

This is related to the water issues in Center related to the 18-inche main line that was repaired overnight.

Arrest Report

6/18/14--6/19/14

Shelby County:

Francisia Grandos Busto, 45, Center, Theft

Diantri Scott, 43, Center, Warrant-Burglary of a Vehicle and Warrant-Theft

John Clabort LeBlanc, 46, Center, Driving While Intoxicated

San Augustine County:

Charles R. Dunn, 53, Lufkin, Motion for Adjudication, Original Charge: Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Jocoyus L. Barnes, 28, San Augustine, Motion to Revoke Community Supervision for Enforcement of Support Order

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

On this newscast yesterday, I had a story concerning the recent high-number of teacher resignations in the Center ISD and what seems to be the blame.

We quoted a parent, Traci Tomlin Willoughby, who’s attempting to get a town hall meeting together to address the turnovers and other issues. Ms. Willoughby said one of her concerns was that of the current school board, there’s a minimal number with children in the CISD.

There’s a correction to be made in reference to the number of current CISD board members that have children attending school in the district. The story should read two trustees.

In addition, Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry did respond following the airing of the story. He said the number of resignations the district has seen is not atypical for this time of year, especially with 400 employees, noting it’s a transitional period time for educators. He added he could not speak for those leaving the district and it’s his general understanding that there are many reasons people choose to depart. Dr. Hockenberry said he does not follow social media. However, if there are concerns regarding the district, he strongly encourages those to come and speak with him. He added he’s more than willing to listen to those concerns.

The Shelbyville ISD Board of Trustees will have a special meeting at 12 noon today. Superintendent Dr. Ray West tells us the board will be interviewing two finalists for the elementary principal’s position – an internal candidate, and one outside the district.

He said Cindy Coleman submitted her resignation and left the position as principal at the end of the school year after one year on staff.

In addition, Dr. West said the board may hire a girls’ coach, who would help with getting volleyball started, as well as assist with other coaching duties.

Hiring a high school science teacher is also a possibility at today’s meeting of the Shelbyville ISD.

The City of San Augustine has officially gotten out of the garbage business.

At Tuesday night’s meeting, the city entered into a contract with Piney Woods Sanitation from Huntington to be the city’s new household and business garbage collector.

City Manager Bruce Milstead said Piney Woods will begin operating in San Augustine June 30, and until they can deliver the 95-gallon wheeled carts for customers, they’ll pick up garbage as the city has been. Milstead said the move will be cost effect for the city.

San Augustine Council voted to approve an election services agreement with San Augustine County Election’s Administrator Deborah Woods to take over the city’s election process. Ms. Woods was already taking care of the county and school’s elections. The shared cost of workers is a savings, according to Milstead.

He also said the DETCOG Economic Development Committee would be meeting with city officials in San Augustine today to discuss funding for a new fresh water holding tank and repairs to the existing facility. Milstead said estimated costs for the job, based on 2008 figures is around $700-thousand.

City of Joaquin Mayor Mike Wood has notified Center Broadcasting that an individual or some other outside group is using the local number 269-3602 to try to get the party called to turn over information that may allow someone to take money from you.

Mayor Wood said the FCC informed him they are working to shut these scams down. If you dial the number after the call, it shows to be a non-working number.

He said there may be instances in the future where the call I.D. shows that you are being called by your own number. This is also a ploy to get you to answer the phone and talk to the person interested in getting your personal information. 

There’s word this morning that the family of Marjorie Nugent has filed a petition with the state’s highest criminal court asking to submit a brief opposing the release of her killer—Bernie Tiede.

The petition objects to the decision and argues that Panola County District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson failed to notify them about the court hearing to determine whether he would be released, preventing them from expressing their opposition.

Tiede was released on bond last month under strict conditions. He had served 17 years of a life sentence for the murder of Nugent in 1996. Tiede's lawyers discovered new evidence that he had been sexually abused as a young man. The court of criminal appeals must still approve a reduced sentence for Tiede. 

Center High School Chaparral Haley Hockenberry has earned All-American status and has qualified to perform in the 2015 London New Year's Day Parade.

Hockenberry is a sophomore, and is 1st lieutenant on the Chapparal squad. She attended the Universal Dance Association Officer Camp in Ruston, Louisiana, along with other Chaparral officers, Senior Captain Alexis Salas and sophomore 2nd Lieutenant Sydney Denney. The officers learned and performed three routines and earned superior ribbons on all performances. They also earned spirit sticks each night and a trophy for All Superior Ratings, which qualified them for Nationals in Florida, in January 2015.

Last night, the entire Chapparal's team traveled to Centenary College in Shreveport for team camp. They'll be performing their home routine as well as learning a variety of routines to perform throughout the year. Congratulations to the officers and best to "The Sweethearts of Shelby County", the Center High School Chaparrals.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 85-year old Lonnie “L.J.” Chance, Jr. of Center. Service will be held at 1 this afternoon at First Baptist Church in Center, with interment at Mt Herman Cemetery, Shelby County.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 60-year old 60-year old Mrs. Shirley McClelland Wilson of Shelbyville. Service will be at 12 noon Saturday at Triumph Church of Center, with interment at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville. Among Shirley McClelland Wilson’s survivors are, husband, Donald Wilson of Missouri City; two daughters, Doneshia Wilson of Missouri City and ConCynthia McClelland of Shelbyville; and son, Gervis Garrett of Houston.

In sports,

A preliminary autopsy report has revealed that former Texas A&M, Houston Oiler and Tennessee Titan running back Rodney Thomas died from a heart attack last Saturday in Groveton at his mother’s home. Services for Thomas will be held in the Groveton ISD high school gym at 11 a.m. Friday. The 41-year old Thomas led the Groveton Indians to back-to-back 2A state championships in 1989 and 1990. Dave Campbell's Texas football website has Rodney Thomas listed 5th all-time on the career rushing yards list. According to the site, Thomas rushed for 8,441 yards.

The Bass Federation and FLW's Student Angler Federation High School Fishing Open holds a "block party" in downtown San Augustine from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, to kick-off the bass fishing tournament on Lake Sam Rayburn. Last year's tournament brought in teenagers from five states and raised over $20,000 in scholarships. Organizers say a lot of activities are planned for Friday night, and youth are invited. Saturday's event will be held from 3 to 8 at Broaddus High School for a boat and tackle show, and high school anglers will take off from Cassels-Boykin Park off Hwy. 147 at 6 a.m. Sunday for the fishing tournament. Weigh-in will be held at the Bill and Emily Shelton Pavilion at 3 p.m. Sunday, and is open to the public. For more, contact Terry Sympson at 936-872-9266.

There will be a benefit Skeet Shoot with all the proceeds going to two law enforcement officers recently injured in the line of duty. Trooper Zack Mills and Game Warden Henry Alvardo, are both undergoing long roads to recovery. Trooper Mills is currently recuperating at home and undergoing rehab for his injuries, while Warden Alvarado is currently awaiting another surgery in a Beaumont Hospital. Both of them have a long road to recovery and numerous forthcoming expenses that will not be covered by any compensation other than their own. The Skeet Shoot will be held at the Fairway Farms in San Augustine Saturday, June 21 starting at 9:00am. Each gun will cost $60 with a BBQ lunch being provided. There will also be a gun auction held that will include a Beretta (A400) Semi-Auto 12 gauge shotgun, and a Marlin 30/30 rifle with wood grain stock. **Fairway Farms is 5.9 miles from San Augustine on HWY 21 East.** For more information contact: John Welch at the Center Police Department at 936-598-2788, or Sgt. Shannon Brazeal at the San Augustine Police Department at 936-275-3400.

Registration is underway for the annual What-A-Melon Festival 5K Run and one mile run/walk that will be held on Saturday, July 12 on the Center Square. The fun run begins at 7 a.m., with the 5K race set to start at 7:30 a.m. Cost to enter the Fun Run is $15, or $20 on race day; and its $25 for the 5K, or $30 on race day. Shirts are guaranteed for the first 150 applicants. This year, all proceeds from the run are going to the Shelby County Scouts, girls and boys. To register go to onestoprace.com, or call Anna Lee at 598-5688.

The water issue in Center has Tyson altering its work schedule for today, Thursday.

Day shift: Evis, cutup and debone will NOT work today, Thursday.

Day Shift: Blasting, Labelling and Shipping WILL Work today, Thursday at Tyson Foods in Center

Night Shift: To be determined

Tyson Center Processing Plant employees are urged to keep listening to the radio for further updates.

As of midnight, the City of Center had completed repairs to the 18-inch primary water main line from the Lake Pinkston water plant that transports the majority of treated water into town.

Because of the break, the entire City of Center water system was placed under a boil water notice last night. City Manager Chad Nehring reported Wednesday morning there was a leak on Hwy. 7 west between Lillian Street and Lakewood, which resulted in no service to customers in that area for most of the day yesterday, in addition to lower than normal water pressure or flow in other areas of town while repairs were done.

Nehring said the line was older, therefore prone to breaks. He said being it’s a main line, more people than normal were affected by the interruption of service. Nehring said pressure should be sufficient in all parts of town by now as water from the treatment plants refilled the system.

He said customers may experience dirty or cloudy water resulting from the lines being drained, and that crews will be working all day today flushing lines.

Nehring said if you have any questions to contact city hall at 598-2941. Again, the City of Center is under a boil water notice until further notification.

Due to a line break in our main 18" water transmission main on Hwy 7W
causing a reduction in system pressure, the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required City of Center Utilities (PWS#
2100001) to notify all customers of the need to boil their water prior to
consumption.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for
drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use.
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. Instructions to
discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Chad Nehring,
City Manager, or City Hall at 598-2941.

SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUE DEVELOPING OVER THE FOUR
STATE AREA AND ARE REALLY PEPPERED ON RADAR SOUTH OF I-20...BUT ARE
SHOWING UP NOW IN ISOLATED LOCALES TO THE NORTH AS WELL. MOVEMENT
OF THIS ACTIVITY IS TO THE NORTH...NORTHEAST AT 20 MPH. OVER THE NEXT
COUPLE OF HOURS...KEEP AN EYE TO THE SOUTHWEST SKY FOR DARK CLOUDS
AND IF THUNDER ROARS...MOVE INDOORS. BRIEF HEAVY RAIN WILL BE
POSSIBLE ALONG WITH GUSTY WINDS TO 30 MPH AND OF COURSE...DANGEROUS
LIGHTNING. STRONGER THUNDERSTORMS MAY PRODUCE SMALL HAIL AS WELL.
WE CAN EXPECT THUNDERSTORM COVERAGE TO CONTINUE TO INCREASE INTO THE
MID AND LATE AFTERNOON HOURS.

Center City Manager Chad Nehring has notified Center Broadcasting that Center Utility crews will be repairing a leak on the primary water line from the Pinkston water plant into town today.  This main line generally transports the majority of treated water to town.  Unlike most situations with this specific line, this leak developed between Lillian Street and Lakewood, which will impact customer services in the area of town along Nacogdoches Highway (Highway 7 West).  This includes water outage for customers on Watlington, Shari, Biggers, Lillian, Dax and Lakewood streets.

Other customers could experience lower than normal water pressure or flow.
Because of the size of the line and potential system impact from heavy usage
today, we are requesting that all customers not irrigate or otherwise use
excessive water until the repairs can be made and services restored.  It is
anticipated that the repairs can be made by this evening.  Upon completion
of any major line repairs, customers could experience some cloudy or milky
water that should dissipate by letting the water run for a few minutes.
If anyone has questions, they can reach City Hall at 598-2941.

Arrest Report

6/17/14--6/18/14

Shelby County:

Keiausha Malone, 25, Center, Possession of Marijuana

Jennifer Johnson, 41, Center, Warrant-Theft by Check

Bradley Dillon Porter, 22, Center, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Theft of Property

Justin Wayne Evans, 21, Center, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Possession of Marijuana

San Augustine County:

Otis Ray Hoyt, 51, San Augustine, Order to Modify Community Supervision 10 days in jail, Original Charge: Assault-Family Violence Causing Bodily Injury

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

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is averaging $3.46 a gallon, that's up four cents in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.40, up three pennies in the past week. Nationally, the average is $3.65, which is up a nickel from the same time a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $3.44 at Walmart, which is no change in the past week.

The Center ISD has seen a rather large teacher turn over of recent. In the past two months alone, the board has accepted the resignation of 21 educators—15 at last Thursday’s meeting, including 8 middle and high school teachers. Some is to be expected as the school year ends. However, some of the exodus is reportedly said to be related to the district’s curriculum, as a former unidentified Center ISD teacher advised, more is expected of teachers than in other districts. Others are putting the blame on other issues. Regardless, social media is buzzing right now seeking answers.

One of those parents is Traci Tomlin Willoughby, who’s taken to Facebook to try and put together a town hall meeting to gather input from other concerned Center ISD parents. Ms. Willoughy feels it starts with the school board, where she says only two current members have children in the Center ISD. She says she wants to find candidates that will run with more children enrolled in CISD that have a vested interest. She said when a date and time is set for such meeting, she would share the information.

Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry had this response when asked about the teacher resignations. “Center ISD employs nearly 400 people. The numbers of resignations are not a typical for this time of year. This is the transitional period of time for educators. I cannot speak for those who are leaving the district. However, it is my general understanding that there are many reasons people choose to.” He went on to say, “I do not follow social media. However, if there are concerns regarding the district, I strongly encourage those to come and speak with me. I am more than willing to listen to those concerns.”

At last Thursday’s meeting, the Center ISD board accepted the following resignations: Center Middle School teachers-Cheryl Alexander, Kathy Bartram, Sara Casey, and Bryant Latham; Center High School teachers-Michaelle Coker, Ryan Loyd, Traci Mettauer, Joshua Stewart and Sam Thomas; F.L. Mofett teachers-Chelsey Brewer, Hanna Ramsey and Autumn Sanders; and Center Intermediate teachers-Dana Ellis, Tara Harris, and Kellie Pierce.

Employed teachers are: Center Middle School-Ricky Cratty, Sarah Eddins, Teresa Powell, Tabitha Stone, and Heather Williamson; Center Elementary-Alexis Bretos, Andrea Clay, Jessica Gipson, and Rebecca Lyles; Center Intermediate-Kathy Johnson and Sarah Yarbrough, instructional aide; Center High School-Christopher Draper, Tiffany Feher, Heaven Umbrell and Hannah Wilson; and Roy McLerran as an assistant band director.

A leave of absence was also given to Lacey Pierce.

The school board also reviewed the preliminary STAAR testing results. A request has also been made for those scores.

In other business, CISD trustees accepted the transportation fuel bid from R&D Distributing; and approved the 2014-15 broadcast agreement with Center Broadcasting. 

The Tenaha City Council discussed several items of business at their meeting Monday night, including garbage collection and assistance with the city’s water department.

Mayor Orinthia Johnson says the council heard a presentation from Frank Polley with East Texas Regional Landfield in regards to collection of the city’s garbage. Mayor Johnson said Jeff Hooker is presently doing the service and doing a good job. Polley was interested in having the governing body consider his garbage service. He was invited to make a presentation of proposal on June 30.

In addition, Stacy Cranford of Gary was also invited back later this month with a proposal to assist the city of Tenaha in returning to compliance with the water system. Mayor Johnson said after paying the $38-thousand fine recently to TCEQ, and other issues, the city was looking for assistance with paperwork and other utility matters.

During council members’ comments, Tommy Rinkle advised the council he was still circulating a petition for consideration of calling an election to go to a city manager form of government; and the council advised city employees to watch overtime hours in order to cut expenses.

We want to bring you up-to-date on a story involving the arrest of a Center native on Monday, who’s also a Nacogdoches businessman.

The man assaulted by 59-year old Willie Hudson, outside Hudson’s business, Nacogdoches Hardware & Rental, was a SFA employee, 54-year old Mark Porter, who is the technical director for the SFA School of Theatre.

Porter said Hudson approached him concerning the way he was parked outside the back of Cole Hall, which fronts Hudson’s store.

The Daily Sentinel is saying Porter was diagnosed with cancer over three years ago, and said he received hospital treatment for bruises to his face following the attack on Monday.

