Shelby County Outreach Ministries has a new leader, as San Augustine native Sherry Harding began her duties yesterday as the organizations executive director.

Ms. Harding is an ordained non-denominational minister and comes to Shelby County Outreach Ministries after spending 23-years with the San Augustine ISD, serving most recently as administrative secretary.

She said she’s very excited and humbled for the opportunity, and is blessed to be able to continue her ministry full-time with such a wonderful Christian-based organization.

Ms. Harding also has a jail ministry in San Augustine County.

She’s a 1987 graduate of San Augustine High School, and attends Patroon Baptist Church. Ms. Harding and her husband Jeffrey, have four children and one grandchild.

She assumes leadership of Shelby County Outreach Ministries’ programs, including the nutrition sites in Shelby and San Augustine Counties, Meals on Wheels, Helping Hands Ministries, Unique Boutique and a food pantry.

The Shelby County Outreach Ministries has been searching for a full-time executive director since the death of Pam White on April 29. 

Panola County officials are saying a logging accident has apparently taken the life of a Marion County man.

Authorities say 50-year old Jessie Wayne Gray appeared to have died from head injuries when a tree fell on him as he worked near County Road 151 in the Clayton Community Wednesday morning.

Co-workers became concerned when they hadn’t seen Gray or heard his chainsaw for about 10 minutes, that’s when they started looking for him and made the discovery.

Gray worked for String Fellow Logging out of Jefferson.

An autopsy was ordered by Panola County Justice of the Peace David Gray.

Traffic on U.S. Hwy. 96 south at Loop 500 in Center was slowed Wednesday morning when an 18-wheeler had its load of oilfield equipment shift, breaking the holding chains, overturning the rig.

Center PD says the rig was driven by a Louisiana man, identified as 44-year old Donald Marler.

The report says Marler was driving northbound on Hwy. 96 , when he attempted to make a right turn onto Loop 500 east, when the incident occurred.

Marler was not cited, and no injuries were reported.

Eastbound traffic on Loop 500 was stopped as the tractor and trailer, along with the equipment was cleared.

TxDOT crews have been working this week on the Hwy. 96 bypass, or Hurst Street in Center cutting out bad spots on the shoulders and patching.

Supervisors say the work will continue at least through next week.

Workers will be closing lanes and are urging motorist to slow down and drive with caution in work areas and beware of crews.

Remember, fines double if you’re caught speeding in those road-work areas where employees are working.

The sign-up deadline for a place on the ballot in the Nov. 4 city and school board election is just over two weeks away. Holding elections this fall will be the cities of Center and San Augustine, as well as school board elections in the Center, Excelsior and San Augustine ISDs. Prospective candidates have until the close of business, Monday, Aug. 18 to return the proper paperwork to either their respective city halls or school administration offices. Nov. 4 is also General Election day, and to help cut-down on election costs, city's and school's had the option to adopt the day to hold their elections.

In the City of Center, there are four council positions up for re-election in November, they include: at-large spots held by Leigh Porterfield and Jim Forbes; Dist. 2 Jerry Lathan and Dist. 4 Charles Rushing.

The City of San Augustine is electing a mayor and all five council seats, including spots held by Mayor Leroy Hughes, and council members, Joe VerHalen, Mike Malone, Claudia Caberalis, Velencia Price, and Pam Teel.

Center school trustees positions up for election are those of: Dr. Dixon Golden, Ortega Cartwright, Jim Sawyer, and Deborah Chadwick.

Excelsior ISD board members having their positions expire are: Bennie Russell, L.D. Eddins, Bo Barbe and James Miles.

While San Augustine ISD Trustees with expiring terms are: Orvin Garrett, Ryan Garcia, Edwin Henly and Charles Donald Boyett.

Some important dates to remember for the Nov. 4 election. The first day to apply for ballot by mail is Sept. 5; the last day to register to vote in the election is Oct. 6; and Early Voting will take place Oct. 20 thru Oct. 31.

