SHELBY COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a two-vehicle crash on the afternoon of August 30, 2019, on SH 87, just north of Shelbyville.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 3:10 p.m., 2014 Ford pickup was stopped in the inside lane facing north preparing to turn left when a 2009 Chevrolet pickup failed to control speed and struck the Ford from behind.

The driver of the Ford is identified as 45-year-old Justin Wagstaff from Shelbyville. Wagstaff was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center in Center by private vehicle for possible treatment and later released.

The driver of the Chevrolet is identified as 17-year-old Ivan Perez-Perez from Center. Perez was also transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center in Center for treatment.

No additional information is available at this time.

Vehicle accident on HWY 87 South near Shelbyville, Texas. Please yield to emergency vehicles.

On August 30, 2019, at 10 a.m. the local VFW Post 8904 and the Women's Auxillary held a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of those brave American who served in Iraq.

The ceremony was held at the Veterans Memorial at the Shelby County Historical Courthouse on the downtown Center city square. 

More about the Iraq War: (source Wikipedia)

The Iraq War was a protracted armed conflict that began in 2003 with the invasion of Iraq by a United States-led coalition that overthrew the government of Saddam Hussein. The conflict continued for much of the next decade as an insurgency emerged to oppose the occupying forces and the post-invasion Iraqi government.

Click here for more photos:

An interview with the late Mr. Anderson he touche many peoples lives and will be missed.

World War II came to an end with the formal surrender of the Japanese on September 2, 1945 aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay and this day has become known as VJ Day (Victory over Japan).

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will hold an observance on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the History Courthouse in Center. 

The program will begin at 10:00 am and the names of those from Shelby County lost in the pacific war and those still missing in action will be read.  A memorial wreath will be placed on the Veterans Memorial in honor.  Taps will be played to end the program.  If you know of a WW II Veteran that served in the Pacific and can attend or you would like to represent them, please contact Post QM Larry Hume 598-2976.  The public as always is cordially invited.

Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be conducted by the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court and will be held on the 4st day of September, 2019 at 9:15 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1. Public Comments on Agenda items.

2. Discuss FY 2019-2020 Tax Rate.

3. Discuss FY 2019-2020 Proposed Budget.

4. Adjourn.

                  
Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 4st day of September, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1. Approve and pay weekly expenses.

2. Approve current payroll.

3. Public comments on Agenda item.

4. Take action regarding the County Road speed limit signs for Pct. 4.

5. Josh McAdams to address Commissioners Court to close 696ft off County Road 1039. 

6. Discuss and possibly approve amendments to be added to the County Travel policy.

7. Discuss and possibly approve the Cooperative Road Agreement between Shelby County and USDA, Forest Service National Forest and Grasslands in Texas.

8. Adjourn.

AUSTIN – On past Labor Day weekends, hundreds of impaired crashes have occurred in Texas, resulting in fatalities on our roads. As many Texans make travel plans to celebrate the remaining days of summer, TxDOT’s “Plan While You Can” campaign reminds them to make a plan for a sober ride before the festivities begin.

“The long weekend should be an opportunity to enjoy extra time with family and friends, rather than experience a senseless and preventable tragedy that ruins the lives of everyone involved because of drinking and driving,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “If you plan to drink alcohol this weekend, please plan ahead for a sober ride. It can save lives.”

During last year’s Labor Day holiday weekend* in Texas, there were 328 crashes involving drivers who were driving under the influence of alcohol. Those crashes killed eight people and seriously injured another 25.

The “Plan While You Can” campaign includes a statewide tour featuring the “Plan to Win” virtual reality game where participants are part of an immersive trivia game. The experience poses questions related to drinking and driving and also demonstrates the consequences of impaired driving. Players avoid “jail” by answering questions correctly, and winners progress to a waiting virtual taxi to receive a safe and sober ride. The experience will visit 11 Texas cities through September.

While drivers under the influence of alcohol risk killing or seriously injuring themselves or others, they also face up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time and loss of their driver’s license. Find alternatives to drinking alcohol and driving, such as:

Designating a sober driver or calling someone for a sober ride home
Contacting a cab or ride-share service
Using mass transit
Spending the night
 

In addition to the penalties for drunk driving, HB 2502, which takes effect on Sept. 1, 2019, requires a judge to include a minimum of 120 days of confinement when granting community supervision for the offense of leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in the death of a person.

 “Plan While You Can” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while on the road, such as going the speed limit, wearing a seatbelt, never drinking and driving or texting and driving. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.

Timpson 2019 homecoming, September 13th 2019 starting with homecoming parade 2 PM in downtown Timpson. 1PM for early school dismiss. Homecoming festivities will start before the football game. This year we will be hosting Big Sandy starting kickoff at 7:30 PM. Everyone is invited to come cheer for our home team. Come out, see old classmates and remember the days of the past when you walked the Timpson halls, played on the gridiron, marched in the band or just received and education.

Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce will provide 1st, 2nd and 3rd place parade trophies for the best floats. Float theme is Timpson school spirit. Join in the fun, participate or watch, show your community school support. To participate in parade be in front of school at 1PM and you will be told how to line up.

The Center Roughriders will take on the Tatum Eagles in Tatum on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. the game will be covered live on KDET 930 AM.

Area Game of the Week will be the Beckville Bearcats vs. the Shelbyville Dragons in Shelbyville on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. the game will be covered live on KQBB 100.5 FM.

The San Augustine Wolves will take on Big Sandy in San Augustine on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 7 p.m. the game will be covered live on KXXE 92.5 FM.

The Joaquin Rams will play the Deweyville Pirates in Joaquin on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

The Tenaha Tigers will take on the Troup Tigers in Troup on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

The Garrison Bulldogs varsity team will have a bye this week.

North DeSoto Jamboree, includes North DeSoto, Logansport, and Mansfield it will take place on Friday, August 30, 2019, at North Desoto, it starts at 7 p.m.

According to San Augustine County Sheriff Robert Cartwright on the morning of August 29, 2019 the San Augustine County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with aid from the Texas DPS, Game Warden Office, U.S Forest Service, and several other Sheriff's Offices entered a national forest located near FM 147 to remove a marijuana grove. 

The marijuana grove had been found a few days prior and at the time of our interview with Sheriff Cartwright law enforcement were in the process of destroying the plants.

According to Sheriff Cartwright this case is still under investigation.  

All lanes of SL 287 and the US 59 direct connector bridges are clear and open for travel following an early-morning crash involving an 18-wheeler that fell from the US 59 northbound flyover to the lower level of SL 287. Drive safely.

JASPER, TX - The 13th Annual Jasper Air Show & Fly-In will be held on Saturday, September 21st and Sunday, September 22nd at the Jasper County Bell Field Airport, on Highway 190 West in Jasper, Texas.

Static display of aircraft and FREE airplane rides for children begins each morning at 9:00, and the air show begins at 12:00 noon on Saturday and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Organizers say that this year’s air show could very well be called a “reunion”, or even an “all-star show”, because nearly all of the pilots and planes have been in the Jasper event at least once in the past, and all of them have proven to be fan favorites.

Returning to this year’s air show is aerobatic pilot Jason Newburg in his Pitts Viper Special. Jason left Jasper air show fans craving more a few years ago when he brought a stunt-motorcycle group with him, and they thrilled the crowd both in the air and on the ground – at the same time. Jason is bringing the motorcyclists with him again, this year led by Patrick Stephens.
Also in the aerobatic field is Greg Koontz, who will attempt to land a Decathlon on the back of a moving truck on the runway, and Patrick McAllee will defy all the laws of gravity in his Blue Demon S1-GT plane.

For many years, the Japanese Tora-Tora-Tora squadron has launched a sneak attack upon the Jasper Air Show, and word is they plan to do it again this year. However, some of our favorite pilots and vintage World War II warbirds will be back to defend the skies above Jasper.  
The B-25 bomber known as “Devil Dog”, with Beth Jenkins at the controls, along with an F4-U Corsair and a P-51 Mustang will be ready to defend the air show.

Also returning this year is the amazing ReMax Skydiving Team headed up by Al Saylor, along with the fascinating RC planes from the Beaumont Remote Team.

Air show fans will have a huge selection of food, drinks, and souvenirs from numerous vendors along hangar row, and the children can enjoy giant slides and jump houses from Fun in the Sun Inflatables.

Also on hand will be LifeShare Blood Center’s mobile unit for those who would like to donate blood, along with the Southeast Texas Food Bank for those who would like to donate non-perishable food items.

A once-in-a-lifetime thrill for history buffs would be a ride in the B-25 bomber. The cost is $395 in advance, or $425 if you pay at the air show. You can reserve your flight in advance on the website www.devildogsquadron.com or call KJAS Radio in Jasper at 409-384-2626, or call air show director Debbie Foster at 409-489-8447.

Air show fans will also have the unique opportunity to embark on a helicopter ride for only $35.00 per person in a Bell 47, which were used during the Korean War and were made famous for their appearances in the TV show M*A*S*H. Operated by Sierra Aeronautics, the Bell 47 will fly on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until the conclusion of the air show. For more information, visit www.sierra.aero 

AIR SHOW INFORMATION
Armbands can be purchased in advance at KJAS, 765 Hemphill St in Jasper, or at the gate 
$15 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 4-12, FREE for children 3 and younger. Parking is a $2.00 donation to East End Fire Department.
*First 100 kids age 4-12 get in FREE, Saturday and Sunday, courtesy of Dr. Eric Koch/Advanced Dental Care of East Texas in Jasper
**Two hospitality tents will host military active duty and veterans, courtesy of Dr. Jack M. Gill/The Gill Foundation in Houston

SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 29th
9:00 am - Gates open
9:00 am to 11:30 am - Static display of aircraft and EAA Chapter 1356 (Leesville, LA) Young Eagle flights, FREE for children ages 8-17 (Parent must sign a waiver)
12:00 pm - Aerial portion of the air show begins
Sunday, September 30th
9:00 am - Gates open
9:00 am to 12:30 pm - Static display of aircraft and EAA Chapter 1356 (Leesville, LA) Young Eagle flights, FREE for children ages 8-17 (Parent must sign a waiver)
1:00 pm - Aerial portion of the air show begins
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Due to FAA and DOT Regulations: Ice Chests, Large Bags, Backpacks, Containers, Animals or Pets will not be allowed on Airport Grounds

PILOT/FLY-IN INFORMATION

*Fly-in pilots and passengers must purchase armbands upon arrival
Arrival and departure procedures
Standard non-towered airport operations
CTAF/UNICOM: 122.8
WX AWOS-3: 118.375 (409-489-1603)
NOTAMS

Friday - Field closed 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm for Pilot Practice and Press Flights.
Saturday - Field closes at 11:30 am and reopens at end of Air Show or 4:30 pm.
Sunday - Field closes at 12:30 pm and reopens at end of Air Show or 5:30 pm.

UPDATE: Eastbound lanes of SL 287 in Lufkin at the US 59 flyover have been reopened. Westbound lanes of SL 287 remain closed for continued HazMat cleaning. Estimated time of reopening is early afternoon.

Crews continue to clear the scene following a tanker crash early this morning. Motorists should choose alternate directions or follow traffic control detours that are in place.

NACOGDOCHES,TX. (August 28, 2019).  On August 28th 2019 around 2:45 a.m. Officers with the Nacogdoches Police Department responded to a suspicious person call from a concerned citizen about multiple suspects entering vehicles in the parking lot in the 4500 block of N.E. Stallings Dr.  Officers responded to the area and were able to locate and detain four suspects. Multiple vehicles were found to have been burglarized.  The four suspects were identified as Michael Little 19 years of age from Nacogdoches,Tx,  Dakenyon Davis 19 years of age from San Augustine, Tx,  Christian Hall 20 years of age from Nacogdoches, Tx, and Camell Gadison 19 years of age from Nacogdoches, Tx. All four suspects were arrested for the vehicle burglaries and charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity which is a State Jail Felony. Officers were able to locate some of the stolen property from the burglaries and return it to their owners.

This is an ongoing investigation and when further information becomes available it will be released. 

ALERT: A major crash has been reported on SL 287 in Lufkin at the US 59S flyover. A tanker truck reportedly fell from the US 59 flyover onto the underpass of SL 287 below South First Street. Both eastbound and westbound lanes of SL 287 are closed at the site and US 59 traffic is being diverted. Motorists should prepare for lengthy delays throughout the day. Cleanup is expected to take several hours. Traffic control is in place. Reduce speed through the area and obey all traffic control.

Please visit our district web page for other details on our school and activities: www.tenahaisd.com (The calendar provides the most up to date events)

Tenaha ISD also has a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Tenaha-Independent-School-District-486433751368156/

August 29, 2019-2nd Grade Parent Night 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm; JV vs Troup (Home) 6:00 pm

August 30, 2019-Tenaha vs Troup 7:30 pm (There)

August 31, 2019-Varsity Cross Country SFA Brooks Invitational

September 2, 2019-Labor Day Holiday

September 3, 2019-Kindergarten Parent Night 4:30 – 5:30 pm

September 5, 2019-JV vs Lovelady (There) 6:00 pm

September 6, 2019-Tenaha vs Lovelady (Home) 7:30 pm

September 7, 2019-Varsity CC Tyler Lee Invitational

September 11, 2019-Fall Pictures; Tiger Day Early Release 1:30 pm

September 12, 2019-JH/JV vs TK Gorman (There) 5:00 pm

September 13, 2019-Tenaha vs TK Gorman (Home) 7:30 pm

September 14, 2019-Varsity/JH CC New Summerfield

September 16, 2019-Board Meeting 5:30 pm

September 18, 2019-Varsity/JH CC West Sabine Invitational

September 19, 2019-JH/JV vs San Augustine (Home) 5:00 pm

September 20, 2019-Staff Wellness Clinic; Tenaha vs San Augustine (There) 7:30 pm

September 25, 2019-Tiger Day Early Release 1:30 pm; Varsity/JH CC Zavalla Invitational

September 26, 2019-JH/JV vs Timpson (Home) 5:00 pm

September 27, 2019-End 1st Grading Period; Tenaha vs Timpson (There) 7:30 pm

September 30, 2019-2nd Grading Period Begins

October 1, 2019-JHFB, JHCC, HSCC, JH Cheer Pictures

October 3, 2019-JH/JV vs Beckville (There) 5:00 pm

October 4, 2019-Early Release

October 5, 2019-Hall of Honor 9:30 am Café’; Parade 12:30 pm “Let the Games Begin”; Homecoming-Pregame 5:30 pm; Tigers vs Beckville Bearcats kickoff 6:00 pm; Varsity CC Poultry Festival 5K Chicken Run

Something a Little Different in the 2019-20 Calendar     

Just a few years ago, the Texas Education Agency changed the standards in which they measured how long students were required to be in school during a school year.  In the past, students were required to attend a certain number of days regardless of how long each day lasted.  Now, the standard is very different.  In the current system, students in the state of Texas are required to attend school for 75,600 minutes in order to meet the minimum standard for a school year.