Porter also reported Hudson threatened to ram his truck with his truck, and then he fell on the ground and claimed to have a back injury, which Porter said, was really bizarre. Porter said the episode lasted half an hour.

Hudson also reportedly choked Porter. He said he did not retaliate, but called 911. Hudson was arrested for robbery, after taking Porter’s keys. He posted a $10,000 bond Tuesday.

Nacogdoches Police say Hudson will not be charged with aggravated assault because no deadly weapon was used and Porter did not suffer serious bodily injury.

The police department says they have responded to 50 calls in the downtown area near Hudson’s store in the past nine months.

A local man has made the decision to take over the ministry at a longtime church in Shelby County that’s been closed for several years. Josh Crawford, who recently served as a program coordinator at Shelby County Outreach Ministries, says the time was right to pursue becoming the pastor at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

He said it was a tough decision for his family to leave their church at New Harmony, where he and his family had been attending. Crawford’s first day in the pulpit as pastor at Pleasant Grove will be at 11 Sunday, June 22, and says he has a lot of hope with re-opening the church. Crawford said he attended the church as a child, and has family members buried there at the cemetery.

Crawford extends not only an invitation for the Pleasant Grove Community to attend Sunday’s first service, but to everyone. He says to bring a covered dish for fellowship following his first sermon.

Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church is located on County Road 1470, off Hwy. 87, between Center and Timpson.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will soon establish the 2014-2015 Class of Leadership Shelby County.  Applications are currently being accepted for a year long program designed to identify potential leaders and develop within these individuals the knowledge, skills and vision necessary to enable them to actively participate in the enhancement of their communities. 

The program brings together a diverse group of 15 men and women, selected from applicants who have been carefully chosen for their degree of involvement in the community and level of commitment to the goals of Leadership Shelby County.  Anyone throughout Shelby County who is interested in community trusteeship may apply.  Participants will meet for one day each month from September to April to study specific topics including education, local and state government, health and human services, economic development, energy, quality of life and history.

Applications must be submitted to the Chamber by Friday, July 11. Applicants will be notified by Friday, August 1 following the selection process, as space is limited. For more information or to have an application sent to you, please contact the Chamber office at (936) 598-3682 or e-mail secretary@shelbycountychamber.com

We told you a few weeks ago about a local man that’s in Houston awaiting a double lung transplant. Kevin O’Connor and his wife, Saundra have temporarily relocated to Houston and will have to remain there for approximately a year.

O’Connor had a heart attack in 2008, and since has been diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. There’s no cure or treatment, so therefore the need for a double lung transplant. O’Connor is not working, and with day-to-day expenses and mounting medical bills, they’re in need.

The Center Volunteer Fire Department is asking Shelby County citizens to come together and help support one of their own. O’Connor had been a Center fireman for 10 years, during that time he also served as the department’s training officer. Center Volunteer Fireman are selling chances on three guns to be given away with all proceeds going to the O’Connors.

You can contact any Center Fireman to purchase tickets or give donations. The tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Tickets are being sold now through Aug. 3. Tickets are also available at the Center Broadcasting Company studios and at the fire department.

You can also call Volunteer Fire Chief Rodney Mathews at 591-4941.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 85-year old Lonnie “L.J.” Chance, Jr. of Center. He passed away Monday at his residence. He retired from the Houston Police Department after more than 22-year of service, and came home where he retired as Chief Deputy of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department after 11 years of service. He was currently serving as Community Service Coordinator for both Shelby and Panola Counties. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be held at 1 Thursday at First Baptist Church in Center, with interment at Mt Herman Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Lonnie Chance’s, Jr.’s survivors are his sons, Gary Chance of Magnolia and Wendell Chance of Center; and sister, Fleta Warr Hill of Friendswood.

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 73-year old James “PA” Richard Stokes of Garrison. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 this morning at Garrison Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 12 noon at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Garrison.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors of Nacogdoches announces service for 71-year old Mrs. Mary Grace Greer. Service will be at 2 this afternoon at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, with interment at Cushing Cemetery in Cushing. 

In sports,

The Bass Federation and FLW's Student Angler Federation High School Fishing Open holds a "block party" in downtown San Augustine from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, to kick-off the bass fishing tournament on Lake Sam Rayburn. Last year's tournament brought in teenagers from five states and raised over $20,000 in scholarships. Organizers say a lot of activities are planned for Friday night, and youth are invited. Saturday's event will be held from 3 to 8 at Broaddus High School for a boat and tackle show, and high school anglers will take off from Cassels-Boykin Park off Hwy. 147 at 6 a.m. Sunday for the fishing tournament. Weigh-in will be held at the Bill and Emily Shelton Pavillion at 3 p.m. Sunday, and is open to the public. For more, contact Terry Sympson at 936-872-9266.

There will be a benefit Skeet Shoot with all the proceeds going to two law enforcement officers recently injured in the line of duty. Trooper Zack Mills and Game Warden Henry Alvardo, are both undergoing long roads to recovery. Trooper Mills is currently recuperating at home and undergoing rehab for his injuries, while Warden Alvarado is currently awaiting another surgery in a Beaumont Hospital. Both of them have a long road to recovery and numerous forthcoming expenses that will not be covered by any compensation other than their own. The Skeet Shoot will be held at the Fairway Farms in San Augustine Saturday, June 21 starting at 9:00am. Each gun will cost $60 with a BBQ lunch being provided. There will also be a gun auction held that will include a Beretta (A400) Semi-Auto 12 gauge shotgun, and a Marlin 30/30 rifle with wood grain stock. **Fairway Farms is 5.9 miles from San Augustine on HWY 21 East.** For more information contact: John Welch at the Center Police Department at 936-598-2788, or Sgt. Shannon Brazeal at the San Augustine Police Department at 936-275-3400.

Registration is underway for the annual What-A-Melon Festival 5K Run and one mile run/walk that will be held on Saturday, July 12 on the Center Square. The fun run begins at 7 a.m., with the 5K race set to start at 7:30 a.m. Cost to enter the Fun Run is $15, or $20 on race day; and its $25 for the 5K, or $30 on race day. Shirts are guaranteed for the first 150 applicants. This year, all proceeds from the run are going to the Shelby County Scouts, girls and boys. To register go to onestoprace.com, or call Anna Lee at 598-5688.

Arrest Report

6/16/14--6/17/14

Shelby County:

Matthew Britt Lewis, 46, Logansport, Warrant-Theft by Check, Panola County Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Assault, Harrison County Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Theft of Property, Nacogdoches County Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Criminal Trespass and Nacogdoches County Warrant-Bail Jumping

Alvin Jerome Davis II, 22, Center, Evading Arrest, Driving While Intoxicated, Failure to Maintain Single-Marked Lane, Driving on Wrong Side of Roadway Not Passing, Duty Striking Fixture and Display Wrong License Plate

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Authorities are saying alcohol and drugs figured into a pre-dawn high-speed chase yesterday morning that began in Center and ultimately ended with the suspect jumping off the Attoyac River Bridge.

Shelby County Sheriff’s Department officials are reporting 22-year old Alvin Jerome Davis II of Center has been charged with several offenses, including Driving While Intoxicated and Evading Arrest, and is suspected of being under the influence of PCP at the time of the incident.

Davis was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center with possible injuries after being rescued by EMS.

Davis supposedly was spotted running a red light in front of the sheriff’s office after 4 a.m., which lead to the pursuit by Deputy Michael Griffin.

The chase went up Hurst Street, then back south, where Davis took out a sign at the south traffic intersection, and proceeded on Hwy. 7 west, with the air bag deployed.

With Deputy Griffin in pursuit, Davis’ Dodge Durango eventually experienced problems at the Attoyac River at Grigsby.

Davis left the vehicle and leaped from the bridge, landing in shallow water.

A ladder from Martinsville fireman was used to assist EMS and other emergency personnel in rescuing the suspect.

Alvin Davis II

A Nacogdoches business owner and Center native, was arrested by Nacogdoches Police yesterday and charged with robbery, second degree felony.

According to an article in The Daily Sentinel, Nacogdoches Police say they were called to a disturbance on Commerce Street downtown, where a man said that 59-year old William Charles “Willie” Hudson, the owner of Nacogdoches Hardware and Rental, had struck him several times because of a dispute over parking.

Hudson was booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail and charged with robbery for taking the man’s keys. The man was not hurt in the incident.

Hudson has reportedly been involved in an ongoing dispute with neighboring businesses and others over parking near his downtown store and loading dock, and a supposed non-operational camera in downtown Nacogdoches, which Hudson says is an invasion of privacy.

Hudson has long ties to the hardware business in Center and east Texas.

William Charles "Willie" Hudson

The City of San Augustine may be one-step closer to having an outside garbage collection company when they have a regular meeting at 5 this afternoon. The Council is to meet in executive session with the city’s attorney concerning the proposal with Piney Woods Sanitation to take over collection of garbage.

In other business, there will be discussion and possible action to pay half of the utility bill for the San Augustine Garden Club due to public library use of the building; the 2014 Election Services Agreement with the San Augustine County Election Administrator Deborah Woods; and receive updates from Main Street Manager Tracy Cox; Municipal Court from Judge Betty Loggins; and report from City Manager Bruce Milstead.

The Joaquin City Council has a regular session meeting at 6 this evening and among the items for discussion and possible action will be an update on USDA Change Order #4 and receive a report from the Centennial Committee.

The Timpson City Council has a meeting at 5:30 today, and among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be bids for deconstructing and removal of debris at the property at Jacob and Railroad Street, formerly Cobb property, which the city purchased; expense half the cost to repair and replace sidewalks at Taylor Funeral Home in the amount of $2,000; and expense the cost of $995 to James Reed to replace his metal building that was damaged when a dead tree on city property fell. In addition, department reports will be given, including the municipal court report, which included over $39-thousand collected, and the city's portion just over $21,500.

The City of San Augustine is gearing up for a population boom this Friday night as The Bass Federation and FLW's Student Angler Federation High School Fishing Open holds a "block party" downtown to kick-off the bass fishing tournament on Lake Sam Rayburn. Last year's tournament brought in teenagers from five states and raised over $20,000 in scholarships.

Terry Sympson of Jackson Hill Marina says a lot of activites are planned for Friday night.

Saturday's event will be held from 3 to 8 at Broaddus High School for a boat and tackle show, and high school anglers will take off from Cassels-Boykin Park off Hwy. 147 at 6 a.m. Sunday for the tournament. Weigh-in will be held at the Bill and Emily Shelton Pavillion at 3 and is open to the public.

For more, contact Terry Sympson at 936-872-9266.

The temperatures are rising and the long summer months are ahead, and unfortunately, we have senior neighbors that will have to bare the heat without a means of air conditioning or ample fresh flowing air supply. This is where you can help.

Shelby County Outreach Ministries is asking for your assistance in providing much needed fans to senior residents of Shelby and San Augustine counties for the summer weather ahead.

Fan donations are being accepted at the senior nutrition sites in Center and San Augustine, and at Unique Boutique and Helping Hands Ministry on Shelbyville Street in Center.

Fans will go to citizens 60-years of age and older, and only younger if an individual has a respiratory ailment.

For more information, contact Shelby County Outreach Ministries at 936-598-4990. 

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for the annual Timpson Frontier Day, to be held July 3-6.

New events this year include a laser light show and re-enactments of gun fighting on the streets of Timpson.

In addition, the Sonny Tippett Memorial Gospel Singing, carnival, Relay for Life Walk, parade, pet show, car show, domino tournament, ice cream contest, live entertainment, cake auction, and street dance featuring, “A Pack of Strays” from Center.

The HOPE Project in Tenaha announces the first Tenaha Independence Day Celebration Family Festival to be held in conjunction with Tenaha Independence Day Celebration Firework Display, Friday, July 4.

Events are planned for the downtown Tenaha Square. Planned activities include a vendor area; Little Miss/Miss Firecracker pageant; Veteran Recognition; American as Apple Pie Eating Contest; Patriotic Pet Parade; Red, White and Bounce Park; Yankee Doodle's Den for big kids; and a 50/50 raffle.

If you wish to be a sponsor, vendor, pageant contestant, volunteer or want more information, phone 936-332-8813, or visit celebratetenaha.com.

To help with recent funeral expenses, the Pam White Memorial Benefit Concert is planned for Saturday, July 19 at New Life Church on Hurst Street in Center.

Headlining the event and serving as MC will be comedian Willie P. Richardson. Soul Harvest with Luke Metacalf and band, along with The New Day Spirituals with Elmer Adaway and band will be performing.

A love offering will be taken between the two groups. In addition, a hamburger/hot dog plate sale will be held before the concert starting at 4:30 p.m. Food sale will close in time for the concert at 6 p.m.

Also appearing will be Brad Maule, aka Dr. Tony Jones from General Hospital. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 85-year old Lonnie “L.J.” Chance, Jr. of Center. He passed away Monday at his residence. Among Lonnie Chance’s, Jr.’s survivors are his sons, Gary and Wendell Chance. Service is pending at Watson & Sons.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 72- year old Clifton O. Boniol of Center. Graveside service will be at 10 this morning at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Shelby County.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 82-year old Lexa Willoughby Whitton of Timpson. Service will be at 10 this morning at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, with burial to follow at the church cemetery.

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 73-year old James “PA” Richard Stokes of Garrison. He passed away Sunday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 Wednesday at Garrison Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 12 non at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Garrison. Among James “PA” Richard Stokes’ survivors are, his wife, Sylvia Stokes of Garrison; children, James Randle Stokes and Julie Renee Stokes, both of Garrison; brothers, Robert Earl “Bubba” Stokes and Jessie Stokes, both of Garrison; sister, Sharon Green of Garrison; and sisters-in-law, Earlene Liles of Clayton and Karen Jo Flint of Garrison.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors of Nacogdoches announces service for 71-year old Mrs. Mary Grace Greer. Service will be at 2 Wednesday at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, with interment at Cushing Cemetery in Cushing. Visitation will be from 12 to 6 today at Cason Monk-Metcalf. Family will be present from 6 to 8. Among Mary Grace Greer’s survivors are, sons, Brent Greer, Seborn William Greer III; sisters, Dicie Louise McGown and Jimmie Ester Lawrence.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 83-year old Ms. Bobbie R. Garrett Alston of Grand Prairie, formerly of San Augustine. She passed away last Thursday at Arlington Memorial Hospital. Service will be at 11 Wednesday at Coker Funeral Home in Jacksboro, Texas, with interment at Oak Wood Cemetery in Jacksboro. Visitation will be from 12 to 6 today at Garner & Son Mortuary. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 84-year old Alvester Hubbard of Center. He passed away last Thursday at Memorial Health System of East Texas in San Augustine.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 60-year old Mrs. Shirley Wilson of Shelbyville. She passed away last Wednesday at her home.

In sports,

If you’re keeping up with the World Cup Soccer matches from Brazil, you probably know the name Clint Dempsey. He scored the United States’ opening goal in yesterday’s with Ghana within the first 30-seconds. What you may not know is Dempsey’s from Nacogdoches, and is the U.S. team captain. He’s also the first U.S. player to score a goal in three different World Cups. The U.S. won the game, 2-1.

The Garrison Bulldogs had good representation on the District 19-2A all-district baseball selections recently announced. Garrison senior pitcher Kaleb Kirk was named the district MVP, and senior shortstop Cameron Rodriguez was selected as district Defensive MVP. The Bulldogs also had seven players on the first team and one on the second team squad.

Diboll is headed to the Division II 7-on-7 state tournament after winning two of four games last weekend at the qualifying tournament at Gilmer. The Lumberjacks took down Carthage, 33-27 in Saturday's semi-final round. The state tournament is July 10 & 11 in College Station.