The questions of whether miracles are real—and happening today—will be explored at Lifetree Café at 6 p.m. tonight. The program, titled “Miracles or Mere Coincidences? Does Everything Happen for a Reason?” will be featured at this one-hour free event. Lifetree Café is located at The Little Fox Marketplace, 101 Shelbyville Street in Center, across the corner from the Rio Theatre. Questions about Lifetree may be directed to Rick Lindsey at 936-332-8312.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 22-year old Amanda Kay Haney of Timpson. Service will be at 10 a.m. this morning at Taylor Funeral Home with burial at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Shelby County.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 62-year old Juanita Grace of Shelbyville. Service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Todd Springs Baptist Church in Shelbyville, with interment at McWilliams Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 60-year old Lenard Ray Moore, Sr. of San Augustine. He passed away last Friday at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at Garner & Son Chapel. Service will be at 12 noon Saturday at Mt. Horeb Bapist Church with interment at Haley-Bush Cemetery.

Garner & Son Mortuary announces service for 63-year old Mrs. Eddie Lee Wilson Whitfield of San Augustine. She passed away last Friday at Hospice in the Pines Inpatient Unit in Lufkin. Visitation will be Friday from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Garner & Son Chapel. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at China Chapel Baptist Church, with interment at Redland Cemetery.

High school football players across the state of Texas will take to the practice field Monday when workouts begin for the upcoming season. Players will have intra-squad scrimmages and scrimmages with opposing teams between then and the start of the regular season on Aug. 29. The first day of full pads is Aug. 8. Here's a rundown of local teams and their first practice starts on Monday. Center will meet at 9 a.m., with practice from 5 to 8:45 p.m.; Shelbyville will get started at 9:30 a.m.; Joaquin is set to go at 7:30 a.m.; Timpson at 7 a.m.; Tenaha at 8 a.m. and San Augustine will meet at 3:30 p.m., and plan to hit the field around 5 p.m. Monday. You can find season schedules for all area teams on the Center Broadcasting website, cbc-radio.com. Look under the "sports" tab, along with our broadcast schedules.

The Shelby County Youth Football League will meet at 6 p.m., tomorrow evening, Friday at Center's Pizzeria. A representative from each town will need to be in attendance.

Arrest Report

7/30/14-7/31/14

Shelby County:

Jason Darrett, 30, Timpson, Capias Profine Warrant, Original Charge: Theft by Check

Michael Johnson, 30, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance & Possession of Marijuana

San Augustine County:

Malissia Stanton, 22, Louisiana, Assault-Family Violence, Sexual Assault of a Child and Burglary of a Habitation

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

The Texas Department of Public Safety is saying the marijuana discovery in Polk County last weekend contained about 100,000 plants worth an estimated $175 million.

The fields were found by a deer hunter near Goodrich, and were part of a sophisticated growing operation that used water from a nearby creek to hydrate the marijuana.

DPS says the discovery nearly equaled all such outdoor seizures for all of 2013 in Texas.

A campground was also found on the isolated site.

Authorities say one man found in the woods was been arrested, and more are being sought.

Arrest Report

7/29/14-7/30/14

Shelby County:

Lloyd Charles Rudy, 53, Vidor, Public Intoxication

San Augustine County:

Clinton D. Mosley, 32, San Augustine, Public Intoxication & Obstructing Highway

Otis Cotton, 45, San Augustine, Assault

Rochelle Polk, 29, San Augustine, Disorderly Conduct & Criminal Trespass

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

Nacogdoches County residents, especially landowners, turned out in large numbers last night to give input and voice concerns to the Texas Department of Transportation about the future Interstate 69 expansion project.

One of two proposed options for expansion of U.S. Hwy. 59 was explained by TxDOT officials. That would be expanding 59 to four lanes with no frontage roads in a new location starting near Woodland Hills Drive, south of Nacogdoches, passing east of the airport and connecting back to the existing 59 lanes at U.S. 259.

The other option was to upgrade 59 where it is from Nacogdoches to U.S. 59 by widening to four lanes with frontage roads.

Last year 70 percent of the public supported expanding the current 59 lanes.

Large maps were on display at the Nacogdoches Civic Center giving landowners an idea how their property may be impacted.

