The San Augustine Wolves will take on Harleton in Henderson Friday evening November 29, 2019, at 7 p.m. and that game will be covered live on KXXE 92.5 FM. The game will be covered by Tracy Broadway. 

The Joaquin Rams will take on Groveton in Nacogdoches Friday evening November 29, 2019, at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcasted live on KQBB 100.5 FM. with the legendary Don Wall, covering the game.  

Also, if you do not have a radio you can download the tunein app for your smartphone or smart device and use it to listen to our stations.

My name is Billy Barnett and I would like to announce my candidacy for Shelby County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace. I was raised in Shelby County and have been here most of my life. I am a 1987 graduate of Center High School. My wife, Marsha Ann, is the Social Media Editor for the East Texas Press and co-owner of Grassroots & Three Piece Suits Media Productions. We have two adult sons, who both attended JISD, and two grandkids. Marsha and I are active members at First Baptist Church of Tenaha. I was a board member for HOPE Medical, a non-profit health organization, for over 4 years. Being a board member taught me a lot about the different laws concerning non-profits. My wife and I also owned a successful daycare for over 10 years. I oversaw making sure we were up to date on our records and kept up with the laws and regulations pertaining to our business. 

I have combined experience of over 10 years as a volunteer fireman for Center VFD and Joaquin VFD. As a volunteer fireman, I have worked wrecks and observed numerous inquests. I am trained in CPR, First Aid, and stay calm in chaotic situations. I am fair and can remain unbiased and make decisions based on facts. I believe my calm disposition, belief in a person’s right to privacy, and fairness will help with my duties as Justice of the Peace. I will be able to perform my duties as Justice of the Peace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Webster Parish - On November 28, 2019, shortly before 2:30 p.m., Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. Highway 79, just south of the Claiborne Parish line.  The crash took the life of a Homer woman. 

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by 24-year-old Francisco Valdez-Ramirez of Haughton, was traveling south on U.S. Highway 79.  While he attempted to pass other southbound vehicles in a no passing zone, his vehicle collided with a northbound 2017 Hyundai Accent, driven by 31-year-old Kayomoniqic George.  George received fatal injuries during the crash despite being properly restrained. 

Valdez-Ramirez, who was properly restrained, received serious injuries during the crash and was transported to a local hospital.  Five other passengers in the Chevrolet Tahoe received moderate to serious injuries during the crash and were also transported to local hospitals. 

Impairment on the part of Valdez-Ramirez is suspected to be a factor in this crash.  Toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers and will be submitted for analysis.  This crash remains under investigation. 

Louisiana State Police wish to remind motorists that avoiding all distractions, obeying the posted speed limit, avoiding fatigued driving, and not driving while impaired can often mean the difference between life and death.  Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body. They can impair visual ability, alter sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times.  Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.

In 2019, Troop G has investigated 22 fatal crashes resulting in 24 deaths.

Timpson Christmas Parade will be Saturday, December 14th at 10 a.m. This year’s theme will be Christmas in Texas. This Christmas Parade is a joint venture with Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Timpson, Timpson High School, Timpson Volunteer Fire Department, Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service and our towns stores and businesses. Special thanks to Joyce Moore and Marilyn Corder for making it happen. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trophies that will best fit this year’s theme, Christmas in Texas. Line up at Timpson school starting at 9:30.  Everyone and anyone is invited to be in the parade and we hope our community will be there to enjoy.

We would like to thank BUFFCO PRODUCTION INC, for their sponsorship and the Junior Chamber of Commerce, under the direction of Christi & Calvin Smith for decorating the Timpson Downtown Plaza for Christmas.

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 4th day of December, 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.    Open sealed bids on Old Shelby General Hospital.

4.    Billy Askins to request closing County Road 4778.

5.    Discuss and possibly approve change orders on the new JP building.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

6.   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 public officer or employee. The closed session is authorized by Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.074.

7.    Reopen public meeting.

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

9.    Adjourn.

Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell presented Skylar Sigler with a scholarship on behalf of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas. Sigler attends Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches and is majoring in Environmental Science. Sigler is the daughter of Leah Chase who is employed by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. 

The Sheriffs' Association of Texas offers scholarships to eligible students pursuing an academic degree at a college or university. In addition to the Sheriffs' Association of Texas scholarships, several others are made available through the generosity of individuals or other organizations. These funds are managed by the Sheriffs' Association of Texas for award to qualified students.

The Center Walmart donated 4 bb guns to the Knights of Columbus to be used in different raffles.

Leslie Gill and Jeffery Martin 

Tri-County Harvest for Homes will have a Produce Drop on 11-27-19 at Ivan Smith Parking lot next to Sombero's please bring your own box & please no parking in front of business time 8:30 am.

Christmas at the Rio, by the Center High School theater department.  The program will be
held BEFORE the Parade, rather than after the Parade. The Parade will take place on December 7, 2019. 

In keeping with the holiday tradition, the Grand Marshal will lead the parade at 6:00pm.  Fannie Watson, the 2019 Distinguished Service Award recipient is this year’s Grand Marshal.

Over 20 floats will make their way through the heart of downtown to delight the young and old alike.

Christmas at the Rio, a holiday program by the Center High School theater department will be presented before the Parade.  The Rio box office will open at 4:00pm and the performance will begin at 4:30 and will be done by 5:15 which will be plenty of time to find a spot to watch the Parade.  The Rio concession will be available at 4:00 for the show audience and/or for anyone getting ready for the Parade.  

Following the Parade, the Rio will be showing the “Last Christmas” a romantic Christmas show.

Many shops will be open and hosting Christmas Open Houses. 

Thank you to this year’s Presenting Sponsor, Shelby Savings Bank.  Also, thank you to the City of Center, our Float Competition Sponsor; Farmers State Bank and Specter, Inc. our Silver Sponsors. 

Parade winners will be announced via media on Monday, December 9th. 

It began when Japanese aircraft appeared in the air over Pearl Harbor, Hawaii just before 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, December 7th, 1941.

When the attack ceased shortly before 10:00 a.m., less than two hours after it began, American forces had paid a fearful price. Eighteen (18) ships were either damaged or sunk, 180 aircraft were destroyed and 2,403 were dead and thousands of others wounded.  In honor and remembrance of those who served and died at Pearl Harbor, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will hold a remembrance program at Veterans Memorial, 1885 Historic Courthouse at 10:00 am, Friday, December 6th, 2019.  As always, the public is cordially invited to attend.  More information contact Post-Quartermaster Larry Hume, 598-2976.

Larry E. Hume
Quartermaster, VFW Post 8904
Center, Texas
Gold Legacy Life Member
 

My name is Ricky King and I am excited to announce my candidacy for Shelby County Constable Precinct  1.

For those of you that do not know me, I am a Detective Sergeant with the Center Police Department and have been with the department for sixteen (16) years.  While at the department I have served in the roles as Patrol Officer, Detective, eventually specializing in Narcotics Investigations, Patrol Sergeant, and my current role is Detective Sergeant assigned to the Street Crimes Division.  

The winner of the handmade Quilt that Shelby County Outreach Ministries raffled off was James Wallace!  We know you will enjoy it and use it often.  We want to say thank you to all who purchased a chance to win.  All proceeds will go to help support the ministry so we can continue to support the people of Shelby County.  

On November 22, 2019, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office Warrants Division were working active warrants on Joshua Cody Monk at a residence in Mansfield, La.  At the time, Monk was being sought on warrants for Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment and Simple Criminal Property Damage.  Deputies were able to take Monk into custody at which time they also observed suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia and firearms in plain view.  

The DeSoto Narcotics Division was dispatched to the residence, a search warrant was obtained, and a search began.  During the search narcotics agents located suspected methamphetamine which was packaged for sale.  Scales, baggies, and three firearms were also located.  Joshua Monk and Stacey Knighton were taken into custody and transported to the DeSoto Detention Center.  They were booked on the following charges:

Joshua Cody Monk
Possession of Schedule II with Intent to Distribute
Criminal Damage to Property
Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of CDS

Stacey Knighton
Possession of Schedule II
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of CDS

*CDS - Controlled Dangerous Substance

 
Santa Claus recently delivered an invitation to Fannie Watson to serve as Grand Marshal of the 20th annual Santa’s Christmas Parade. The parade, presented by Shelby Savings Bank, will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 beginning at 6:00 p.m.  

Fannie Watson was the recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Service Award and was recognized at the annual Shelby County Chamber of Commerce awards banquet for her contributions in and around Shelby County which was held on November 7th.

Categories for the 2019, Songs of the Season” themed parade will include Individuals, Schools, Businesses, Churches and Civic Organizations.  Parade participants are asked to decorate with lights for the nighttime parade and have audible Christmas music playing. There are applicable rules and considerations for entries with horses. Judges will award cash prizes to the top three places in each category, First $100, Second $50 and Third $25 and the Overall Best in Show Float will receive $250 cash prize.

Parade float entry registration is free and completed applications must be returned to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office by the entry deadline is November 27, 2019.  Applications for the parade, vendor space and entry rules are now available at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office located at 100 Courthouse Square, A-101 on the historic downtown Center square or online at  www.shelbycountychamber.com.  

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

DALLAS — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division is offering a $500 reward, combined with an additional $500 offered by the National Sports Shooting Foundation (NSSF), for a total reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the burglary and theft of firearms from Federal Firearms licensee (FFL) Wiley & Sons in Wills Point, Texas. 

On Friday, August 30, 2019, at approximately 3:00 a.m., two subjects forced entry into FFL Wiley & Sons located in the 7000 block of Van Zandt County Road 2120. Video surveillance captured two men enter the business wearing gloves and hooded sweatshirts. Both suspects wore the hood drawn tightly to conceal their face. Each suspect maintained a gloved hand in front of their face to obscure their identities further. The men exited the business approximately one minute later carrying two rifles and one suppressor.

The suspects are described as follows:

Suspect 1 – Male of unknown age, approximately 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches, medium build, last seen wearing a dark-colored, hooded sweatshirt with large red lettering printed on the front, dark-colored athletic pants with white stripes on each side seam, grey or light-colored shoes with white soles, grey or light-colored gloves and a tan or light-colored backpack. 

Suspect 2 – Male of unknown age, approximately 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches, medium build, last seen wearing a grey-colored, hooded sweatshirt, grey-colored athletic pants with a black accent on the upper half of each side seam, red-colored shoes with white soles and grey or light-colored gloves. 

This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF, the trade association for the firearms industry, and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF’s reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers. 

Anyone with information about this crime should contact the ATF Dallas Field Division at 1-469-227-4300, 1-800-ATF-TIPS (283-8477) or the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office at

1-903-567-4133 extension 473. Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov, through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips. Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app or by visiting www.reportit.com.