Here at Tenaha ISD we have worked very hard to tailor our calendar year in and year out to the needs of our students.  So in the spirit of providing our students with the best possible calendar to meet their needs, we have instituted what we are calling “Tiger Days” periodically throughout the calendar.  These Tiger Days occur about every other week, mostly on a Wednesday.  What is their purpose?  It’s simple.  The purpose of a Tiger Day is to stop, breathe, and catch up.  They are there to break up the monotony of the grind of school and give students a day to catch-up on work they need to do.  Teachers are not allowed to present any new material or assign any new project on these days.  They’re merely a day to catch-up. 

Catching up on work is not the only purpose of Tiger Days however.  Throughout any school year there are disturbances that cause losses to class time.  Picture days, class meetings, assemblies, and many other types of activities always seem to throw a schedule off kilter.  Also, we are committed to spending dedicated time with different types of character education and working on issues that kids face day to day in life that may not necessarily fit into a course curriculum.  These shortened days where new instruction is not the focus allows a little time for the focus to shift to things that are just as important for kids (if not more) than the mundane disciplines of school. 

And finally, to have a periodic day in the middle of the week where school just “ends” a little earlier?  That’s just a nice break.  And that is an element of the Tiger Days that students and staff will all be appreciative of. 

In the end, a school year is a grind.  It’s a long and difficult challenge to maintain a high energy level needed.  In ensuring that our teachers have the adequate time they need to cover the depth of content they need to cover, and to ensure that our students are provided adequate time to complete what they need to, we are confident that the Tiger Days give us the best solution to all of those needs. 

Scott Tyner, Superintendent

No matter how you describe it, today's San Augustine weather was very welcome!

69 degree start at 12:01 am

still at 77 degrees at almost Noon

1.40 inches of rain from the Storms ( did not need the alarm to wake up this morning!)
gives  4.37 inches for the Month of August

39.66 inches for the year 

NO high temps of 100 for the year... only.......99.2 degrees, so we got close!

NACOGDOCHES, TX. (August 28, 2019).  On August 27th, 2019 around 10:30 p.m. Officers with the Nacogdoches Police Department responded to the 1300 block of South st for a reported Armed Robbery at a convenience store.  The store clerk advised the suspect had came into the store with a handgun demanding money from the register and had just fled on foot after taking a known amount of money.  

Officers located a silver Honda CRV leaving the area of the Robbery and believed it was possibly involved. Officers attempted to conduct an investigative stop on the vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle led officers on a pursuit eastbound on S.W. Stallings Dr from Durst st to the 2300 block of S.E. Stallings Dr.  The vehicle eventually stopped and two suspects fled the vehicle on foot.

Officers were eventually able to take one of the suspects into custody for the Aggravated Robbery around 1:30 a.m.  The suspect taken into custody was identified as Jermikilan Page 25 years of age from Nacogdoches, Tx.

Page is currently being held in the Nacogdoches County Jail. 

This is an ongoing investigation.  As further information becomes available it will be released. 

Saturday night, August 24th, Deputy Mike Price prepared and executed a search warrant on 304 East Grand Street, San Augustine, TX.

Execution of search warrant was aided by Chief Deputy Shannon Brazeal, Deputies Terry Fountain, J.T. Moon, Charles Goodwin, and Jonathan Newton of the San Augustine County Sheriff's Office. Assisting were Travis Fountain, Luke Richard, Doug Williams with the Texas Parks & Wildlife; as well as DPS Trooper John Hallenbeck and San Augustine Police Department Officer Thomas Jernigan.

The search warrant yielded methamphetamines throughout the household, assorted paraphernalia, a stolen vehicle, along with 6 arrests being made.

Less than 12 hours later, after the search warrant was executed and all arrests were made, another individual showed up at the residence and was arrested by Sheriff Robert Cartwright, assisted by Deputy Tammy Fountain. That arrested yielded 5 grams of methamphetamines.

On Sunday evening deputies stopped a Gray Pontiac Grand AM traveling on FM 2782 at Cr. 724 for a traffic violation of displaying expired registration. The lone occupant of the vehicle was identified as Calley Sledge 26 years of age from Nacogdoches, Texas. 

Sledge who was currently out on bond on other drug charges was extremely nervous and evasive towards deputies. Deputies requested consent to search the vehicle, but Sledge denied consent. A sheriff’s office K-9 and his handler arrived on scene shortly afterward.  The deputy and the K-9 conducted a free air search of the vehicle in which the K-9 gave a positive alert to the odor of narcotics. 

Calley Sledge

Michael Birdwell?

Jennifer Langford

A probable cause search of the vehicle was then conducted. Deputies found an ounce of crystal methamphetamine hidden behind the radio that was mounted in the dash of the vehicle. Sledge was arrested at the scene and transported to the Nacogdoches County Jail. Sledge was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance a 2nd felony. 

On Tuesday morning shortly after 3 am deputies observed a four wheeler traveling on a public roadway on Cr. 9891 in the Sacul area. Deputies attempted to stop the ATV, and observed suspects throwing contraband from the ATV. Deputies were able to stop the subjects after a short pursuit. 

Two suspects on the ATV machine were arrested at the scene. The suspects were in possession of three weapons, two pistols and one rifle that are believed to be stolen. One of the pistols in their possession had the serial numbers filed off. 

Deputies were able to locate the contraband that the suspect had thrown from the ATV. Deputies seized methamphetamine, Xanax pills, drug paraphernalia and three weapons from the two suspects. 

Michael Birdwell 41 years of age from Cushing, Texas was arrested at the scene on the following charges: Two counts of Possession of a controlled substance felony 3rd degree and Misdemeanor A, Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon 3rd degree felony, Unlawful carrying a weapon Class A misdemeanor, Tampering with physical Evidence 3rd  degree felony, Tamper with identification numbers class A misdemeanor. 

Jennifer Langford 37 years of age from Nacogdoches was arrested at the scene on the following charges: Two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance Felony 3rd Degree felony and class A misdemeanor, Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felony 3rd degree felony and prohibited substance in a correctional facility a 3rd degree felony. More drugs were found on Langford at the Nacogdoches County Jail during the pre-book process after she was given an opportunity to divulge any more contraband on her person before being taken into the jail. 

Both subjects were booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail.  This investigation is ongoing and investigators will seek to identify where the guns are stolen from.  

A Special Called Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center ISD will be held August 29, 2019, beginning at 12 p.m. in the Center Independent School District Administration Boardroom 107 PR 605 Center, TX 75935.

The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be taken are listed below.

Items do not have to be taken in the same order as shown on this meeting notice.

1. Call Meeting to Order and Establish a Quorum
2. Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance
3. Consider Approval of Amendments to the 2018-2019 Budget
4. Public Hearing on the Adoption of the 2019-2020 Proposed Budget and Proposed Tax Rate
5. Consider Adoption of the 2019-2020 Budget
6. Consider Adoption of the 2019-2020 Tax Rate
7. Consideration to Approve Innovative Retention Pay Plan
8. Adjournment

The Shelbyville JV Dragon football team will play in Groveton on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, at 5 p.m.

Location change for produce drop scheduled for 8/28/19 at 9 a.m. the new location will be: Wulf plaza parking lot located other side of Sombrero's Resturant.

For those that are coming, you must bring your own box & please do not park in front of any business. Any questions call 936-598-6315 ext 501.

The Center Roughriders will take on the Tatum Eagles in Tatum on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. the game will be covered live on KDET 930 AM.

Area Game of the Week will be the Beckville Bearcats vs. the Shelbyville Dragons in Shelbyville on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. the game will be covered live on KQBB 100.5 FM.

The San Augustine Wolves will take on Big Sandy in San Augustine on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 7 p.m. the game will be covered live on KXXE 92.5 FM.

The Joaquin Rams will play the Deweyville Pirates in Joaquin on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

The Tenaha Tigers will take on the Troup Tigers in Troup on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

The Garrison Bulldogs varsity team will have a bye this week.

North DeSoto Jamboree, includes North DeSoto, Logansport, and Mansfield it will take place on Friday, August 30, 2019, at North Desoto, it starts at 7 p.m.

Hey Wolfpack Nation! It’s the season premiere of the Coach Marty Murr Show LIVE at 9 p.m. tonight, Aug. 27, on 100.5 KQBB-FM, streaming at cbc-radio.com. Just click on the KQBB “listen live” button at top of the page, or on the TuneIn Radio app, search “KQBB”. Coach Murr is interviewed by host Don Wall each week. Don's three-hour coaches show 
starts at 6:30 p.m., and will feature head coaches from Garrison, Tenaha, Joaquin, Center, Shelbyville & San Augustine.

San Augustine's very own, 92.5 KXXE will be the home of Wolfpack Football play-by-play. Hear every exciting play this season starting this Friday night, Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m. with a replay of the Coach Murr Show, followed by the stadium pre-game show, and play-by-play at 7 p.m. with Tracy Broadway. All games are streamed at cbc-radio.com. Just click on KXXE "listen live" button at the top of the page, or on the TuneIn Radio app, search "KXXE". GO WOLVES!

Thursday
The CHS Freshman team will travel to Pine Tree in Longview for a 5 p.m. game on Thursday.   

Center JV will play Tatum JV at 6 p.m. at the Roughrider Stadium.

Friday
The Varsity Roughriders will kick off the season against Tatum. Find instructions to the stadium here.

The game will be covered live on KDET 930 AM. 

A special called meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Shelbyville Independent School District will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2018, beginning at 12:00 p.m., in the Board Room of the Shelbyville Independent School District at 343 FM 417 West, Shelbyville, Texas.

The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be taken are listed below. Items do not have to be taken in the same order as shown on this meeting notice. Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time. 

1. Call to order
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3. Public Hearing to Discuss Budget and Proposed Tax Rate
4. Adjournment

A special called meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Shelbyville Independent School District will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2019, beginning at 12:30 p.m., in the Board Room of the Shelbyville Independent School District at 343 FM 417 West, Shelbyville, Texas.

The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be taken are listed below. Items do not have to be taken in the same order as shown on this meeting notice. Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time. 

1. Call to order
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3. Consider for approval
a. 2018-19 Budget Amendments
b. 2019-20 Budget
c. 2019 Tax Rate
4. Executive Session
a. Resignations/Employment
b. Personnel
5. Open Session
6. Adjournment

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash early on the morning of August 26, 2019, on the SH 103 East bridge at the Angelina/Nacogdoches County boundary.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 8:30 a.m., a 2000 Peterbilt truck tractor towing a trailer carrying a piece of construction machinery was traveling east when the trailer reportedly had a blowout causing the trailer to strike the guardrail. 

After striking the guardrail the trailer became unsecured from the truck and struck the guardrail again causing the piece of machinery to fall into Lake Sam Rayburn. The trailer then struck a 2017 Ford pickup that was traveling
west.

The driver of the Peterbilt is identified as 41-year-old Patrick Wilkinson from
Huntsville, TX.

The driver of the Ford is identified as 69-year-old David Askey from Etoile, TX.

No injuries occurred as a result of this crash. No additional information is available at this time.

Lufkin, Texas, August 27, 2019 – The USDA Forest Service, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Supervisor’s Office (NGFT) is beginning the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze and disclose the effects of identifying NFGT lands administratively available for oil and gas leasing. The proposed action will identify lands available for leasing, leasing stipulations, and necessary amendments to the 1996 NFGT Forest Plan.

Scoping is a process used to identity issues of importance to the public.  Scoping begins with the publication of a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare the EIS in the Federal Register. The NOI, which was published in the Federal Register today begins a 45-day public comment period.  Public comments are analyzed to develop alternatives addressing issues raised by the public.

Decision Process and How to Comment

The public is encouraged to submit written comments.  In addition, comments may be submitted at public meetings held in local communities.  Information related to the EIS process and public meetings will be posted on the project website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/texas/oil-and-gas.

Send written comments to:

National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Oil and Gas Leasing EIS

C/O Robert Potts, Natural Resources and Planning Staff Officer

2221 N. Raguet St.

Lufkin, Texas 75904

Comments may also be faxed to (936) 639-8588 or sent via email to robert.potts@usda.gov. Email attachments will only be accepted in common digital formats such as PDF, Microsoft Word, or rich text format.

Although comments are welcome throughout the EIS process, the deadline for providing comments for scoping is October 11, 2019. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will still be accepted and considered.

For additional information regarding this project, contact Robert Potts, Natural Resources and Planning Staff Officer, at robert.potts@usda.gov or (936) 639-8501.

SHELBY COUNTY – On August 25, The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) investigated a one-vehicle fatal crash on SH 7, about twelve miles west of Center.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 3:15 a.m., a 2008 Ford pickup was traveling east when the pickup drove off the roadway to the right and struck a tree before overturning.

The driver is identified as 28-year-old Julio Vazquez from Center, TX. Vazquez was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center in Center where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.

This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

The Fillies competed in the Rose City Classic Invitational Tournament this weekend at Tyler Junior College. Panola played Temple & NCTC on Friday and Frank Phillips & #7 Polk State on Saturday. On Friday, Panola swept Temple in the season opener with a slow start, only beating Temple by two points. With the leadership of sophomore outside hitter Mikayla Ware and freshman outside hitter Mylena Testoni, who added 12 kills and two aces respectively a piece, the Fillies were able to take the last two sets with ease winning 26-24, 25-15, 25-12. Freshman setter Maria Idjilov dished out 31 assists with help from sophomore libero Hannah Floyd who contributed 12 digs.