TxDOT says at the present, there’s nothing definitely happening with the 69 project, since there’s no funding to go forward with the projects, and there’s no time frame known.

To bring you up-to-date on a story we had last week, Sabine County Commissioners continue to look for solutions to road issues after some $2.6 million in Hurricane Ike 2.2 federal disaster relief funding was spent on a paving project that has displeased residents.

Sabine County Commissioners met with the grant writers, engineer, and contractor and material supplier at a special meeting last week with ongoing finger pointing the center of discussion.

County officials are blaming the oil/sand material, while the outside parties are saying it was an application issue by the county.

Basically, it's being reported no answers came from the two-hour meeting.

The group did agree to do a test area with the material and have a lab test run on it.

Sabine County Commissioners will meet again Aug. 11.

The fourth annual Center Volunteer Fire Dept. BINGO fundraiser will be held Saturday night at the Windham Civic Center. Games kick-off at 6 p.m. with cash prizes for winners in every BINGO game, with raffles and a variety of other door prizes throughout the evening, and there's no admission charge. Center Volunteer Fire Chief Rodney Mathews.

Mathews said BINGO cards are $1 each, and you can play as many per game as you want. There will be cash prizes of $25 each game, with two "black-out" games during the evening for $500 and the final game, $1,000.

Mathews notes funds raised from the BINGO games go to buy equipment such as bunker gear and items needed for the fire trucks. He also said chances continue to be sold for three guns that will be given away Saturday night with all funds going to fellow fireman Kevin O'Connor and his wife Saundra to help with medical and every-day living expenses as he recoups in Houston following a double-lung transplant. Ticket for the guns are available from any fireman, the fire station, or here at the radio station, for $5 each or 5 for $20.

BINGO with the Center Volunteer Fire Department Saturday night at 6 p.m. at the Windham Civic Center.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 22-year old Amanda Kay Haney of Timpson. She passed away Sunday as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She worked as a nurse aide at Pine Grove Nursing Home in Center. Service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Taylor Funeral Home with burial at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Shelby County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Taylor Funeral Home. Among Amanda Kay Haney's survivors are, her father, Stanley Haney of Timpson; mother, Lisa Watson Green of Tenaha; step-father, Robert Green of Tenaha; brother, Bobby Bray of Tenaha; sister, Michelle Haney of Tenaha; step brother, Jeremy Green of Tenaha; and step sisters, Tiffany Green and Cassi Green, all of Tenaha.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 62-year old Juanita Grace of Shelbyville. She passed away last Saturday morning at her residence. Service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Todd Springs Baptist Church in Shelbyville, with interment at McWilliams Cemetery in Shelbyville. Among Juanita Grace’s survivors are, husband, Alton Grace of Shelbyville; sister, Lamerle Yarbrough of Timpson; brother, Bluford Tailfire of Shelbyville; and sister-in-law, Terry Johnson of Houston.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is averaging $3.36 a gallon, that's down four cents in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.31, down a nickel in the past week. Nationally, the average is $3.50, which is 12 cents less from the same time a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $3.33 at Wal-Mart, down six cents in the past week. Brookshire Brothers and the Valero on San Augustine Street were $3.34 and EZ Mart on Tenaha Hwy. was $3.35.

Young men who are current and upcoming members of the Center High School Roughrider basketball team just wrapped up play in the Texas Basketball Championships.

Center basketball head coach Hiram Harrison says it's the first year Center has played in the summer league, and unlike AAU ball, the young men play with their own teammates, not from other high schools. He says the Texas Basketball Championships is not connected with the UIL, and competition is broken down into two divisions--big school and small school, or Division II, which is where Center played. 

After participating in two state qualifying tournaments, Center beat Tatum, June 27, to make the championships in Grapevine last weekend.

They took part in pool play last Friday and Saturday, defeating Martins Mill, 58-56, Grady, 54-46, and losing to Brock, 66-53 on Saturday.

On Sunday, they beat Tatum, 56-51, and then won the "red bracket" championship game against Bangs, 52-20.

Coach Harrison said it was great experience for the boys to play together over the summer. 