There will be a benefit Skeet Shoot with all the proceeds going to Trooper Zack Mills and Game Warden Henry Alvardo, who were both injured in the line of duty. Zack is currently recuperating at home and undergoing rehab for his injuries. Henry is currently awaiting another surgery in a Beaumont Hospital. Both of them have a long road to recovery and numerous forthcoming expenses that will not be covered by any compensation other than their own. The Skeet Shoot will be held at the Fairway Farms in San Augustine Saturday, June 21 starting at 9:00am. Each gun will cost $60 with a BBQ lunch being provided. There will also be a gun auction held that will include a Beretta (A400) Semi-Auto 12 gauge shotgun, and a Marlin 30/30 rifle with wood grain stock. **Fairway Farms is 5.9 miles from San Augustine on HWY 21 East.** For more information contact: John Welch at the Center Police Department at 936-598-2788, or Sgt. Shannon Brazeal at the San Augustine Police Department at 936-275-3400.

Registration is underway for the annual What-A-Melon Festival 5K Run and one mile run/walk that will be held on Saturday, July 12 on the Center Square. The fun run begins at 7 a.m., with the 5K race set to start at 7:30 a.m. Cost to enter the Fun Run is $15, or $20 on race day; and its $25 for the 5K, or $30 on race day. Shirts are guaranteed for the first 150 applicants. This year, all proceeds from the run are going to the Shelby County Scouts, girls and boys. To register go to onestoprace.com, or call Anna Lee at 598-5688.

A Tenaha man was injured in a four-wheeler accident Sunday afternoon near Patroon.

Shelby County Today is reporting, 19-year old Travion Osby was driving an ATV northbound along State Hwy. 87, just north of Patroon around 4:20, when he came upon a small creek, which was not visible due to tall grass, jumped the creek, and upon landing impact, Osby was flipped off the front of the vehicle and landed on the ground.

The report says Osby was transported to the parking lot of Patroon Baptist Church by ACE EMS where Shelbyville Volunteer Fireman set up a landing zone for Life Air Rescue.

Travion Osby was taken to University Health Hospital in Shreveport with unknown injuries.

A federal judge has struck down a lawsuit against the Center Police Department that alleged the plaintiff’s fourth amendment rights had been violated, along with property damage and bodily injury during a search of a residence last year.

U.S. District Judge Ron Clark of the Eastern District of Texas made the final judgment on the lawsuit last Tuesday. The lawsuit came about when Center Police and Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies served a warrant and raided a home at 157 County Road 2124 looking for Kenyata Cartwright. The lawsuit was brought by Bertie and Beatrice Cartwright, with Sheriff Willis Blackwell and Investigator DJ Dickerson dismissed from the case by Judge Clark in July of 2013.

Center Police Officers named in the suit were Jim Blackwell, Detective Stephen Stroud and Detective Chris Knowlton. The Cartwrights, who were both in the home at the time of the search, were seeking a jury trial for an unknown amount of compensatory and punitive damages from the Center Police Department.

It was revealed last week that the paperwork that could lead to the release of convicted killer Bernie Tiede was received by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The court is to make the final ruling on whether Tiede will be permanently released. Last month, Judge Diane DeVasto released Tiede on a $10,000 bond, which stipulates that Tiede must maintain steady employment, surrender his passport and not leave an area surrounding Austin. Tiede must also live in an Austine apartment provided by Richard Linklater, the director of the film, “Bernie”. Tiede was convicted of killing his fried and Carthage millionaire Majorie Nugent in 1996. He was convicted of Nugent’s death in 1999 and sentenced to life in prison. 

A Tenaha City Councilman believes a city manager form of government is what’s needed for the town, and has been circulating a petition calling for such an election. Tommy Rinkle informed the council at their meeting two weeks ago he was working on getting the proper number of certified voters needed.

Rinkle said that 20 percent of the voters that voted in the last city election are needed on the petition, or some 47 signatures.

Rinkle says he respects Mayor Orinthia Johnson and believes he’s an honest man that cares about Tenaha’s future. However, he feels the mayor needs help in overseeing the day-to-day operations.

Rinkle says paying a city manager’s salary has been an obstacle he’s run into among citizens. But says unlike many small towns where their mayor is either unpaid or receives very little compensation for the position, Mayor Johnson draws $1,500 a month, plus benefits running the City of Tenaha. Rinkle believes the monetary base is already there for a manager’s position.

As of Friday afternoon, Rinkle said he had around 30 of the required 47 names needed on a petition to present to the council for consideration. Even though the item is not on today’s meeting agenda, Rinkle said he’s probably bring it back up for discussion.

Among the agenda items on this afternoon’s Tenaha City Council meeting are: a proposal from Stacey Cranford for assistance with utility services; procedure for disposing of seized property/vehicles from Stephen Shires; and Frank Polley with East Texas Regional Landfield is to address the council.

The Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees will meet at 6 tonight, and among their agenda items for action will be the appraisal district calendar for next school year; the financial advisory services agreement with Southwest Securities; adopting the proposed tax rate for 2014; setting a public meeting for July 21 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the proposed tax rate; and approve curriculum for Kindergarten and first grade. In addition, the board may go into executive session to discuss resignations, teacher positions and hiring. They’ll reconvene in open session to take action if needed.

The Tenaha ISD Board of Trustees has a called meeting at 5:30 this afternoon with a rather busy agenda. Among the items for consideration and approval will be adoption of the 2014-2015 School Budget; fuel, bread, milk, produce, snacks and cafeteria food and non-food item bids; designating Martha Boren as the district's grant writer; student and district travel meal rates; delegate and alternate for the Texas Association of School Board's Delegate Assembly; Region VII services for the new school year; and consider employment, resignations, new hire and/or discipline if needed. Prior to this afternoon's meeting, the Tenaha ISD Board of Trustees will have a called public school board hearing at 5:15 for discussion of the district's new budget and 2014 proposed tax rate (indebtness & service; maintenance and operation).

Organizers of last weekend’s Joaquin Centennial Celebration say they were very pleased with the turnout and overall success of the event.

Winner of the $500 treasure hunt was James Barton of Joaquin, who located the certificate at the “Welcome to Texas” sign on Hwy. 84.

The committee also presented several recognitions to those in attendance:

Traveling the longest distance: Mary McManis of Clearwater, Fl.-900 miles. She’s the daughter of Brian Rushing, Jr. and Grace Hutto, both of Joaquin.

Oldest Joaquin Cheerleader: Joyce Childress Martin-Class of ’51.

Oldest Football Player: Red Owens-Class of ‘41

Longest Married Couple: Mr. & Mrs. Nolan Cogswell-68 years.

Oldest Elected Official: Barbara Pridgen

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 72- year old Clifton O. Boniol of Center. He passed away Saturday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be form 5 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons. Graveside service will be at 10 Tuesday at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Clifton O. Boniol’s survivors are, his wife, Mary Boniol of Center; children, Tammie Lawrence of Center, Rodney Boniol of Center, Jeff Boniol of Red Oak, Kristal Walker, Kevin Boniol and Clifton James Boniol, all of Center; a brother, Michael Manungram of Center; sisters, Norma Rudd of Center, Gaynell Wilburn of Center and Janice Churchman of Tenaha; and brother-in-law, James Williams of Gilmer.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 82-year old Lexa Willoughby Whitton of Timpson. She passed away Saturday at Holiday Nursing Home. Service will be at 10 Tuesday at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, with burial to follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at Mangum Funeral Home. Among Lexa Wiloughby Whitton’s survivors are, children, Annette Bradshaw of Timpson, David Whitton of Joaquin, Cecil Whitton of Timpson, Joyce Wolfe of Timpson and Frances Miller of Pasadena; and daughter-in-law, Zaudra Whitton of Joaquin.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson was in charge of a graveside service Sunday for 91-year old Thomas Edward “Junior” Sparks, Jr. of Timpson. He passed away Thursday in Nacogdoches. Service was held at County Line Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Among Thomas Edward “Junior” Sparks Jr.s’ survivors are, daughters, Drucilla Dickey of Nacogdoches, Sandra Simmons of Texas City and Sara Cornett of Missouri City; and a special friend, Margery Massey. Donations may be made to County Line Missionary Baptist Church, c/o David Sparks, 3375 Hwy 84 West, Timpson, 75975 or a charity of your choice.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 75-year old Sarah JoAnn Chantland of Center. She passed away Thursday at Green Acres Nursing Home in Center. Graveside service will be at 10 this morning at Clayton Cemetery in Panola County. Among Sarah JoAnn Chantland’s survivors are, daughter, Cheryl Green of Shelbyville; and sons, Johnny Henshaw of Virginia and Robert D. Schuler of Minnesota.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces a memorial service for 64-year old Jimmy Hatcher. He passed away Thursday at his residence in San Augustine County. A memorial service will be held at 1 today at Grapevine Missionary Baptist Church in San Augustine County, with burial of cremains at Dickerson Cemetery in San Augustine County. Among Jimmy Hatcher’s survivors are, his wife, Peggy Hatcher of San Augustine; children, Crystal Arthur of Baytown, Melody Hightower of Pearsall, and Doug Clayton of Colorado Springs, Co.; brothers, Allen Hatcher of Wallisvile, Chad Hatcher of Wallisville; mother-in-law, Auzma Diehl of San Augustine; brother-in-law, Dickie Diehl of Kansas and sister-in-law, Judy Bruns of Nebraska.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors of Nacogdoches announces service for 71-year old Mrs. Mary Grace Greer. She passed away last Thursday at her home. Service will be at 2 Wednesday at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, with interment at Cushing Cemetery in Cushing. Visitation will be from 12 to 6 Tuesday at Cason Monk-Metcalf. Family will be present from 6 to 8. Among Mary Grace Greer’s survivors are, sons, Brent Greer, Seborn William Greer III; sisters, Dicie Louise Herman and Jimmie Ester Lawrence.

One of the best running backs to play high school football in Texas and former Texas A&M Aggie and NFL player, Rodney Thomas died Saturday night at his home in Groveton. The cause of death is not known pending an autopsy. The 41-year old Thomas led Groveton to back-to-back state championships in 1989 and 1990, and ranked fifth all time on the Texas high school rushing list with over 8,400 yards. Thomas was the Aggies’ leading rusher for four straight seasons. His pro career included the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons during a seven-year NFL career. Thomas had reportedly been living in Spring, with his wife and 4-year old child, and often visited Groveton on business and to see his mother and other relatives. Thomas also served as an assistant coach in Timpson several years ago.

The Bass Federation and FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, will host a Student Angler Federation High School Fishing Open on Lake Sam Rayburn, Sunday, June 22. The tournament will offer high school anglers the chance to experience the intensity of the major tournament competition while testing their own bass-fishing skills against their peers. Leading up to the tourney, a block party will be held in downtown San Augustine, next Friday, June 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. as pro anglers, music, food and prizes will be available. Those interested in fishing the tourney need to contact Terry Sympson at Jackson Hill Marina at 936-872-9266.

There will be a benefit Skeet Shoot with all the proceeds going to Trooper Zack Mills and Game Warden Henry Alvardo, who were both injured in the line of duty. Zack is currently recuperating at home and undergoing rehab for his injuries. Henry is currently awaiting another surgery in a Beaumont Hospital. Both of them have a long road to recovery and numerous forthcoming expenses that will not be covered by any compensation other than their own. The Skeet Shoot will be held at the Fairway Farms in San Augustine Saturday, June 21 starting at 9:00am. Each gun will cost $60 with a BBQ lunch being provided. There will also be a gun auction held that will include a Beretta (A400) Semi-Auto 12 gauge shotgun, and a Marlin 30/30 rifle with wood grain stock. **Fairway Farms is 5.9 miles East of San Augustine on HWY 21 East.** For more information contact: John Welch at the Center Police Department at 936-598-2788, or Sgt. Shannon Brazeal at the San Augustine Police Department at 936-275-3400.

Today: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Today: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind around 5 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.

Arrest Report

6/12/14--6/13/14

Shelby County:

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

Rodney Swindle, 46, Shelbyville, Two Warrants-Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Amy White, 44, Dallas, Warrant-Theft by Check & Failure to ID

Jimmy Jack Turner, 45, Timpson, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction, Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Holly Hebert, 25, San Augustine, Theft

Artura Luna, 31, Joaquin, Assault-Family Violence Causing Bodily Injury

Kelly Gene Amburn, Jr., 18, Shelbyville, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Burglary of a Habitation

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Sales tax revenues for local municipalities have been varying as retail sales have been on somewhat of a roller coaster in the past few months.

In the City of Center, the June check from the state comptroller’s office is up almost three percent from a year ago. Center’s payment is $222,766 this month, which City Manager Chad Nehring says it’s hoped that trend will continue through the Summer.

He added shopping locally is important not only does it help local businesses, but also provides the sales tax funds that are used annually to improve and upgrade streets and roads, reduce local property taxes and assist in continued business and industrial development of the city.

Elsewhere in the county, the city of Joaquin’s June payment is up over 16 percent to almost $19,000; while Timpson’s is down over 18.5 percent to $14,000; Tenaha is down slightly to $4,600; and Huxley’s has seen a decrease of almost 64 percent to $377.

The City of San Augustine’s June check is up 55 percent for a payment of almost $30,000, and Broaddus is down over 31.5 percent to $1,600.

In other neighboring cities, Nacogdoches’ is up over 18 percent; Garrison is down 16 percent; and Hemphill is up almost 14 percent.

The HOPE Project medical and dental facility in Tenaha was on the receiving end of $100,000 in funding from the Episcopal Health Foundation this week, which will go to assist in completing construction of its new dental building. CEO Jean Diebolt says the clinic has been on the receiving end of the foundation’s funding since HOPE started 11 years ago, but never this much.

She says the HOPE Project is staffed with two full-time dentists that see from 25 to 30 patients a day, from near and far.

Ms. Diebolt added when complete, the new facility will allow for 40 to 45 patients daily, and it’s a full spectrum of dental services from filling and extractions to braces and implants.

Ms. Diebolt said the roof's on the dental facility, and it’s not too far from completion.

To hear more comments from Ms. Diebolt, be listening to Center Broadcasting news on KDET and KQBB and streaming online at cbc-radio.com.

As you know, the summer heat can be almost unbearable in East Texas. Unfortunately, we have senior neighbors that do not have an ample source of air conditioning or even fresh flowing air available. This is where you can help.

Shelby County Outreach Ministries is asking for your assistance in providing much needed fans to senior residents of Shelby and San Augustine counties for the summer weather ahead.

According to the outreach ministries’ Patsy Caryl, fan donations are being accepted at the senior nutrition sites in Center and San Augustine, and at Unique Boutique and Helping Hands Ministry on Shelbyville Street in Center.

She said the fans will go to citizens 60-years of age and older, and only younger if an individual has a respiratory ailment.

For more information, contact Shelby County Outreach Ministries at 936-598-4990. 

After months of planning, the City of Joaquin's Centennial celebration is this weekend. Activities get started at 6 tonight with a free gospel concert at the Joaquin High School Gym featuring The Stanleys and Trey Wilson. The first clue for the $500 treasure hunt will also be given at tonight's concert.

According to Centennial chair-person Kathy Baker, Saturday's schedule is full of fun for the entire family, starting with a parade at 10 a.m., vendor booths, Jaws of Life Demonstration and BBQ brisket plate sale by the Joaquin Fire Dept., in addition to games for the kids, local singers performing from 12 to 3, including Sherry Lee, Olivia Worsham, Dr. Debra Worsham, Mark Lawrence, Shelby Kay and Cassie Kay among others. Recognitions and awards will begin at 1 p.m., and the cake walk. Ms. Baker says events move to the Logansport Riverfront for Saturday night.

Hitting the stage at 7 will be Sherry Lee, followed by the band, Windstorm at 8.

The fireworks display along the riverfront is to start at 9 o’clock.

For more information on the City of Joaquin's 100th anniversary, contact city office at 936-269-3021.

Saturday is Flag Day, and in observance, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will dedicate a new flag pole at the Senior Nutrition Center in remembrance of the late Pam White at 11 a.m. this morning.  Pam was the Executive Director of Shelby County Outreach for a number of years.  The Nutrition Center is located on Loop 500 and the public is cordially invited.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 75-year old Sarah Chantland of Center. She passed away Thursday at Green Acres Nursing Home in Center. That’s pending service for Sarah Chantland at Watson & Sons.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 92-year old Zera Christene Armstrong Cagle of Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 4 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Shelbyville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ms. Cagle’s name to Hospice of East Texas in Tyler.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 85-year old Mrs. Bobbie Lou Thompson of San Augustine. Service will be at 10 this morning at First United Methodist Church in San Augustine, with burial at McMahan’s Chapel Cemetery, Sabine County.