Monday, November 25, 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, November 25, 2019 at 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.)    Discuss and Consider Approving Resolution No. A201 Authorizing Signatories to the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program (TXCDBG) Contract Number 7219256. ACTION ITEM
6.)    Discuss and Consider Approving Resolution No. A201 (2) Authorizing Signatories to the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program (TXCDBG) Contract Number 7219134. ACTION ITEM
7.)    Discuss, consider and approve resolutions adopting required CDBG Civil Rights policies ACTION ITEM 
8.)    Discuss and Consider Approving Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Tenaha Texas and the Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department. ACTION ITEM
9.)    Discuss and Consider Approving October 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes. ACTION ITEM
10.)    Discuss and Consider Approving October 2019 Financials. ACTION ITEM
11.)    Discuss and Consider Approving Resolution No. 1125-2019 Authorizing City Secretary Amanda Treat to file a grant application with the Deep East Texas Council of Governments for a Regional Solid Waste Grant. ACTION ITEM 
12.)    Discuss and Consider Declaring January 2020 as School Board Recognition Month. ACTION ITEM
13.)    Discuss and Consider Approving changes to December City Council Meeting due to the Christmas Holidays.  Scheduling the next meeting for Monday January 27, 2019 at 5:30 pm or moving the meeting up to December 18, 2019 at 5:30 pm. ACTION ITEM
14.)    Discuss the City Parks Rules and Regulations, Permits and Fees. 
15.)    Discuss and Consider Appointing Amanda Treat, City Secretary as the City Administrator. Sec. 23.051. ACTION ITEM
16.)    Council will enter Closed Session per Tex. Gov’t Code Sec. 551.074: - Personnel Matters:  Employee Cost of Living Raises. 
17.)    Closed Session Results and Action if any. 
18.)    Department Head Reports:
19.)    Council Comments 
20.)    Adjourn
 

LUFKIN – Texas Transportation Commissioners last week approved $532.9 million in new construction projects statewide, with $9.4 million approved in the Lufkin District. In addition, more than $36.4 million in maintenance projects were approved, with more than $1.5 approved in the Lufkin District.

Construction projects approved includes resurfacing various roadways with a sealcoat throughout the nine-county district. Those roads include:

Sabine County: FM 1, from SH 103 to SH 184.
San Augustine County: FM 705, from FM 83 to just south of Couchatana Creek and from just south of Couchatana Creek to the end of state maintenance; FM 1, from SH 21 to the Sabine County line; SH 103, from SH 147 North to FM 1751; SH 147, from just north of FM 1277 to the Angelina River Bridge.
Shelby County: FM 415, from SH 87 to FM 138; US 59, from SH 87 to the Rusk County line; FM 699, from US 84 to FM 1656 and from FM 1656 to Spur 699.
Houston County: US 287, from 1 mile southeast of FM 232 to the Trinity County line; SH 21, from FM 1733 to FM 227 North; US 287, from BU 287 to 2.1 miles north of FM 2663 and from 2.1 miles north of FM 2663 to SL 304; SH 19, from Lovelady City Limits south to the Trinity County line.
Polk County: US 190, from just west of FM 1276 to the Tyler County line; US 59, from BU 59 North to US 190 and from US 190 to 1.6 miles south of US 190; FM 942, from US 59 to FM 62; FM 1988, from US 59 to just south of FM 3278.
Angelina County: SH 7, from US 69 to the Nacogdoches County line; SH 7, from SH 103 to US 69; SH 94, from SM 706 to SL 287; SH 103, from Paul Street to FM 326.
Nacogdoches County: SH 7, from FM 2782 to BU 59; FM 138, from US 59 to the Shelby County line; SH 21, from FM 225 to US 59; FM 226, from SH 103 to the end of state maintenance.
Trinity County: SH 19, from .128 miles south of FM 1617 to the Trinity River Bridge; FM 357, from FM 2262 to the Polk County line.
San Jacinto County: SH 150, from FM 222 North intersection to US 59; SH 156, from US 190 to SH 150.
 

D.I.J. Construction, Inc., Bertram, TX, will serve as contractor for the work that is scheduled to begin in Spring, 2020. A pre-construction meeting will be held prior to the project beginning.

Polk and San Jacinto counties were approved for maintenance projects that are designed to repair erosion in various locations which include:

Polk County: US 59, from just north of FM 1988 to 1.5 miles south of US 190 at US 59 loop south. AAD, Contracting, Inc., Poland, OH, will serve as contractor for the $466, 419.50 maintenance project.

San Jacinto County: US 59, from 2.8 miles north of FM 1127 to 2.7 miles south of FM 2665 North. Earth Builders, L.P., Decatur, TX, will serve as contractor for the $1.5 million maintenance project.
 

As these projects begin, motorists are urged to stay alert throughout the work zones and obey all traffic control at these locations.

Visit drivetexas.org for statewide road closures and conditions.

The Perry Sampson Park is a 4-acre neighborhood park that was established in the 1980s and named after the beloved school Principal of the now-closed CH Daniels School.  The Perry Sampson Park is located in Southeast Center has been in need of some improvements or renovations for a while now and some residents of the area are banding together to make those changes a reality.  

A committee of concerned citizens have established a committee, the Perry Sampson Renovation Committee and have begun a campaign to renovate the Perry Sampson Park. The park itself is located on the Southeast side of Center, Texas at 806 Garrett St, Center, TX.  They are seeking the public's assistance in reaching their goal to see the park turned into a safe and fun area for the local children to play in. 

Perry Sampson Park Renovation Committee

Front Row - Nicole Ellington Co-chair, Baby Lou Gardner, Ella Garrett

Back Row - Kristi McClelland, Jeremy Small Co-chair, Delbert Jackson

The renovation project would improve the park and benefit the lives of the children in the surrounding area, giving them a better place to play within walking distance of where they live. 

A child at Perry Sampson Park

If you want to donate to help their cause you can do so at the Woodforest National Bank located at Walmart at 765 Hurst Street in Center, Texas. Just stop by the bank location and make your donation out to the City of Center in attention to Perry Sampson Park. While a donation of any amount would aid in the renovation of the park, the Perry Sampson Park Renovation Committee has released the following sponsorship information.

Sponsorship Levels

Due to inclement weather, the Christmas Lighting ceremony scheduled for 6 PM today, November 22, 2019 in downtown San Augustine has been postponed until tomorrow (Saturday) November 23, 2019.

Dear Voters of Shelby County,

It has been an honor and a privilege to represent and serve my community for the last 35 months as the Republican 123rd Judicial District Attorney of Shelby County.  I have worked very hard to offer tough – but fair and ethical – representation of the State of Texas in Shelby County.  We have accomplished a lot, but there is still so much left to do.  As such, I am announcing my intent to seek re-election to the office of District Attorney.

SHELBY COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a one-vehicle crash this afternoon, November 21, 2019, on FM 139, about one mile east FM 2427.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 3:10 p.m., 2003 International truck tractor transporting logs was traveling west on FM 139 at an unsafe speed and overturned; spilling a load of logs into the roadway.

The driver is identified as 56-year-old Mark Lathan from Nacogdoches. Lathan was not injured during the crash.

Motorist are urged to use caution in this area while cleanup efforts are being conducted.

No additional information is available at this time.

San Augustine Football Information:

WOLVES ROLL by BULLDOGS and move on to AREA PLAYOFF game! Here's the scoop! They will play Normangee on Friday (November 22nd). The game time is 7 p.m at Crockett HS Stadium. We are the home team. Tickets are $5/$3. Passes include THSCA/District 9 and 12 AA and Senior Citizen. 

The game will be broadcast live on KXXE 92.5 FM with Tracy Broadway broadcasting.

Joaquin Football Information:

Joaquin will take on the Alto Yellowjackets in an area round.  The location will be in Lufkin at the Abe Martin Stadium.  The game time will be on Friday at 7:30 p.m.  Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for Students.

 
Passes Accepted: THSCA & District 10 & 11 AA

Joaquin will be the visiting team. 

The game will be broadcast live on KQBB 100.5 FM with Don Wall broadcasting.

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 27th day of November, 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.    Discuss and possibly approve Interlocal Contract between The Department of Information Resources and Shelby County Relating to use of the DIR shared services master service agreements. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION
5.    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 public officer or employee. The closed session is authorized by Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.074.

6.    Reopen public meeting.

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

8.    Adjourn.

The City Council of Joaquin will meet in special session Monday, November 25, 2019
10 a.m. at The Joaquin City Hall located at 124 North Preston, Joaquin, Texas.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1.    Call to order, establish quorum & welcome guest.
2.    Discussion and Council action on authorizing the Mayor to execute an Interlocal Contract between the City and HGACBuy for the purpose of purchasing a fire truck and/or equipment using the City’s FAST grant.
3.    Discussion & Council action on Tri State Properties annexation.
4.    Adjournment.  
 

The closure of CR 3267 will be extended through Monday, Nov 25.  Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation during these improvements.

Charles Barr, Commissioner Pct 3

The Center Fire Department has responded to a wreck on FM 139 near Welch's Grocery. According to Center Fire Chief Keith Byndom it was a log truck that overturned and blocked the road. No observable injuries were reported to have occurred according to the Center Fire Department.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing man.

Jimmy Ray Anderson is described as a 74-year-old white male, 6'0", 210 pounds with short gray hair and a long gray beard. He was last seen wearing a white shirt, jeans, and gray house shoes. He was last seen at approximately 3 a.m. on November 17, 2019, driving a 2002 white Chevrolet extended cab pickup with Texas plate LP1JT203, in the area of County Road 4326 in Tenaha.

If you have any information on the location of Anderson, please contact the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 936.598.5601.

Come join us at the Senior Nutrition Site on Thursday, November 28th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for our annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner!  It will be a great time of fellowship and food.  Turkey’s, hams, and all the usual Thanksgiving dishes will be available.  If you are interested in putting in a to-go order to be picked up, or if you would like to volunteer, please call Mrs. Dee at 936-598-7768. All orders must be turned in by November 25th.  

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Ring in the holiday season with Stephen F. Austin State University as the College of Fine Arts presents not one but two stage versions of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The first event is a musical extravaganza for the entire family, and the second is especially geared toward sharing the holiday classic with younger audiences.

Gather the family and celebrate the spirit of Christmas in spectacular fashion with PerSeverance Productions’ presentation of the holiday tale in a University Series performance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

“This production not only features top-flight professional performances, costumes and effects,”  said Scott Shattuck, associate dean of the College of Fine Arts and director of the University Series, “it also incorporates dozens of actual Christmas carols! Everyone that attends will leave brimming with holiday cheer.”

Based upon Dickens’ famous classic, “A Christmas Carol” is a heartwarming story of the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from a greedy, heartless miser to a generous, loving friend to everyone. Three ghostly visits – from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future – leave an indelible impression on Scrooge. Filled with kindness and the true spirit of the Christmas season, Scrooge changes his selfish ways and opens his heart to those around him.

“With all the splendor, magic and joy of the holiday season, this fabulous gift of a show overflows with 26 beloved yuletide songs and warm good humor,” Shattuck said.

Prior to the show, Dr. Steven J. Marsden, professor in the Department of English and Creative Writing in the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, will present an informative talk about Dickens and “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. in Griffith Gallery. The gallery is located across the hall from Turner Auditorium, which is inside the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive. The audience is invited back to the gallery for a post-performance reception to honor the show’s corporate sponsor, Nacogdoches Medical Center.

Single event ticket prices for the University Series are $30 for adults, $24 for seniors and $12 for non-SFA students/youth. Tickets for SFA students are $3.

The Children’s Performing Arts Series at SFA will present two performances of Virginia Repertory Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” on Thursday, Dec. 12, in Turner Auditorium. This version targets children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Performances are at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in Turner Auditorium. Tickets are $7.50 for individuals and $6 per person for groups of 20 or more.