Members of the Center High School basketball summer league Texas Basketball Championship team. Back row L to R: Trae Polley, Quin Jackson, Traven Bolton, Octavius Evans, CJ Garner, Tyrone Roland, Coach Tracy Bolton. Front row L to R: Coach Michael Cloudy, Kyle Parks, Jaterious Evans, Dacorey McGee, Deione Thedford, Lamarcus Goodwin, Austin Craig, Coach Penni Farrell. (Photo courtesy of Retena Harrison)

At the SFA Board of Regents meeting yesterday, SFA’s president Dr. Baker Pattillo announced that former SFA athletic director Steve McCarty has been named Athletic Director Emeritus. It’s the first time the university has honored a former athletic director. McCarty retired from SFA in 2005 after 21 years serving the university, the last 15 as AD. McCarty’s also a former board chairman at SFA.

The Center Dixie Boys' 14U state baseball champions will enter Dixie League World Series in Bossier City at 7 p.m. Saturday night when they open up against Bossier City at Tinsley Park. The double-elimination tournament will feature 12 teams from across the South. You can find the double-elimination tournament bracket on our website, just go over the cbc-radio.com, and you’ll see the link of the front page.

The start of high school football practice is just a few days away, and the Center Roughrider Athletic Department is issuing equipment thru Thursday. The first day of practice for all high schools across Texas is Monday, Aug. 4. Center will start at 9 a.m.

The Shelby County Youth Football League will meet at 6 p.m., Friday, Aug. 1 at Center's Pizzeria. A representative from each town will need to be in attendance.

Until further notice, the City of Huxley has issued a boil water notice for Oakdale, Possum Trot, New Harmony, English Bay, Ragtown, Brinson, Shelby Beach, Paul's Store and Rolling Hill's Communities.

To ensure destruction of harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption, the water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from another suitable source.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption.

If you have questions regarding this matter, contact City Hall at (936) 368-2266.

Arrest Report

7/28/14-7/29/14

Shelby County: No Arrest Reported

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The City of Center Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 12 noon Wednesday, and among the agenda items will be approving the Fiscal Year 2015 Proposed Budget; a recommendation of Enterprise Zone Application for Tyson Foods and discussion of development of job training/workforce development assistance program.

Then at 5 p.m. Wednesday, the Hotel/Motel Tax Advisory Committee meets at city hall, and among their agenda items will be to consider request from the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce for 2014 Grill Fest Sponsorship and 2013 Operational Reimbursement request, in addition to recommending the Fiscal Year 2015 Proposed Budget for city council approval.

I want to clarify some information presented last week during this newscast on the Joaquin ISD Tax Ratification Election to be held Sept. 13.

According to Joaquin ISD Superintendent Phil Worsham, the election is required since the Joaquin ISD is increasing the Maintenance & Operations tax.

He says the school district's total tax rate decreases 2.05 cents with passage. He said the district is required to hold an election if the Maintenance and Operation (M&O) tax rate goes above $1.04. Worsham said the Joaquin ISD is asking for $1.17 for M&O which is a 13 cent increase that generates some $400,000 in state and local funds.

He added this will maximize Joaquin ISD's funding from the state. The Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate funds the bond payments. He said they'll use reserves to offset the decrease in I&S, thus receiving all they can for the Joaquin ISD tax payers from state funding while keeping the tax rate as low as possible.

He went on to say Joaquin ISD is decreasing the I&S tax rate by 15.05 cents, which will give the district a M&O plus I&S tax rate of $1.5855 per $100 property valuation. This together gives you the total tax rate that is 2.05 cents less than last year's total tax rate.

Worsham says if any tax payer in the Joaquin ISD has any question, to please call the administration office at 269-3128.

Early voting for the Tax Ratification Election is Aug. 27 thru Sept. 9.

Polk County authorities continue to investigate the discovery of a sophisticated marijuana growing system along the Trinity River that was stumbled upon by a deer hunter maintaining a lease last Saturday.

The operation was found between Shepherd and Livingston. Yesterday, law enforcement and inmates from as far away as Harris County teamed up to uproot over 44,000 plants.