Staying hot on Friday, Panola beat NCTC in three straight sets. The first set was another nail biter with the Fillies winning by only two points. By spreading their offense and serving aggressive, they were able to finish the Lions 25-23, 25-21, 25-7. Testoni led Panola with 12 kills, four aces, three digs and one block. Idjilov helped the Fillies with 36 assists while freshman middle blocker Ashton Brown chipped in six kills and Floyd added 11 digs. 

Saturday, the Fillies continued the winning streak by sweeping Frank Phillips (25-15, 25-17, 25-21). This match was Panola’s best defensive match of the tournament with a team total of 56 digs and eight blocks. Ware led the team with 11 kills offensively, two aces and 11 digs. Sophomore outside hitter McKenzie Dimery and freshman right side hitter Nyah Walker came in and both contributed eight kills a piece. Idjilov chipped in 39 assists along with four kills and two aces.

The #7 Polk State Eagles gave Panola their first loss of the season but not without a fight. It was a close four set match with the Eagles outlasting the Fillies 23-25, 17-25, 25-14, 22-25. Panola could have given up after losing the first two sets but the Fillies fought back and pulled away early to take set three before losing the match in set four. The Fillies had a great match defensively with a total of 11 blocks. Ware chipped in 14 kills and 17 digs while Testoni added 14 kills and five block assists. The Fillies also had some major contributions from a few of their freshmen players. Erin Perez stepped in as libero, with a team high 23 digs and defensive specialist Nina Hauff, added 13 digs while Walker added eight kills and two blocks respectively.

The Fillies travel to Temple on Tuesday, September 3rd to face Temple College at 6:00 PM. Thanks for your support and GO FILLIES!

AUSTIN – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper Moises Sanchez died Saturday, nearly five months after suffering from head injuries sustained from being shot in the line of duty in April.

“Today is an extremely difficult day for Texas, as we have lost one of our finest, Trooper Moises Sanchez,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Trooper Sanchez demonstrated great strength and bravery as a Texas Trooper, and we will honor his selfless service and sacrifice forever. Our DPS family is deeply saddened by his passing, and we’re asking for continued prayers and support for Trooper Sanchez’s wife and three children as well as his countless friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

At approximately 8:45 p.m. on April 6, 2019, Trooper Sanchez approached a two-vehicle crash scene in Edinburg. The driver of one of the vehicles fled the scene and later shot Trooper Sanchez. The suspect was captured and will now face the charge of Capital Murder. 

In the months following the shooting, Trooper Sanchez and his family received an outpouring of support by countless members of the public, fellow law enforcement partners and hospital staff. The department remains extremely grateful for their generosity and support.

Trooper Sanchez was stationed in Palmview and was 49 years old.

TAGHS Hears The History Center's Archivist Emily Hyatt
“The women are there, you just have to look a little harder to find them when doing
genealogical research,” Emily Hyatt, Certified Archivist at Diboll's History Center told the
Timpson Area Genealogical and Heritage Society's August 21st meeting.

“Since there are fewer official records of women's activities” Hyatt said, “ I hope to give
you some ideas about alternative sources of information for genealogists researching
female ancestors.” She also shared a number of vintage photographs from The History
Center's collection, some of which she said were among her favorites.

Located on Highway 59 in Diboll, The History Center began in 1976 as part of the
Bicentennial celebration. In the 1980's the Diboll Historical Society began adding more
collections and oral histories to The History Center. In 1986 the Diboll Historical Society
published a history of Diboll entitled The Cornbread Whistle. Established as a company
town by Thomas L. Temple's Southern Pine Lumber Company in 1894, Diboll's economy
has always been based upon the sawmill Temple built there. “Mr. Temple said he didn't
want to 'cut out and get out' but rather, to establish a town which would last. To that end,
he made sure the town had a public library, a variety of churches, and more amenities than
usual for a small East Texas town.”

Every day at 11:15 AM the mill blew a steam whistle which could be heard all over town.
Over the years, the reason why the whistle was blown every morning was lost and one day
the mill management decided not to blow it. “When the workers got home for lunch they
found that it wasn't ready because the homemakers used the whistle to know when it was
time to put the cornbread in the oven,” Hyatt relates. Now known as “The Cornbread
Whistle, it can be heard each weekday at 11:15.

“Our goal is to collect, preserve, and make available the history of Diboll, Angelina
County, and the surrounding area, which means we hold collections relating to the timber
industry, cities in the area, counties, local organizations, and families.” said Hyatt. “We
have permanent exhibits on lumber camps, boxcar houses, and education as well as other
collections which change periodically. For example, we had an exhibit commemorating
the end of World War II which told the story of the war from a local perspective and
featured items provided by local residents.”

A popular exhibit not in the museum but on the grounds is a 1920 steam locomotive with
log car and caboose which once hauled logs to the mill. “Children who visit the museum
are often disappointed to find that the locomotive doesn't move but we do have the whistle
connected to an air compressor and visitors can sound it. We also have exhibits in the
caboose,” she said.

“All of the plants on the grounds of the museum are native not just to East Texas but to our
area. We worked with the Native Plant Center at Stephen F. Austin State University to
ensure that we got it right,” continued Hyatt. “We soon will have bright red cardinal
flowers blooming and in the spring we have native cornflowers. Our grounds are a

showplace for what can be done by landscaping with native plants.”

The museum features a 2000 square fool climate-controlled vault for the preservation of
photographs and records which have been donated. “We have archives of the Lufkin Daily
News and the Diboll Free Press, neither of which is available online. We also have the
records of The Southern Pine Lumber Company, Lufkin Foundry, and many local
businesses which no longer exist,” she added. She explained that frequently the records
they receive are dirty and in disarray and must be cleaned and organized in their
processing area prior to being archived, a process that can take years for some of the
largest collections they receive.

“In the past, women had official roles in society and government much less often than they
do now, so the records of their lives are harder to find. However, I am less interested in
what people did than who they were, and that is where we find women's contributions
reflected,” Hyatt revealed. Census records reveal how many children a woman had,
although there are frequently errors. “Funeral home records are great for names and dates
as well as who paid for a funeral, who performed a funeral, and church affiliation. We
have all of the old records from Gipson Funeral Home of Lufkin.”

“Church records are a valuable source of information on women because women were
always involved in church life. They didn't just attend church, they taught Sunday School,
Vacation Bible School, and sang in the choir,” she said. Sometimes there are photographs
which are valuable sources of information. “Women were usually the family historian,
keeping family birth, death, and marriage records by writing them in the family Bible.”
Since women attended public school and frequently taught school, school records are an
important source of data. The County School Superintendent position no longer exists and
those records, as well the records of small schools which have closed over the years, can
offer a trove of information on our ancestors. The History Center has Angelina County
School Superintendent's records as well as the records of the Diboll PTA, she added.
“Class pictures and old yearbooks are also revealing,” she said. The History Center has a
complete set of Diboll school yearbooks and they are a popular attraction for those who
want to show their grandchildren what they looked like when they were young.

The History Center's collection of records from The Southern Pine Lumber Company,
Temple Industries, and other large employers in the area offer insight into the jobs
individuals held, dates worked, and pay scale. Women made up only a small portion of the
workforce prior to WWII, but that all changed when war came. “Lufkin Industries
manufactured war materiel and women filled the positions previously held by men who
had gone into the military during the war. We have those records,” Hyatt shared. “Most
counties created a book of those who served in the military during WWII and the women
who served are included.”

“Probably the most interesting source for information about women for me is in their club
records”, she revealed. “Women were well represented in service clubs, hobby clubs,
professional clubs, garden clubs, and literary clubs. Angelina County had a Temperance

Society and we have photographs of some of their activities. We also have the records of
the Lufkin County Red Cross, who raised money for refugee relief and made sure that
soldiers who stopped in Diboll on their way to training were given a box lunch,” said
Hyatt.

“Many women kept scrapbooks and they are a unique place to find information,” Hyatt
said. “On that subject, let me remind all of you that someday the photographs you take will
be used by your descendants for information about you. Please be sure to identify the
people and subjects of the photographs! We have thousands of photographs which have
been donated by families who no longer know who the people in the pictures are.”
“I was really excited recently when we received a collection of photographs and letters
from Mr. Shannon Ramsey of Timpson, a member of TAGHS,” Hyatt remarked. “This
collection came from his grandmother, Esther Pennington Ramsey. It is a remarkable
collection of 800 pieces of correspondence written to Mrs. Ramsey, who was born in 1888
and died in 1972. The letters reveal much about Mrs. Ramsey, the people who wrote them,
and life in Texas during the period.” she said. “It is an amazing collection and Mr. Ramsey
had done wonderful job of preparing them for presentation to us.”

The History Center is located on Highway 59 in Diboll. “We are open 8 to 5 on weekdays
and from 9 until 1 on Saturdays. We have clean restrooms and if you're on your way to or
from Houston we invite you to stop in, look around, and maybe blow the train whistle,”
laughed Hyatt.

The Timpson Area Genealogical and Heritage Society meets at 2PM on the third
Wednesday of each month in the Meeting Room of the Timpson Public Library, located on
the corner of Austin and Bremond Streets in Timpson. The public is invited. The TAGHS
Genealogy Library is located inside the Timpson Public Library and is staffed by TAGHS
volunteers who are available to assist those doing research. The phone number is 936-254-
2966.

CITY OF TENAHA REGULAR CALLED COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

MONDAY August 26, 2019 5:30 PM

Notice is hereby given that the Regular Called meeting of the governing body of the City of Tenaha will be held on Monday, August 26, 2019 @ 5:30 PM in the City Council Meeting Room located at 238 N. George Bowers Drive in Tenaha, Texas.  If while in the meeting, any discussion on items on the Agenda should be held in executive session, the Council will convene in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code Section 551.101.

Order of Business:

1. Call to Order

2. Welcome/Prayer/Pledge

3. Roll Call and Establish a quorum

4. Public Comments (Must sign in prior to call to order and limited to 3 minutes)

5. Department Head Reports:

6. Discuss and Consider Approving July 22, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes. ACTION ITEM

7. Discuss and Consider Approving July 2019 Financials. ACTION ITEM

8. Consider Approving the 2019-2020 Proposed Budget. ACTION ITEM

9. Discuss and Consider Approving lifting the 6 months’ pay freeze on all employee raises. ACTION ITEM

10. Discuss and Consider Approving changes to section no. 2.12, 2.14, 5.2, 5.4, 6.4, 10.1, 10.5 and 10.9 in the 2015 Employee Handbook and consider this a 2019 revised version of the book. ACTION ITEM

11. Discuss and Consider Approving a special called meeting to be held at 05:30 PM on September 16, 2019 at TENAHA CITY HALL for purposes of adopting a proposed tax rate for tax year 2019. ACTION ITEM

12. Discuss and Consider Approving 5 C Utility to use the Ford Utility Truck to pull Equipment Trailer when they are called out for City Related Jobs. ACTION ITEM

13. Discuss and Consider Approving making the $2.00 per month per Water Customer Fire Protection Fee Mandatory and not Optional.  ACTION ITEM

14. Council will enter Closed Session per Tex. Gov’t Code Sec. 551.072: Deliberation Regarding the Purchase of Real Property.

15. Closed Session Results and Action if necessary.

16. Council Comments

17. Adjourn
 

I certify that the above was posted on the front door of the Tenaha City Hall at 238 North George Bowers Drive Tenaha Texas at 4:00 pm Friday August 23, 2019 for public viewing 72 hours prior to 5:30 pm Monday August 26, 2019.  Emailed to the Light and Champion, Shelby County Today and East Texas Press.

Amanda Treat

City Secretary

Amanda L Treat

City Secretary

City of Tenaha

P.O. Box 70

Tenaha, Texas 75954

936-248-3841 Tel

936-248-2160 Fax

Tenahacitysecretary@gmail.com

Jason Mitchell, National Director for Dixie Youth Baseball, presents a plaque to Jarrmez Daniels, member of the AAA WS team from Center, for having the best batting average during the WS.  Jarrmez went 8 for 13 at the plate for a .615 batting average for the tournament.  

This is the first time that Center has had any player named the batting champion for the series. Congratulations goes out to Jarrmez for his hard work and determination.

The Sabine and Angelina Ranger District is seeking candidates to fill vacancies on its Title II Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) created under the Secure Rural Schools Act. 

The committee is responsible for the development and recommendation of projects that will benefit National Forest land in Shelby and Sabine counties, as well as monitor the projects and provide advice to the Forest Service. 

Congress recognized the merits of seeking the advice and assistance of our nation’s citizens through the enactment of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) of 1972 (Public Law 92-463).  The FACA requires that committee memberships be “fairly balance in terms of the points of view represented and the functions to be performed.” 

The Sabine/Angelina Resource Advisory Committee was formed in 2011 and currently has 8 members and 4 additional members in the approval process.  Since that time it has approved and completed 14 projects totaling more than $800,000. 

Project examples include: road paving in campgrounds, Forest Service road maintenance, recreation area maintenance, non-native invasive plant control, and purchasing of equipment and supplies to support work.  Project funding can also be used to leverage grant dollars and collaboration with partners, such as federal and state agencies and non-profit organizations. 

“We are looking for diverse candidates that are highly motivated and service oriented and interested in actively engaging in the work of the RAC,” said Sabine National Forest Ranger Kimpton Cooper.

The committee is made up of individuals from all walks of life, including local elected officials, industry representatives as well as representatives from local civic organizations, environmental organizations and others. 

Cooper said although the focus of the RAC projects and activities are based in Sabine and Shelby counties, committee members need only be interested and residents of Texas. They do not have to be residents of either county to be considered for service on the committee.

“We’re looking for people with energy and commitment to the long-term benefit of our national forests, who also are interested in working with a diverse array of interests represented on the committee,” said Cooper.