“Students will delight in this classic tale of Scrooge, the ghosts, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim,” Peterson said. “Virginia Repertory Theatre brings all the characters to life on stage in this lively and heartwarming musical performance that brings all the joy, sentiment and meaning of Dickens’ story without being too scary for young audiences.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit finearts.sfasu.edu, stop by the Box Office in Room 211 of the Griffith Fine Arts Building, or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.

Panola College will present “Christmas in Carthage” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Carthage Civic Center.

This annual celebration of all things Christmas will feature the Panola College Concert Band, Panola College Jazz Band, Panola College Chorale, the Panola Pipers, Panola Honor Choir, Bulldog Belles, dancers from Rowe Performing Arts, and other performers.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, contact Dwaine Hubbard, Panola College band director, at dhubbard@panola.edu or call 903-693-2027.

The closure of CR 3267 is being extended through Thursday, Nov 21. 

Charles Barr, Commissioner Pct 3

The Center Fire Department are responding to a grass fire near County Road 2026. Be sure to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles.

The bridge on CR 4778 at the intersection with CR 4763 is out.  This section of CR 4778 will be closed until repairs can be made.

Tom Bellmyer

Shelby County Commissioner Pct 4

Bridge out at county road 4778, photo courtesy of Comm. Tom Bellmyer 

The Center Fire Department are responding to a gas leak near 806 Garrett Street in Center, Texas. This is according to an intercepted radio communication of Center Fire Chief Keith Byndom.

The Shelby County Commissioners' Court met on November 20, 2019, at the active Shelby County courthouse and took the following actions:

The court approved the payment of weekly expenses. Payment was made to Center Auto in the amount of $3,337.52 for repairs made to a Crown Victoria vehicle use by law enforcement. A pay installment for the fence being constructed around the Shelby County Sheriff's Office was made the total amount of $5,000 was approved to be paid to AC & C Fencing. As there were no public comments given the Court adjourned this short meeting.

Hagan Crumpton

On November 12, Shelbyville High School students Dawson Jackson, Hagan Crumpton, Ava Silva, and Aubree Camp competed at the U.I.L. region congressional debate contest. The University Scholastic League describes congressional debate as a contest that "models the legislative process of democracy, specifically, the United States Congress. Within this mock legislative assembly competition, contestants draft legislation (proposed laws and position statements) submitted to the tournament, and they research the docket of bills and resolutions dealing with real-world  social and political policies prior to the contest to prepare their speeches."

Aubree Camp placed 6th, Ava Silva placed 3rd, and Hagan Crumpton placed 2nd. Ava Silva and Hagan Crumpton will compete at the state meet in Austin, TX  in January. 

Motorists should stay alert for lane closures today November 20, 2019, in Nacogdoches County on US 59 (NB) near Garrison, SH 21 West and SH 259 as memorial signs are unveiled renaming sections of these roadways in honor of fallen peace officers. Stay alert and reduce speed in these areas as these three events are held.
 

The Pineywoods District LDE Competition was a success for the Shelbyville FFA! The school is very proud of all of its teams that participated. They would also like to thank the HS principal, Mr. Osby, for making an appearance and giving the FFA kids the extra boost to perform well!

Winning 1st place and advancing to the Area 9 LDE contest: Ag issues- Delaney Dunn, Logan Williams, Gracie Leach, Kirsti Jernigan, Gage Thompson, and Lieza Klein.

Lieza Klein

Taking home 2nd place and advancing to the Area 9 LDE contest: Jr. Skills Demonstration- Liela Klein, Alaina Haley, River Williford, and Mrs. Fallin’s chocolate lab Gauge.

Radio Broadcasting- Richard Crawford, Chyauna Dodge, and Avery Faulkner

Senior Creed Speaking- Kendall Murry

Greenhand Creed Speaking- Eli Ferguson

Job Interview- Andrew Stamps

Senior Quiz- Justin Raymond, Dakota Jones, Austin Vaughn, and Mikey Stringer

Greenhand Quiz- Lindsey Sanchez(13th High Point Individual), Kason Parker, Chyauna Dodge, and Tucker Clark

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Whizbang finals were held at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio on October 26.  To qualified for the finals a 4H shooter must participate in a minimum of six county shoots throughout the 2018-2019 4H calendar year.  In September, only the top five shooters in each age division are invited back to the finals.  

Shelby County 4H Shooter Eddie Turk made the whizbang finals in the junior division. This is Eddie’s first year shooting with 4H. It is quite an accomplishment to make the finals and be one of the top five shooters in the state of Texas. Congratulations, Eddie! Thanks for representing Shelby County so well.
 

San Augustine Football Information:

WOLVES ROLL by BULLDOGS and move on to AREA PLAYOFF game! Here's the scoop! They will play Normangee on Friday (November 22nd). The game time is 7 p.m at Crockett HS Stadium. We are the home team. Tickets are $5/$3. Passes include THSCA/District 9 and 12 AA and Senior Citizen. 

The game will be broadcast live on KXXE 92.5 FM with Tracy Broadway broadcasting.

Joaquin Football Information:

Joaquin will take on the Alto Yellowjackets in an area round.  The location will be in Lufkin at the Abe Martin Stadium.  The game time will be on Friday at 7:30 p.m.  Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for Students.

 
Passes Accepted: THSCA & District 10 & 11 AA

Joaquin will be the visiting team. 

The game will be broadcast live on KQBB 100.5 FM with Don Wall broadcasting.

Don Wall Coaches Show:

The Don Wall Coaches Show will start this Tuesday evening November 19, 2019, at 7 p.m. on KQBB 100.5 FM and will start off with the Joaquin Coach Wade Lawson, and then move on to San Augustine Coach Marty Murr at 7:30 p.m. Don't miss the Don Wall Coaches Show on KQBB 100.5 FM.

County Road 3267 will be closed for repairs between CR 3569 and CR 3286 on Wednesday, November 20.  The work is expected to be completed in one day.

Charles Barr

Shelby County Commissioner Pct 3

The bridge on CR 4778 at the intersection with CR 4763 is out.  This section of CR 4778 will be closed until repairs can be made.

Tom Bellmyer

Shelby County Commissioner Pct 4

Bridge out at county road 4778, photo courtesy of Comm. Tom Bellmyer 

In DeSoto Parish at Fire District #1, they have their own dive team. These firemen battle fiery blazes and also search through the waters of the Sabine River when the call arises.

Fire Chief Mark Magee

Center Broadcasting Company met with their Chief Mark Magee and learned about the history of the dive team, which according to him began back in the 1980s.  Capt. Joey Lester informed us about their newer kind of diving suits, known as dry suits, which they have recently been certified to use. 

Left to Right: Fire Fighter Jared Santoff, Capt. Joey Lester, Fire Fighter Haden Ezermack, Fire Fighter Timmy Mcinnis, Chief Mark Magee

On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, Nacogdoches County in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation will have the unveiling of three Highway memorial signs in dedication to Constable Darrell Edward Lunsford Sr., Sergeant Tom Anderson Sitton, and Deputy Sheriff Raymond Bradley Jimmerson.

Location and times:
1. Constable Lunsford: When: 10:00 am Where: South city limits of Garrison. Dedication signs have been posted at the south and north ends of the Garrison city limits. We will conduct a short ceremony for the dedication of the signs. We will meet at the south city limits of Garrison. The inside lane of northbound Highway 59 will be closed. TxDOT will provide lane closure for parking and law enforcement will provide traffic control for safety as well.

2. Sgt. Sitton: When: 1:00 pm Where: 5300 block of Highway 21 West. Dedication signs have been placed in the 5300 block of Highway 21 W and near CR 779 coming from Douglass. Everyone attending the event should meet at the Goyens Hill Baptist Church located at 4740 Highway 21 West. You will be shuttled by the Sheriff’s Office to the ceremony, which is just past the Church. To ensure safety, we encourage all citizens to please park at the church. TxDOT and Law Enforcement will provide traffic control during the event.

3. Deputy Jimmerson: When: 3:00 pm Where: Highway 259, south of the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 office (9300 block), on the North bound side. Dedication signs have been placed just before the JP 1 office, and near the Nacogdoches and Rusk County Line. TxDOT will provide lane closure for parking on shoulder of Highway259, and law enforcement will provide traffic control for safety as well.

I would like to thank the many people who came together to help make this possible, and to honor these fine men who served our County and our citizens of this great state with distinction and honor. I cannot give enough gratitude to those that have given to help raise the funds and put in the time to make all of this possible. I would also like to thank the Texas Department of Transportation for making sure that the signs have been put up in a timely manner and for all their help in making this a reality.

Thanks again to everyone who worked on this project and we hope to see you at the ceremony honoring all three of these fine men.

WOLVES ROLL by BULLDOGS and move on to AREA PLAYOFF game! Here's the scoop! They will play Normangee on Friday (November 22nd). The game time is 7 p.m at Crockett HS Stadium. We are the home team. Tickets are $5/$3. Passes include THSCA/District 9 and 12 AA and Senior Citizen. 

It will be broadcast live on KXXE 92.5 FM with Tracy Broadway broadcasting.

The Don Wall Coaches Show will start this Tuesday evening November 19, 2019, at 7 p.m. on KQBB 100.5 FM and will start off with the Joaquin Coach Wade Lawson, and then move on to San Augustine Coach Marty Murr at 7:30 p.m. Don't miss the Don Wall Coaches Show on KQBB 100.5 FM.

-On November 12, Shelbyville High School students Dawson Jackson, Hagan Crumpton, Ava Silva, and Aubree Camp competed at the U.I.L. region congressional debate contest. The University Scholastic League describes congressional debate as a contest that "models the legislative process of democracy, specifically, the United States Congress. Within this mock legislative assembly competition, contestants draft legislation (proposed laws and position statements) submitted to the tournament, and they research the docket of bills and resolutions dealing with real-world  social and political policies prior to the contest to prepare their speeches."

Aubree Camp placed 6th, Ava Silva placed 3rd, and Hagan Crumpton placed 2nd. Ava Silva and Hagan Crumpton will compete at the state meet in Austin, TX  in January. 

Joaquin vs Alto (Area Round) 
Location: Lufkin (Abe Martin Stadium) 
Game Time: Friday @ 7:30
Admission: Adults $7 Students $5 
Passes Accepted: THSCA & District 10 & 11 AA
We are the Visitors. 

It will be broadcast live on KQBB 100.5 FM with Don Wall broadcasting.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – A Stephen F. Austin State University art student will compete in an episode of "Forged in Fire" that will air between 9 and 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, on the History Channel.

Nacogdoches junior Kevin Burgess is an art metals student studying with Lauren Selden, professor of metalworking and jewelry in the School of Art.

Produced by Outpost Entertainment, "Forged in Fire" is a competition in which four bladesmiths compete in timed elimination rounds to forge bladed weapons for a chance to win a $10,000 prize and be named a "Forged in Fire" champion. In its seventh season, the competition, which is judged by experts in weapon history and use, tests some of the best in the industry as they attempt to re-create historic weapons.

The road to the reality series competition began in the summer of 2018 when Burgess, at the urging of a friend and fellow bladesmith, signed up online as a contestant. After an initial  screening process, Burgess was required to complete a form where he outlined his experience and described the bladesmith equipment he used and the longest blade he had forged.

"They required you to have forged at least a 15-inch blade at some time in your career, and at that point, I had forged a blade only about 13 inches long," he said. "I had a big chunk of material left over from another project, so I went crazy and forged a full 32-inch arming sword."