As the fields were being harvested, 17 additional fields were found. Investigators are looking for fingerprints and other forensic evidence at a working camp to find the parties responsible.

Operations like this one are said to be a problem throughout East Texas.

The marijuana growing fields had been cut out in the woods and were being irrigated.

Authorities say whoever was overseeing the fields appeared to have left quickly, with the only means of getting to and from the location was by boat.

The fields are reported to be so isolated that helicopters are being used to fly the harvest out.

Around 1 p.m. Monday, several suspects were spotted north of Goodrich on foot, with a Hispanic male taken into custody along U.S.Hwy. 59.

In all, the count could easily go over 100,000 marijuana plants, with no dollar amount assessed.

Shelby County Commissioner Pct. 4 Bradley Allen has assisted the City of Tenaha with the placement of dumpsters for the discarding of items not typically thrown away with usual garbage collection. The dumpsters will be in front of the Tenaha Municipal Building at 238 N. George Bowers Drive on Friday & Saturday, Aug. 22 & 23. The city is asking that items such as tires, paint, batteries or any Freon items, as well as house hold garbage NOT be placed in the dumpsters. For information on the placement of house hold trash, contact Doyce Bailey at Tenaha City Hall.

The Center Dixie Boys 14U state baseball champions are ready to make the drive to Bossier City later this week as they prepare for the World Series. Opening ceremonies will be at 7 p.m. Friday night at Century Link Center, with Center’s opening game at 7 p.m. Saturday night against host Bossier City at Tinsley Park. Head Coach Jason Mitchell says the community has shown a lot of support and it’s very much appreciated. He noted the boys will be attending the Lions Club and Rotary Club meetings this week to talk baseball.

Mitchell says the team is required to stay in Bossier City during the tournament, so that’s an expense, coupled with the purchase of new uniforms the costs can add up. He said the support shown last Friday was great. The team will be back on the streets today for a road block from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., in addition to set up at Wal-Mart at 2 p.m. Mitchell adds whether it’s this team, another or any group trying to raise funds, Center has always stepped up to the plate.

This makes the third World Series this group of players has played in. They’ve gone undefeated in state tournament action each year.

You can find the double-elimination World Series tournament bracket on our website, just go over the cbc-radio.com, and you’ll see the link of the front page. Mitchell extends an invitation for you to come out to the games and cheer on the Center Dixie Boys state champs.

The annual Center Volunteer Fire Dept. BINGO fundraiser will be held this Saturday, Aug. 2 at the Windham Civic Center. Games kick-off at 6 p.m. with raffles throughout the evening with a variety of prizes. The last game winner will win $1,000 cash. Free popcorn for all, and drinks for $1. Also, Center Volunteer Fireman are selling chances on three guns to be given away with all proceeds going to the Kevin O’Connor family,  to help with expenses from O'Connor's recent double-lung transplant in Houston. You can contact any Center Fireman to purchase tickets or give donations. The tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Tickets are being sold now through this Saturday, Aug. 2. Tickets are also available at the Center Broadcasting Company studios and at the Center Fire Department. You can also call Volunteer Fire Chief Rodney Mathews at 591-4941.

The questions of whether miracles are real—and happening today—will be explored at Lifetree Café at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 31.

The program, titled “Miracles or Mere Coincidences? Does Everything Happen for a Reason?” will be featured at this one-hour free event.

Lifetree Café is located at The Little Fox Marketplace, 101 Shelbyville Street in Center, across the corner from the Rio Theatre.

Questions about Lifetree may be directed to Rick Lindsey at 936-332-8312.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 79-year old Anita Worsham of Joaquin. She passed away Sunday at her residence. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin. Among Anita Worsham’s survivors are, sons, W. Dale Worsham of Houston, David L. Worsham of LaGrange and Richard L. Worsham of Nederland; and sister, Carolyn Maxwell of Shreveport.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 70-year old Bobbie Jean Foster of Timpson. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, with interment in the Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Taylor Funeral Home announces pending service for 22-year old Amanda Kay Haney.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home announces service for 99-year old Mrs. Orena Wells, a longtime resident of Broaddus. Service will be at 10 a.m. this morning at First Baptist Church in Broaddus, with interment at the Broaddus Cemetery.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 62-year old Juanita Grace of Shelbyville. She passed away Monday at her home.