Members will be selected for the Sabine RAC including seats representing the following interests:

·      Organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester, groups       

·      Nationally, regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations        

·      State elected officeholder or their designee

·      Developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities           

·      County or local elected officeholder

·      Energy and mineral development interests; or commercial or recreational fishing interests

·      Dispersed recreational activities       

·      American Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area

·      Commercial timber industry               

·      Archaeological and historical interests           

·      School officials or teachers

·      Federal grazing or other land use permit holders, or nonindustrial private forest landowners in the area      

·      Nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups, wildlife or hunting organizations or watershed associations

·      Representative of the public at large

Any Texas resident interested in serving on the committee must complete an application form that will be used for a required background check. There is no pay for committee members, but they can be reimbursed for travel expenses to meetings.

Applications are available at Sabine National Forest office in Milam and are due by October 31, 2019. 

For application forms, contact Kimpton Cooper, Sabine District Ranger or Becky Nix, RAC Coordinator at 5050 State Hwy 21 E, Hemphill, TX  75948, or call 409-625-1940. 

Center Middle School mandatory Parent/Guardian meeting will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at 6 PM in the CMS Library. Please make plans to attend. 

Practice Schedule beginning Monday, August 26:  

7th Grade Practice- 6:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
8th Grade Practice 4:00pm- 5:30pm

Also, a scrimmage will take place on September 5, 2019, in Carthage. Game time will be posted at a later date.
 

On August 21, 2019, Louisiana State Probation and Parole performed a standard probation check at a residence in Gloster, LA that resulted in the arrest of two individuals.  Upon making contact with the parolee at the door, Probation and Parole observed a smell and haze of suspected methamphetamine coming from inside the residence.  At that time the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division was notified and responded to the residence to assist.  Steven Ray Cloud (W/M - DOB: 05/22/1986) and Tyler Michael Dushane (W/M - DOB: 12/19/1994) were both detained as a search of the residence proceeded. 

Agents were able to locate a fully functional methamphetamine laboratory containing 124 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a small amount of marijuana, and various other types of drug paraphernalia.  Cloud and Dushane were arrested and transported to the DeSoto Parish Detention Center where they were booked on the following charges:

Steven Ray Cloud:

Possession of Schedule II with Intent to Distribute
Possession of Schedule I
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Creation or Operation of a Clandestine Laboratory
Probation Violation

Tyler Michael Dushane:
Creation or Operation of a Clandestine Laboratory

Steven Ray Cloud - Top & Tyler Michael Dushane - Bottom

Congratulations to Mrs. Laura Rowe who has received the Century 21, 30 years of service award. Mrs. Rowe is the owner and broker of the Center branch of Century 21 and she is still working hard to help people sell their property. 

Laura Rowe 

CENTER, Texas (August 22, 2019) –  At the August 12th meeting, the City Council approved an item authorizing repairs and minor enhancements of the sprayground at Portacool Park.  Since it was opened in 2012, this feature has been one of the most popular park amenities.

 “This is one of the most used park areas and obviously appreciated by our citizens,” stated Mayor Chadwick.  The repairs will allow for the replacement of the operating sensor that has proved difficult to find quality replacement parts as well as the computerized controller unit.  Both have exhibited problems the last two seasons creating issues for users.  Also included will be some repair of the actual water “toys” that have developed leaks and seal issues over time.  Additionally, during the renovation, the play area will be resurfaced to restore it to its original finish.

“By doing this work now, we insure that this park amenity will be quality for a very long time,” Chadwick said.

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 28st day of August, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1. Approve and pay weekly expenses.

2. Public comments on Agenda item.

3. Discuss and possibly amend the Work Rules and Employee Responsibilities within the Shelby County Personnel Policy.

4. Accept or reject bids for the DHP865 Case Maintainer Serial # N5AF0432 and 140H Cat Maintainer Serial # CCA1673. For Commissioner Pct. 1

5. Discuss and possibly run test on Radios for Emergency Responders.

6. Larry Joe Eaves to address the Court regarding rotation of First Responders.  

7. Adjourn.

The Shelbyville Dragons will play the Warren Warriors on Thursday 8-22-19 in Shelbyville at 5 p.m.

The Tenaha Tigers will play the New Diana Eagles on Thursday 8-22-19 in Tenaha at 6 p.m.

The Center Roughriders will play the Hemphill Hornets on Thursday 8-22-19 in Hemphill at 5 p.m.

The Joaquin Rams will play Logansport/Waskom on Friday 8-23-19 in Joaquin at 6 p.m.

The Garrison Bulldogs will play the Groveton Indians on Friday 8-23-19 in Groveton at 6 p.m.

The San Augustine Wolves will play Huntington on Thursday 8-22-19 in San Augustine at 6 p.m.

1. They approved and paid weekly expenses.

2. They approved the current payroll.

3. No public comments were given on the agenda items.

4. They tabled Josh Adams addressing the Commissioners Court to close 696ft off County Road 1039, until September 4, 2019. 

5. They discuss making repairs for JP. 4/Constable Pct.4 office and decided to get quotes. 

6.  They adjourn to the executive session.

7. They moved into an executive closed session. 

8.  They reopened the public meeting.

9. They took no action on issues discussed in the executive session.

10.  Lastly, they adjourned.

August 22, 2019-3rd Grade Parent Night 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm; Tenaha vs New Diana Scrimmage @ 6:00 pm (Home)

August 26, 2019-Board Meetings 5:00 pm

August 27, 2019-Student Physicals in SEC 1:30 pm

August 29, 2019-2nd Grade Parent Night 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm; JV vs Troup (Home) 6:00 pm

August 30, 2019-Tenaha vs Troup 7:30 pm (There)

September 2, 2019-Labor Day Holiday

September 5, 2019-JV vs Lovelady (There) 6:00 pm

September 6, 2019-Tenaha vs Lovelady (Home) 7:30 pm

September 11, 2019-Fall Pictures; Tiger Day Early Release

September 12, 2019-JH/JV vs TK Gorman (There) 5:00 pm

September 13, 2019-Tenaha vs TK Gorman (Home) 7:30 pm

September 19, 2019-JH/JV vs San Augustine (Home) 5:00 pm

September 20, 2019-Staff Wellness Clinic; Tenaha vs San Augustine (There) 7:30 pm

September 25, 2019-Tiger Day Early Release

September 26, 2019-JH/JV vs Timpson (Home) 5:00 pm

September 27, 2019-End 1st Grading Period; Tenaha vs Timpson (There) 7:30 pm

September 30, 2019-2nd Grading Period Begins

October 1, 2019-JHFB, JHCC, HSCC, JH Cheer Pictures

October 3, 2019-JH/JV vs Beckville (There) 5:00 pm

October 4, 2019-Early Release

October 5, 2019-Hall of Honor; Homecoming; Tigers vs Beckville Bearcats 6:00 pm

2019-20 School Year Begins With Great Promise

We are very excited to be off and running with another great year for the students of TISD.  As our first week of school is winding down, over 500 students are settling into their routine.  I'm sure an awful lot of "sleep patterns" have been reset this week as well.  This year promises to be very exciting.  Our Tiger sports teams are set to be extremely competitive once again and the award-winning 'Roarin' Band from Tigerland already sounds better than ever.

We are also all very excited about the great news we received from the state regarding school accountability this summer.  Tenaha ISD improved to become what the state calls a "B- rated school district".  While many schools in our area also carry the "B rating" and many of them improved this past year, Tenaha improved the most.  No other school in the area increased their rating score by more than five or six points.  Tenaha improved ours by eleven!!! What's the cause?  Simple.  We've got amazing kids who give us an honest effort to learn.  But, more than that, we have the absolute best instructional staff in East Texas..... bar none.....Several schools in our area boast academic prowess, but this year TISD has the proof in the data to back it up.

Our culture here is awesome.  We keep it simple and light-hearted as much as possible.  But! We play and work to win. 

We want to WIN EVERY DAY!!!!

Scott Tyner, Superintendent of Schools

Congratulations on Completing the First Day of School!  We all look forward to a great and wonderful school year.

Student Safety – For safety purposes, students should not arrive or be dropped off at the school before 7:00 a.m. Thank you.

Bear Football – Fri. Aug. 23 – Bears vs. Lovelady @ Lovelady (Scrimmage) – 6:00 p.m.- Go Bears!

TLB Volleyball – TLB tournament at Castleberry ISD Aug. 22-24 – Play times Thurs. @ Noon & 6:00 p.m. – Fri. 4:30 p.m. – Sat. 10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.  Go Lady Bears!

Elementary Book Fair – The Book Fair will be September 9-13!  Be sure and come by the Elementary Library and see all the cool stuff!!

Grandparents Week – Elementary Lunch with Grands will be September 9-13! Awesome!

On August 20, 2019, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Denning Rural Water Supply, #2030004, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

Denning Rural Water Supply has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of August 21, 2019

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office:

220 West Columbia Street
San Augustine, Texas.
936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp  936-201-5001.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

If a customer, individual or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512)239-4691. 

NACOGDOCHES, TX (August 21, 2019).  On August 20th, 2019 around 12:30 p.m. an Officer with the Nacogdoches Police Department K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop in the 4500 blk of NW Stallings Dr.  The passenger in the vehicle ran from the traffic stop across North Stallings Dr attempting to flee from the Officer who did not have a backup at the time.  As the Officer was chasing the suspect two local citizens saw what was occurring and came to the Officers aid.  The Samaritans jumped out of their vehicle and assisted the Officer in placing the suspect into custody. The other occupant in the suspect vehicle was also taken into custody.  The Good Samaritans were Nacogdoches residents, Garrett Galloway and Jamie Rawley.  

Officers recovered a large quantity of Crystal Methamphetamines, Cocaine, and LSD.  The passenger in the vehicle was identified to be Anthony Krebs 40 years of age from Texarkana.  Anthony was charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance F-1, Possession of a Controlled Substance F-2, and Possession of a Controlled Substance SJF. The driver of the vehicle was identified to be Robert Coe 62 years of age also from Texarkana. Robert was charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance F-1, Possession of a Controlled Substance F-2, and Possession of a Controlled Substance SJF.  Both suspects are currently being held in the Nacogdoches County Jail. 

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in solving the 2012 murder of Ashton Randle.

On or about May 20th, 2012, the body of 23-year-old Ashton Randle of Logansport, Louisiana was located in a wooded area off of FM 139 in Shelbyville, Texas. It was discovered that Mr. Randle had been fatally shot.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office initiated a homicide investigation and the investigation has continued over the past 7 years with various leads and collection of additional evidence.  Despite the passing of 7 years’ time, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has not forgotten about Mr. Randle and his untimely death, nor did his family and friends.

Although the homicide of Mr. Randle is seven years old, there is no statute of limitations for homicide in the State of Texas. The pursuit for justice continues.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is asking for any information that will lead them to further evidence in this case and/or further information that will assist in securing a conviction for the suspect(s) involved, so justice can be served and bring the much-needed closure for Mr. Randle’s family.

You are encouraged to please contact SCSO Cold Case Investigator DJ Dickerson at 346-233-3309. Any information will be greatly appreciated and remember that you can remain anonymous.

LUFKIN – A pre-construction meeting was held in the Lufkin District office Tuesday morning, signaling the beginning of a construction project in Nacogdoches County.

Work is scheduled to begin this week on the $86.1 million construction project on SL 224/US 59 that is designed to construct a four-lane direct connector from SH 7 West to 1.2 miles south of Spradley Street. The work will include grading, subgrade treatments, concrete paving, asphalt, bridge structures including bridge pilings, utilities, illumination, signage and pavement markings.

The project is designed to eliminate traffic conflicts and improve safety and mobility with the construction of new US 59 southbound and northbound main lanes that will directly connect to SL 224, just south of SH 7, extend over the SL 224/US 59 South intersection and connect back to US 59, just south of Spradley Street. Along with the direct connector bridge,  the project includes overpasses to be constructed at Spradley Street, US 59 and Old Lufkin Road. New frontage roads will be constructed along SL 224 between SH 7 and BU 59 and along US 59 between Spradley Street and Old Lufkin Road.

Longview Bridge and Road, Longview, TX, will serve as general contractor for the project that is scheduled to be completed in four years, weather permitting. During construction, motorists can expect work near the lanes of traffic, lane closures and traffic pattern changes.

“We are excited to be starting this long anticipated project in Nacogdoches County,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “As we begin, motorists can expect that for the next few weeks crews will be off the roadway clearing and moving utilities. This initial work should not interrupt traffic patterns.”

Lighted message boards will display safety messages and announcements near the work zone. Once construction begins near traffic lanes, a work zone speed limit of 40 mph will be set through this project. Motorists are urged to stay alert for moving equipment and obey all traffic control and signage.

Due to electrical problems at the plant, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the Denning Rural Public Water System  PWS  # 2030004 to notify ALL customers  to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands/ face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc).  Children, seniors and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.  The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. 

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes. 

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customer that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received the notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses).  You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Denning Rural Water System at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489.

 or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.

D.A. Investigator Joey Haley has confirmed the identity of the body of the man found near FM 1645 south of FM 138, as Kurt Ebner 33 of Orange, Texas. Ebner's body was discovered on Thursday, August 15, 2019. Shelby County Justice of the Peace Pct.1 Melissa Crouch held an inquest.

Ebner, as it appears shot and killed himself, so at this time it is believed to be a suicide. His body was sent for an autopsy.

His funeral services are pending at this time with the Dorman Funeral Home of Orange, Texas.

Notice is hereby given that a Workshop of the Governing body of the City of Tenaha will be held on the 22nd day of August 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the City Hall located at 238 North George Bowers Drive Tenaha, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following item:

1. Work on the budget for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020.

2. Adjourn.

Nacogdoches, TX (August 19, 2019). Detectives with the Nacogdoches Police Department obtained a warrant of arrest for Laquintin Lockhart 30 years of age from Nacogdoches, TX on the charge of Aggravated Robbery F-1.  

This warrant is stemming from the home invasion that occurred in the 1800 blk of Martin Luther King Jr Blvd on August 19, 2019, around 5:36 a.m. Laquintin was taken into custody without incident in the 4900 blk of N.E. Stallings Dr around 2:46 p.m on August 19, 2019.

Laquintin is currently in the Nacogdoches County Jail.  