Burgess was then contacted by show officials for a Skype interview where he displayed some of his creations. From that point on, it was a waiting game until this past summer when he was contacted again for a final interview to determine if he would actually compete. In early August, he flew to the forge location where filming began.

The results of the competition will be aired Wednesday night.

Burgess first became interested in bladesmithing about four years ago after watching "Man at Arms: Reforged" YouTube videos where skilled bladesmiths recreate weapons from TV shows and video games. He is currently a member in and an apprentice with the American Bladesmith Society, hoping to eventually pursue journeyman distinction.

He started his college career at SFA studying computer science but soon changed his major to art where he could follow his passion. Following graduation, he plans to earn a master's degree with the hope of teaching bladesmithing at the college level.

"Bladesmithing is something I am really passionate about," he said, "and I'd like to pass that on to the next generation."

Mathews Realty invites everyone to come out to Holiday on Foster, November 18th starting at 5 p.m. for a great time and a great cause! Bring the kids out to visit with Santa Clause and visit with a Center Police officer who is helping with Operation Blue Santa. Instead of Santa giving out gifts, Santa will be asking for toy donations for Blue Santa. The Center Police Department officer will have a Patrol unit ready for kids to see the lights and hear the sirens.

Holiday on Foster will include local vendors having a Christmas Bazaar with lots of gifts for the entire family! Refreshments and snacks will be available while you shop as well as door prizes offered by the vendors.

Holiday on Foster is hosted by Elite Hair Design, Lasting Impressions, and Mathews Realty. Vendor booths will include Dogwoods Designs, Gram's Kitchen, Perfectly Posh by Krista, Pineywoods Beverage, Pinewoods Scent Company, Sassy Red's, Snell Photography, Southern Seasons, Stefanie Doggett Aesthetics, TAKA by Ashlyn & Joanna, Three Birds Photgraphy & Films, Tori Belle Cosmetics & magnetic lashes by Chrystal Mayo, and Younique by Jana.

Correction to the earlier post the cabin was located on FM 415 on CR 4084. 

On November 17, 2019, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office responded to a structure fire on County Road 4084 off FM 415. The first deputy on scene arrived to find a house that was burned completely down. The callers advised they were told that the house next to their land had burned sometime during the night. The house, which is used as a camp house, is in a remote location on this county road.

Burnt Remains of Cabin Located on 4084 photo by Justin Mott

Lieutenant Investigator Del Birdwell responded to the scene to perform the fire investigation. Upon arrival, Birdwell was informed by SCSO Deputy Jake Gross that it was believed someone was in the residence. Upon investigation of the remaining structure, the remains of an occupant were found in the structure.

Utilizing information obtained from the caller and information from the vehicle, the deceased was determined to be Procoro Hernandez of Willis Point. In speaking with callers, Hernandez was seen the day prior and was going hunting that afternoon. It appears he came back to the camp and loaded all of his gear and spent the night with intentions of leaving Sunday morning. It is believed that the fire happened during the night as the house was a total loss and partially burned out.

Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 Tracy Broadway performed the inquest and Taylor Funeral Home took possession of the body. The initial fire investigation indicates that the fire started from a wood heater in the front of the house.

Birdwell was assisted by SCSO deputies Jake Gross, Josh Tipton and Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Sam Anderson. Special thanks to Timpson Fire Department for their assistance at the scene.

Jasper County Men, Houston Woman, Guilty of Federal Drug Trafficking Violations

                BEAUMONT, Texas – Two Buna, Texas men and a Houston woman have pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.

James Joseph Fabela, 41, Benjamin Jason Fabela, 35, both of Buna, Texas, and Darian Michelle Simmons, 25, of Houston, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.  Simmons also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money. 

                According to information presented in court, from as early as July 2016, the defendants have been involved in a drug trafficking enterprise trafficking methamphetamine in the Buna, Texas area.  James Fabela and Benjamin Fabela have supervised, managed and controlled the drug trafficking organization with personal knowledge of the distribution of methamphetamine.  In total, the organization sold nearly 200 grams of methamphetamine in the Southeast Texas area.  Their plea agreements include the forfeiture of a home in Buna, Texas.  Simmons arranged for couriers to transport and conceal drugs and money to and from Houston for further distribution in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana.  Simmons is responsible for distributing at least 1.028 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on Sep. 5, 2018.

Under federal statutes, the defendants face from 10 years to life in prison for the drug conspiracy charge.  Simmons also faces up to up to 20 years for the money laundering conspiracy violations.  The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is the result of an extensive joint investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.  Six other defendants have been convicted and sentenced for their roles in the conspiracies. 

                This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Rapp.

######

Davilyn Walston

@WalstonDavilyn

Public Information Officer/Law Enforcement Coordinator

U.S. Attorney's Office

Eastern District of Texas

350 Magnolia Suite 150

Beaumont, TX 77701

O 409-981-7902

C 409-553-9881

Davilyn.walston@usdoj.gov

For agenda click here.

The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has formally filed charges against a Longview man for threats that were made over the phone in connection to a concert event that was being hosted at the Nacogdoches County Civic Center on October 26, 2019. 
Country Music Singer, Cody Jinks was scheduled to perform at the concert when an employee with the Nacogdoches County Civic Center received an anonymous phone call on the morning of October 26, 2019. The caller made a specific threat that he intended to shoot several people during the concert. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office was immediately notified of the threat, and an investigation was immediately started. 
Investigators identified that the phone call was made using a VOIP number (voice over internet protocol) through a cell phone app. Investigators identified that the phone used was a prepaid cell phone and found an email account that was linked to the VOIP number. 
Investigators determined that the phone was being used somewhere in the Gatesville area but was not able to pin point the exact location. Several subpoenas and search warrants were obtained by NCSO investigators and issued to several different companies in an effort to obtain more information. After conducting hundreds of manpower hours and sifting through numerous documents, investigators were able to find a link to a suspect. 
Investigators learned that the suspect was currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the Alfred Hughes Unit in Gatesville, Texas.  The suspect was identified as Robert Dulaney 45 years of age. Dulaney has been in prison since 2006. Investigators learned that while Dulaney has been serving his prison sentence he has had several reported violations of being caught with a cell phone. 
After identifying this information, Investigators were able to obtain more links that Robert Dulaney was the person responsible for creating the account that the phone call was made from. Investigators were left with the task to prove that Delaney was actually the person that made the phone call and not another prisoner inside the unit. 
On Thursday, November 14, 2019 two investigators with NCSO went to the Alfred Hughes Unit in Gatesville, Texas to conduct an interview with the suspect.  While speaking with Dulaney he was very cooperative with law enforcement. Investigators obtained a full confession from him. Dulaney went into several details of where he made the phone call from inside the prison, using a cell phone and told investigators exactly what he said over the phone. What Dulaney told investigators corroborated with other facts in this investigation.    
Investigators requested that prison authorities conduct another search of Dulaney’s housing area while investigators interviewed Dulaney. During the search a cell phone was discovered in the door frame of Dulaney’s prison cell. 
Dulaney stated that he had access to Facebook while using his cell phone in prison. He gained information that his girlfriend was going to attend the Cody Jinks concert in Nacogdoches which angered him. Dulaney stated that he called two different county offices in Nacogdoches until he spoke with someone at the civic center. Dulaney then made his threat over the phone in an attempt to have the concert canceled. 
Investigators with NCSO are working with the Office of the Inspector General on the case. A warrant has been issued for Dulaney for Terroristic Threat a 3rd degree felony.  Dulaney will be bench warranted back to Nacogdoches County to answer for this charge. The OIG’s office is likely to pursue charges on Dulaney for having a prohibited item in a correctional facility which will be prosecuted in Coryell County, Texas. 
The Cody Jinks concert has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the Nacogdoches County Civic Center. 
Sheriff Jason Bridges stated that we are glad to see that the outcome was not a serious threat to our citizens. We are sad to see that someone would use such poor and selfish judgement that had a large impact on thousands of people that were planning on attending this concert. Many people had traveled a great distance to attend the event. 
Although Dulaney is currently serving a prison sentence, we will continue to do our due diligence on this investigation to make sure that he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. In today’s society we have to treat any type of threat with the highest priority and validity until we can prove otherwise. 
The Texas Rangers and the Nacogdoches Precinct 1 Constable Office assisted in the investigation. 
 

      BEAUMONT, Texas –  A 59-year-old Beaumont mental health care counselor has pleaded guilty to health care fraud in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.

                Douglas Duane Franklin pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with health care fraud today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.

                According to information presented in court, since 2007, Franklin has been the owner and sole provider at Guiding Light Counseling Service, PLLC, where he provides mental health counseling services, for which he bills Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance.  Between 2007 and 2019, Franklin was reimbursed $591,600.69 for three different time-based counseling CPT codes, all in durations of 30 minutes or more.  Medicaid rules require that the indicated time is spent face-to-face with the patient, and expressly does not include time for documentation or other administrative activities.  Between 2007 and 2019, Franklin submitted over 10,000 claims for visits exceeding 30 minutes or more. 

                During the course of a months-long investigation, investigators with the US Attorney’s Office, the FBI, HHS-OIG, and the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit discovered that Franklin had patient sessions scheduled in 30-minute increments, some of which were double-booked.  However, out of the 10,215 claims submitted by Franklin, only one was for a 30-minute visit.  All of the remaining visits were billed under the 45-minute or 60-minute CPT codes, which provided for an increased reimbursement rate.  Franklin was paid a total of $591,600.69 for all claims under the previously described CPT codes, when he was only entitled to receive $321,772.50.  As a result of Franklin submitting fraudulent claims, he was overpaid  $269,828.19 by Medicaid.   

Under federal statutes, Franklin faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing.  The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

                This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, HHS-OIG, and the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Tortorice.

######

Davilyn Walston

@WalstonDavilyn

Public Information Officer/Law Enforcement Coordinator

U.S. Attorney's Office

Eastern District of Texas

350 Magnolia Suite 150

Beaumont, TX 77701

O 409-981-7902

C 409-553-9881

Davilyn.walston@usdoj.gov

The Jury that was summoned for Monday, November 18, 2019, for the 123rd Judicial District Court, Honorable LeAnn K. Rafferty, presiding, has been canceled.

All cases scheduled have been resolved or passed.

Anyone receiving a jury summons for this day is released until they receive a future summons.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Lori Oliver
District Clerk

Notice is hereby given that on the 18th day of November 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:

AGENDA FOR November 18th, 2019

1. 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)

2. Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance

3. 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.

4. Report/Information items:

4.1 Monthly Financial Report – Joel Bumback, Director of Finance
4.2 Hand out Board Operating Procedures to be acted on at the December Board Meeting
4.3 Maintenance update on Roofing Project
4.4 Update on Improvement Project
4. 5 Vantage Points TASB Update 114
4.6 Correspondence
5. Agenda Items for consideration and possible action:

5.1 Minutes from previous month’s meeting
5.2 Approve 2019 Independent Auditor’s Report
5.3 Approve Substitute Employee List
6. Recommendations for items to be placed on agenda for next Board meeting

7. Designation of date and time of next meetings: December 16, 2019 6:00pm

8. Adjournment

The City Council of Joaquin will meet in special session Tuesday, November 19, 2019
9:30 a.m. at The Joaquin City Hall located at 124 North Preston, Joaquin, Texas.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1.     Call to order, establish quorum & welcome guest.
2.     Discussion and council action on Christmas Events.
3.     Adjournment.