Hicks Mortuary of Center announces service for 75-year old Leon Allen of Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 today at Hicks Chapel. Service will be at 1 Saturday at Mt. Zion CME Church, with burial at Westview Cemetery in Center. Repass will be at Mt. Zion CME Church. Among Leon Allen’s survivors are, his wife, Linda Allen of Center; sons Antonio Allen of Tenn.; daughter, Loura Hunt of Nacogdoches; brothers, Jerry Lathan and Ira Jackson of Center, and Hughie Allen of Orange.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 102-year old Arlene Price Thomas of San Augustine. Service will be at 11 Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, with burial at Greer Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 today at Garner & Son Mortuary.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home of Logansport announces service for 94-year old Lula Belle Pierce David of Logansport. She passed away Thursday. Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Logansport, with burial at O.E. Price Cemetery in Logansport. Among Lula Belle Pierce David’s survivors are daughters, Ozelle Ariola of Houston and Deborah Wilkinson of Logansport.

In sports,

It appears the UIL state basketball tournament will be headed south from Austin to San Antonio beginning next season. Members of the UIL Legislative Council voted earlier this week to relocate one of the state’s signature sporting events – which has been a fixture at the state capital for more than 90 years. If an agreement can be reached between the UIL and the Alamodome, the change of venue would go into effect for the 2014-15 school year. Also, cheerleading will be a UIL sanctioned event, starting with a pilot program in 2015-16.

The 22nd annual Darren Wilson Golf Classic will be held tomorrow at Center Country Club. Organizers say 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 as part of the activities. The tourney is a six man scramble. Lunch is being cooked and served by the Shelby County Cookers before the tournament kicks off. For more information you can contact Center Country Club.

Stephen F. Austin football coach Clint Conque will hold a couple of football camps at Homer Bryce Stadium this summer. The first event is a Youth Camp to be held next week, June 16-18. The camp is for youth in grades third through eight. The camp will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon each day.  Cost of the camp is $60. The on-site late registration fee is $70 and begins at 7:30 a.m. Conque will hold a camp for high school athletes on June 22 and July 27 at SFA’s Homer Bryce Stadium. To register for summer camps, contact is Diana Cummins at 936-468-3502.

By the way, we’ve uploaded football schedules for all Shelby County football teams, in addition to San Augustine and Garrison for the upcoming season to our Center Broadcasting Company website, and will be adding more in the next few days. Just look under the “Sports” tab and click. The site is cbc-radio.com.

The Bass Federation and FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, will host a Student Angler Federation High School Fishing Open on Lake Sam Rayburn, Sunday, June 22. The tournament will offer high school anglers the chance to experience the intensity of the major tournament competition while testing their own bass-fishing skills against their peers. Leading up to the tourney, a block party will be held in downtown San Augustine, next Friday, June 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. as pro anglers, music, food and prizes will be available. Those interested in fishing the tourney need to contact Terry Sympson at Jackson Hill Marina at 936-872-9266.

The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is waiving fees at day-use recreation sites tomorrow, June 14, for National Get Outdoors Day. Camping fees remain in effect, but day-use fees will be waived this Saturday at these recreation areas and trails:  Sabine National Forest – Red Hills, Ragtown, East Hamilton, Haley’s Ferry, Indian Mounds, Lakeview and Willow Oak Other scheduled fee-free days observed by the Forest Service are National Public Lands Day and Veteran’s Day weekend. For more information, contact the Sabine District Office at 409-625-1940. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 92-year old Zera Christene Armstrong Cagle of Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 4 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Shelbyville Cemetery. Among Zera Christene Armstrong Cagle’s survivors are, children, Christene Cagle Borders, wife of the late Gene Borders, Rosemary Cagle, Marquette “Mark” aka Poss Cagle; Francine “Liz” Sitton, James Clayton “J.C.” Cagle and John Henry Cagle; sisters, Nelda Lawson and Frances Hanson; and special friends, Francesca Jenkins and Kelly Berry. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ms. Cagle’s name to Hospice of East Texas in Tyler.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 85-year old Mrs. Bobbie Lou Thompson of San Augustine. She passed away Tuesday at her residence. She worked for the Department of Human Resources in San Augustine until her retirement. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 this evening at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Service will be at 10 Friday at First United Methodist Church in San Augustine, with burial at McMahan’s Chapel Cemetery, Sabine County. Among Mrs. Bobbie Lou Thompson’s survivors are, children, Sandy Newman of San Augustine, Susan Yarbrough of Whitehouse, and Robert Partin of Huntsville; and brothers, Harry Noble, Jr. of College Station and David Noble of San Augustine.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 102-year old Arlene Price Thomas of San Augustine. Service will be at 11 Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, with burial at Greer Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at Garner & Son Mortuary.

Arrest Report

6/11/14--6/12/14

Shelby County:

Bobby L. Pinion, 36, Logansport, Warrant-Theft and Warrant-Tampering with ID Number

Marco Watts, 30, Timpson, Burglary of a Habitation and Criminal Trespass

Joseph G. Raducka, 35, Timpson, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Evading Arrest

Brandon Loftin, 32, Joaquin, Warrants-Criminal Mischief, Tampering with ID Numbers, Evading Arrest/Detention and Theft

Clarence Lamb, 71, Joaquin, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Joshua Booher, 31, Tenaha, Warrant-Burglary of a Building and Warrant-Burglary of a Habitation

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The Texas Transportation Plan 2040 will define the Texas Department of Transportation’s long-range goals for all transportation modes – roadways, transit, pedestrian, bicycle and freight.

The plan will also address the state’s aging infrastructure and offer solutions.

TxDOT began hosting public meetings this week across the state inviting input from citizens to best align available resources with areas of need.

A public meeting will be held tonight in Lufkin. Kathi White is with the Lufkin TxDOT office. She says input will be received from citizens about areas of concern in their areas--especially along the I-69 corridor.

Tonight’s public meeting is from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Lufkin TxDOT office at 1805 North Timberland Drive.

When the Center ISD Board of Trustees meet at 6 tonight, among the agenda items for consideration and approval will be the 2014-2015 Concussion Management Team and Protocols; authorizing administration to solicit proposals for painting at Center Middle School; authorizing administration to solicit milk proposals for the next school year; awarding transportation fuel proposals for the new school year; approval of early release days waiver; and the modified schedule State Assessment Testing Days Waiver.

In addition, trustees will consider the 2014-2015 broadcast agreement with Center Broadcasting.

Among other agenda items will be an update on Middle School Summer Projects; review of STAAR testing results; distribution and discussion of House Bill 5 Community Engagement Results and consideration of changing the July regular meeting date and time.

The Center ISD Board may also go into executive session to discuss employment of personnel, leave of absence and resignation or retirement of personnel.

A Chireno man has been arrested for stealing over $600-thousand from his former business partners.

The Nacogdoches Sheriff’s Department is saying Roy Love, Jr., a former owner of Nacogdoches Mill Works was arrested, and released earlier this week after posting a $100-thousand bond.

The theft goes back some two years when another owner discovered several checks were made to companies that had not been hired by their company.

The owners hired an attorney and accountant, which uncovered checks Love had written to himself without documentation. Love also used the company account to pay for the electric bill at his personal chicken farm.

An affidavit said that two of the owners felt the business was struggling at times, and they put their own money in the company.

The theft was brought to light in 2012 when the owners learned they were being sued by the appraisal district for not paying property taxes.

A warrant was issued for Love’s arrest on May 28. He was booted out of ownership in late 2012.

We told you last Friday Shelby County Sheriff’s Officers were looking for two suspects involved in the theft of a cargo trailer and tools in Harrison County, discovered at a residence in the Joaquin area during a disturbance call. Authorities say 32-year old Brandon Joe Loftin of Joaquin and 36-year old Bobby Pinion of Logansport were both taken into custody Wednesday. Details of their apprehension are not known. Loftin was also wanted for the theft of cattle panels from a Joaquin location. 

Bobby Pinion

Brandon Loftin

Joaquin is kicking off its Centennial Celebration tomorrow night with a free gospel concert at 6 o'clock in the Joaquin High School Gym. An area group, The Stanleys, along with Joaquin's own Trey Wilson will entertain. Centennial Chairperson Kathy Baker reminds you the first clue in the $500 treasure hunt will also be given at Friday night's gospel concert.

Saturday's schedule will include a parade at 10 a.m., vendor booths, a Jaws of Life Demonstration and BBQ brisket plate sale by the Joaquin Fire Dept. at 11, in addition to games for the kids, local singers performing from 12 to 2, 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 7 p.m. for a free concert from Sherry Lee, and the group Windstorm. The Centennial fireworks show is slated for at 9 p.m. For more information on the City of Joaquin's 100th anniversary, contact city office at 936-269-3021.

By the way, centennial T-shirts are $12 each, the caps are $10 and Centennial cookbooks are also $10, and they're available now at City Hall and will be available for purchase at the celebration.

Dr. Dixon Golden and Dr. Carmen Mackey and staff invite you to join them in wishing Connie Rogers a “Happy Retirement” after 25 years. You’re invited to stop by Golden Eye Clinic this afternoon from 3 to 5 and enjoy refreshments and memories.

Arrest Report

6/10/14--6/11/14

Shelby County:

Jeremy Dwayne Turner, 23, Timpson, Warrant-Theft

James Higganbotham, 46, Dallas, Warrant-Parole Violation

Regina Ann Curry, 55, Center, Driving While Intoxicated-3^rd or more

San Augustine County:

Allen Vincent, Broaddus, Bench Warrant

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

In an effort to stay in full compliance with the law, the San Augustine County Commissioners' Court agreed at Tuesday's meeting to hire a Nacogdoches architectural firm to render drawings for fire walls within the county jail after they weren't included in the renovation in 2000, according to County Judge Samye Johnson.

Also, commissioners' approved the appointment of three new members to the San Augustine County Historical Commission. They include Vonzella Garner, Connie Owen and Suzanne Sowell.

Judge Johnson added the court looks forward to working with San Augustine ISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Virginia Doherty Liepman, who was introduced at the meeting. She comes back home to San Augustine after serving in the Pasadena ISD as an elementary school principal.

The recent rains have helped to force the City of Center to temporarily close a portion of Lillian Street at the lowest point where the roadway crosses the creek between Texas Highway 7 West and US Highway 96 South.

According to City Manager Chad Nehring, recent rainfall and a deteriorating culvert’s failure due to age created a dangerous situation where the street became undermined and a portion of the roadway collapsed into this void.

Nehring said all properties and driveways on Lillian Street are completely accessible, but through traffic is obstructed.

He added crews are currently filling the washed out area in an attempt to make the roadway safe for traffic until the complete reconstruction of the culverts and roadway surface can be completed.

Nehring said this specific area and drainage culverts are already included in the annual street renovation and repair program. Construction on this project should begin within two months at which time the street will again be closed for several days to accommodate necessary renovations.

Tuesday early morning's storms have been blamed on a fire that destroyed a home in the Aiken Community.

A two-story residence belonging to Jerry and Barbara Scates on County Road 1180 was reportedly struck by lightning.

West Shelby County fireman responded around 3:30 to find the home fully involved.

The Scates had been in the process of moving from the home, and still had personal belongings among the items lost to flames.

Center Crime Stoppers is seeking your help in solving a crime involving the dumping of dead dogs in the Rogers Harbor Community of Shelby County.

According to Shelby County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Shad Sparks, Investigators Chad Brown and Kevin Windham responded to a call last Friday, June 6 on County Road 2657 where they found several small dead dogs dumped in a black garbage bag.

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

Remember you don't have to give your name. All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous.

Rewards will only be paid on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.

The San Augustine City Council has a budget workshop meeting scheduled for 3 this afternoon. The council will review and discuss Fiscal Year 2014015 Budget.

Property owners who disagree with the Shelby County Appraisal District’s appraisal of their property for local taxes or for any other action that adversely affects them, may protest their property value to the appraisal district’s Appraisal Review Board (ARB). A property owner must file a written notice of protest before next Monday, June 16th or within 30 days after the appraisal district mails the taxpayer a notice of appraised value, whichever is later. The Appraisal Review Board will begin hearing taxpayer protests on July 9th. After the board completes its hearings and approves final property tax appraisals, taxing units will use these appraisals to set the property tax rates. The Appraisal Review Board is a group of citizens who live in the appraisal district and are appointed by the appraisal district’s board of directors. 

What's a celebration without a parade? To kick off Saturday's Joaquin Centennial, a parade will be held at 10 a.m. through downtown Joaquin. Centennial committee chairperson Kathy Baker says there will be vintage wagons and classic cars, among other features.

Ms. Baker reminds everyone about the free gospel concert at 6 Friday night, which will officially begin the 100th anniversary event. Featured will be The Stanleys, and Trey Wilson. The first clue for the $500 treasure hunt will also be given at the concert.

Saturday's schedule will include vendor booths, a Jaws of Life Demonstration and BBQ brisket plate sale by the Joaquin Fire Dept. at 11, in addition to games for the kids, local singers performing from 12 to 2, 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 7 p.m. for a free concert from Sherry Lee, and the group Windstorm. The Centennial fireworks show is slated for at 9 p.m. For more information on the City of Joaquin's 100th anniversary, contact city office at 936-269-3021.

By the way, centennial T-shirts are $12 each, the caps are $10 and Centennial cookbooks are also $10, and they're available now at City Hall and will be available for purchase at the celebration. 

In keeping with tradition, the Timpson Frontier Day Pony Express made the trek via horseback, where possible, to neighboring cities this week inviting citizens to the annual event July 3-6. On Monday, invitations were delivered to representatives in Center, Garrison, Mt. Enterprise and Joaquin, while Tuesday’s visits included Tenaha, Gary and Carthage.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is running  $3.42 a gallon, that's down a nickel in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.37, down a penny in the past week. Nationally, the average is $3.63, which is the same as a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $3.44 at Walmart, down a penny in the past week.

In observance of Flag Day, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will dedicate a new flag pole at the Senior Nutrition Center in remembrance of the late Pam White on Friday, June 13th, 11:00 a.m.  Pam was the Executive Director of Shelby County Outreach for a number of years.  The Nutrition Center is located on Loop 500 and the

public is cordially invited.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 92-year old Zera Christene Armstrong Cagle of Center. She passed away Tuesday at Pine Grove Nursing Home in Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 4 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Shelbyville Cemetery. Among Zera Christene Armstrong Cagle’s survivors are, children, Christene Cagle Borders, wife of the late Gene Borders, Rosemary Cagle, Marquette “Mark” aka Poss Cagle; Francine “Liz” Sitton, James Clayton “J.C.” Cagle and John Henry Cagle; and a special friend, Francesca Jenkins. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ms. Cagle’s name to Hospice of East Texas in Tyler.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 79-year old Bonnie Davis Belrose of Center. Service will be at 10 this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel with interment at Sardis Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Bonnie Davis Belrose’s survivors are, children, Jerry Belrose of Kyle and Beth Wall of Red Oak; brother, Buck Davis of Center; brothers-in-law, Jim Belrose of Center, A.B. Belrose of Port Neches and Robert Belrose of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 81-year old Martha Ann Crippen of Center. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:30 this afternoon at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Powdrill Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Martha Ann Crippen’s survivors are, a son, Jack Ramsey of Quinlen; sister, Jane Cooper of Center; and sister-in-law, Odessa Powdrill of Garrison.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 102-year old Arlene Price Thomas of San Augustine. She passed away last Friday at a Nacogdoches hospital. Service will be at 11 Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, with burial at Greer Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at Garner & Son Mortuary.