Arrest Report

7/25/14-7/28/14

Shelby County:

Jahammad Ratcliff, 31, Center, Criminal Mischief

Mark Allen Estes, 39, Center, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana and Driving While License Invalid

Mark Gossiott, 35, Center, Nacogdoches County Warrant-Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle

Jeffrey Haley, 32, Center, Possession of Substance

Jody Haley, 21, Center, Possession of Substance

Anthony Clinton Flournoy, 55, Center, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Michael Shane Holly, 21, Carthage, Failure to Stop and Render Aid

Savannah Sowell, 31, Bronson, Theft

San Augustine County:

Jerry Wall, 29, San Augustine, Theft & Burglary of a Habitation

Jeremy Burcham, 32, San Augustine, Retaliation

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

A single vehicle accident last night near Timpson has taken the life of a Tenaha woman.

DPS communications in Lufkin says that 22-year old Amanda Kay Haney was the lone occupant of a 2004 Mazada traveling on FM 2667 (the Lake Timpson Road) around 11:20 p.m., when she left the roadway for unknown reason and struck a tree.

DPS Trooper Jordan Eastridge was the investigating officer and reports Ms. Haney was not wearing a seat belt.

Shelby County Justice of the Peace Pct. 5 Jim Powers pronounced Amanda Kay Haney deceased at the scene.

The accident continues under investigation.

Two Joaquin men escaped with their lives Saturday morning in Joaquin when the vehicle they were traveling in went off the roadway, struck two culverts and rolled several times, ejecting the driver and passenger.

According to a report on Shelby County Today.com, 23-year old Jacob McFadden, the driver of the Chevrolet Avalanche, and 23-year old Cody McFadden, were both life-flighted from the scene.

The article says Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Daniel Dellenger reports the vehicle was westbound on U.S. Hwy. 84 East of Joaquin just before 7 a.m., when it passed Coulter Street, left the roadway to the left, struck three mailboxes, continued traveling and struck two culverts before rolling and ejecting both men.

The report says Jacob McFadden was taken by Life Air Rescue to University Health in Shreveport, while a PHI helicopter transported Cody McFadden to Nacogdoches Memorial.

Center Broadcasting was told Sunday evening the McFaddens are cousins, and that Jacob McFadden remains in ICU, and Cody McFadden was to have possibly been released yesterday.

The accident continues under investigation.

When the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court meets at 9:30 this morning, they’ll formally accept the bid on the old Parker Brother’s Motor Company building in downtown Center.

County Judge Rick Campbell told me Friday the commissioners’ court accepted the bid of $25,000 back in November from Tony and Traci Willoughby, this will finalize the process.

He said the county had ownership of the building for several years, with plans to possibly make it a county office building, which never materialized due to funding for renovation.

Judge Campbell added he was glad to see the Willoughby’s take ownership of the building, and was ready to see it brought back to use.

Ms. Willoughby advised she has plans to move her retail clothing store, The Balcony to the building, and rent out the remainder.

Commissioners will also accept or reject bids on a 2000 720 road grader for Pct. 2.

At their meeting last week, the Deep East Texas Council of Governments Board approved seven grants worth over $130,000 for recycling and hazardous household waste collection.

Among the recipients is the City of Timpson, which will receive $22,210 for collection carts.

It was also recommended by the DETCOG Board that the City of Center receive $20,000 for a vehicle for its recycling program.

Funding for those grants is now dependent on their review and final approval by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

In other business, DETCOG Executive Director, Walter Diggles, announced the agency’s Hurricane Ike Recovery Program had been approved by the Texas General Land Office to construct twenty seven homes.  The initial batch of homes is scattered through nine of DETCOG’s twelve counties.

The next DETCOG board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, in Trinity County.

Congratulation to the Shelbyville Dragon High School band for being named the runner-up in the Texas Bandmaster’s Association Class A Honor Band competition held over the weekend in San Antonio.