The City Council of Joaquin will meet in regular session Tuesday, November 19, 2019
6:00 p.m. at The Joaquin City Hall located at 124 North Preston, Joaquin, Texas.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1.    Call to order, establish quorum & welcome guest.
2.    Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance.
3.    Open Forum.
4.    Council approval of the previous month’s minutes.
5.    Monthly Reports:
a.    Utility Billing Manager Report -- Monthly receipts.
b.    Public Works -Update – Departmental Updates
6.    Council approval on Payment of Bills.
7.    Council approval on Hotel/Motel Funds for Fall Festival.
8.    Discussion & Council Action to amend the Christmas Budget
9.    Discussion & Council Action on five (5) year tax abatement for Tri State
10.    Discussion & Council Action on adopting an anti-bullying ordinance
11.    Council will hold a closed Executive Session Meeting
a.    Personnel Matters (551.074)
12.    Council reconvenes & possible action on matters discussed in executive session.
13.    Adjournment.

Road repairs are beginning under the FEMA assistance starting with the culvert at N Milam. After the earthwork is done here the same crew will move to Golden Way, then Bierhalter and Park Street. We still plan to be finished with all four projects before the year is over. The Milam project is the one in this photo taken this morning. Work actually commenced on Wednesday the 13th.

Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Center has teamed up again this year with the Shelby County Child’s Advocacy Center and Center Broadcasting for the 8th annual Stock a Ram for Santa, to help the children of our community have a happy Christmas. Your assistance is needed to make this effort more successful than ever. Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is accepting donations of new, unopened gifts for kids up to age 17, now through December 10th.

As a way of showing appreciation for donating gifts, you will become eligible to win a 50-inch TV. It’s easy to donate, and you’re helping area children have a better Christmas. Join Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center and Center Broadcasting Company for the 8th annual Stock a Ram for Santa. Drop off your gifts now through December 10th at Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Highway 96 north in Center. 

Shelbyville FFA Ag Issues team competed at the Pineywoods District LDE competition on Nov. 13, 2019 and placed 1st. They will advance to Area at SFA on Nov. 21st. 

The Jr Skills team placed 2nd and will also advance to Area.

Ag Issues: Gracie Leach, Gage Thompson, Kirsti Jernigan, Delaney Dunn, Logan Williams and Lieza Klein

Jr Skills: Liela Klein, Alaina Haley and River Williford 

The Ag Issues team won the Pineywoods district LDE contest and Jr. skills won second in district. Both teams advance to area! 

The Joaquin Pep Rally time change it will now start at 2:50 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2019.

Joaquin Vs Shelbyville 
(Bi-District Playoff Game) 

Location: Henderson ISD
Date: Friday, November 15th
Time: 7:00 PM
Ticket Prices: $5

Passes: THSCA, District 11 & 12 2A, Senior Citizens, and Military

Center Broadcasting and The Roughrider Radio Team will cover Center's First Round Playoff Game Friday night against the Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns from Woodville High School.

The Stadium Pre-Game Show begins at 7:00 with coach and fan interviews, overviews of the match-up featuring players Tyler Herndon and Jake Hanson, as well as a visit with the CHS sophomore cheerleaders.

Kick-off is 7:30.

The Raymond Motor Company Halftime Show features halftime analysis with Coach Tracy Adair, live coverage of the Roughrider Band's performance, and a special interview with Jacob Garcia and Jesus Gonzalez, the Roughrider State Qualifiers in Cross Country this fall.

Stay with them through post-game live from the field.  Find the broadcast on your radios at KDET 930 am, on your desktops and laptops at cbc-radio.com, or on your smartphones through the free "Tune-In App."  Simply download the app and type "KDET" into your search bar.

After an ongoing investigation, the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has identified a suspect in the threat that was made to the Cody Jinks concert that was scheduled on October 26, 2019 at the Nacogdoches County Civic Center in Nacogdoches, Texas.

 
On the morning of October 26, 2019, an employee with the Nacogdoches County Civic Center received an anonymous phone call from the suspect. The caller advised that he had planned on shooting several people at the concert later in the night. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the threat and an investigation was immediately started.  

Due to the technology that was used to make the phone call by the suspect, the call was not easily traceable. Sheriff Jason Bridges kept management staff with Cody Jinks up to date on the progress of the investigation. It was decided by the management staff to cancel the show due to the best interest and safety of the public. 

Since that time, Investigators with NCSO have been working vigorously to identify the person that was responsible for making the phone call and to see what threat he posed to the public. Law enforcement has been treating this threat with the highest priority. 
NCSO investigators identified a person of interest in this case recently after looking through thousands of pages of documents and obtaining evidence of who made the call. This morning investigators with NCSO obtained a full confession from the suspect and his motive for the threat. 

The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of obtaining a warrant for the suspect’s arrest for a 3rd-degree felony charge. The full identity of the suspect and motive for the phone call will possibly be released tomorrow, depending on other factors in this case. 
The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office can report that the suspect, in this case, is in fact without a doubt the person who placed this phone call and is not a threat to the public. 
The Cody Jinks concert has been rescheduled at the Nacogdoches County Civic Center for January 25, 2020. 

Congratulations to the Center Tennis Team who won 3rd in state Center Broadcasting Company met with their Coach Leon Dykes as well as several of the seniors on the team.

Left to Right: Alec Dykes, Caroline Scull, Taylor Burch 

Congratulations to the Center Cross Country team on their performance. Center Broadcasting Company met with two of the runners Jacob Garcia and Jesus Gonzalez.

Left to Right: Jacob Garcia and Jesus Gonzalez

After a long day at regionals hosted at SFA, Mark Perkins (right) placed FIRST at Congressional Debate, and he is heading to STATE!! Kristen Orsak (middle) placed 5th and is the second alternate to the state competition. Kelsey Adair (left) placed 12th. Congratulations to the Congressional Debate Team and their coach, Doug Moore.

Kristen Orsak, Mark Perkins, Kelsey Adair

Santa will be presenting our Distinguished Service Recipient, Fannie
Watson, an invitation to be the Grand Marshal in the Christmas Parade on
Thursday, November 21st at 1:45 at the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial
Library.

East Texas Chopper Guys
Annual Toy Run & Food Drive
December 7, 2019
Downtown Joaquin Texas

Gift bags to the first 75 children.

Raffle and Auction to be held after the Parade in Downtown Joaquin at 3 pm
Bike show kicks off at 10 am
$10.00 entry fee or toy or canned goods
Bike entry must participate in the parade at 3 pm
Awards will be announced at 5 pm

All proceeds go to Joaquin Christian Services and will be used to help families in Shelby County.

Please come out and help support this event.

 
Anyone interested in donating to our raffle or auction please contact me.

Nancy Stevens 
936-269-3360 (home)
936-645-1761 (cell)
 

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center ISD will be held on November 14, 2019, beginning at 12:00 PM in the Center Independent School District Administration Boardroom 107 PR 605 Center, TX 75935.

Click here for the agenda:

The water on Denning Rural WSC no longer requires boiling.

On November 6, 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 November 8, 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. 

The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center is announcing the start of our annual Toy Drive. We are excited to have this chance to brighten the lives of children who have experienced abuse or trauma, but we know this is only possible through the generosity of our community. This year we will have tags for each child in need that will specify age and interests. You can pick up a tag at the Advocacy Center, 131 Tenaha Street, and then return your donation to us by December 9. If you would like more information about specific needs, please call us at 936-590-9864. Thank you for joining with us to share kindness and joy with these children.

Patriot's Pen winner (grades 6-8):  Shelby Freeman, Joaquin Jr. High School.

Voice of Democracy (grades 9-12):  Abigale Hooper, Joaquin High School
and Guadalupe Sandoval, Tenaha High School.

All will now compete at the District level for the right to represent
at the State Competition.

Both Kalei LaRock and Jasmine Cooks will be signing letters of Intent to Northeast Texas Community College. 

The signing ceremony will take place in the CHS library at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, November 18, 2019.

Panola Fillies Volleyball will face the Polk State Eagles first round on November 21st at 3:00 PM in Hutchinson, Kansas.

The winners and consolation brackets are shown below.

Listed below is the link to live stream the National Tournament. 

https://njcaatv.com/landing/index

Go Fillies!

Going on at the Woodforest National Bank at the Center Walmart they are having a canned food drive to help support the Shelby County Outreach Ministries so stop by and donate to help a good cause.

The pep rally will be tonight 11-12-19 at 6 p.m. north of the stadium across from F.L. Moffett. The Riders will play Hampshire-Fannett in Woodville, Texas at 7:30 on Friday. Tickets will be $7 for adults and $5 for students. 

The boil water notice for the affected area of Center near the square has been lifted.

WOLVES BEGIN PLAYOFFS! Here's the scoop! We are the home team and will play Garrison on Friday (Nov 15) at Nacogdoches High School. Game time is 7 pm. Tickets are $4.00/$6.00. District passes and Senior Citizen passes are accepted! There will be a sendoff drive through downtown on Friday as the team bus leaves (stay tuned for the time TBA).
G O W O L V E S !

Roughrider Stadium: Friday's Game and Hosting Information for the week

THURSDAY, 11/14/19
Hosting New Diana vs Newton @ 7:30 pm 

FRIDAY, 11/15/19
Center vs Hampshire Phanet @ Woodville, TX @ 7:30 pm
Tickets will be: $7-Adults, $5- Students

The game will be covered live on KDET 930 AM. 

SATURDAY, 11/16/19
Hosting Elysian Fields vs Hemphill @ 6 pm

Joaquin Vs Shelbyville 

(Bi-District Playoff Game) 

Location: Henderson ISD

Date: Friday 

Time: 7:00 PM

Ticket Prices: $5

Passes: THSCA, District 11 & 12 2A, Senior Citizens, and Military

The game will be the area game of the week with Don Wall broadcasting and covered live on KQBB 100.5 FM.

On Saturday, November 9, 2019, at approximately 11 p.m., the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding an individual lying on the side of the roadway on County Road 2020. Officers responded to the location and found a male subject deceased at the location. Investigators with the SCSO responded and along with deputies, processed the crime scene.

A short time later, positive identification was made; the victim was identified as Curtis A. Price II, 40 years of age. Family members were also notified and confirmed the victim’s identity from tattoos on his body. It appears to investigators that the victim was brought to the location and dumped.

At this time, this case is being worked as a homicide. If you have any information regarding this incident, you are urged to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 936.598.5601. Callers may remain anonymous. No further information is available at this time.

TxDOT crews are treating with a brine mixture the overpasses and bridges in San Jacinto County today, including US 59 ahead of possible freezing weather. Motorists should be alert to equipment and workers near and in the lanes of traffic. Visit #drivetexas.org for road conditions throughout the state.

For 11-11-19 agenda click here.

For workshop agenda click here.

The Fannie Brown Booth Library will host a book signing for Mr. Tommy Doggett of Center on November 23rd, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. His book, BEFORE I GO: PERSONALITIES OF SHELBY COUNTY, has stories of persons from Shelby County and surrounding areas. Mr. Doggett will have copies of his book available for purchase.  If you are not able to make the book signing, we have copies of the book at the library.

Bossier Parish -On November 9, 2019, shortly after 8:30 p.m., Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating a fatal crash on Winnfield Road at Little League Road.  The crash took the life of a Princeton man. 