In sports,

Several Center Lady Roughriders were chosen for post season honors in the District 20-3A All-District Softball selections. Among those were 1^st Team Utility Player — Taigen Matthews, Jr. Honorable Mention: Mekayla Hubbard, Fr.; Cassie Bush, Sr.; Taylor Flournoy, Sr.; Chelsea Henderson, Sr.; Bailee Hendricks, Fr. As for all-district superlatives, Most Valuable Player — Erica Wright, Huntington; Offensive Player of the Year — Madelyn Modisette, Pollok Central

Co-Defensive Players of the Year — Kylie Carter, Huntington; Brittany Caswell, Pollok Central;  Newcomer of the Year — Bailynn Moore, Lufkin Hudson

Coach of the Year — Ruth Wright, Huntington

Stephen F. Austin football coach Clint Conque will hold a couple of football camps at Homer Bryce Stadium this summer.

The first event is a Youth Camp to be held on June 16-18. The camp is for youths in grades third through eight. The camp will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon each day.  Cost of the camp is $60. The on-site late registration fee is $70 and begins at 7:30 a.m. Conque will hold a camp for high school athletes on June 22 and July 27 at SFA’s Homer Bryce Stadium. To register on-line for summer camps, go to www.clintconquefootballcamps.com.

The camp contact is Diana Cummins at 936-468-3502.

By the way, we’ve uploaded football schedules for all Shelby County football teams for the upcoming season to our Center Broadcasting Company website, and will be adding more in the next few days. Just look under the “Sports” tab and click. The site is cbc-radio.com.

Center City Manager Chad Nehring has reported, the City of Center has temporarily closed a portion of Lillian Street at the lowest point where the roadway crosses the creek between Texas Highway 7 West and US Highway 96 South. A deteriorating culvert and its failure due to its age and recent rainfall created a dangerous situation where the street became undermined and a portion of the roadway collapsed into this void.

All properties and driveways on Lillian Street are completely accessible, but through traffic is obstructed.

Crews are currently filling the washed out area in an attempt to make the roadway safe for traffic until the complete reconstruction of the culverts and roadway surface can be completed. This specific area and drainage culverts are already included in the annual street renovation and repair program.

Construction on this project should begin within two months at which time the street will again be closed for several days to accommodate necessary renovations.

Arrest Report

6/9/14--6/10/14

Shelby County:

Larry D. Thomas, 31, Center, Two Warrants-Burglary of a Habitation, Warrant-Forgery of a Financial Instrument, Three Warrants-Burglary of a Building, and Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Burglary of a Habitation

San Augustine County:

Jack Johnson, 31, Silsbee, Warrant-Forgery

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

According to Brittney Johnson with Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative, at approximately 4:00 AM DETEC had several substations at the south end of the system out due to lightening.  This affected approximately 7800 meters in the Pineland, Weirgate, Rayburn Country, Broaddus and Etoile areas.  This outage was restored in less than 2 hours.

Currently they co-op has very few scattered outages across the system.  Crews are currently working to restore power as quickly as possible.  All power is expected to be restored before noon today.

To report an outage please call 1-800-392-5986

We had a double dose of rain and storms come through the deep East Texas and Western Louisiana area in the past 24 hours, thankfully the thunderstorms packed more of a bark than bite. Heavy rain, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, and some occasional gusty winds over 30 mph were the main weather features. The only warning that came from the activity was a Flash Flood Warning that was issued by the National Weather Service in Shreveport at 2 a.m. this morning for San Augustine and Sabine counties, which expired at 6 o’clock. Weather Service Radar detected flash flooding from thunderstorms containing very heavy rainfall over the warned area with hourly rates in excess of two inches per hour, which continued to train across the warned area. Most of the warned area had already received two to four inches from Monday’s rain. 

The weather system that came through the area yesterday not only brought us another good dose of rain, but electrical outages as well. Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative reported Monday afternoon they experienced weather-related outages in Shelby, San Augustine, Sabine and Nacogdoches Counties. Co-op Communications Specialist Brittany Johnson said approximately 500 members were without power in Shelby County around 3 p.m. She added the co-op appreciated the patience and understanding of customers during the time.

We told you yesterday DETEC had a major outage over the weekend, primarily in Nacogdoches County. Miss Johnson reported to us Monday that around 5,900 electrical customers were affected by the 12-hour outage in Garrison, Central Heights, Martinsville and Shady Grove areas of Nacogdoches County when an insulator failed on a mail transmission line around 4 p.m. Saturday.

TxDOT began hosting a series of statewide public meetings yesterday to welcome citizens' feedback on a long-range plan for the state's transportation needs. The Lufkin District will host one such event from 5:30 to 7:30 this Thursday evening, June 12 at the Texas Department of Transportation District Office in Lufkin. TxDOT encourages the public to join them for the meeting and provide input so they can best align available resources with areas of need.

The TxDOT-Lufkin district office is located at 1805 North Timberland Drive.

With a full-schedule of events planned for Saturday's 100th anniversary, the Joaquin Centennial Celebration committee is staging a $500 treasure hunt, sure to put some more excitement into an already festive occasion. Committee member Taylor Wilkerson says the first clue will be posted at Friday night's gospel concert at the Joaquin High School Gym. Then hourly clues will be posted at the red building in downtown Joaquin beginning at 8 a.m.

A reminder, the treasure certificate is not buried, nor is it located on private property!

Centennial events get started at 6 Friday night with a free gospel singing featuring Trey Wilson, The Stanleys and Sherry Lee 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. at 11, 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, and a Centennial fireworks show at 9 p.m. For more information on the City of Joaquin's 100th anniversary, contact city office at 936-269-3021.

By the way, centennial T-shirts are $12 each, the caps are $10 and Centennial cookbooks are also $10, and they're available now at City Hall and will be available for purchase at the celebration. 

We have the rodeo event results of last weekend’s 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo.

In Bareback Riding: Friday night’s event was won by Matt Smith of Leesville, La., who had a score of 81; while Saturday night’s winner was Jake Chote of Dayton with a 76.

Steer Wrestling: Taking 1^st place Saturday night was Lloyd Goodman of Beaumont with a time of 3.7 sec.

Tie Down Roping: Two night results-1^st place to Shane Hanchey of Sulphur, Louisiana. The 2013 World Champion had a time of 8.4 sec.

Team Roping was won by Jose Corpus and Kenneth Grey.

Barrel Racing was super close as six-tenths of a second divided first through fifth places. Taking first was Allison Pratt of Center with a time of 16.38 seconds; Hollie Griffin of Joaquin was second at 16.39 sec; Gabe Gilbin of Nacogdoches, third with 16.44 sec; fourth place went to Laine Holman of Garrison at 16.74 sec; and fifth was Kalie Vaugh of Center with a time of 16.96 seconds.

Bull Riding: Friday’s first go-round-first place was Jordan Sammons of Plevna, KS with a score of 80; and Clint Andrews of Axtell, TX won Saturday night’s go-round with a score of 80. Second place Saturday went to Randy Myers of Logansport with a 71.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 79-year old Bonnie Davis Belrose of Center. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 10 Wednesday at Watson & Sons Chapel with interment at Sardis Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Bonnie Davis Belrose’s survivors are, children, Jerry Belrose of Kyle and Beth Wall of Red Oak; brother, Buck Davis of Center; brothers-in-law, Jim Belrose of Center, A.B. Belrose of Port Neches and Robert Belrose of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 81-year old Martha Ann Crippen of Center. She passed away Sunday at Holiday Nursing Home in Center. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:30 Wednesday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Powdrill Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Martha Ann Crippen’s survivors are, a son, Jack Ramsey of Quinlen; sister, Jane Cooper of Center; and sister-in-law, Odessa Powdrill of Garrison.

Saturday was the warmest day of the season so far as the mercury got up to around 93 degrees, but it was not the coolest for a number of Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative customers who had to deal with no power.

The outage was primarily confined to Nacogdoches County, where customers were without electricity for around 12 hours due to a major transmission line issue.

The co-op’s Brittney Johnson says the outage was in the Garrison, Central Heights and Shady Grove areas of Nacogdoches County, and was traced back to a failed insulator. Power was lost around 4 p.m. Saturday and was fully restored by 4 a.m. Sunday morning. 

The Center City Council has a couple of meeting on tap for this afternoon.

Starting at 4, there will be a special workshop session to discuss a potential solid waste grant and preliminary budget discussion.

The council will meet in regular session at 5 to discuss and possibly approve several agenda items. Among those will be an application to the Texas Department of Agriculture for the Texas Capital Fund Downtown Revitalization Program Grant. City Manager Chad Nehring says there’s a local match of $50,000 that approval has already been given by the Street Economic Development Corporation for sidewalk renovation along Cora, Shelbyville and San Augustine Streets.

In addition, the city council’s expected to approve several resolutions needed for HUD grand funding, as well as adopting Fiscal Year 2015 Proposed Budget Calendar; and renewal of the Employee Health Insurance Benefit with the Texas Municipal League.

Center City Council will also approve a request to close several streets on the morning of Saturday, July 12 for the annual Center Rotary Club’s What-A-Melon Crawl-5K Run/Walk. In other business, the council will approve re-appointments to the Center Planning & Zoning Commission, and to the Center Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1 Board, which would fill the position held by late councilman Charles Byndom.

A former Nacogdoches emergency-room physician had his license revoked last month for making false statements on federal income-tax returns from 2004-2006 and then by pleading to a count to making a false statement on a 2005 tax return. Dr. David Mosig was employed through a contract with Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital before his license was revoked. The Texas Medical Board also denied his motion for a rehearing. His revocation was immediately effective. The 61-year old was indicted by a federal grand jury in Lufkin in 2011. Mosig was sentenced to six months home detention and ordered to pay $375,850 in restitution following his plea agreement in 2012.

The Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will have a regular meeting at 9:30 this morning with a short agenda, primarily dealing with routine annual business. Among those will be renewal for crime coverage through the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool; and application for General Liability, Public Official Liability and Law Enforcement Liability Insurance through the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool. In addition, commissioners will approve advertising for bids on oil for roads.

The Shelbyville ISD Board of Trustees will have a regular meeting at 6 p.m. tonight. Among the agenda items for approval will be the Region 7 contracts; community eligibility provisions-school meals; and House Bill 5 local graduation requirements. In addition, Superintendent Dr. Ray West will have updates on testing and accountability; and school facilities and technology. If needed, the board may also go into executive session to discuss resignations and employment. 

San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court will be meeting at 9 Tuesday morning, and among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be the architectural drawing for the county jail code upgrade; appointments to the San Augustine Historical Commission; approval of travel vouchers and action on the county indigent burial policy. The court will also consider an addendum to the 2013-2014 Budget, and the new San Augustine ISD Interim Superintendent, Virginia Doherty Liepman will be introduced to the court by Charles Boyette. Walter Key has recently retired as Superintendent, and Charles Boyette will introduce Ms. Liepman. She’s a 1971 graduate of San Augustine High School.

The 25^th Texas Blueberry Festival will be held this Saturday in Nacogdoches. Activities start Friday night with a blueberry blast concert from 6 to 9 in Festival Park. Most of Saturday’s events will be held in the downtown area. Including all types of competitions, the blueberry pancake breakfast at 8 a.m.; blueberry picking, a motorcycle and classic car show, pet parade, and fun for the kids. For more information go to TexasBlueberryFestival.com. It’s also Heritage Festival Week in Nacogdoches, and the always popular Taste of Nacogdoches will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Nacogdoches Expo Center. Tickets are $15 for adults, kids 6 and under are free.

The City of Joaquin will celebrate 100 years of incorporation this Friday and Saturday when the city pulls out all the bells and whistles for its centennial. Joaquin actually got its start about 30 years before that, when it was originally known as Sarat. The town took its name from Joaquin Morris, the grandson of Benjamin Franklin Morris, who was approached by the Houston, East and West Texas Railroad for right-of-way to construct train tracks through the community.

Centennial events get started at 6 Friday night with a free gospel singing featuring Trey Wilson, The Stanleys and Sherry Morris the Joaquin High School Gym. Plus, there’s a $500 treasure hunt, with the first clue to be given out at the conclusion of the gospel concert. 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 Pavilion. For more information on the City of Joaquin's 100th anniversary, contact city office at 936-269-3021.

By the way, centennial T-shirts are $12 each, the caps are $10 and Centennial cookbooks are also $10, and they're available now at City Hall and will be available for purchase at the celebration. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 81-year old Martha Crippen of Center. She passed away Sunday at Holiday Nursing Home in Center. Service is pending for Martha Crippen at Watson & Sons.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 79-year old Bonnie Davis Belrose of Center. She passed away Sunday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hosptial. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 Tuesday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 10 Wednesday at Watson & Sons Chapel with interment at Sardis Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Bonnie Davis Belrose’s survivors are, children, Jerry Belrose of Kyle and Beth Wall of Red Oak; brother, Buck Davis of Center; brothers-in-law, Jim Belrose of Center, A.B. Belrose of Port Neches and Robert Belrose of Center

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine was in charge of a service Saturday for 84-year old Helen Lois Simmons of San Augustine. She passed away Thursday at Twin Lakes Rehabilitation in San Augustine. Burial was in Anacoco, Louisiana. Among Helen Lois Simmons survivors are, daughters, Brenda Bishop of San Augustine, Deborah Russell of Montgomery, Judy Short of Bastrop, Rhonda Palmisano of Broaddus, Paula Simmons and Cherly Gilcrease of Center and Patti Strawther of Houston; sons, Larry Simmons of Anacoco and Kenneth Simmons of Humble; sisters, Lila Akin of Center and Betty Paige of Anacoco; brothers, Bobby Smith of Camp Wood and Roy Smith of Anacoco. The family asks that memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association, Dallas.

Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Arrest Report

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

Shelby County:

Giovani Johnson, 24, Center, Public Intoxication

Julie Faye Spears, 36, Hemphill, Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle

David Weaver, 34, Center, Warrant-Theft, Driving While License Invalid and Unlawful Carrying a Weapon

Shamry George, 24, Center, Warrant-Abandon/Endangering a Child

Laquinton Bailey, 22, Grand Cane, La., Driving While Intoxicated-1st Offense

Carry Wayne Cartwright, 46, Shelbyville, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possession of a Controlled Substance

San Augustine County:

Kristen Cosby, 23, Center, Motion to Revoke Probation, Original Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance

Candice Lee, 34, Broaddus, Nacogdoches County Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Driving While Intoxicated

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

Another theft has been solved in Shelby County. Sheriff Willis Blackwell says two men have been arrested and charged with the theft of cattle panels from a Joaquin area location.

According to a press release, 30-year old James Cody Fleming of Shelbyville and 61-year old James Melvin Fleming of Timpson, have both been charged with Theft, Felony 3, for cutting a fence line and taking cattle panels from a Larry Kay's pasture on County Road 3252 reported on May 5.

Sheriff Blackwell says Investigators DJ Dickerson and Kevin Windham recovered 10 of the panels in Garrison and four others in Timpson, which the suspects had sold. James Cody Fleming was also charged with criminal mischief in the crime.

Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Maxie Eaves arraigned both men, setting James Cody Fleming bond at $8,000, and James Melvin Fleming's bond at $3,000.

Sheriff Blackwel says a third individual is also being sought for involvement, 32-year old Brandon Joe Loftin of Joaquin.

The sheriff added the investigation in ongoing, and there are other persons of interest.

If you have any information regarding the location of Brandon Joe Loftin, as well as information regarding this case, you're asked to contact Center Crim Stoppers at 935-598-SAFE (7233). Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information. You can also 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 Center Crime Stoppers system.

Also, Loftin’s wanted in connection with another theft in Joaquin. He and 36-year old Bobby Pinion of Logansport are being sought for stealing a cargo trailer from Harrison County. Sheriff’s Dept. 

Investigator DJ Dickerson says he and Constable Pct. 3 Billy Hearnsberger responded to a disturbance call at 2440 CR 3182 last Friday, and arrived to find that the home had been broken into, and three male subjects on the back side of the home filing the VIN number off a cargo trailer, as well as other alterations to the trailer.

One of the subjects ran from scene, which’s been identified as Loftin.

Arrested was James Cody Fleming, who was wanted for Violation of Probation. The other suspect is 36-year old Bobby Pinion of Logansport.