The Dragon band was one of 10 bands chosen from across the state to compete for the coveted title.

The Dragon band is directed by Shaka Hawkins.

The Timpson Bear Band was also competing for honor band designation.

The Honey Grove High School Band captured the 2014 Class A Honor Band title. 

If you had been called for jury duty today, Monday, July 28, for the 123rd District Court with honorable Judge Charles "Brick" Dickerson presiding, that jury summons has been cancelled due to the scheduled cases being resolved with plea agreements.

Anyone receiving a summons for today, in the 123^rd District Court in Shelby County, you have been released from jury service until you receive a future summons.

The downtown courthouse square in San Augustine is seeing a cosmetic change thanks to the Main Street distinction.

Building store fronts are being reverted back to original design and the landscape is following suit. The latest effort was the placement of six all-steel benches donated by the Main Street committee recently.

Board members Marshall McMillan and Betty Olgesbee requested permission from the San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court to put the benches at the courthouse. They said the gift was approved by the Texas Historical Commission. Cost of the six benches is $1,200 each.

On the arrest report Friday we mentioned that a Shelbyville man was booked into the Shelby County Jail for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, we want to bring you some more information on that incident.

It’s reported 64-year old Donald Jordan was the driver of a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run on FM 2694 Thursday night near Huxley Bay Marina around 8:30 p.m.

Jordan reportedly struck 57-year old Travis Fincher and fled the scene.

Fincher was flown by Life-Air Rescue to University Health Hospital in Shreveport, while a search discovered Jordan in the R.V. Park at Huxley Bay Marina.

Fincher’s condition is not known.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 79-year old Anita Worsham of Joaquin. Service is pending at Watson & Sons for Anita Worsham of Joaquin.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 76-year old Dolores Evelyn Russell of Center. She passed away Friday at her residence. Service will be at 10 a.m. this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at White Rock Cemetery, Center. Among Dolores Evelyn Russell’s survivors are, children, Terry Windham, Evelyn Eddins and Doyle Gerald Russell, Jr., all of Center; brother, Harvey Hargraves; sister, Judy Davis; and sister-in-law, Betty Russell.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 70-year old Bobbie Jean Foster of Timpson. She passed away Sunday at her residence in the Tennessee Community. Service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, with interment in the Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5 to 8 p.m. this evening at Taylor Funeral Home. She retired after 33 years as a dietician with the Timpson ISD. Among Bobbie Jean Foster’s survivors are, her husband, Guy Foster of Timpson; daughter, Connie Richard of Joaquin; sons, Kevin Foster of Tenaha, and Rodney Foster of Timpson; brother, David Bussey of Center; sisters-in-law, Jimmie Bowlin of Carthage, Anita Singleton of Conroe and Eva Joy Meaux of Carthage; brother-in-law, William Ray Foster of Tenaha.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine was in charge of service Sunday for 60-year old Mrs. Wilma Faye Mitchell Allen of San Augustine. She passed away Friday in Lufkin, after an extended illness. She was employed as Dietary Supervisor for the San Augustine ISD. Service was held at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with interment at Liberty Hill Cemetery in San Augustine County. Among Wilma Faye Mitchell Allen’s survivors are her husband, Claborne Allen of San Augustine; sons, Chad Allen of Martinsville and Ray Allen of Humble; and brothers, Rickey Mitchell, Mickey Mitchell, and Roger Mitchell, all of Hemphill, and Timothy Mitchell of Milam.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home announces service for 99-year old Mrs. Orena Wells, a longtime resident of Broaddus. She passes away Saturday at her home in Broaddus. Service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Broaddus, with interment at the Broaddus Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in Broaddus, where she will continue to lie-in-state until her funeral.