The preliminary investigation revealed a 1990 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 56-year-old Alton Ross, was traveling east on Winnfield Road.  For reasons still under investigation, Ross exited the roadway to the left where it impacted a culvert and began to overturn.  Ross, who was not restrained, was ejected from the vehicle and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Failure to take a few seconds to buckle up can have devastating consequences. Louisiana law requires every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained day or night.

A toxicology sample was obtained and will be submitted for analysis.  The crash remains under investigation. 

In 2019, Troop G has investigated 21 fatal crashes resulting in 23 deaths.

. 

Contact Information:

TPR Brent Hardy

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

Office: (318) 741-7409

brent.hardy@la.gov

Notice is hereby given that a Regular meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 13th day of November, 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 October 2, 2019, Special Meeting, October 9, 2019, Regular Meeting, October 16, 2019, Special Meeting, October 23, 2019, Special meeting, and October 30, 2019, Special meeting of the Shelby County Commissioner’s Court.

2.    Approve and pay weekly expenses.

3.    Approve current Payroll

4.    Approve Officers Report.

5.    Public Comments on Agenda item.

6.    Canvas votes for the November 5th General Election.

7.    A representative from Martin Walker, PC to give an update on the Notice and Findings for the Opioid Litigation.

8.    Discuss and possibly take action on appointing an interim Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3.

9.    Discuss and possibly take action on establishing an office for the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3.

10.    Adjourn.

The Center Police Department's Blue Santa program is getting ready to load the sleigh and needs your help. Blue Santa is asking for donations of new toys, books, or clothes for all ages of boys and girls. Monetary donations are also welcomed.  Mark your Calendars for Cookies & Cocoa with Santa for December the 8th 2-4 p.m. Enjoy all your favorite treats, and Free Pictures with Santa, and don’t forget to bring a new unwrapped Santa a toy to donate!

We will start handing out forms on November 1st. If you know of any child in Shelby County that may not have any Santa this Christmas, please fill out this form. One for each child and turn back into the Center Police Department Dispatch, or Shelby County Today. This form will need to be returned to the PD no later than Monday, December 9th, 2019. Any form turned in after the due date will NOT be accepted. This ensures us plenty of time to get all the toys we will need. Remember, all forms are anonymous. 

Forms or Monetary donations can also be mailed to OPERATION BLUE SANTA at P.O. Box 322 Center, Tx 75935. If you would like to donate new toys, clothing, hygiene items please bring them to the Center Police Dept. Boys and girls of all ages will be needed, infant to 15yrs old. The entire Blue Santa team would like to thank everyone for your generous donation to the Blue Santa program. With your donation and others like yours, we will be able to provide Christmas to many children in Shelby County. Again thank you, we can not do it without you! Let Blue Santa help You make a Childs Christmas blessed this year.

Thank You,
from the Operation Blue Santa Team! 

The 100th Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Banquet was held on 11-7-19 at the John D. Windham Civic Center in Center, Texas. Chris Watlington served as the master of ceremonies for the evening.

Chris Watlington

Guitar Music was performed by Lefty, who took the stage and wowed the crowd.

Lefty

The Teachers of the Year were presented by Mary Lynn Tinkle the Elementary was Beth Nichols, the Secondary was Brooke Harrison.

The Farm Family of the Year was presented by Lane Dunn Shelby County Texas A & M Agri-Life Extension Office Agent. The Farm Family of the Year was the Lawsons.

Dr. Clayton Paul Windham presented the young citizen of the year award to Clay Ihlo.

Clay Ihlo photo by Shelby Savings Bank

Dr. Jheri-Lynn McSwain presented the Distinguished Service Awad to Fannie Watson.

Fannie Watson - Left

For more photos click here:

The administration at San Augustine Independent School District investigated a potential threat to the high school on Thursday, November 7. After a thorough investigation, the threat was found not to be credible.“

The safety of our students and staff is of utmost importance, and we take these matters seriously. Anyone involved in making threats will face disciplinary action and additional consequences to the extent of the law.

Parents, please take a moment and talk to your children about the stiff consequences of making a threat (mandatory DAEP placement, removal from campus, possible arrest, and prosecution). SAISD will treat all threats, jokes, and other foolishness on this topic seriously.”

 They approved and paid weekly expenses.

They moved into an executive session.

 They reopened the public meeting.

They discussed changes to the personnel policy for the county.

The Historical Commission gave an update on the Grant.

 They recognized the fiscal year 2019 budgeted fund carryover for each road and bridge precinct.

They adjusted the Fiscal year 2020 budgeted fund carryover for each road and bridge precinct.

 They adjusted the Fiscal year 2020 Expense Budget line item for each road and bridge precinct.

They accepted Justice of the Peace Margie Anderson's resignation effective Jan 1, 2020, more will be discussed regarding who will take her place.

Lastly, they adjourned.

Boil Water Notice for the Community Public Water System

Due to a water main break, the Texas Commission Environmental Quality has required the City of Center, public water system to notify all customers for the affected area to boil their water prior to consumption. If you did not receive a notice below you do not have to worry about boiling your water according to Center City Manager Chad Nehring. 

For more information call 936-598-2941.

State Results:

STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION 1: THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PERMITTING A PERSON TO HOLD MORE THAN ONE OFFICE AS A MUNICIPAL JUDGE AT THE SAME TIME.

Yes        681,139    34.56%
No        1,289,626    65.44%
Race Total    1,970,765    

STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION 2: THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS BY THE TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $200 MILLION TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN PROJECTS IN ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED AREAS.

Yes        1,285,397    65.62%
No        673,306    34.38%
Race Total    1,958,703    

STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION 3: THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE FOR A TEMPORARY EXEMPTION FROM AD VALOREM TAXATION OF A PORTION OF THE APPRAISED VALUE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY DAMAGED BY A DISASTER.

Yes        1,667,110    85.09%
No        292,031    14.91%
Race Total    1,959,141    

STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION 4: THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROHIBITING THE IMPOSITION OF AN INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX, INCLUDING A TAX ON AN INDIVIDUALS SHARE OF PARTNERSHIP AND UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATION INCOME.

Yes        1,467,994    74.41%
No        504,848    25.59%
Race Total    1,972,842    

STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION 5: THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT DEDICATING THE REVENUE RECEIVED FROM THE EXISTING STATE SALES AND USE TAXES THAT ARE IMPOSED ON SPORTING GOODS TO THE TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT AND THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION TO PROTECT TEXAS NATURAL AREAS, WATER QUALITY, AND HISTORY BY ACQUIRING, MANAGING, AND IMPROVING STATE AND LOCAL PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES WHILE NOT INCREASING THE RATE OF THE STATE SALES AND USE TAXES.

Yes        1,732,331    88%
No        236,251    12%
Race Total    1,968,582    

STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION 6: THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATURE TO INCREASE BY $3 BILLION THE MAXIMUM BOND AMOUNT AUTHORIZED FOR THE CANCER PREVENTION AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TEXAS.

Yes        1,250,089    64%
No        703,157    36%
Race Total    1,953,246    

STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION 7: THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ALLOWING INCREASED DISTRIBUTIONS TO THE AVAILABLE SCHOOL FUND.

Yes        1,449,333    74.12%
No        506,142    25.88%
Race Total    1,955,475    

STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION 8: THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE FLOOD INFRASTRUCTURE FUND TO ASSIST IN THE FINANCING OF DRAINAGE, FLOOD MITIGATION, AND FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS.

Yes        1,527,394    77.83%
No        435,184    22.17%
Race Total    1,962,578    

STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION 9: THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATURE TO EXEMPT FROM AD VALOREM TAXATION PRECIOUS METAL HELD IN A PRECIOUS METAL DEPOSITORY LOCATED IN THIS STATE.


Yes        977,272    51.6%
No        916,513    48.4%
Race Total    1,893,785    

STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION 10: THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO ALLOW THE TRANSFER OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMAL TO A QUALIFIED CARETAKER IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Yes        1,845,766    93.75%
No        123,032    6.25%
Race Total    1,968,798    

For local results click here:

Mathews Realty invites everyone to come out to Holiday on Foster, November 18th starting at 5 p.m. for a great time and a great cause! Bring the kids out to visit with Santa Clause and visit with a Center Police officer who is helping with Operation Blue Santa. Instead of Santa giving out gifts, Santa will be asking for toy donations for Blue Santa. The Center Police Department officer will have a Patrol unit ready for kids to see the lights and hear the sirens.

Holiday on Foster will include local vendors having a Christmas Bazaar with lots of gifts for the entire family! Refreshments and snacks will be available while you shop as well as door prizes offered by the vendors.

Holiday on Foster is hosted by Elite Hair Design, Lasting Impressions, and Mathews Realty. Vendor booths will include Dogwoods Designs, Gram's Kitchen, Perfectly Posh by Krista, Pineywoods Beverage, Pinewoods Scent Company, Sassy Red's, Snell Photography, Southern Seasons, Stefanie Doggett Aesthetics, TAKA by Ashlyn & Joanna, Three Birds Photgraphy & Films, Tori Belle Cosmetics & magnetic lashes by Chrystal Mayo, and Younique by Jana.

Miss Tamoya Gentry 34 of Timpson passed away Saturday evening in Center. A Wake will be held Friday evening from 6 - 8 p.m. at the First Assembly of God in Timpson, Texas.

Interment will follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in the Woods Community.

Pastor Alfred Berry will be officiating.

She is survived by:

Mother - Loretta Berry in Tenaha, TX

Father - Rev. Alfred Berry in Tenaha, TX

5 Brothers - Reginald Tyrone Paige, Jarrion Tere Gentry, Xavier Gentry, Frankie Gentry, Marcus Berry

4 Sisters - Brandy Gentry, LaShandra Jones, Onita Jones, Sandra Jones

On Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Janie Pointer of Luminant presented the Panola College Foundation with a $1,000 check towards their sustainer program. Jessica Pace, Director of Institutional Advancement was on hand to accept the check on behalf of the Foundation.

“We value the generosity and support of Luminant’s commitment as a sustaining member of the Foundation,” said Pace. “The Foundation’s sustainer program is comprised of companies and individuals who want to ensure that the College remains affordable, accessible, and a quality institution of higher education.”

Janie Pointer (right) presents a check to Jessica Pace for the Panola College Foundation’s Sustainer Group.

Due to a major leak,  the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the Denning Rural Public Water System  PWS  # 2030004 to notify ALL customers West of FM 354  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.

Due to a concrete delivery beginning, 2:30 am and lasting until Noon on Wednesday, November 6th. The Main driveway in front of Center High school, as well as the driveway going into the Teacher parking lot, will be closed.  Drop off for CHS will occur in the Student Parking lot for Wednesday.  

All traffic on Shelby Savings Bank Drive (Stadium drive) will not be affected.  We encourage you to enter from Hwy 87 as Regular CES traffic and several concrete trucks will cause delays on Roughrider Dr. Two maps have been included, the driveways colored red will be closed, the green indicates areas around CHS  that will be open.  

On the evening of November 5, 2019, at around 6 p.m. citizens gathered at the gazebo in downtown Timpson, Texas to honor the passing of Tamoya Gentry with a candlelight vigil. Gentry passed away after being struck by an automobile on the evening of Saturday, November 2, 2019, in Center, Texas. 