Please note: The Tenaha Football game New Diana Scrimmage @ Home has changed from Friday night to Thursday night at 6:00 pm.

At around 12:30 p.m. on August 19, 2019, there was a two-vehicle wreck that occurred in front of the Walmart located on Hurst Street in Center, TX.

Nissan Rogue

According to the Center Police Department Officer King. A white Nissan Rouge was traveling northbound on Hurst Street, driven by LaToya Wallace of Shreveport, LA with a passenger Angelina Smart of Benton, LA, when a blue Ford Explorer driven by Ruth Duke of Center pulled out of the Center Walmart parking lot and failed to yield the right of way which caused the accident.

Ford Explorer

LaToya Wallace and Angelina Smart were transported for treatment by Allegiance Mobile Health. Ruth Duke refused medical treatment or evaluation. No other vehicles or people were involved, no fatalities occurred. 

The Center Fire Department, Center Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Office and Allegiance Mobile Health all responded to the scene of the wreck. Law enforcement and the Fire Department performed traffic control, while the vehicles were towed away. 

Hopkins Wrecker Service

Hughes Wrecker Service

The dark blue Ford Explorer was towed away by Hughes Wrecker Service and the white Nissan Rouge was hauled off by Hopkins Wrecker Service. 

On Thursday, August 15, 2019, officers with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), operating off of a tip, went to a residence off of County Road 2703 in Shelbyville. The SCSO had received information regarding a fugitive being at the residence. Earlier in the week, officers were at the residence and a subject fled out of the back of the house and another was taken into custody on warrants.

Officers arrived at the residence and made entry into the home with the permission of the homeowner. Upon entry, officers recognized Christopher Askew, 34, of Shelbyville. Askew was wanted by the Board of Pardons and Parole in Marshall. At the time of contact, Askew appeared to try and go to a different area of the residence. He was immediately taken into custody.

Askew was found to be holding a bottle with a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine. An additional search of Askew for weapons turned up additional bags of a crystal-like substance, small baggies, and pills in two unmarked containers. A set of scales along with the baggies were taken as evidence as well. These items indicate Askew was packaging the substance into smaller portions to distribute.

The crystal-like substance was field tested and tested positive for methamphetamine. The aggregate weight of the substance was 135.3 grams. The pills were identified as Ecstasy (MDMA), weighing .8 grams and Alprazolam (Xanax), weighing 11.4 grams.

Along with the parole violation, Askew was charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 (F-1); Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 (F-3); and Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 3 (SJF).

The SCSO was assisted at the scene by Constable Pct. 3 Roy Cheatwood.

As of 8 p.m. on 8-18-19, Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is reporting approximately 5,900 Members without power in Panola, Shelby and Nacogdoches County. This outage is due to a problem experienced by our power supplier, SWEPCO. At this time SWEPCO has not given a cause and a restoration time has not been given.

To protect household appliances and equipment, it is recommended that you turn off the power source to those appliances.

Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is a non-profit electricity provider serving 8 counties in Deep East Texas: San Augustine, Shelby, Sabine, Panola, Nacogdoches, Rusk, Jasper, and Newton.

As of 10 p.m. on 8-19-19, power has been restored to DETEC Members. 

FM 2390 in San Augustine County is clear and open for travel following an earlier crash. Drive safely.

Tenaha scrimmage on Friday at 6:00 will include both Varsity and JV teams. Players begin hydrating tonight. Water, Water, Water and eat, eat, eat to have fuel for Friday!

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 21st day of August, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1. Approve and pay weekly expenses.

2. Approve current payroll.

3. Public comments on Agenda item.

4. Josh Adams to address Commissioners Court to close 696ft off County Road 1039. 

5. Discuss and possibly approve repairs for JP. 4/Constable Pct.4 office.

6. Adjourn to Executive Session.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

7. An Executive Session will also be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, hearing complaints against personnel, or to deliberate the appointed, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a pubic officer or employee. The closed session is authorized by Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.074.

8. Reopen public meeting.

9. Discuss and possibly make a decision on issues discussed in the Executive Session.

10. Adjourn.

Parker Chase, the 12-year-old daughter of Leah and Brian Chase, of Center, was recently placed on the liver transplant list. Parker was diagnosed with Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type II when she was 9 months old.

Friends and Family of Parker’s ARMY are hosting a fundraiser to help the family with expenses they will incur before, during and after Parker’s transplant. 

A BBQ benefit luncheon is set for Aug. 16 at Raymond Motor Company in Center. Lunches will include a chicken leg quarter, prepared by Nutt 5 BBQ, baked beans, potato salad and dessert for $10. Pre-order is preferred to ensure that we have enough for everyone. To place an order or to obtain an order form, contact Joanna Birdwell at 936-591-4328. Orders will be available for pickup between 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Raffle tickets are available for $25 each or five (5) for $100. Prices include Jet Stream 230 Portacool; Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM, or $1,300.00 cash; and a Diamondback Elite 6.5 Grendel Flat Back Earth w/Bipod. Scope: Vortex Diamondback 416x44 First Focal Plane. To purchase raffle tickets, contact Lisa Hailey at 936-590-0896.

Parker’s ARMY t-shirts will also be available for purchase the day of the benefit. Adult size small through XL are available for $20 each.

Monetary donations can be made at American State Bank (formerly Texas State Bank) to Parker’s ARMY Benefit Account.

We appreciate your support and prayers for this family.

KXXE-FM radio to air all Wolves’ football games! San Augustine ISD has once again given Center Broadcasting Company the authority to be the radio voice of all San Augustine Wolves’ Football for the 2019 season. Games will air on 92.5 KXXE-FM in San Augustine, and also be streamed on the company’s website, cbc-radio.com, or the Tune In Radio app, just search “KXXE”. Click the headline to read more! The season will kick-off at 7:00 p.m., Friday, Aug. 30 when the Wolfpack hosts Big Sandy at Wolf Stadium.

Center Broadcasting’s game-day coverage begins 30-minutes prior to kick-off with The Coach Marty Murr Show, hosted by Don Wall. The segment will be a re-broadcast of Tuesday night’s live Don Wall’s Coaches Show at 9 p.m. on KQBB-FM 100.5, streaming at cbc-radio.com, or the Tune In Radio app, search “KQBB”.

Show begins, Aug. 27. If any businesses would like to be a sponsor of the broadcast then please contact Center Broadcasting at 936-598-3304.

Don’t be lulled by a quiet June and July, the real Atlantic hurricane season is about to kick off.

The hurricane season generally runs from June 1 to the end of November. But the next six weeks — “the season within a season” — is regularly the most dangerous and active time for storms to develop in the Atlantic, said Dennis Feltgen, spokesman for the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

-- Only two named storms have developed in the Atlantic so far this summer. Dry, dusty air from Africa’s Sahara robbed potential storms of moisture now dissipated, and wind shear spurred by the El Nino climate systems ripped apart budding storms. Now, those brakes on hurricane development are gone. yes, the cooler wetter weather that we experienced in the 1st of 2019 was attributed to el Nino....BUT, el Nino is Gone.

The result: “A big change in the pattern over the Atlantic, going from a very lackluster quiet weather pattern to a much more active one,” said Dan Kottlowski, the lead hurricane forecaster at AccuWeather Inc. in State College, Pennsylvania. “We are thinking this season will be back-loaded.”  September through November. 10 to 15 named storms.

A New Waverly man has been arrested by the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office for the offense of indecency with a child. A complaint was made to the sheriff’s office in reference to online pornography of pictures being sent to a child over snapchat. 

Sheriff investigators began an investigation into the matter and search warrants were obtained in the case. After several months of an ongoing investigating, the case was sent to the district attorney’s office for review. The Grand jury reviewed the case and a Grand Jury warrant was issued for the suspect arrest in July. 

The suspect identified as Dillian Andrew Bernard Scott 26 years of age surrendered to authorities at the Nacogdoches County Jail on August 13, 2019. Bond was set on Scott at $25,000.00 dollars. Scott was booked into jail for Indecency with a Child a 3rd felony charge.   

After some recent setbacks due to having his financial accounts hacked, along with his social media, celebrity bartender Russell Davis returns home to Carthage, Texas to continue his work creating a bartending school and work through the arduous process of regaining his identity.

Davis plans to reopen the Alamo bar and incorporate it into his bartending school Escuela de Cantineros, and to make it his U.S. home base of operations for the system of schools he intends to build around the world.

Russell Davis back in Carthage, TX at the First State Bank & Trust Co.

Other branches are planned to be set up in Costa Rica, Scotland, as well as other locations around the globe. Davis has appeared on Spike TV's Bar Rescue series, he has won multiple awards including the 2012 Bartender of the year at the Night Club & Bar Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

In addition to being an award-winning celebrity bartender, he is also the owner of multiple different businesses and plans to share his passion for crafting fine drinks with the people of East Texas.    

Nacogdoches, TX (August 15, 2019).  The Nacogdoches Police Department is seeking the public's help in locating a suspect wanted for Aggravated Robbery F-1.  

Shelby County, Texas - Local law enforcement are investigating a death at an oilfield location on FM 1645 South of FM 138 in the Arcadia community. The body was discovered Thursday morning. Justice of the Peace Pct. 1, Melissa Crouch held an inquest. The death is not believed to have been work related. More information as it becomes available.

The 43rd Annual East Poultry Festival Open Photography Show will be held at the office of Dr. Charles R. Collard, O.D. located next to the RIO Theatre on the downtown Center Square, October 3, 4 and 5, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  

According to event Chairman and coordinator, Billie Jones, photography entries will be accepted at First United Methodist Church (basement), 211 Porter Street, Saturday, September 21st from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Entries may also be dropped off at the Chamber of Commerce office before 3:00 on Friday, September 20th.  For more information Mrs. Jones may be reached at 936-591-2426 or 936-598-7778.

Photography Show entry forms and rules may be picked up at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office located in the old jail inside the Historic Courthouse Square from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday – Thursday and 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday or may be found at www.shelbycountychamber.com. 

Photography Show Categories include Fine Art, Scenic, Urban, People, Animals, Digital Manipulation, Flowers and Themed (specifically/primarily poultry). The age groups are Children 12 & under; Youth 13-18 and Adults 19 & over.  The rule packets give additional information regarding the categories and classes.

Entry fees are $3.00 per entry. There will be a panel of judges choosing 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention in each category, and Best of Show for adults, youth and children and People’s Choice Award.

Entries may be picked-up on the final day of the Poultry Festival, Saturday, October 5, between 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the exhibit location.

Farmers State Bank is the Presenting Sponsor of the East Texas Poultry Festival.
Gold Sponsors for the Festival are City of Center, Tyson Foods, Drewery Construction and Pilgrim’s Pride.

For additional information, please call 936.598.3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.

Meet the Teacher, Aug. 15th  3:30 pm-5:30 pm * Bring school supplies

Dragon Football Scrimmage Aug. 15th @ 6:00 pm vs Tenaha at Dragon Stadium

First Day of School, Aug 19th 

Meet the Dragons, Aug. 20th @ 7:00 pm
 

Dr. Keith Ratcliff has been a resident of DeSoto Parish for many years and has been in the business of taking care of our beloved pets for decades.  To say that he and his staff love animals would be an understatement.  Recently, Dr. Ratcliff took notice that our K-9 Unit and dozens of other deputies were called out on a manhunt in the area of Highway 3015, and this night-long situation concerned Dr. Ratcliff and his staff.  He was confident that EMS was capable of taking care of our deputies, but wondered if our deputies were capable of attending to the medical needs of our K-9's.  Phone calls were made and a meeting was planned.  So, on August 14, 2019, Ratcliff Animal Hospital out of Shreveport, La, stopped by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office to pay our K-9 deputies a very special visit.  

Dr. Ratcliff, his staff, along with our K-9's, Sheriff Richardson, and our K-9 handlers, sat down to discuss how to properly apply aid to a K-9 in varying situations.  Two large bags were provided and filled with medical supplies donated from Ratcliff Animal Hospital.  Dr. Ratcliff took time to answer questions and train our deputies how to stop bleeding, treat exhaustion, start an IV, wrap and set an injury, and check temperature on a K-9, among many other topics.  The bags came equipped with everything our deputies would need to ensure the safety of our K-9's, plus more.  We are encouraged and grateful that Dr. Ratcliff and his staff took the time, carefully putting together their own money and resources, to care for our deputies and plan such a visit.  Sheriff Richardson would like to personally thank Ratcliff Animal Hospital for their dedicated service and care to the citizens, including our furry friends, of DeSoto Parish.

The Piney Woods Photographic Society would like to announce that their regular monthly meeting will be taking place this Saturday, 8/17/19, at the First United  Church, 211 Porter Street, Center, TX. from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  The monthly challenge is "Macro/Close up Photography" with a workshop presentation on " Perspective in Photography". 

 This Macro/Close-up challenge is going to present some really unique photography submitted by club members.  Anyone interested in learning more about photography, or cameras in general, is welcome to join us this Saturday.

Our goal is to help you become a better photographer and give you a place to meet others who share your passion for photography.  Featuring programs and activities with information and instruction for all skill levels in an environment of support and cooperation.

Visitors are welcome to attend our meetings.  For more information about memberships or meetings contact Billie Jones, 935-591-2426, or follow our Facebook page for current events.

Tenaha Calendar Click Here:

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 19st day of August, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1. Discuss and possibly cancel the Public Hearing, and set a new date.

2. Adjourn.

On August 13, 2019, around mid-day, the Center Police Department detained several individuals on the downtown Center square that were believed to be in connection to shopliftings at the Walmart and Bealls in Center located near Roughrider Drive.  

The suspects' vehicle

Merchandise was recovered from the suspects' vehicle and the vehicle was towed away by Sand Hill Towing. Four different African American female suspects were arrested. Briana Rachal 27, Ashley White 33, Antonia S. Forest 25, Kelsey Rachal 30 all from Natchitoches, LA were arrested and taken to the Center jail, each with two charges of theft and two charges of engaging in organized criminal activity. 

Sand Hill Towing towing the vehicle

More to follow as is released.

BEAUMONT, Texas –A 37-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced to federal prison for immigration and drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown on 8-13-19.