It’s reported the trailer was taken two weeks ago from a framing contractor. With the help of the East Texas Auto Theft Taskforce, the owner of the trailer was ID’ed as Justin Fogle, who said the value of the trailer and tools, which have not been located, was around $19,000.

Investigator Dickerson said his department is working with Harrison County Sheriff’s Department on the investigation.

Brando Joe Loftin

Bobby Pinion

James Cody Fleming

James Melvin Fleming

In Panola County, two Center brothers have been arrested for theft of property and criminal trespass. According to the Panola Watchman newspaper, 32-year old Jeffrey Alan Haley and 21-year old Jody Samuel Haley were taken into custody by Sheriff Kevin Lake Wednesday afternoon taking scrap metal from a residence in the Galloway area near the Louisiana border.

The article said Sheriff Lake stopped the duo and they said the property owner had given them permission to remove the metal, after contacting the person named, they denied giving the men permission to take the scrap.

Both men were charged and being held on $5,000 bond, $2,500 for each charge at the Panola County Jail.

Jeffrey Alan Haley

Jody Samuel Haley

The 61st annual Shelby County Sheriff's Posse PRCA Rodeo kicks off at 7:30 tonight at the Shelby County Expo Center for a two-night performance. The rodeo is sponsored again by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Center, and general manager Jeff Baker says the dealership is ready to rodeo!

There will be a radio remote broadcast from 11-1 today on Q-100 KQBB from Wright C-D-J. Rodeo personalities will be there, along with the queen's court, plus free hot dogs and refreshments!

Tickets at the gate are $5, and 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 is being provided by three different award-winning 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.

he Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo, at 7:30 tonight and Saturday nights at the Shelby County Expo Center, produced by Klein Brothers Rodeo, and sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

By the way, if you keep up with the PRCA, the name Shane Hanchey will be familiar. The 2013 World Champion Calf Roper from Sulphur, Louisiana will be roping at tonight's rodeo performance in Center.

It’s graduation night for San Augustine seniors, as they’ll walk the stage at 8 p.m. at Wolf Stadium. Congratulations!

The City of Joaquin is preparing for its Centennial Celebration to be held next week, June 13 & 14. The occasion will mark 100 years of incorporation and the committee members have been hard at work to make sure the various events go off without a hitch. Centennial T-shirts are $12 each, the caps are $10 and Centennial cookbooks are also $10 each, and they're available now at City Hall and will be available for purchase at all events.

There will be a free gospel singing featuring Trey Wilson, The Stanleys and Sherry Morris will kick things off at 6 p.m. next Friday, June 13 at the Joaquin High School Gym. Plus, there’s a $500 treasure hunt, with the first clue to be given out at the conclusion of the gospel concert. 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, this afternoon. 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.

Seventy years ago today, on June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France.

More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day's end on June 6, the Allies gained a foot- hold in Normandy.

The D-Day cost was high -more than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded -- but more than 100,000 Soldiers began the march across Europe to defeat Hitler.

To mark the anniversary, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will lay a memorial wreath in remembrance of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day at 11 a.m. this morning at Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Shelby County Courthouse. 

The public is cordially invited to attend. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 80-year old Betty Sue Bridges Bailey of Center. She passed away Thursday at her residence. She retired from Farmers State Bank where she worked in the bookkeeping department for over 30 years. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Betty Sue Bridges Bailey’s survivors are, daughters, Tamie Warren of Center and Bridgette Ward of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 79-year old Harold Dean Clark of Center. He passed away Wednesday at his home. Graveside service will be held at 2 Saturday at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Among Harold Dean Clark's survivors are, daughter, Kelly Kroll of Center; and sisters, Karen Locke of Palo Minto, Ann Richardson of Rockwall and Betty Shamley of Pauls Valley, OK.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces the passing of 91-year old Alex E. Cravey of San Diego, formerly of Shelby County. He passed away Wednesday at his home. A private interment will be held at West Hamilton Cemetery, Shelbyville. A memorial service will be planned at a later time.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 92-year old Albert E. Browning, a lifelong resident of Winnsboro, La. Service will be at 2 Sunday at Young’s Community Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, Winnsboro, with burial at Pine Grove Cemetery in Winnsboro. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 Saturday at Young’s Community Memorial Funeral Home.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 87-year old Edward M. Markl, Jr. Service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to the charity of your choice be made.

A memorial service will be held for Joe Nathan Garrett of Martin, Texas, formerly of Center. Service will be Saturday at First Baptist Chruch in Martin, Texas. Among Joe Nathan Garrett's survivors are, his wife, Gladys Garrett; two brothers, J.W. Garrett of San Augustine and L.D. Garrett of Center; and two sisters, Lamerle Suell and Betty Garrett, both of Center.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home of Nacogdoches announces service for 75-year old Bobbie Jo Garner of San Augustine. He passed away Monday. Service will be at 11 Saturday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in San Augustine, with burial at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 today at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, and from 9:30 to 10:30 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. 

In sports,

At the UIL State Baseball Tournament yesterday, the Douglass Indians won their first-ever state championship as they take the Class 1A title by dominating Flatonia 10-0 in a 5-inning mercy rule game at Dell Diamond in Round Rock. Douglass went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team in the state, finishing with a 33-1 record.

In the Class 2A Final in Round Rock, Sunnyvale takes a 13-3 win over Troy.

In the Class 3A Final in Austin, it was College Station coming away with a 5-2 win over Argyle in 8 innings.

The 4A semi-finals were played yesterday, and it was Victoria East over Richmond George Ranch, 4-1, and Aledo beat Hallsville, 9-1. The 4A title game is at 7 p.m. tonight at Dell Diamond.

In 5A, the semis and final are at Dell Diamond today, as Pearland meets Lewisville at noon, followed by San Antonio Reagan versus Humble Atascocita at 3 p.m. The 5A Final is at 11:30 Saturday morning in Round Rock.

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.

The annual Preston Football Camp will be held tomorrow 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.

There will be a softball camp June 9th-12th at Central Heights High School (located right outside Nacogdoches on 259) Registration fee is $50 before start date, while Walk Up fee is $55. The camp hours are, Grades 3-5, 8am-11am; and Grades 6-8, 1pm-3pm. Camp Director is Coach Iyhia (eye-ya) McMichael who has played professional softball and played for TEAM USA! This is a great camp to attend! If you are interested please contact Coach McMichael at 936-554-2804.

Center ISD Tennis will be having summer clinics for incoming 4th-6^th graders, incoming 7th-8th graders, and incoming 9th-12th graders. The clinics will be in July and Augustine. If you have any questions, contact Leon Dykes at 590-9610 before 9:00pm. 

Tomorrow is an especially great day to go fishing in Texas because it's Free Fishing Day. While fishing is always free in Texas State Parks, on the first Saturday in June you can fish without a fishing license in any public water body in Texas.

There will be a gun show Saturday and Sunday at the Windham Civic Center in Center. G&S Promotions is sponsoring the event featuring new and used rifles, shotguns and handguns. The show is open from 9 to 5 Saturday and 9 to 4 Sunday. Admission is $7.

Arrest Report

6/4/14--6/5/14

Shelby County:

Allen Parks, 30, Timpson, Theft

Ardie Phillips, 21, Center, Robbery, Theft, Criminal Mischief and Violation of Parole

David Johnson, 41, Center, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance

David Hendricks, 30, Timpson, Warrant-Theft

Virginia Hunter, 45, Shelbyville, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance

James C. Fleming, 30, Shelbyville, Warrant-Theft and Tampering with ID Numbers

James Higganbotham, 46, Dallas, Warrant-Burglary of a Habitation

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

A Shelby County Jury found Deedra Grubbs guilty on all counts related to being an accomplice to the April 2012 shootings at the Joaquin Country Inn.

Jurors deliberated around 90 minutes Wednesday afternoon before finding Grubbs guilty of capital murder and two counts of aggravated assault. She was sentenced by District Judge Charles Mitchell, who gave her a life sentence without the possibility of parole. In addition, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison for each of the aggravated assault charges.

Deedra Grubbs’ husband, Bobbie, was found guilty of the same crimes last month. They are convicted in the shooting death of motel housekeeper Martha Chan, and motel employees Quinton “Sam” Watts and Marilyn Ratemar. 

Center Police Department is reporting that detectives have made an arrest of a Center man on a number of burglaries that occurred last month.

Detective Stephen Stroud says 31-year old Larry Thomas was taken into custody at a local residence after trying to evade officers. He was charged with resisting arrest and forgery.

The Center PD’s Criminal Investigation Department collected fingerprints and other evidence that lead them to Thomas. He confessed to six local burglaries, including Tri-County, Blast to the Past Auto Body Repair, at a Tyson Food Building and several residential burglaries along with forgery of a stolen check taken from a burglary.

Thomas is currently on probation for burglary of a habitation in Shelby County and is a known flight risk.

Det. Stroud said detectives are searching for stolen items that were traded for narcotics, crack cocaine and PCP.

The Center PD Criminal Investigation Division would like to let the citizens of Center know that we are working well with the Shelby County District Attorney to keep these repeat offenders off the street.

The City of Tenaha could possibly be looking at hiring a city manager-- that is if a petition that’s reportedly being circulated comes back with the proper amount of names of registered city voters and the citizen’s vote the measure in.

Mayor Orinthia Johnson tells us Councilman Tommy Rinkle advised the council during this week’s called meeting that he believes he can have a petition by the June 16 meeting for the council to consider calling an election for voters to decide on a city manager form of government.

Mayor Johnson said he felt the idea was not good for Tenaha. He said he and the council can work together to see that work is properly performed, and he added Tenaha was just too small to afford the salary of a full-time city manager.

In another item, the city decided to begin the preliminary process of 911 addressing.

A Center businessman is on a waiting list for a double lung transplant at Methodist Hospital in Houston after battling through a multitude of health issues.

Kayla Huffman says her dad's condition was misdiagnosed six years ago, but thankfully he's headed in the right direction now.

Kevin O’Connor, the owner of KO Plumbing Company, went through six months of testing before being accepted for the transplant. O'Connor and his wife, has had to temporarily relocate to Houston until released once he receives the transplant.

Ms. Huffman says her dad was told he had had a heart attack originally, but in November was diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome or ARDS, which consist of Pulmonary Fibrosis and emphysema. She says there’s no treatment for the condition, and O’Connor is fortunate to be in otherwise great health.

O’Connor has led an active life in Shelby County, through his church, Center Christian Fellowship, as a volunteer fireman, a coach of softball and as a plumber.

Ms. Huffman said it’s a great honor and blessing to be a recipient of such a wonderful gift. Being away from home and not working has placed a strain on the O’Connor family. Ms. Huffman says a gofundme account has been set up to help her dad and mom through this time. To donate, just go to gofundme.com and type in Center, Texas to pull up the donation page for the O’Connors.

In an effort to make good family entertainment more affordable, the ticket price for Friday and Saturday night's 61st Shelby County Sheriff's Posse PRCA Rodeo has been reduced to $5 pre-sale and at the gate. According to Boo Klein, you can save another dollar at the gate Saturday night by just wearing a western hat.

Klein said kids 6 and under get in free either night. Rodeo performances will be at 7:30 Friday and Saturday night at the Shelby County Expo on Hwy. 7 east of Center. 

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

Entertainment is being provided by three different riding groups, The Rustlers, The Young Guns and The Roughriders.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo is sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep and produced by Klein Brothers Rodeo Company.

The Timpson City Council will have a special meeting at 5 p.m. Friday to go into executive session to discuss and interview applicants for a full-time position in the public works department. Any action taken on a hiring will be done in open session.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is running  $3.47 a gallon, up four cents in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.38, down a penny in the past week. Nationally, the average is $3.64, which is up a penny from the same period a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $3.45 at Walmart, up two cents in the past week.

Obits:

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 92-year old Albert E. Browning, a lifelong resident of Winnsboro, La. He passed away Tuesday at Twin Lakes Nursing Home in San Augustine. Service will be at 2 Sunday at Young’s Community Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, Winnsboro, with burial at Pine Grove Cemetery in Winnsboro. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 Saturday at Young’s Community Memorial Funeral Home. Among Albert E. Browning’s survivors are his wife, Ruby McCoy Browning of San Augustine, formerly of Winnsboro; and daughter, Patricia Heintschel of Shelbyville.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces graveside service for 83-year old Ira Ware “Dub” Fenley of Center. Graveside service will be at 2 this afternoon at Mt. Herman Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Ira Ware “Dub” Fenley’s survivors are, his wife, Carolyn Sue Fenley of Center; sons, Mike Fenley of Center, Marty Fenley of Missouri, Gly Fenley and Tommy Fenley, both of Houston; a daughter, Brenda Darlene Hyde of Houston; sisters, Mae Stottes of Center, Joyce Lucas of New Caney and Jo Bush of Marshall, Ark.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 87-year old Edward M. Markl, Jr. He was a retired automobile dealer and long-time Fort Worth resident. He passed away Saturday. Service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 9 at First Baptist Church in Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to the charity of your choice be made. Among Edward M. Markl, Jr.s’, survivors are, his daughter, Cynthia A. Brown of Center; son, Marty Markl of Boyd; and a brother, Robert Markl of Scottsdale, AZ.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 81-year old Robert E. “Bob” Tinkle, Sr. of Gary. Service will be held at 11 this morning at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at County Line Cemetery. Among Robert E. “Bob” Tinkle, Sr.’s survivors are, his son, Bobby Tinkle of Gary; daughters, Pansy Tinkle of Timpson, DeAnn Elliott of Georgia and Kellie Brittain of Zavalla; brothers, James Acrey of Gary and Joe Mack Acrey of Houston; sisters, Lorene Nix of Mt. Enterprise, Billie Faye Davis of Houston, and Virginia Churchman of Carthage.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 47-year old Ms. Stephanie Marshalle Garrett of San Augustine. Service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at True Vine Baptist Church, with interment at St. Luke Cemetery. Among Stephanie Marshalle Garrett's survivors are, her mother, Annie Mae Garrett of San Augustine; and three sisters, Lucy Garrett, Lula Garrett and Mary Ann Holman of San Augustine.

In sports,

At the UIL State Baseball Tournament yesterday, Douglass is headed to the Class 1A state championship game after a 9-0 win over Dawson in the semi-final round. Douglass will play Flatonia for the title at 9 this morning at Dell Diamond in Round Rock. Flatonia advanced with a 5-3 win over Anson.

In the Class 2A semi-finals in Round Rock, Troy beat Idalou, 9-4, and will take on Sunnyvale at noon today in the Final. Sunnyvale got past East Bernard, 4-3.

Meanwhile, the Class 3A semi-finals in Austin on the UT campus at Disch Falk Field, Argyle beat Sinton, 5-1 and College Station defeats Lubbock Cooper, 9-8 in eight innings. The 3A state championship game is at 6:30 tonight in Austin.

The 4A semi-finals will be in Round Rock this afternoon starting at 4 p.m. as Richmond George Ranch plays Victoria East and at 7 p.m. with Hallsville against Aledo. The 4A title game is at 7 p.m. Friday at Dell Diamond.

In 5A, the semis and final are at Dell Diamond on Friday, as Pearland meets Lewisville at noon, followed by San Antonio Reagan versus Humble Atascocita at 3 p.m. The 5A Final is at 11:30 Saturday morning in Round Rock.

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.

The annual Preston Football Camp will be held this 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.

There will be a softball camp June 9th-12th at Central Heights High School (located right outside Nacogdoches on 259) Registration fee is $50 before start date, while Walk Up fee is $55. The camp hours are, Grades 3-5, 8am-11am; and Grades 6-8, 1pm-3pm. Camp Director is Coach Iyhia (eye-ya) McMichael who has played professional softball and played for TEAM USA! This is a great camp to attend! If you are interested please contact Coach McMichael at 936-554-2804.

Center ISD Tennis will be having summer clinics for incoming 4th-6^th graders, incoming 7th-8th graders, and incoming 9th-12th graders. The clinics will be in July and Augustine. If you have any questions, contact Leon Dykes at 590-9610 before 9:00pm. 