Timpson, Texas photo by Justin Mott

For photos click here:

Saturday, November 9, 2019, the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office will proudly host our annual Veterans Day Parade in Nacogdoches. The parade is scheduled to start at 10:00 A.M. and will begin in front of TJR School on Mound Street. The Grand Marshall for the parade is Dee Jones. 

Dee Jones is a World War II veteran that proudly served our country in the United States Army. He joined the Army before World War II and trained hundreds, if not thousands, of young men to fight. Then he shipped out for the fight, helping break the Siegfried Line at Aachen, Germany — the first German city captured by the Allies.

Military records show that Jones registered for the peacetime draft on Oct. 16, 1940, more than a year before the U.S. entered World War II. Later records indicate he was inducted into the Army on Oct. 8, 1941, about two months before Pearl Harbor was bombed.

He was initially assigned to Camp Wheeler in Macon, Ga. The camp was a massive training facility before the war. During World War II, it was used as an infantry replacement training center where new recruits received basic and advanced training to replace combat casualties. More than 200,000 soldiers trained there.

He spent most of his time in Europe near Aachen. Troops there supported the ill-fated Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands and engaged in a hard-fought battle over the city in September and October 1944.

Aachen is what historians call a major battle. The town itself lies in the northwestern corner of where Germany borders both Belgium and the Netherlands. The city was heavily fortified as part of the Siegfried Line consisting of interconnected pillboxes, forts, minefields, and barbed wire 10 miles deep.

U.S. forces attacked the city from the north, then from the south over a period of two months. Fighting inside the city lasted most of October 1944. More than 2,000 Americans were killed in the battle and more than 5,000 were injured.

Dee Jones who is 100 years old currently lives in the city of Nacogdoches. He obtained the rank of Sergeant while serving our country honorably in the United States Army during World War II.     
The Nacogdoches County Sheriff Office is proud to pay tribute to Mr. Jones and all of our veterans that have served our country.

The parade will follow the traditional parade route through the downtown area along Hospital and Main Streets. We encourage our citizens to line the parade route and honor our veterans and troops by cheering, waving the U.S. flag, dressing patriotically or displaying signs or banners expressing your gratitude.

Check-in times for floats and vehicles will be between 8:45 - 9:30 A.M. Walking groups and animal groups should check-in between 9:30-9:45 A.M. If you plan to participate in the parade the check-in table will be set up on the Thomas J. Rusk (TJR) school parking lot at the corner of Arnold Street and N. Fredonia Street.

Following the parade, the Nacogdoches Sheriff’s Office will provide a luncheon for our veterans and their guests starting at 11:00 am. The luncheon will be held at First Methodist Church located at 201 E. Hospital Street in downtown Nacogdoches. The church is located near the Hotel Fredonia. Immediately after the parade, the sheriff’s office will distribute patches to participating scout and youth groups in front of TJR before joining our veterans at the Church, where they shall receive their patches. 

Anyone wanting to participate in the parade is encouraged to email cbennett@nac-sheriff.com or contact the Sheriff Office at 936-560-7794. 

We would also like to thank First Methodist Church for allowing us to use their facility. We hope that you can make plans to attend this great event to honor our veterans.

San Augustine Motor Company has been in business for 75 years now. Center Broadcasting Company met with owner Dan Fussell. 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Gunnery Sgt. Ken Ebo, U.S. Marine Corps Jazz Orchestra director and trombonist, will join the Swingin’ Axes jazz band of Stephen F. Austin State University in a performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

The concert will also feature the Swingin’ Aces, directed by Dr. J.D. Salas, professor of tuba and euphonium at SFA.

Much of the concert will feature the trombone players from the Swingin’ Axes, directed by Dr. Deb Scott, professor of trombone in the SFA School of Music, as well as some of Ebo’s compositions for jazz band. Among them is “Trombonius Rex,” a fast bebop style tune that will feature Ebo, the entire Axes trombone section and Scott. The Axes will also perform Ebo’s “Sunset Parade,” composed in the Count Basie ballad style, and “Basie Training,” a spoof on basic training, also written in the Count Basie swing style of jazz.

A versatile musician, Ebo will sing one of Natalie Cole’s most famous jazz standards, “Almost Like Being in Love,” with arrangement by Bill Holman.

The Axes will feature its lead saxophone player, graduate music student Felipe Hernandez, and senior music student and trumpet player Isaac Martinez on a Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer song, “Skylark.”

Ebo is the former head of the Instrumental Division at the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach where he also served as trombone faculty and jazz improvisation instructor. He is currently serving as the music placement director for the Marine Music Program in the Southwestern United States. An active clinician, educator and performer, Ebo holds degrees from Indiana University and the University of South Carolina. He has played with numerous artists in both military and civilian settings including Natalie Cole, Frank Sinatra Jr., Johnny Mathis, Jon Faddis, Michael Mossman and Tim Akers & the Smoking Section.

Ebo is a recipient of the Musician of the Year Award for the U.S. Marine Corps and has performed nationwide as the musical director and lead trombonist for the Marine Corps Jazz Orchestra. His compositions and arrangements have been featured as part of USMC national recruiting efforts and have been performed by numerous ensembles. He is the author of “Common Sense for Comeback Chops,” published by Mountain Peak Music.

Ebo also directs his own jazz orchestra in a series of benefit concerts for Toys for Tots in Baltimore, M.D., now in its 17th season, including eight years of annual concerts also held in Virginia Beach. Ebo resides in Fort Worth with his wife, also a professional musician, and their two children, who collectively sing and play trumpet, harp, piano, ukulele, drums and other instruments.

The Swingin’ Aces will perform “Skyliner” by Charlie Barnett; “Midnight Voyage” by Joey Calderazzo and arranged by Alan Baylock; and “My Romance” by Richard Rodgers featuring Mike McGowan, SFA adjunct professor of music theory.

Concert tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

Cutline: Gunnery Sgt. Ken Ebo, U.S. Marine Corps trombonist, will perform with SFA’s Swingin‘ Axes at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, in Cole Concert Hall on the university campus.

The Center ISD College and Career Fair will take place on November 12, 2019, at Center High School. For more information call 936-598-1512.

Sealed bids will be taken on the Old Shelby General Hospital property. 

Shelby County is taking sealed bids on the complete property of approximately 6.73 acres and on part of the property of 3.75 acres. 

A bid packet will be available at the County Judge’s office.

The sealed bids will need to be turned in on or before December 3, 2019, at the County Judge’s office. 

LUFKIN – Work is scheduled to begin Nov. 11 at the SH 103 East Bridge over Lake Sam Rayburn to repair erosion at abutments caused by flooding earlier this year.

Stateline Construction, LLC, Quitman TX, will serve as contractor for the $2.1 million project that will include bridge maintenance and erosion repairs at the impacted bridge abutments in Angelina and Nacogdoches counties.

As this work begins, motorists are urged to be cautious in the area of the bridge, stay alert for and obey all traffic control that will be in place and expect delays and possible lane closures as work progresses. Reduce speed and stay alert for workers and moving equipment through the project area.

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

Victor Torres remains in the Nacogdoches County Jail after being arraigned by a magistrate yesterday afternoon 11-4-19 for the charge of Murder. Torres bond was set at one million dollars. NCSO investigators obtained four more warrants on Torres yesterday afternoon and he was served with the warrants at the Nacogdoches County Jail. 

In addition to the 1st-degree Murder charge, Torres has also been charged with four counts of Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon a 2nd-degree felony. He will be arraigned later today on the new charges filed against him.

 
NCSO and the Texas Rangers continue the investigation on the shooting that occurred Sunday morning at a residence in Sandyland Circle. The suspect approached five men that were building a horse barn at a private residence in Sandyland Circle. Without cause or justification, the suspect opened fire with his semi-automatic rifle.  Jose Rojo-Velasco 34 years of age was shot twice at the scene and was pronounced deceased.  Four other men were able to escape, but only after three of them were also shot by the suspect. One of the victims still remains at a local hospital in stable condition.

 
Victor Torres was arrested shortly after the shooting after a Deputy with NCSO found the suspect at a residence just a short distance away from where the shooting occurred. Investigators would later execute a search warrant on the property and residence where the suspect was found. The search of the property has led law enforcement to several key pieces of evidence.  
Sheriff Jason Bridges stated that the suspect used a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle during the shooting spree and was dressed in all camouflage with a mask on. Before the attack, the suspect pulled his mask down for a moment before he opened fire.  The suspect shot at least 6 times at the victims before fleeing the area on foot. After the attack the suspect was later seen by a witness running near a wooded area toward the rear portion of where the suspect lived, still dressed in camouflage.

  
At the time of Victor Torres arrest, he had changed clothes and abandoned his weapon and camouflage clothing in an attempt to conceal himself. A .22 caliber weapon was found on the property hidden in some bushes along with a black bag that contained other evidence. 
Victor Torres has given a full confession to investigators that he is the person responsible for the shootings. Torres perceives that he has had an ongoing issue with one of the victims that were working at the residence. Torres went to the property to confront the man and to end the perceived threat.  

At this time, investigators have not found any substantial evidence of any previous issues relating to the victims and the suspect. It is possible that Torres mistakenly identified the men on what he had previously perceived as an issue between the two parties. 
 

On November 2, 2019, at 7:29 p.m., Center Police Corporal S. Thornburgh and Reserve Officer K Sage were dispatched to an Auto-Pedestrian Incident in front of Napa in the 800 block of Hurst Street. Officers arrived at the scene and discovered through investigation that a Gray Ford pickup, Northbound (which was still at the scene) had struck a pedestrian who was attempting to cross Hurst St.  The pedestrian was identified as Tamoya Gentry DOB 6-4-1985.

EMS arrived on the scene and found no signs of life. Justice of the Peace Marla Denby was called to the scene, where Gentry was pronounced deceased. Community Funeral Home arrived on the scene and transported Gentry.

This case is presently under investigation.

A candlelight vigil will be held on Tuesday, November 5 at 6 p.m. on the square in Timpson for Tamoya Gentry. Gentry's services are being handled by the Community Funeral Home of Center.

A candlelight vigil will be held on Tuesday, November 5 at 6 p.m. on the square in Timpson for Tamoya Gentry the woman who was struck by a vehicle in Center and passed away this past Saturday, November 2, 2019, in Center, Texas.

Any student in grades 9-12 wishing to take Panola classes in the Spring of 2020 will need to sign up in the office before the end of this week (11/08).  If you have questions, please contact the high school counselor. 

TYLER — The Panola College Fillies and the Tyler Junior College Apaches have gotten quite familiar with each other lately, playing three times in the last 11 days.

Each team took a hard-fought 3-2 win on their home court, setting up the rubber-match Sunday.

However, there was a little more significance to this match.

It was for a bid to the NJCAA National Tournament.

The Fillies took the first set 25-20, only to see the Apaches bounce back to tie it with a 25-22 win. Panola took another 25-20 win in the third, then battled the home team point-for-point down the stretch for a 29-27 win and their fourth trip to the national tournament.

This will be the fourth time the Fillies have qualified for the national tournament, which is in Hutchinson, Kansas, Nov. 21-23.

Top-ranked Navarro College won the Region XIV Tournament on Saturday night, but the Fillies (29-7) got the other bid allotted to the conference.

The 18th-ranked Fillies were the third seed and beat Blinn College to open the tournament, then lost to TJC, 3-2. They beat Laredo 3-1 on Saturday, then beat Lee College 3-0 on Sunday to get its second shot at TJC.