Juan Jose Castro-Ayala pleaded guilty on April 3, 2019, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and unlawfully reentering the United States after having been deported.  Castro-Ayala was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone to 80 months in federal prison for the drug conviction and 24 months for the immigration violation.  The sentences were ordered to run concurrently. 

According to information presented in court, on Sep. 12, 2018, Castro-Ayala was stopped for a traffic violation in Jefferson County, Texas.  A search of the vehicle revealed seven kilograms of cocaine inside two five-gallon paint buckets.  Castro-Ayala was transported to jail where a records check revealed he had been previously deported from the United States on three separate occasions in 2014 and again in 2015.  Further investigation revealed Castro-Ayala was convicted in 2003 of assault causing bodily injury in Hidalgo County, Texas.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall L. Fluke.

A heat advisory is now in effect for portions of the ArkLaTex for Wednesday. With high temperatures forecast to climb into the mid to upper 90s, afternoon heat index values will approach 105 to 110 degrees during the afternoon. Precautions should be taken to avoid heat-related illnesses.  

ALERT: Inside lanes of SL 287 from the UPRR bridge to SH 103 West near North Raguet Street in Lufkin will be closed as crews begin removing the center grass median through this work zone. Prepare for possible delays. Motorists should merge ahead of the traffic signals on SL 287/North Raguet/SH 103 West. Use caution and stay alert for moving equipment and workers.

According to Lt. Del Birdwell with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at around 3 a.m. on the morning of August 13, 2019, there was a shooting incident that happened in the Huxley area. 

A report of a domestic disturbance was received with the caller advising that they had shot someone.

The disturbance was between a man and a woman. William Stutts 29, was treated at the scene and transported to the Center Municipal Airport where he was life-flighted to LSU Hospital.

No arrests were made on the scene and law enforcement are currently investigating the situation. 

Planning is underway for the 43rd East Texas Poultry Festival, presented by Farmers State Bank. The Poultry Festival will be held October 3-5 on the historic downtown Center square.  There are still spaces available for Arts and Crafts vendors. To receive an application and a copy of the guidelines call the Chamber office or go online to the Chamber website www.shelbycountychamber.com.and find the Poultry Festival page under Events.  Applications are being accepted at the Chamber office until Friday, August 9th. Gold Sponsors for the Festival are City of Center, Drewery Construction, Pilgrims Pride and Tyson Foods. 

The fee for the rental of a 10' x 10' booth is $125.  Each booth includes a canopy and an electrical outlet.  Booths must be manned continuously during the hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. all three days of the festival.  First-time exhibitors are asked to send three color photographs showing merchandise that will be in the booth.  The Arts & Crafts committee will select the vendors based on the type and quality of merchandise and notify them of their selection on Friday, August 17.

Information is also available on the website for the Car Show, Sponsored by Zack’s Tint Shop; the Creative Arts Show, the Photography Show, and the Quilt Show, Sponsored by Scull Timber.

For an application to be received by mail or electronically or questions, call Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 936-598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.

On August 9, 2019, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Sand Hill Water Supply Corporation PWS ID NO. 2100013, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. 

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of August 13, 2019.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Stacey Cranford at 936-572-0973, 13938 HWY 7 WEST CENTER TEXAS 75935. 

The governing body of The City of Tenaha will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget.  The Hearing will be held Monday, August 26, 2019, at 5:00 pm in the Council Room located at 238 North George Bowers Drive.

On Monday, August 12th, Officers Jonathan Newton & Terry Fountain, while doing routine patrol performed a traffic stop on FM 1277 in San Augustine County. The passenger in the vehicle was found in possession of 16 grams of methamphetamine, along with $590 cash. 

Sam Samford Lodge 149 will hold its stated meeting on Tuesday evening, 8/13/19.  A covered dish dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7:30 p.m.

The Jury that was summoned for Tuesday, August 13, 2019, for the 123rd District Court, Honorable LeAnn K. Rafferty presiding, has been canceled.

All cases scheduled have been resolved. Anyone receiving a jury summons for this day is released until they receive another summons.

The football scrimmage on Friday (08/16) at Elysian Fields will start with the Junior Varsity at 7:00 PM.   

Submitted by: Wade Lawson, Men's Athletic Director

LUFKIN – The speed limit on SH 7 in Nacogdoches County is being lowered after a recent speed study indicated the need for change that will enhance the safety of the roadway and the traveling public.

The speed limit will be reduced from 70 mph and 75 mph to 65 mph from the Nacogdoches City Limits for 2.997 miles. From that point to the Angelina County line, the speed limit will be reduced from 75 mph to 70 mph.

TxDOT has conducted the engineering and traffic investigations to determine reasonable and safe maximum speed limits for these segments of SH 7. The lower speed limits will be enforceable once signs are placed.

As these changes take effect, motorists should remain alert and obey all traffic control devices and speed limits. For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.

LUFKIN – Crews are scheduled to begin night work tonight 8-12-19 that will continue nightly through Monday, August 19 at two major intersections in Nacogdoches County which will require bridge closures.

Crews are scheduled to continue bridge maintenance work tonight on SH 21 East and SL 224. Upon completion, crews will move to US 59 South and SL 224. Work will continue nightly through August 19, weather permitting, until work is completed.

Motorists traveling US 59 northbound will be diverted to SL 224 and motorists traveling on SL 224 northbound and southbound will be diverted to exit ramps at SH 21 East. Traffic control and signage will be in place to alert motorists of the closures.

Motorists are urged to reduce speed near these intersections, be prepared for possible delays or choose alternate routes. For more information regarding construction and road closures statewide, visit drivetexas.org.

For media inquiries, contact Rhonda Oaks at Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov.

On August 12, 2019, at the John D. Windham Civic Center in Center, Texas a large crowd gathered composed of students, teachers, law enforcement, and concerned citizens to learn more about a difficult subject to discuss, child abuse.

Left to Right (D.A. Steven Shires, Speaker Kevin McNeil, Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center Executive Director Denise Merriman)

Guest speaker Kevin McNeil shared his life story his career and his story of abuse and how he worked as a detective to lock away the abusers and now works to help those who have been abused. It was humorous, touching, sad, and educational.

Click here for more photos:

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce recently announced the East Texas Poultry Festival will be October 3-5 on the historic downtown square.  One of several preliminary festivities is the Queen's Court Scholarship Pageant. The reigning East Texas Poultry Festival Queen, Abigail Hooper, will crown her successor on Saturday, September 28th on stage at Center High School.

The Queen's Court is comprised of young ladies entering their junior year in a Shelby County high school with a grade point average of 85 or above.  Information packets will be available with the start of school from the pageant School Sponsor on each high school campus.  Students should listen for announcements on their own campus.

The East Texas Poultry Festival Queen's Court program encompasses a month of activities.  The committee creates informational events for the candidates and their escorts to participate in to develop their interpersonal skills.  The program develops responsibility, etiquette, interview skills, conversation skills and their individual personality in varied settings.

The Queen's Court season is made possible in part by Platinum Sponsor, High Roller Wells, LLC.  Gold Sponsors for the Queen’s Court season are Dazzle Me Pink & Blue, Elite Hair Designs and JML Management. 

 The 43rd East Texas Poultry Festival is presented by Farmers State Bank. Festival Gold Sponsors are the City of Center, Drewery Construction, Pilgrims Pride and Tyson Foods.

For additional information, please call 936.598.3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.

SHELBYVILLE GOLD CARD ATHLETIC PASSES

Shelbyville I.S.D. is pleased to announce that Senior Citizens (age 65 or over)
**PROOF OF AGE AND RESIDENCE REQUIRED** who reside in Shelbyville I.S.D. will be admitted free of charge to all Home Athletic Events for the 2019-20 school year, by presenting a Shelbyville I.S.D. Gold Card Pass. Please come by the Shelbyville I.S.D. Administration Office at your convenience to pick up a Gold Card.

SHELBYVILLE RETIREE ATHLETIC PASSES

Shelbyville I.S.D. is pleased to announce that all Shelbyville I.S.D. retirees will be admitted free of charge to home athletic events for the 2019-2020 school year by presenting a special pass. If you are a Shelbyville I.S.D. retiree and do not receive a pass by mail, please come by the administration office or call 598-2641.

The Center High School tennis coaches and athletic director Scott Ponder would like to thank Jesse Teske from Steel Building Supply for the generous donation of material for the shade structure at the high school tennis courts  The shade structure was erected by the Center ISD maintenance department. 

From left to right: Head Tennis Coach Leon Dykes, Jesse Teske from Steel Building Supply, Assistant Tennis Coach Beth Nichols, and Center ISD Athletic Director Scott Ponder

From left to right: Head Tennis Coach Leon Dykes, Jesse Teske from Steel Building Supply, Assistant Tennis Coach Beth Nichols, and Center ISD Athletic Director Scott Ponder

Regular Meeting 
of the 
Joaquin Independent School District Board

Notice is hereby given that on the 12th day of August 2019 the Board of Trustees of the Joaquin School District will hold a regular meeting at 6:00 p.m., at the Administration building, Joaquin, Texas.

The subjects to be discussed are listed on the agenda attached to and made a part of this Notice.  If, during the course of the meeting covered by this Notice, the Board of Trustees should determine that a closed session of the Board of Trustees is required, then such closed session as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Section 551.001 et seq., Texas Education Code, will be held by the School Board at the date, may conveniently meet in such closed session concerning any and all purposes permitted by the Act, including, but not limited to the following sections and purposes:

Texas Government Code Section:

§551.071  An executive session will be held for the purpose of having a private consultation with the Board’s attorney when the governmental body seeks the advice of its attorney about pending or contemplated litigation or a settlement offer, or on a matter in which the duty of counsel to his client, under the Code of Professional Responsibility of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with the Act.

§551.072  Deliberation of the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property if deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person.

§551.073 Deliberation of a negotiated contract for a prospective gift or donation to the governmental body if deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person.

§551.074      Deliberate the appointment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; or to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee.

§551.076 Deliberate the deployment, or specific occasions for implementation, of security personnel or devices.

§551.082     Deliberate a case involving the discipline of public school child or complaint or charge brought against an employee of the School District by another employee and the complaint or charge directly results in a need for a hearing.

§551.0821 Deliberate a matter regarding a student or students where personally identifiable information about students will necessarily be revealed by the deliberation.

§551.083  Deliberate the standards, guidelines, terms or conditions the board will follow, or instruct its representatives to follow, in a consultation with a representative of an employee group.

§551.084      Exclusion of witness from hearing.

§551.127  A governmental body may use a video conference call to hold an open or closed meeting and a member or employee of a governmental body may participate remotely in a meeting of the governmental entity by means of a video conference call if that participation complies with the requirements and provisions of this section.

§551.129     A governmental body may use a telephone conference call, videoconference call, or communications over the Internet to conduct a public consultation with its attorney in an open meeting of the governmental body or a private consultation with its attorney in a closed meeting of the governmental body.

Education Code 39.030

39.030  Discuss or adopt individual assessment instruments or assessment instrument items.

Should any final action, final decision, or final vote be required in the opinion of the School Board with regard to any matter considered in such closed session, then the final vote shall be either:
in the open meeting covered by the Notice upon the reconvening of the public meeting; or
at a subsequent public meeting of the School Board upon notice thereof; as the School Board shall determine.

AGENDA ATTACHED

AGENDA FOR AUGUST 12, 2019

Roll call, establishment of quorum, call to order – Joaquin ISD may have member(s) via video conference call – Texas Government Code Section 551.127 (See Attached Code)

Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance

Audience Participation – In accordance with Joaquin ISD Policy BED Local no presentation shall exceed five minutes.  Delegations of more than five persons shall appoint one person to present their views before the Board.

Report/Information items:

4.1    Review Monthly Financial Reports – Joel Bumback, Director of Finance

4.2    Review Handbooks (Employee and Student)

4.3    SHAC Report

4.4    Correspondence
        
Agenda Items for consideration and possible action:

5.1   Minutes from the previous month’s meeting

5.2   Approve JISD Appraisers and Appraisal Calendar for 19-20 School Year

5.3   Approve Property & General Liability Insurance

5.4   Approve Student Code-of-Conduct

5.5   Approve Substitute Employee list

5.6   Approve endorsement of Ted Beard as a TASB Board of Director for Region 7.

5.7   Approve Joaquin ISD Child Nutrition Charge Policy     

Conduct 2019-20 Budget Workshop – Joel Bumback, Director of Finance

5.8    Adopt 2019 proposed tax rate 

5.9    Set date & time for Public Meeting to Discuss Budget and Proposed Tax Rate 

6.  Enter Closed Session

6.1 Enter closed session under Texas Government Codes §551.074 (See Attached Code)
     
6.1.1Resignations, hiring, and Contracts – Texas Government Code Section 551.074

1.  Hire Special Education Aide at the High School
            
7.  Return to Open Session - Agenda Items for consideration and possible action:

7.1 Consideration and Board Action, if any, authorize:
    
7.1.1    Hiring

1.  Hire Special Education Aide at the High School

8.   Recommendations for items to be placed on the agenda for the next Board meeting

9.   Designation of date and time of next meetings:

10.  Adjournment

On this 9th day of August 2019, this Notice was mailed to news media that had previously requested such Notice and an original copy was posted on the bulletin board outside the School District Administration Building at 1:00 p.m. on said date.

Ryan Fuller, Superintendent
August 9, 2019

Here is the information for Fall Soccer and Football signups:

Shelby County Youth FOOTBALL and SOCCER

Sign-Up Dates

Shelby County Youth Football and Soccer will hold Sign-Ups for the 2019 fall season at the Center Middle School Cafeteria on the following dates:

Tuesday, August 20th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Thursday, August 22nd from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Friday, August 23^rd from 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Cost is $65 per child Soccer (Ages 4-14)

Cost is $75 per child Flag (Ages 4 – 7)

Cost is $100 per child Tackle (Ages 8-12)

(Includes Jersey, Flags, Pad and Helmet, insurance, and all fees)

Each child must present an A Copy of their Birth Certificate.  A Medical Form must be signed by their parent or guardian at Sign-Ups.  Anyone interested in Coaching or Volunteering, please notify a Board Member at Sign-Ups. See You There!                                                                                

Questions?