Saturday, June 7 is an especially great day to go fishing in Texas because it's Free Fishing Day. While fishing is always free in Texas State Parks, on the first Saturday in June you can fish without a fishing license in any public water body in Texas.

There will be a gun show Saturday and Sunday at the Windham Civic Center in Center. G&S Promotions is sponsoring the event featuring new and used rifles, shotguns and handguns. The show is open from 9 to 5 Saturday and 9 to 4 Sunday. Admission is $7.

A Shelby County Jury has found Deedra Grubbs guilty of Capital murder and two counts of aggravated assault in the shooting death of Martha Chan and shooting assault of Sam Watts and Marilyn Retamar. The jury deliberated for about 90 minutes before returning the verdict. She will serve life without possibility of parole.

Arrest Report

6/3/14--6/4/14

Shelby County:

Cheria Michelle Daniels, 24, Center, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Credit Card Abuse

Ronald Joe Loftin, 57, Joaquin, Hindering Apprehension/Prosecution Known Felon

San Augustine County:

Troy James Allen, 19, San Augustine, Gaines County Warrants-Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Burglary of a Habitation, Burglary of a Vehicle and Forgery

Robert Thurman, 36, El Dorado, Ark., Arkansas Parole Hold

Charlette Clifton, 43, San Augustine, Harassment and Terroristic Threat

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

Citing reduced reimbursement from commercial insurance and federally funded health programs, East Texas Medical Center has announced they’re pulling out of operations of three First Physician clinics in Center, effective Aug. 15.

According to senior vice president, ETMC affiliate operations Perry Henderson, “ETMC is proud to have played a role in supporting physicians in Shelby County and keeping healthcare readily available to area residents for the past five years.” However, Henderson said, “unfortunately, it no longer makes economic sense for ETMC to continue clinic operations in Center.”

Approximately 20 employees, including physicians and mid-level providers will be affected by the changes in ETMC’s affiliation. They include Dr. Jane Todd, Dr. Craig McMullen and Dr. Chandra offices.

Henderson said Shelby County has a strong, growing base of medical providers and services. “We believe Shelby County providers are at a point where they can continue to serve the community, either independently or by affiliating with another medical group.

Patients of Drs. McMullen, Todd and Chandra will be notified by mail in the coming weeks of their future plans.

Despite the wishes of attorneys, Bobbie Grubbs took the witness stand during testimony in Deedra Grubbs’ Capital murder trial yesterday.

Grubbs was sentenced last month to life in prison without parole for the shooting death and shooting assault of two employees at the Joaquin Country Inn in April two years ago.

Grubbs said during the crime spree in April 2012, he intentionally tried to scare Deedra, so as not to leave him. He admitted over their years together of taking away her bi-polar medication so he could control and dominate her.

From having her get him into her former employer’s house in The Woodlands to take guns and jewelry on April 25, to the shooting incident in Joaquin on April 27, to the time they were captured, Bobbie Grubbs admitted to threatening and manipulating his wife to do what he wanted.

During Tuesday’s testimony, the hardened criminal admitted to killing Martha Chan and shooting Sam Watts and Marilyn Retamar, but said he never discussed any of his plans with Deedra, nor was she in or near the motel room when the shootings took place.

When asked by defense attorney Deck Jones if he turned Deedra into a fugitive, Grubbs responded by saying, “Yes I did.”

Both the state and defense have rested their case, with closing remarks expected today in District Judge Charles Mitchell’s courtroom.

Deedra Grubbs faces life in prison without parole if found guilty.

There’s been some additional information released on the apprehension of two home burglary suspects in Dallas last week responsible for possibly several crimes in Shelby County.

The couple, 46-year old James T. Higginbotham and 41-year old Kandy Nichols were arrested in Dallas last Friday after Higginbotham was identified from a photo taken in a surveillance video from a residence in the Campti area. The vehicle the couple was in was registered to Higginbotham’s dad.

Investigators are saying jewelry taken from the home of Ray and Kerri Griffin was pawned at a Dallas pawn shop. Also, the duo was reportedly bringing property stolen in the Dallas area here to pawn.

It’s also being reported Higginbotham and Nichols had Shelby County ties, and while visiting, would burglarize residents practically door-to-door to see what can be stolen.

Investigators believe the arrest may have clear up a number of home burglaries in the Campti, Sardis and FM 417 East area near Shelbyville.

A traffic stop by Timpson Police Officers has lead to the arrest of two Timpson men on drug charges.

According to Officer Michael Williams, he and Officer Thomas Jernigan pulled over a Chevy pickup around 9 Monday night at Bremond and North Fourth Street. Williams said as he and Jernigan approached the vehicle, the passenger, 40-year old Cody Dewayne Williams attempted to flee, but was apprehended immediately.

Officers discovered a drug pipe in the floor board of the vehicle, as well as a .32 firearm in the front-seat. In addition, Officer Williams said suspect Cody Williams also tried to discard drugs underneath the pickup.

The driver of the pickup, 23-year old Jeremy Dwayne Turner was also taken into custody.

Both were charged with Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Williams had additional charges of Unlawful Carry of a Firearm and Tampering/Fabricate Evidence. Turner was also wanted for Failure to Appear, Original Charge of Deadly Conduct.

On the arrest report yesterday we had mentioned the arrest of a Nacogdoches man by San Augustine authorities for Driving While Intoxicated-2^nd offense and evading arrest with a motor vehicle. More details are now known about the incident.

The arrest resulted when San Augustine Police began a pursuit of 25-year old Robert Taylor Barnhart after he was clocked going over 130 mph headed north on Hwy. 96 in San Augustine in a newer model Cadillac.

It’s reported that S.A. PD officer Cameron Nichols began pursuit of Barnhart into Shelby County, where he turned onto City Lake Road, or County Road 1006 into a private drive, in an attempt to hide from multiple agencies that had joined in on the chase.

There was a passenger in the vehicle, 53-year old Miriam Fern Simmons of Nacogdoches, who was not reportedly charged. 

Texas State Bank of Joaquin was the lone bidder on the third lien during a foreclosure sale of Hotel Fredonia Tuesday morning on the courthouse steps in Nacogdoches.

The bank’s general counsel, Paul Clark purchased the hotel for just over a half-million dollars ($508,985) of offsetting credit on the note and the account of SE Pack Hospitality.

Proceedings were stopped last month when Chapter 7 bankruptcy was filed by SE Pack Hospitality.

It’s reported there are parties interested in the hotel, but Clark said there are note at the present time. He added negotiations will continue over the next month to see if an agreement can be kept in place to keep the first and second lien financing.

Texas State Bank is the first lienholder, while the second lienholder is U.S. Small Business Administration.

Susan Reents closed the Hotel Fredonia in November last year.

She said between the mortgages and the federal tax liens there’s around $5 million owed.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 83-year old Ira Ware “Dub” Fenley of Center. He passed away Sunday at his residence. Graveside service will be at 2 Thursday at Mt. Herman Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Ira Ware “Dub” Fenley’s survivors are, his wife, Carolyn Sue Fenley of Center; sons, Mike Fenley of Center, Marty Fenley of Missouri, Gly Fenley and Tommy Fenley, both of Houston; a daughter, Brenda Darlene Hyde of Houston; sisters, Mae Stottes of Center, Joyce Lucas of New Caney and Jo Bush of Marshall, Ark.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 87-year old Edward M. Markl, Jr. He was a retired automobile dealer and long-time Fort Worth resident. He passed away Saturday. Service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 9 at First Baptist Church in Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to the charity of your choice be made. Among Edward M. Markl, Jr.s’, survivors are, his daughter, Cynthia A. Brown of Center; son, Marty Markl of Boyd; and a brother, Robert Markl of Scottsdale, AZ.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 81-year old Robert E. “Bob” Tinkle, Sr. of Gary. Service will be held at 11 Thursday at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at County Line Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at Taylor Funeral Home. Among Robert E. “Bob” Tinkle, Sr.’s survivors are, his son, Bobby Tinkle of Gary; daughters, Pansy Tinkle of Timpson, DeAnn Elliott of Georgia and Kellie Brittain of Zavalla; brothers, James Acrey of Gary and Joe Mack Acrey of Houston; sisters, Lorene Nix of Mt. Enterprise, Billie Faye Davis of Houston, and Virginia Churchman of Carthage.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces pending service for 47-year old Ms. Stephania Marsha Garrett of San Augustine. She passed away Thursday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital.

Rodeo fans will be treated to a new voice in the arena at this year’s 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo as veteran announcer and east Texas native Racer Botkin makes his first appearance in Shelby County. Boo Klein says Botkin is a familiar PRCA announcer in this region. The Longview native recently announced the Jacksonville rodeo, and has done a number of other high-profile events in his career. When Botkin broke into the business 20 years ago he was the youngest announcer in the PRCA at age 23.

Rodeo performances will be at 7:30 Friday and Saturday night at the Shelby County Expo on Hwy. 7 east of Center. Tickets are just $5 pre-sale and at the gate, and available at Boles Feed, Triple J Feed and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center. Kids 6 and under get in free. Saturday night, if you wear your western hat, tickets are just $4 at the gate. T

here will be a calf scramble each night for kids 10 and under with cash prizes. Entertainment is being provided by three different riding groups, The Rustlers, The Young Guns and The Roughriders.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo is sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep and produced by Klein Brothers Rodeo Company.

In sports,

A Carthage High School football product was among two football players dismissed from the Texas A&M Football program Tuesday by head coach Kevin Sumlin.

According to reports, defensive tackle, 20-year old Isaiah Golden was kicked off the Aggies’ squad for failing to meet the school’s standards.

A press release from the College Station Police Department says the heavily recruited Golden, along with another Aggie player, 19-year old Darian Claiborne, were arrested on a warrant for aggravated robbery.

The incident reportedly occurred May 23 at an apartment complex where three men said they were to have purchased drugs from two suspects, Golden and Claiborne. T

he investigation into this incident continues and additional charges and arrests are possible.

Golden was also arrested for possession of marijuana back in February.

The UIL State Baseball Tournament gets underway this morning at Dell Diamond in Round Rock with the Class A semi-final games. Douglass takes on Dawson at 9 a.m., followed by Anson versus Flatonia at noon. The Class A state championship game is at 9 a.m. Thursday in Round Rock.

This afternoon at Dell Diamond, the Class 2A semi-finals are played as Idalou meets Troy at 4 p.m., with East Bernard taking on Sunnyvale at 7 p.m. The 2A Final is at noon Thursday in Round Rock.

Meanwhile, the Class 3A semi-finals will begin today on the UT campus at Disch Falk Field, as Argyle meets Sinton at 1 p.m., followed by College Station and Lubbock Cooper at 4 p.m. The 3A state championship game is at 6:30 Thursday in Austin.

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.

The annual Preston Football Camp will be held this 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.

There will be a softball camp June 9th-12th at Central Heights High School (located right outside Nacogdoches on 259) Registration fee is $50 before start date, while Walk Up fee is $55. The camp hours are, Grades 3-5, 8am-11am; and Grades 6-8, 1pm-3pm. Camp Director is Coach Iyhia (eye-ya) McMichael who has played professional softball and played for TEAM USA! This is a great camp to attend! If you are interested please contact Coach McMichael at 936-554-2804.

Center ISD Tennis will be having summer clinics for incoming 4th-6^th graders, incoming 7th-8th graders, and incoming 9th-12th graders. The clinics will be in July and Augustine. If you have any questions, contact Leon Dykes at 590-9610 before 9:00pm. 

Saturday, June 7 is an especially great day to go fishing in Texas because it's Free Fishing Day. While fishing is always free in Texas State Parks, on the first Saturday in June you can fish without a fishing license in any public water body in Texas.

There will be a gun show Saturday and Sunday at the Windham Civic Center in Center. G&S Promotions is sponsoring the event featuring new and used rifles, shotguns and handguns. The show is open from 9 to 5 Saturday and 9 to 4 Sunday. Admission is $7.

Arrest Report

6/2/14--6/3/14

Shelby County:

Bobbie Dewayne Grubbs, 44, Conroe, Bench Warrant-Witness

Eddie Joe Chisenhall, 33, Center, Warrant-Possession of a Dangerous Drug

James Higganbotham, 46, Dallas, Warrant-Burglary of a Habitation

Kandy Nichols, 41, Dallas, Warrant-Burglary of a Habitation

Katrina Holmes, 37, Logansport, Theft

Jeremy Dwayne Turner, 23, Timpson, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Deadly Conduct

Cody Dewayne Williams, 40, Timpson, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Carry of Firearm and Tampering/Fabricate Evidence

San Augustine County:

Robert Taylor Barnhart, 25, Nacogdoches, Driving While Intoxicated-2^nd Offense and Evading Arrest with a Vehicle

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

A Dallas couple has been arrested in connection with several burglaries in Shelby County, including one caught on video surveillance last month.

According to reports, both 46-year old James T. Higganbotham and his girlfriend, 41-year old Kandy Nichols were arrested last Friday on warrants in Dallas County for their involvement.

Higginbotham and Nichols have been charged with burglary of a habitation.

The surveillance video was taken at a residence on County Road 2335 off of Hwy. 417 East of Shelbyville on May 24.

In addition to a rifle, jewelry and other personal items were removed.

Higginbotham and Nichols were both transported to Shelby County where they’re awaiting arraignment.

The two surviving victims of the Joaquin Country Inn, along with more expert witnesses took to the stand during Monday’s testimony of Deedra Grubbs’ Capital murder trial in Shelby County.

The 39-year old is accused of being an accomplice to her husband, Bobbie, in the deadly incident at the Joaquin Country Inn in April 2012.

In addition, more expert witnesses testified, including a forensic scientist for the Texas Department of Public Safety, along with a DNA analyst with the Texas DPS crime lab, and a Texas Attorney General’s computer forensic specialist.

Quinton “Sam” Watts and Marilyn Retamar both relieved the horrific scene of events for the jury Monday that took place in motel room 129 on April 27, 2012. Robbery was the motive, as Watts told how Bobbie Grubbs shot Martha Chan, first, then him three times and eventually Retamar.

Watts said Bobbie Grubbs took his wallet and cell phone and keys to his car, which was used by the duo to leave the motel. Prosecuting attorney Ralph Guerrero showed Watts a picture of Bobbie Grubbs, to which he replied, “that’s the man who shot me.” Watts told defense attorney Rudy Valasquez he only saw Bobbie Grubbs in the room during the shootings, and that Deedra never entered the room, never shot him or took his car.

Retamar said she was shot by Bobbie Grubbs in the temple, and said he fatally shot Chan several times. Retamar said Grubbs even touched her to see if she was breathing, and said she held her breath, and waited for him to leave before calling 911.

Retamar’s 18-minute 911 call was played for the jury, and reportedly several became emotional as Retamar begged for help, and described how her friend had died.

Also Monday, John Jackson with the DPS Crime Lab in Houston confirmed the blood found on Bobbie Grubbs shoe was a match to Ms. Chan’s. Bobbie DeWayne Grubbs, was found guilty of capital murder and two charges of aggravated assault on May 19 and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The shooting happened two days after Bobbie burglarized and beat a Deedra's former Montgomery County employer.

Deedra is accused of acting as an accomplice in this incident, as well. She faces the same penalty if found guilty.

Day 5 of testimony resumes this morning in District Judge Charles Mitchell’s courtroom.

Nacogdoches Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help in finding the driver responsible in a hit-and-run of a jogger along North University Drive last Friday morning.

According to a press release from the Nacogdoches Police Department, the woman was jogging south on the sidewalk in the 2500 block of North University Drive when the accident occurred between 9:10 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. The woman was found just off the roadway a bit north of the commuter parking lot at SFA with a broken shoulder blade and broken ribs. She’s reported to be OK.

Authorities believe the woman was struck by an unknown southbound vehicle. To add a bit of better luck to this incident, a stray dog that was running with the woman began to act erratically after the woman was hit, running in and out of traffic, circling the woman, barking, as to protect her, which alerted investigators to her location.

According to Nacogdoches Crime Stoppers, the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run accident should have damage to its passenger side and/or damage passenger-side rearview mirror.