"God is so good," said coach Nicole Thorn, who previously coached PC when it made its first trip to the national tournament in 2009. "We won this because we believed in us when no one else did. We knew we'd be here and win it and that's all that matters.

"This region is tough and every game is a battle and every game's a fight. It says a lot about the determination of our kids for them to win this."

The other two appearances at the national tournament were in 2016 and 2017.

Panola Watchman- J. Scott Russell

Stats from all five games combined listed below.

Mikayla Ware: 93 kills, 7 blocks, 2 aces, 10 assists, 94 digs 

Hannah Floyd: 2 aces, 4 assists, 95 digs

Erin Perez: 5 aces, 5 assists, 69 digs

Carol Melo: 6 kills, 3 digs

Riley Seegers: 8 kills, 9 blocks, 4 aces

Nina Hauff: 47 digs

Mylena Testoni: 50 kills, 5 blocks, 10 digs

McKenzie Dimery: 3 aces, 9 digs

Maria Idjilov: 17 kills, 7 blocks, 6 aces, 217 assists, 36 digs

Ashton Brown: 19 kills, 20 blocks

April Brown: 13 kills, 2 blocks

Nyah Walker: 60 kills, 15 blocks

Maria Idjilov received Setter of Year from Region XIV. Mikayla Ware received First Team All-Conference, Maria Idjilov received Second Team All-Conference & Hannah Floyd, Nyah Walker, and Mylena Testoni received Honorable Mention. 

The NJCAA National Tournament will take place in Hutchinson, Kansas on November 21-23. GO FILLIES!

A homicide investigation has led to the arrest of a 19-year-old Nacogdoches man. Yesterday afternoon November 3rd, 2019, the Nacogdoches County Combined dispatch received a 911 call of several men being shot at by the suspect around 9:00 a.m. Deputies arrived on the scene and a suspect was quickly identified. 

During the investigation, probable cause led to the arrest of Victor Alexander Torres who was transported to the Nacogdoches County Jail and booked in for the offense of Murder a 1st-degree felony. 

The shooting occurred at a private residence in Sandyland Circle near Cr. 823 in Nacogdoches County. Five men were working at a residence assisting the homeowner with building a barn. The suspect entered the property and approached the men. The suspect then started shooting at them with a rifle. 

Four of the men were shot by the suspect and one person was able to escape the shooting without being injured. One victim that has been identified as Jose Rojo-Velasco 34 years of age was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the peace Precinct 2 Judge Tigner- Thompson. An autopsy has been ordered that will be conducted today in Tyler, Texas. 
The three other victims were transported to local hospitals in Nacogdoches County for gunshot wounds. Two of the victims have been released from the hospital, and one victim still remains in ICU. 

This investigation is ongoing and more details will be released at a later time. More charges are expected to be filed in this case. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers are conducting the investigation. 

The Nacogdoches Sheriff’s Office, Nacogdoches Police Department and the Texas Highway Patrol all responded to the shooting. The Nacogdoches County Combined Swat Team was also dispatched to the call. Due to the quick response of area law enforcement, the location was quickly lockdown by law enforcement preventing any further potential threats by the suspect. 
 

According to the Community Funeral Home of Center Tamoya Gentry was the female pedestrian that was struck and killed by an automobile on Saturday evening November 2nd, 2019 in Center, Texas while walking across the road near Walmart. Her services are pending at this time at the Community Funeral Home of Center. Her body has currently been sent for an autopsy, after which funeral services will be planned. More to follow if released by law enforcement or the Community Funeral Home.

Nacogdoches Police are currently investigating a major auto accident involving approximately six vehicles and an oversized 18 wheeler on South Street.
At approximately 2:48 pm Friday afternoon, the Nacogdoches 911 Communications Center began receiving numerous calls regarding the multi vehicle major accident. Officers arrived to find all of southbound and partial northbound traffic blocked due to the accident. Officers learned that a northbound vehicle driving erratically had caused two accidents outside the city limits, continued northbound into the city making contact with several more vehicles and an oversized 18 wheeler, then caused other vehicles to crash into one another. 
Currently NPD officers are still trying to identify all parties involved and in what order the events unfolded. There are no known serious or life threatening injuries at this time, although several persons were transported to hospitals for treatment. 
In addition to Nacogdoches Patrol, Traffic and Detective Divisions, Nacogdoches Fire, EMS, Sheriff’s Department, Texas Highway Patrol and Texas Department of Transportation responded and assisted. Southbound traffic on NW and SW Stallings was diverted for approximately one hour to State Highway 7 while South Street was closed for the investigation. 
Currently all roads are reopened. 

 

On Saturday, November 9, Mansfield State Historic Site will examine the fate of soldiers who returned home after the Civil War, in particular, those of the Red River Campaign, and what their lives were like after the war ended. What happened to them? How did they transition into their new lives? We will look at those who returned home to settle as well as those who sought to make a new life for themselves in the vastness of the American West.  The presentation will take place in the museum theater at 2:00 PM.

Mansfield State Historic Site is located on LA Highway 175, three miles south of the town of Mansfield, Louisiana.  Admission is $4 per person ages 4-61; seniors 62 and over and children 3 and under are admitted free.  For more information call 318.872.1474 locally or 888.677.6267 toll free.

ALERT: Crash reported on US 59 South near SL 224 in Nacogdoches. Southbound traffic should prepare for delays or choose alternate routes until this scene clears. Reduce speed the area as emergency crews respond to clear the scene.

The Jury that was summoned for Monday, November 4, 2019, for the 123rd Judicial District Court, Honorable LeAnn K. Rafferty, presiding, has been canceled.

All cases scheduled have been resolved or passed.

Anyone receiving a jury summons for this day is released until they receive a future summons.

Proposition Number 1
(HJR 72)

HJR 72 proposes a constitutional amendment permitting an elected municipal judge to serve as a municipal judge in more than one municipality at the same time. Unlike an appointed municipal judge, an elected municipal judge may not concurrently hold another municipal judge office. This amendment would allow an elected municipal judge to serve as a municipal judge in more than one municipality at the same time, in the same manner as appointed municipal judges. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment permitting a person to hold more than one office as a municipal judge at the same time.”

Proposition Number 2
(SJR 79)

SJR 79 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the Texas Water Development Board to issue additional general obligation bonds, in an amount that does not exceed $200 million, for the economically distressed areas program. These bonds can only be used to provide financing for the development of water supply and sewer service projects in those economically distressed areas as defined by law. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $200 million to provide financial assistance for the development of certain projects in economically distressed areas.”

Proposition Number 3
(HJR 34)

HJR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to temporarily exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of certain property located in an area covered by a disaster declaration of the governor. The proposed amendment would allow the legislature to prescribe the method of determining the amount of the tax exemption and the duration of the exemption and also would allow the legislature to create any additional eligibility requirements for the tax exemption. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of certain property damaged by a disaster.”

Proposition Number 4
(HJR 38)

HJR 38 proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting the state from imposing or collecting an individual income tax, including an individual’s share of partnership and unincorporated association income. There is no current constitutional bar on imposing or collecting an individual income tax. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual income tax, including a tax on an individual’s share of partnership and unincorporated association income.”

Proposition Number 5
(SJR 24)

SJR 24 proposes a constitutional amendment that would automatically appropriate the net revenue received from the portion of the state’s tax revenue received on sales of sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The legislature would maintain the authority to determine the specific uses of the funds and their the allocation between TPWD and THC. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment dedicating the revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes that are imposed on sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission to protect Texas’ natural areas, water quality, and history by acquiring, managing, and improving state and local parks and historic sites while not increasing the rate of the state sales and use taxes.”

Proposition Number 6
(HJR 12)

HJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the maximum bond amount for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) from $3 billion to $6 billion to be issued by the Texas Public Finance Authority. CPRIT was created in 2007 to promote and fund cancer research in Texas. CPRIT uses bond proceeds to award grants for cancer research and prevention. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase by $3 billion the maximum bond amount authorized for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.”

Proposition Number 7
(HJR 151)

HJR 151 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing increased distributions from $300 million per year to $600 million per year to the available school fund and also allowing the State Board of Education, the General Land Office, and other entities that manage revenue from land or other properties held in the permanent school fund to distribute certain revenue to the available school fund. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment allowing increased distributions to the available school fund.”

Proposition Number 8
(HJR 4)

HJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment creating the flood infrastructure fund as a special fund in the state treasury, using money appropriated from the economic stabilization fund. The flood infrastructure fund would provide additional resources to implement plans to mitigate flood damage. The proposed amendment would authorize the Texas Water Development Board to use money in the flood infrastructure fund for drainage, flood mitigation, or flood control projects. The proposed amendment also would authorize the creation of separate accounts in the flood infrastructure fund as necessary to administer the fund or authorized projects. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the flood infrastructure fund to assist in the financing of drainage, flood mitigation, and flood control projects.”

Proposition Number 9
(HJR 95)

HJR 95 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to create a property tax exemption for precious metal held in a precious metal depository located in this state. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation precious metal held in a precious metal depository located in this state.”

Proposition Number 10
(SJR 32)

SJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to allow a state agency or political subdivision to transfer a law enforcement animal to the animal’s handler or another qualified caretaker in certain circumstances. Currently, the Texas Constitution prevents the transfer of certain public property, such as law enforcement animals, to a private person or organization at no cost. This amendment authorizes the legislature to allow the transfer of a law enforcement animal to the animal’s handler or another qualified caretaker at no cost, upon the animal’s retirement or at another time if the transfer is determined to be in the animal’s best interest. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment to allow the transfer of a law enforcement animal to a qualified caretaker in certain circumstances.”

Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 3rd, 2019, for us here in Texas, so be sure to set your clock back an hour before going to bed on Saturday, November 3rd, 2019. 

More on Daylight saving time: Source Wikipedia

Daylight saving time (DST), also daylight savings time or daylight time (United States) and summertime (United Kingdom, European Union, and others), is the practice of advancing clocks during summer months so that evening daylight lasts longer while sacrificing normal sunrise times. Typically, regions that use daylight saving time adjust clocks forward one hour close to the start of spring and adjust them backward in the autumn. In effect, DST causes a lost hour of sleep in the spring and an extra hour of sleep in the autumn.

Congratulations to the Center Tennis team on winning 3rd in the state of Texas. The Final score: Fredericksburg 10, Center 4. The team concludes the season 3rd in-state, go riders!

The tennis team poses with their 3rd place trophy. Photo: Alison Scull

From left to right: Coach Leon Dykes, Superintendent James Hockenberry, Coach Beth Nichols; Photo: Alison Scull

But wait, there's more! 

Stay tuned for updates regarding Jesus Gonzalez and Jacob Garcia as they travel next weekend for the state cross country race. 

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 6nd day of November, 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.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

3. An executive session will be held for the purpose of consulting with the law of Flowers and Davis. This closed session is authorized by the Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.071

4. Reopen public meeting.

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

6. Historical Commission to give an update on Grant. 

7. Recognize the FY2019 ending cash balance for each road and bridge precinct.

8. Adjust the FY2020 Budgeted Fund Carryover for each road and bridge precinct.

9. Adjust the FY2020 Expense Budget Line Item for each road and bridge precinct.

10. Discuss and possibly accept Justice of the Peace Margie Anderson’s resignation effective Jan 1, 2020.

11.    Adjourn.