Shelby County Youth Football and Soccer, call Jason 936-590-7196

Shelby County Youth Football and Soccer

Fechas de Inscripción

Shelby County Youth Football y Soccer llevara a cabo las inscripciones para la temporada de primavera en la cafetería de la Center Middle School en las siguientes fechas:

Martes, 20 de agosto de 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Jueves, 22 de agosto de 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Viernes, 23 de agosto de 5:00pm - 7:00pm

El costo es de $65.00 cada niño(a) Soccer (Edades 4-14)

El costo es de $75.00 cada niño(a) Bandera (Edades 4 – 7)

El costo es de $100.00 cada niño(a) Tackle (Edades 8-12)

(Incluye jersey, banderas, cojines y casco, seguranza y todos los gastos de inscripción)

Cada niño debe de presentar el certificado de nacimiento o una copia Notariada. Una Forma Medica deberá ser firmada por los padres o guardianes cuando se inscriban. Cualquier persona que esté interesada en Entrenar o colaborar como voluntario, por favor comunicarse con el miembro del comité a la hora de inscribirse.Nos vemos haya!                                                                            

Preguntas?

Shelby County Youth Football and Soccer, Llamar al tel. Jason 936-590-7196

Thanks,

Jason Mitchell

Recreation Director

PO Box 1045

Center TX 75935-1045

936-590-7196

jmitchell@centertexas.org

COMMISSIONERS’ COURT
REGULAR MEETING
SHELBY COUNTY, TEXAS

Notice is hereby given that a Regular meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County
Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 14th day of August 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1. Approve the minutes of the July 3, 2019, Special meeting, July 10, 2019, Regular meeting, July 17, 2019 Special meeting, July 24, 2019, Special meeting, July 26, 2019, Budget Workshop,
July 31, 2019, Special meeting of the Shelby County Commissioner’s Court.

2. Approve and pay weekly expenses.

3. Approve Officers Report.

4. Public Comments on Agenda item.

5. Set date for Public Hearing on Shelby County FY2020 Proposed Budget.

6. Discuss and take action to retain or remove local optional fees from Chapter 502 of the
Transportation Code for the Calendar year 2020.

7. Shelby County Historical Commission to appoint Sherry Riley as Marker Chair for the
Historical Commission.

8. Commissioner Pct.1 to accept sealed bids on DHP865 Case Maintainer Serial # N5AF0432
and 140H Cat Maintainer Serial # CCA1673.

9. Adjourn.

Beaumont Animal Control Officer Arrested for Drug Conspiracy Violations

BEAUMONT, Texas – A 39-year-old Beaumont, Texas man has been arrested for federal drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.

Benjamin Wallace Dykes was indicted on March 5, 2019, and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine.  Dykes was arrested on August 7, 2019, and will be arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin.

According to information presented in court, it was revealed during the investigation and subsequent prosecution of the Eric Coleman drug trafficking organization, that Dykes, while employed with the City of Beaumont as an Animal Control Officer, was allegedly purchasing cocaine from Coleman for redistribution to others.  Coleman was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison on Jan. 24, 2019. 

If convicted, Dykes faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Beaumont Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Rapp.

It is important to note that a complaint, arrest, or indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Due to a break in the main water line causing low water pressure, the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality has required the Sand Hill Water Supply Corporation PWS ID NO. 2100013 public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc.). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes. Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescind the boil water notice in a manner like this notice.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Stacey Cranford at 936-572-0973, 13938 HWY 7 WEST CENTER TEXAS 75935.

In the past month there were 9 individuals that took advantage of the free education that Texas A&M Extension Education provides.

 That means you do not have to pay!  Now I invite you to come to the XYZ Homemakers Club that meets at the James Antioch Community Building on Aug. 15, 2019 at 1:00.  You will have an opportunity to create a piece of art from string and ink that can be used for a greeting card or you may want to frame it!  We have some business, a time to share homemaking experiences and refreshments.

Ellen Manning 598-3081  

SHELBY COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a one-vehicle rollover crash on the morning of August 8, 2019, on US 96, just north of Center.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 11:15 a.m., a 2006 white Chevrolet pickup was traveling south, when for unknown reasons the pickup drove off the roadway to the right. The driver then overcorrected to the left, crossing back across the highway and overturning.

The driver is identified as 64-year-old Dennis Jackson from Tenaha. Jackson was pronounced deceased at the scene by a Shelby County Justice of the Peace.

Wrecked Vehicle 

This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

There was a wreck that occurred at around mid-day on HWY 96 North and Loop 500 just outside of Center, Texas involving a white pickup truck, possible fatality. Emergency crews are clearing the scene. Stay tuned for an update. 

Center ISD Meet the Teacher

CHS - August 8th 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

RRA August 8th 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

CMS August 13th 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

CIS August 13th 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

CES August 12th 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m

FLM August 12th 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Shelbyville ISD Meet the Teacher August 15th 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Timpson ISD Meet the Teacher August 15th at 4:30 p.m. Meet the Bears at 7 p.m.

Tenaha ISD Meet the Teachers and Meet the Tigers

Thursday, August 15th Meet the Teachers - 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Meet the Tigers in the SEC - 6 p.m.

Tiger Café will be open - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Joaquin ISD Meet the Teacher August 8th Elementary 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Junior High/ High School 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

ALERT: Crews are laying hot mix on northwest SL 287 near the SH 103 West/Raguet Street intersection. Motorists should prepare to take alternate routes to local businesses in this area through tomorrow. Lane closures and delays expected. This construction project extends from the A&NR Railroad overpass to the SH 103 West/Raguet Street intersection. Reduce speed in the area and stay alert for moving equipment and workers.

Starting Wednesday, August 14th, the buses will roll out of the Center I.S.D. Transportation Department to signal the beginning of the new school year. It is our belief that our school buses carry a family’s most precious and irreplaceable cargo. We at Center I.S.D. want to do everything in our power to bring your students to and from their campuses as safely as possible. 

We ask that all parents and guardians help us do this by having conversations with your students concerning bus safety. There will be information sent home with each student that should be read and discussed with students so they will understand their roles in following the bus rules and procedures. 

Another area of concern this year will be the construction efforts at several of our campuses. F.L. Moffett and Center HIgh School are currently undergoing construction. Center I.S.D. officers will be out helping to control the flow of traffic in these areas. We ask that you please pay careful attention to the officers and their directions. Please be patient and mindful of the new direction of traffic at both campuses. Mrs. Hughes, Principal at F.L. Moffett, will be mailing letters home to registered students regarding student drop off and pick up at that campus.

With this start of school, the students will be excited about going to school so they can meet up with friends they have not seen all summer. They may not be watching the other traffic in and around the bus stop areas, so the job of making sure they are safe will fall on the shoulders of every motorist. There are a few things that I would like to pass on to the citizens of Shelby Co. concerning the laws about bus safety.

According to the Texas Transportation Code sec. 545.066, concerning passing a school bus--

When a motorist approaches (from either direction) a school bus that is stopped on the highway to receive or discharge a student, 

It is required to stop before reaching the school bus when the bus is operating a visual signal as required by section 547.701; and

2. The motorist may not proceed until:

    (A) The school bus resumes motion;

    (B) The operator is signaled by the bus driver to proceed; or

    (C) The visual signal is no longer actuated.

The code also goes on the state that the operator does not have to stop if the highway has separate roadways, such as a roadway that is separated by an intervening space on which operation of a vehicle is not permitted (such as a median), a physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing sections constructed to impede vehicular traffic. A highway is not considered separate if the highway is separated only by a left turn lane. 

Passing a school bus while loading or unloading students is punishable by a fine of not less than $500.00 or more than $1250.00 for the first offense. Additional offenses can result in a fine of not less than $1000.00 or more than $ 2000.00.

Officers from the Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement, and the Center I.S.D. Police department will be following and monitoring the traffic in and around bus stops and the buses when out on their routes. It is our intention to stop and issue citations to motorists that violate the law regarding passing a school bus.

We look forward to the upcoming school year and thank the community for its help in keeping Center I.S.D. students and buses safe on the roads.

Chief Pete Low

Center I.S.D. Police Department

936-598-6173, ext. 2213

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Shelbyville Independent School District will be held on Monday, August 12, 2019, beginning at 12:30 p.m., in the Board Room of the Shelbyville Independent School District at 343 FM 417 West, Shelbyville, Texas.

The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be taken are listed below. Items do not have to be taken in the same order as shown on this meeting notice. Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time. 

1. Call to order
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3. Open Forum
4. Consent agenda 
a. Minutes of the July 8, 2019, meeting of the board
b. Monthly financial reports
5. Consider for approval
a. 2019-20 Student Code of Conduct
b. Audit Engagement Letter
c. Bids on Used Buses
d. Employee Health Insurance Contribution
e. Alternate and Second Appraisers
f. 2019-20 Teacher Appraisal Calendar
g. 2019-20 Administrator Appraisal Calendar
h. Proposed Tax Rate
i. Public Meeting Date on Budget and Proposed Tax Rate
6. Principal's/Director's Reports
7. Superintendent's Reports
a. Property Values Impact
b. 2019-20 Student Handbook
c. 2019-20 Employee Handbook
d. Articles of Interest
e. General Updates
8. Executive Session
a. Resignations/Employment
b. Personnel
9. Open Session 
10. Adjournment

If, during the course of the meeting, discussion of any item on the agenda should be held in a closed meeting, the board will conduct a closed meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, Subchapters D and E or Texas Government Code section 418.183(f). Before any closed meeting is convened, the presiding officer will publicly identify the section or sections of the Act authorizing the closed meeting. All final votes, actions, or decisions will be taken in open meeting. [See BEC(LEGAL)] 
This notice was posted in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act on August 7, 2019 at 12:00 p.m.
 

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on the 28th day of August 2019 at 10:00 a.m. on the third floor of the Shelby County Courthouse located at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Texas 75935.

The discussion will take place regarding the placement of speed limit signs on selected County Roads under Chapter 251 Section 154 of the Transportation Code; Subtitle C, County Roads, and Bridges. 

Meet the Teacher – Thursday, August 15th – 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Meet the Bears – Thursday, August 15th – 7:00 p.m.

Back to School/College Night- Aug 12th and 13  - Welcome Back!  We are excited to have our students back in our hallways!  On August 12th and 13th we are going to be handing out schedules, locker assignments, and parking spots for the upcoming school year.  We have invited Panola College and Stephen F. Austin University to advise and mentor our students during this event as well.  The schedule for our BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT is as follows:

Mon- Aug. 12th- 6:00-7:30  Freshmen and Sophomores

Tues- Aug. 13th- 6:00-7:30  Juniors and Seniors

It’s a GREAT DAY TO BE A BEAR!!

Team Store News – Thursday, August 15th will be the GRAND OPENING of the Team Store in the Event Center.  Doors open at 4:00 P.M.

Timpson Collegiate Center News – Timpson ISD is proud to announce our newest opportunity.  We will be offering an EMT course the upcoming school year.  The Emergency Medical Technologies Program prepares students to work in a variety of health care facilities as Emergency Medical Technicians. Upon successful completion of the course and NREMT testing, certified personnel can find employment with EMS services, hospitals, and safety personnel in the oil and gas industry, and fire departments. Students may find themselves at an advantage for employment with many agencies when certified as EMT and many times with schedules that allow a student to work and attend college. EMT programs can prepare those looking to enter other health fields after college or continue to succeed in Paramedic programs. Emergency Medical technician is an exciting field where each day offers new challenges. The program teaches you many lifesaving skills, required for the fast-advancing world of EMS (Emergency Medical Services).

Please email or call if interested in becoming a certified EMT.

sbehrens@timpsonisd.com 936-558-4201

cwoods@timpsonisd.com 936/558-4202

FFA News - If you wish to order a major show tag for a sheep or goat for the 2020 show season the deadline to have the $20 fee to Ms. Hooper is August 19th.

If you signed up to show chickens at the 2019 Shelby County Poultry Festival you will need to pick your birds up August 22nd, between noon and 2 p.m. at the Center High School Ag Shop. The student is not required to be present at pickup.

This is the last call for goat/sheep exhibitors for the 2019-2020 Show season. Anyone who needs an ag teacher’s assistance in purchasing one and has not yet contacted Ms. Hooper needs to do so immediately. Timpson Ag teachers are about to make the final trip for lambs and goats for the 2019-2020 season.

If you have an animal that is validated for Texas state fair, ETX State Fair, or Four States fair and have not picked up your entry packet please contact Ms. Hooper.  These are due August 12th.

August 31st, 2010 marked the official end to US Combat Operations in Iraq.  The Veterans of Foreign Wars will insure the patriotism and sacrifices of this generation that included US Army Specialist Larry E. Polley, Jr. of Center, Texas who was killed in action are never forgotten by the American people. 

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary invite all Iraq Veterans and the public to a remembrance program to be held at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse, Friday, August 30th, 2019 at 10:00 am. 

If you can attend the program and are an Iraq War Veteran or the relative of an Iraq War Veteran, VFW Post 8904 would like to recognize and present you with a certificate of service.   Call Post Quartermaster Larry Hume at 598-2976 or email chief@chiefimaging.com with the veteran’s name and who will be attending for the presentation.

Center High School to Host Meet the Riders on Friday, August 9, 2019.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Roughrider Stadium. The community is invited to meet the fall athletic and spirit teams. 

On August 5, 2019, at approximately 8:15 p.m., deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) were dispatched to County Road 3090 in the Campti area in regards to a missing person.

Once on scene, deputies learned that Marcelo Retamar, 44, of Joaquin, had been building a fence along with several co-workers on a property located on County Road 3102. According to the co-workers, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Retamar walked to retrieve water approximately 100 yards away, and when they looked up, he was gone.

Deputies learned that prior to their arrival, the property owner, co-workers, and neighbors had been searching the heavily wooded area for several hours trying to locate Retamar with no results.

The SCSO requested help from other law enforcement in the area to assist with the search. Chief Kevin Windham and Lieutenant Del Birdwell with the SCSO arrived at the scene along with Texas Department of Public Safety Officer Keith Jones and Shelby County Constable Precinct 3, Roy Cheatwood. Tracking dogs from Hunstville and Woodville TDCJ units arrived on the scene at 11:45 p.m. as well as a fixed-wing aircraft equipped with fleer system from the Houston DPS office.