Anyone with information should contact the Nacogdoches Police Department. Nacogdoches Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest or grand jury indictment of the person driving the vehicle in the incident. Call 936-560-INFO (4636), or submit a tip to Nacogdoches Crime Stoppers Website, or via the organization’s Facebook page.

At a special called meeting this afternoon, the Tenaha City Council will discuss transferring $38,400 from the General Budget Tax Account to the water account to pay a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality fine. Mayor Orinthia Johnson tells us an oversight in the water department’s daily maintenance records, and not notifying the city’s water customer’s water quality issues lead to the fine.

In addition, the Tenaha City Council will hear from two guest, Frank Polley of East Texas Regional Landfield, and from Van Bush, who will address the council on 911 addressing in the city.

An update on the city hall move to the Tenaha Municipal Building will also be received. Mayor Johnson said that move should take place in a few days.

In addition, the council will go into executive session to discuss the job duties of Mayor Orinithia Johnson, City Secretary Doyce Bailey and water department employee Wes Wheeler.

On June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day's end on June 6, the Allies gained a foot- hold in Normandy. The D-Day cost was high -more than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded -- but more than 100,000 Soldiers began the march across Europe to defeat Hitler.

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will lay a memorial wreath in remembrance of the 70th Anniversary
of D-Day this Friday, June 6th, at Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Shelby County Courthouse.  The program will begin at 11 am and the public is cordially invited to attend. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 87-year old Edward M. Markl, Jr. He was a retired automobile dealer and long-time Fort Worth resident. He passed away Saturday. Service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 9 at First Baptist Church in Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to the charity of your choice be made. Among Edward M. Markl, Jr.s’, survivors are, his daughter, Cynthia A. Brown of Center; son, Marty Markl of Boyd; and a brother, Robert Markl of Scottsdale, AZ.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 83-year old Ira Ware Fenley.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 81-year old Robert E. “Bob” Tinkle, Sr. of Gary. Service will be held at 11 Thursday at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at County Line Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 Wednesday at Taylor Funeral Home. Among Robert E. “Bob” Tinkle, Sr.’s survivors are, his son, Bobby Tinkle of Gary; daughters, Pansy Tinkle of Timpson, DeAnn Elliott of Georgia and Kellie Brittain of Zavalla; brothers, James Acrey of Gary and Joe Mack Acrey of Houston; sisters, Lorene Nix of Mt. Enterprise, Billie Faye Davis of Houston, and Virginia Churchman of Carthage.

The UIL State Baseball Tournament gets underway tomorrow morning at Dell Diamond in Round Rock with the Class A semi-finals games. Douglass takes on Dawson at 9 a.m., followed by Anson versus Flatonia at noon. The Class A state championship game is at 9 a.m. Thursday in Round Rock.

Wednesday afternoon at Dell Diamond, the Class 2A semi-finals are played as Idalou meets Troy at 4 p.m., with East Bernard taking on Sunnyvale at 7 p.m. The 2A Final is at noon Thursday in Round Rock.

Meanwhile, the Class 3A semi-finals will begin Wednesday on the UT campus at Disch Falk Field, as Argyle meets Sinton at 1 p.m., followed by College Station and Lubbock Cooper at 4 p.m. The 3A state championship game is at 6:30 Thursday in Austin.

The 4A semi-finals will be in Round Rock Thursday, starting at 4 p.m. as Richmond George Ranch plays Victoria East and at 7 p.m. with Hallsville against Aledo. The 4A title game is at 7 p.m. Friday at Dell Diamond.

In 5A, the semis and final are at Dell Diamond on Friday, as Pearland meets Lewisville at noon, followed by San Antonio Reagan versus Humble Atascocita at 3 p.m. The 5A Final is at 11:30 Saturday morning in Round Rock.

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.

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.

There will be a softball camp June 9th-12th at Central Heights High School (located right outside Nacogdoches on 259) Registration fee is $50 before start date, while Walk Up fee is $55. The camp hours are, Grades 3-5, 8am-11am; and Grades 6-8, 1pm-3pm. Camp Director is Coach Iyhia (eye-ya) McMichael who has played professional softball and played for TEAM USA! This is a great camp to attend! If you are interested please contact Coach McMichael at 936-554-2804.

Center ISD Tennis will be having summer clinics for incoming 4th-6^th graders, incoming 7th-8th graders, and incoming 9th-12th graders. The clinics will be in July and Augustine. If you have any questions, contact Leon Dykes at 590-9610 before 9:00pm. 

May Weather Stats

Jim Forbes-Center

Total Rainfall – 6.88” month

Monthly Avg. +2.50”

Year to Date – 18.42”

Below Avg. (–) 4.21”

Hi for the month – 90 degrees May 5 & 11

Lo for the month – 43 degrees May 1 & 15

Tom Johnson-San Augustine

Total Rainfall – 7.28”  for May

Year to Date – 15.67”

Below Avg. (–) 7”

Hi for the month – 88 degrees on May 11

Lo for the month – 40 degrees on May 1

Arrest Report

5/30/14--6/2/14

Shelby County:

Christopher Bolton, 38, Center, Panola County Warrant-Theft

Alberto Romero, 35, Center, Assault-Family Violence

Enrique Acevedo, 53, Joaquin, Driving While Intoxicated

Chadrick Polley, 27, Center, Assault-Family Violence Causing Bodily Injury

Kevin Fulmer, 30, Timpson, Warrant-Criminal Mischief

Terris Scourton, 31, Timpson, Warrant-Evading Arrest with Motor Vehicle

Michael Browning, 21, Henderson, Theft against the Elderly

James Cody Fleming, 30, Shelbyville, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge-Possession of a Controlled Substance

Christopher Belrose, 35, Center, Warrant-Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle

Zhikavan Wilson, 20, Lufkin, Failure to ID

David Allen Jones, 49, Center, Warrant-Bond Surrender, Original Charge-Driving While Intoxicated

Quinnon Quinnel Gardner, 34, Center, Public Intoxication

Seth Byron Shahan, 33, Carthage, Driving While Intoxicated-1^st Offense and Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon

San Augustine County:

Mark A. Carrell, 39, Huntington, Disorderly Conduct

Charles M. Russell, 29, San Augustine, Driving While License Invalid, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Expired Registration, Failure to signal intent to Turn, and No Insurance

Arlan N. Speer, 33, Broaddus, Disorderly Conduct

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

Two Texas Rangers and an expert witnesses were among those that took the stand Friday during Day 3 of Deedra Grubbs’ Capital Murder trial in Center.

The 39-year old Grubbs is accused of being an accomplice to her husband during the violent crime spree over two years ago in Shelby County, that resulted in the shooting death of one, and injuring of two others by Bobbie Dewayne Grubbs.

Ranger Lt. Franklin Huff and Ranger Steve Rayburn gave testimony of the processing of the crime scene at the Joaquin Country Inn on April 27, 2012. The Rangers also explained how they processed the employee’s car the Grubbs had taken to flee the motel, and the recovery of other evidence found along the roadway in Liberty County after the chase to stop the duo, including the 9mm hand gun that was used in the shootings, linking the Grubbs to the crime scene.

During Friday’s testimony Ranger Huff was asked by defense attorney Rudy Valasquez several times if Deedra Grubbs shot someone at the motel, he said he had no personal proof of that. However, the ranger said it was possible she may have known about the shootings. 

Ranger Rayburn also read from two letters that Deedra Grubbs had written to her daughters, saying how much she loved them, that she had failed her daughters, she was sorry and, “me and your dad thought we were doing this to help our money problems but that didn’t work.”

Ranger Rayburn did confirm when asked by Valasquez that Deedra did care about her kids.

Dallas County Crime Lab pathologist Dr. Chester Gwynn testified that Martha Chan’s death was by homicide.

Testimony enters its fourth day this morning in Judge Charles Mitchell’s courtroom.

Deedra Grubbs faces life in prison without parole if found guilty.

It’s official, Memorial Medical Center of San Augustine has a new owner. Memorial Health Systems of East Texas transferred ownership to Catholic Health Initiatives yesterday, June 1. CHI Chief Executive Officer Kevin Lofton said CHI is excited to welcome Memorial to their system, and that Gary Looper will continue as president and CEO of Memorial. Lofton added as part of CHI, Memorial will benefit from CHI’s overall scale and reach as well as the exciting new ventures that CHI St. Luke’s Health is undertaking with the Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Heart Institute in Houston. CHI intends to retain the core health care services and charity care currently provided by Memorial in the East Texas community, which will be overseen by a local board of community and physician leaders.   

The Tenaha ISD held their annual Teacher Award & Appreciation Luncheon Friday. Current and former school board members, the city council, community leaders, and local media and pastors of the area were invited to the event.

Superintendent Scott Tyner said Tenaha ISD is proud of their educators and support staff, and their dedication to educating students.

State Rep. Chris Paddie was also on hand. 

Among the award recipients were: “The Floyd A. (Dock) Watson Superintendent Star Awards: Jose Leos, Jessica Holeckek, Carrie Jenkins, Jonathan Vick, Laurie Sisk, Walter Peddy, Tanesa Walker, Deborah Hill, Diann Hayes, David Jeter, Brenda Farmer, Coach Todd Bodden, Garry Davison, Mistie Davison and Janice Williams.

The “Paulyne Evans Harris Award” for outstanding support service person of the year: Phyllis Thompson

The “Lela Beth Harris Award” for outstanding para-professional of the year: Amanda Hall

The “Annice Knight Award”, the superintendent’s “Care” award: Pat Sims

The “Ruth Templin Award”, Tenaha ISD’s unsung hero award: Linda Bellamy

The “Gladys Horton Award”, Tenaha ISD Teacher of the Year Grades PK-6: Teresa Latham

The “Billie Jean Kay Award”, the Tenaha HS Teacher of the Year Grades 7-12: Josh Furlow

The “Tom Jones Award”, the Tenaha “Loyal” Tiger Award: Terry Bowlin

The “Charles Williams Award”, the “Tiger Way” Award: Stacie Barr

The “Cathy Moore Award”, Tenaha ISD Professionalism Award: Steven Farmer

The “Waylon Moore Award”, Tenaha School Most Valuable Employee of the Year: Stella Baker

“Don & Debbie Fallin Legacy Award”: Coach Terry Ward

Tenaha ISD will have a called regular meeting at 5:30 this afternoon, and among the agenda items will be administering of oath to two new board members Michael Ogden and Vickie Jernigan, and re-organization of the board with the election of officers.

In addition, trustees will consider approval of the 2014 tax rate and holding a public meeting on June 16 at 5:15 p.m. to discuss the 2014 budget and proposed tax rate.

The Tenaha ISD board will also consider approval of the 2014-15 auditors.

As for personnel, the board will consider the resignation of Jr. High/High School teacher Vickie Stanfield.

The San Augustine City Council will have a budget workshop meeting at 5 p.m. today, Monday. The council will review and discuss Fiscal Year 2014-1015 Budget.

It’s rodeo week in Shelby County, as the oldest continuous rodeo in East Texas will be held at 7:30 p.m. this Friday and Saturday night, at the Shelby County Expo Center.

The 61^st annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo promises great rodeo action from some of the top professional cowboys in the business. Tickets have been reduced this year, and are available pre-sale and at the gate for $5, and available 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 Friday and Saturday nights at the Shelby County Expo Center, produced by Klein Brothers Rodeo, and sponsored by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep.

The City of Joaquin is preparing for its Centennial Celebration to be held next week. Mayor Mike Wood says the occasion will mark 100 years of incorporation and the committee members have been hard at work to make sure the various events go off without a hitch on June 13 & 14.

Mayor Wood says the Centennial T-shirts are $12 each, the caps are $10 and Centennial cookbooks are also $10 each, and they're available now at City Hall and will be available for purchase at all events.

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. A $500 treasure hunt is also part of the activities.

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.

The mayor says 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.

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 5 for the grand opening of "The Foxxhole House", Timpson’s newest restaurant featuring a sports-like atmosphere. The Foxxhole House serves pizza along with an entire menu. The business is  located at 912 Second Street next to B & B grocery. Everyone’s invited to come join in welcoming this restaurant to Timpson. 

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 87-year old Edward M. Markl of Center. Local survivor is a daughter, Cindy Brown of Center; and a son, Marty Markl of Boyd. Additional survivors will be announced at a later date.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 83-year old Ira Ware Fenley.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 81-year old Robert E. “Bob” Tinkle, Sr. of Gary. He passed away Sunday in Nacogdoches. Service will be held at 11 Thursday at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at County Line Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 Wednesday at Taylor Funeral Home. Among Robert E. “Bob” Tinkle, Sr.’s survivors are, his son, Bobby Tinkle of Gary; daughters, Pansy Tinkle of Timpson, DeAnn Elliott of Georgia and Kellie Brittain of Zavalla; brothers, James Acrey of Gary and Joe Mack Acrey of Houston; sisters, Lorene Nix of Mt. Enterprise, Billie Faye Davis of Houston, and Virginia Churchman of Carthage.

Starr Funeral Home in Hemphill announces funeral service for 63-year old Elton “Brad” Bradley McSwain of Hempill. He passed away Friday night in Lufkin Memorial Hospital. Service will be at 10 this morning in the Starr Funeral Home Chapel in Hemphill, with burial at the Old Salem Cemetery in Center. Among Elton “Brad” Bradley McSwain’s survivors are, his wife, Linda McSwain of Hemphill; sons, Alex McSwain of Hemphill and Nicholas McSwain of College Station; daughter, Jeanna McSwain of Indiana; brother, Kery Grant McSwain of Center; and sisters, Judy Beth Wright and Marsha Jones, both of Center.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces pending service for 47-year old Ms. Stephania Marsha Garrett of San Augustine. She passed away Thursday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital.

In sports,

The Dist. 20-3A All-District baseball selections have been announced, and several Center Roughriders have been chosen for post-season honors. Among those are Rider pitcher Dalton Horton who received Offensive MVP honors. First team infield, are Riders Josh Burns and Taylor Tomlin; and second team recognition to Rider pitchers Caiden Rainbolt and Jacob Mitchell, and outfield Ross Mahan. Tabbed the Dist. 20-3A MVP is William Rittenberry of Carthage; Defensive MVP is Gentry Ford of Hudson; Newcomer of the Year is Jared Blissett of Carthage; and Coach of the Year is Jim Goldman of Carthage. The Riders finished a great year as area finalist.

At the girls’ softball state tournament over the weekend:

The new Class 3A state champ is LaGrange, as they take a 7-3 win over Van; Aledo is the 4A champion with a 10-3 win over Ennis; and Deer Park beat The Woodlands, 8-2 to grab the 5A title. Last Thursday, Weimar took a 4-3 win over Harleton in the 1A title game, while Crawford grabbed the 2A championship with a 5-3 win over East Bernard.

As for the boys,

The No. 1 state-ranked Douglass Indians are headed to Round Rock for the state baseball tournament after sweeping defending state champion Price Carlisle in the Class A Region III Final, 7-0 Thursday and 9-0 Saturday afternoon in Lufkin. Both games had to fight off rain delays. Joining Douglass at state will be Anson, Dawson and Flatonia.

College Station beat Silsbee Thursday night to win the Class 3A Region III Final, and will be at state along with Lubbock Cooper, Argyle and Sinton.

In the 2A Region III Final Troy beat Salado, 1-0 to advance to the state tourney. Other region winners headed to state are Idalou, Sunnyvale and East Bernard.

By the way, Hallsville took the 4A, Region II championship.

The Garrison ISD has a new athletic director and head football coach as high school principal Lance Bernard has taken the position after Craig Barker left for Kaufman. Bernard was principal at Garrison for five years, and has coaching experience in Garrison, Hemphill, Alto and Atlanta. Garrison will be a member of the newly formed Dist. 3A-Div. 2 district in football, which includes Corrigan-Camden, Newton, Hemphill, Deweyville and Crockett.

Center ISD Tennis will be having summer clinics for incoming 4th-6th
graders, incoming 7th-8th graders, and incoming 9th-12th graders. The
attached flyer gives you information about the designated times as well as the entry form and information. If you have any questions, contact Leon Dykes at 590-9610 before 9:00pm.