After hours of searching in the dark, the search was called off at 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 6 with plans to continue at daylight. At 7 a.m. officers began searching the area of County Road 3102 where Retamar was last seen. At 7:41 a.m., the SCSO was notified that Retamar had been spotted near County Road 3090. Investigators Mandy Fears and Tanner Peace traveled to the area where Retamar was spotted and located him walking out of a heavily wooded area onto the road. Retamar was unharmed. Retamar was transported by investigators to Allegiance Health who was staged at the end of FM 414. Allegiance Health transported Retamar to NMC Center Emergency Department where he was released to his family.

The SCSO would like to extend our thanks to the officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Constable Cheatwood and the Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department.

Parker Chase, the 12 year-old daughter of Leah and Brian Chase, of Center, was recently placed on the liver transplant list. Parker was diagnosed with Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type II when she was 9 months-old.

Friends and Family of Parker’s ARMY are hosting a fundraiser to help the family with expenses they will incur before, during and after Parker’s transplant. 

A BBQ benefit luncheon is set for Aug. 16 at Raymond Motor Company in Center. Lunches will include a chicken leg quarter, prepared by Nutt 5 BBQ, baked beans, potato salad and dessert for $10. Pre-order is preferred to ensure that we have enough for everyone. To place an order or to obtain an order form, contact Joanna Birdwell at 936-591-4328. Orders will be available for pickup between 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Raffle tickets are available for $25 each or five (5) for $100. Prices include: Jet Stream 230 Portacool; Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM, or $1,300.00 cash; and a Diamondback Elite 6.5 Grendel Flat Back Earth w/Bipod. Scope: Vortex Diamondback 416x44 First Focal Plane. To purchase raffle tickets, contact Lisa Hailey at 936-590-0896.

Parker’s ARMY t-shirts will also be available for purchase the day of the benefit. Adult size small through XL are available for $20 each.

Monetary donations can be made at American State Bank (formerly Texas State Bank) to Parker’s ARMY Benefit Account.

We appreciate your support and prayers for this family.

LUFKIN – Area schools will be opening their doors for the new school year this month and that means school zone signal lights will be activated and school buses will be rolling.

Motorists are urged to obey all school zones and traffic control while lights are activated.

“This is an important time of year for many area children, teachers and parents,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “Many drivers will be in a hurry especially that first day of school and we urge motorists to stay alert and slow down to the posted school zone speed.”

Motorists should remember that traffic fines double in active school zones and cell phone use is prohibited. Always stay alert for students crossing the roadway or in between vehicles and always deliver or pick up a student in the designated areas, not in or near a roadway.

Motorists should stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal. The driver may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion; the bus driver signals to proceed; or the visual signals are no longer activated. If a road is divided only by a turn lane, drivers on both sides of the roadway must stop for school buses while lights are activated. If travel lanes are separated by an intervening median or physical barrier, only motorists traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop.

Parents of students who walk or bike to school should also discuss safe practices with students prior to school beginning. Students should always cross at intersections and designated crosswalks; look for traffic when stepping from a bus; obey crossing guards; and wear a bike helmet when riding a bicycle.

“Students who cross an intersection or crosswalk should make a practice of making eye contact with the driver of a stopped or oncoming vehicle,” Oaks said. “Never take for granted a driver has seen you. Drivers can be distracted. School safety depends on all of us and we want all students and drivers to be safe.”

Parents and Guardians of incoming 6th grade CMS students:

Center Middle School is inviting all 6th grade students to 6th grade orientation on Wednesday, August 7, beginning at 1:00 PM in the middle school auditorium. We ask parents to join us at 3:00 PM.

Starting at 1:00, staff will welcome students to our campus and provide them with an overview of what middle school is all about. We will discuss various aspects of middle school life as well as some best practices in order to have a successful first year at CMS. Students will also be given their class schedule and have a chance to go to each of their classes to meet their teachers.

At 3:00, students will return to the auditorium and join their parents. At this time, we will address middle school procedures as well as have a question and answer session with campus administrators. We will also provide a dress code presentation so students and parents can see what is permissible and what is not acceptable at the secondary school level.

We hope that this orientation will help make a smoother transition for 6th grade students and parents. Please join us Wednesday, August 7 for our 6th grade orientation.

Center High School will host its annual Freshman "Fish" Camp on 
Thursday, August 8th from 9:30 - 2:30. 

This is for students only (meet the teacher will be later that same evening.)
 
Students should report to the CHS Cafeteria - doors will open at 9:30 for registration and event begins promptly at 10:00. Lunch and snacks will be provided. 

This is a wonderful way for incoming freshmen to become acquainted with the CHS campus and staff. The day will include:

Handing out class schedules
Campus tours and meet the teacher
Door prizes and games
FREE T-SHIRT
Special guest speaker
Roundtable Q and A with recent CHS graduates
For questions, please contact the CHS office at 598-6173 or susan.penick@centerisd.org

The water on San Augustine Rural WSC no longer requires boiling.

On August 2, 2019, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the San Augustine Rural Public Water System, #2030007, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

San Augustine Rural Water has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of August 6, 2019.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office:

220 West Columbia Street
San Augustine, Texas.
936-288-0489

or

Charles Sharp 936-201-5001.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

If a customer, individual or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512)239-4691. 

On 07/26/2019, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Paxton public water system, 2100012 to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.   

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of 08/06/2019.   

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Stacey Cranford at 903-692-4313.

Woodmen Life Chapter 250 will hold their Reunion Dinner Monday, August 12th, 6:00 pm at Clear Springs Restaurant in Nacogdoches. Members will enjoy fellowship and catching up on all that has been going on over the summer break. All members are invited to attend and bring a friend! 

Update:

On August 5, 2019, an old house was being demolished and burned in Shelby County on County Road 2033 off of HWY 87 between Center and Shelbyville.

The fire began to spread to the surrounding area and at around 3:30 p.m. the Center Fire Department responded to keep the blaze from spreading.

The fire was contained and no one was harmed by the flames. 

The State Director for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Suzanne Barnard, visited East Texas on Thursday seeking public input from regional stakeholders on a newly proposed 5-year plan for the CDBG program and proposed changes to the disaster relief fund.

Forty (40) attendees including elected officials, city managers/staff, grant writers, and administrators joined at ETCOG offices to provide feedback on program changes.

ETCOG held the public meeting with the objective to provide East Texas community stakeholders an opportunity to speak with TDA staff on the proposed program changes and the potential impact these changes may have on rural East Texas communities. Proposed program changes include the replacement of the current Regional Review Committee structure process where CDBG grant applications are scored regionally with a more sustainable Statewide Committee structure. Additional changes are being contemplated to the CDBG Disaster Relief Fund.

TDA staff plan to seek input across the State through stakeholders meetings and working with the Texas Association of Regional Councils.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR ALTO TORNADO VICTIMS
 
In July, ETCOG held a community meeting for Cherokee County residents affected by the April 13, 2019 tornadoes in Alto to offer assistance through our new HOME Disaster Relief Program. The meeting was met with such community interest, seats and standing room were filled at Alto City Hall.

Since 2018, ETCOG began offering disaster housing assistance through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). The HOME Disaster Relief Program allows ETCOG to support the  rebuilding or repairing of homes in counties in our region affected by disasters.

To rebuild, the single-family homes average costs are from $85,000 to $94,000 depending on the size of the family. Eligible clients must have experienced property damage from the disaster, have a clear title on their home with no liens, not received FEMA assistance, and plan to continue to live in the affected area.

Call 903-218-6565 to speak with housing staff or view application documents at ETCOG.org/housing.

On Sunday, August 4, 2019, at around 4:36 p.m. the West Shelby County Fire Department responded to a house fire on County Road 1211.  According to their Fire Chief Jerryl Adams, the two-story home was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene. The Center Fire Department assisted with a tanker fire truck. 

The Martinsville Fire Department also responded as well. The fire was put out, but the home was a total loss. No person was harmed as a result of the fire. The West Shelby County Fire Department returned to their station at around 7 p.m. that evening. 

Please join the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and the staff at Walmart for a Ribbon Cutting to introduce the new Curbside Grocery Pick Up service!  The public is invited to attend the celebration.  The celebration will be held at 8:00am on Tuesday, August 13th.  Walmart is located at 765 Hurst Street.

Save more time with Curbside Pickup at Walmart.  It starts August 13th!  Get the app or go to walmart.com/grocery.  With everyone’s busy schedule, Curbside Grocery pickup at Walmart will be a great time saver!

Make sure you join the Walmart staff in kicking off this great service here in Center, Texas!

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

Proclamation on Honoring the Victims of the Tragedies in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio

The President has issued a proclamation that all flags be lowered to half staff until sunset, Thursday, August 8, 2019.

Read the proclamation here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-honoring-victims-tragedies-el-paso-texas-dayton-ohio/

UPDATE THE BOYS HAVE BEEN FOUND

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking the publics assistance in locating two juveniles who were last seen in Logansport, LA on August 3, 2019, around 10:00 p.m.  Isaiah Register (male) is 14 years old, 5’6” tall, brown eyes, black hair, and approximately 160 pounds.  

Zachariah Stutts (male) is also 14 years old, 5’8’ tall, blue eyes, brown hair and between 150-160 pounds.  Both juveniles are believed to be together and went missing around the same time. Zachariah was last seen wearing a black and grey t-shirt with print/whitewashed pants.

 If you have any information that could lead to the safe return of these two boys, please contact Sgt. Jordan Ebarb at the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office:  (318) 872-3956.

Zachariah Stutts

Isaiah Register

Due to a major break in the line, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required San Augustine Rural Public Water System  PWS  #2030007 to notify all customers on Hwy 96, FM 711, CR 217, CR 202, CR 106, CR 3230, CR 110  to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands / face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc).  

Children, seniors and Persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.  The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. 

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes. 

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received the notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses).  You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact San Augustine Rural Water System at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.

UPDATE: FM 414 near CR 3080, north of SH 87 in Shelbyville is clear and open for travel following an earlier crash. Drive safely.

2:47 pm  8/2/19

ALERT: A loaded log truck has overturned on FM 414 near CR 3080, north of SH 87 in Shelbyville. The roadway is currently closed as crews begin clearing logs and debris from the roadway. Motorists should take alternate routes until this scene is clear.

The Jury Trial for Matthew McMahon is approaching it will be held on September 23, 2019, at the active Shelby County Courthouse located 200 San Augustine Street, in Center, Texas in the 123rd District Courtroom located on the third floor on September 23, 2019, at 8:30 a.m.

Following his trial, the Jury Trial for Randa Askew McMahon will be held at 9 a.m. at the same location. 

This information was obtained from the Shelby County District Clerk's Office.

The McMahon were both arrested in 2017 for the charge of injury to their child who at the time was 4 years old.  The Somervell County Sheriff’s Department executed two felony warrants on behalf of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, June 2, 2017, for Matthew McMahon, 29, of Shelbyville and Randa Askew Faust McMahon, 36, of Shelbyville, for Injury to a Child (F-1). The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office sought the warrants after investigating allegations of child abuse against a 4-year-old child.
 
During the investigation, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office found a reason to believe that the defendants were locking the child in a large dog kennel and a closet for extended periods of time. Randa McMahon age 36 and Matthew age 29 were originally arrested on July 19th for child endangerment charges. 
 
After that arrest the McMahon's made bail, only to be arrested again.  The couple has lost parental rights to their child and awaiting to face their day in court for criminal charges.

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners' Court will be held on the 7th day of August, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1. Approve and pay weekly expenses.

2. Public comments on Agenda item.

3. Approve current payroll.

4. Accept donation of material from Mark Strong to Pct.3 

5. Discuss putting speed limit signs on county roads.

6. Discuss the letter from the City of Center Economic Development on the Old County Hospital.

7. Adjourn.

NACOGDOCHES,TX (8-02-2019).  On August 1st, 2019 around 1:45 a.m. Officers with the Nacogdoches Police Department responded to a burglary of residence call in the 100 block of Wortham Dr. Once inside Officers located both residents inside one of the bedrooms. Police Officers began giving medical aid while waiting for emergency medical personnel.

The elderly residents had sustained extensive injuries and were transported to the hospital by ambulance.  Based on information from the residents they were in bed when the suspect came into their bedroom with a firearm and began demanding property and assaulting them. 

The Nacogdoches Criminal Investigation Division along with Evidence Technicians responded to assist in the investigation.  At approximately 1:00 p.m. Detectives had identified a person of interest in the assault. The person of interest was identified as a 16 years of age juvenile who was later taken into custody for the Aggravated Robbery.  

The juvenile was taken to a juvenile detention center for holding. At the time of this email, both residents are believed to be in stable condition at a local hospital. 

The Senior Nutrition Site will be having another Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, September 7th, 2019.  Breakfast will be served from 8 am to 11 am that morning.  For just a small donation, you can enjoy a full breakfast that includes eggs, bacon, pancakes, fruit, sausage, French toast, and much more!  The Senior Nutrition Site is located at 124 Haley Drive, next to the college on the Loop.  So, come and help support the Senior Site and get filled with a delicious breakfast!  All proceeds go to feeding senior citizens in Shelby County.  For more information, please call us at 598-7768.  

Click here for the full packet

Click here for more photos

LUFKIN – Officials with the Lufkin District of the Texas Department of Transportation will offer information to the public on a proposed project in downtown Groveton on Thursday, August 8, from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Trinity County Courthouse annex building in Groveton.

The public is invited to attend as TxDOT officials present project information and maps of the proposed project locations. The project is designed to add pedestrian sidewalks and curb ramps that comply with the American Disabilities Act. The project locations will be within the city of Groveton’s downtown area.

The public, as well as business owners, are encouraged to attend. Engineers will be available to answer questions and explain the schematics for the proposed sidewalks. The ADA project is designed to provide safe access for all persons to and from existing TxDOT right-of-way.

For more information about projects and road closures statewide, visit drivetexas.org. For more information on this proposed project, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.