Arrest Report

7/24/14-7/25/14

Shelby County:

Cynthia Diane Jordan, 40, Carthage, Theft

Jonathan Blake Lout, 34, Center, Warrant-Theft and Warrant-Criminal Trespass

Sheldon Starling, 36, Mt. Enterprise, Bench Warrant, Original Charge: Burglary of a Habitation

Dustin Estes, 27, Tenaha, Two Warrants-Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility, Three Warrants-Driving While License Invalid and No Registration

Isidro Castillo, 44, Garrison, No Drivers License

Roger Wilburn, 46, Joaquin, Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction; and Warrants-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Speeding; Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility; No Drivers License and Speeding

Donald Jordan, 64, Shelbyville, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Serious injuries were avoided Thursday afternoon when a train struck a car at a railroad crossing in Center.

exas Department of Public Safety Trooper Jade LaVergne reports the incident took place around 3 p.m. on County Road 2050, between Loop 500 and Hwy. 87 south.

The driver of a 2014 Dodge Dart, 22-year old Omattie Swindle of Shelbyville was ticketed for failing to stop at a marked railroad crossing. Trooper LaVergne says there were two other passengers in the vehicle, 41-year old Angela Booth and a three-year old female.

The train reportedly struck the driver's rear side of the car. All occupants were transported to a Nacogdoches hospital by ACE EMS with undisclosed injuries.

The locomotive is reported to be owned by Timber Rock Railroad. The conductor and engineer say they had used the horn in approaching the crossing.

The crossing does not contain a signal gate, but was clearly marked. 

A federal jury has found the former owner of Shelby Regional Medical Center guilty on 15 counts of healthcare fraud violations.

U.S. Attorney John M. Bales says 63-year old Tariq Mahmood of Cedar Hill, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and seven counts of health care fraud following a four day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael Schneider in Tyler.

Court records say Mahmood and other carried out a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid through the submission of false and fraudulent claims for over a million dollars.

Mahmood was a general practitioner, owned and operated several hospitals in the state, including Shelby Regional Medical Center until it closed last year.

A sentencing date has not been set, but Mahmood faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the conspiracy conviction and two years for each aggravated identity theft conviction. 

Tariq Mahmood. U.S. Marshal's Photo

At Tuesday’s meeting San Augustine County Commissioners viewed plans for a firewall to be constructed at the San Augustine County Law Enforcement Center, as presented by Curtis Architecture.

It’s reported the firewall is needed in the storage area between the business section and detention and correctional area of the building.

Curtis Architecture advises the wall would put the facility in occupancy compliance with the state. However, before action is taken on the firewall, the court asked the architect to submit the proposal to the State Fire Marshal and to the State Jail Commission for approval.

Commissioners are also seeking some clarification on whether County Road 4715 is a public or private road. The question surfaced with Sam Colotta came before the court to voice road concerns. He noted Commissioner Rodney Ainsworth referred to the road as being private, although being maintained by the county in the past. Judge Johnson said the county attorney would need to make a ruling before any action is taken.

Also, San Augustine City Manager Bruce Milstead advised the city-owned recycle trailer will be placed on the west side of the courthouse once a week. There are also plans to place the trailer in Broaddus once a week.

We want to remind San Augustine County residents they can register via the county’s website to receive notification in the event of emergency and other pertinent information through the Nixel Program.

County Judge Sammy Johnson says they are signing up residents to be alerted of important information by phone call, text or email. However, she says if you don’t have either, you can use the buddy system with a neighbor.

When you go to the county’s website, scroll down and find the emergency management under county links, click, and you’ll find the Nixel login. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll be signed up to receive notifications pertaining to emergencies, boil water notices, road closure or other pertinent information.

The rainy weather we’ve had over the past couple of months has no doubt made the grass grow faster and thicker. That and just plain not doing upkeep on your property has the Town of Logansport leaders attempting to get the attention of property owners.

Mayor Katherine Freeman tells us she’s having the town’s police department issue citations if citizens don’t heed the warning. On the town’s website, the Town Ordinance reads, “The maintenance of grass, weeds or noxious growth within the Town of Logansport at a height in excess of 17 inches above the ground is declared a menace to the Town and is prohibited.”

Mayor Freeman says the issue has gotten “horrible”, and something had to be done.

She noted fines will be issued within two weeks of the notice to those that choose not to obey the ordinance. The mayor said fines are $50.

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will observe the 61^st Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice tomorrow morning at the post home, 617 Highway 96 North in Center.

There will be a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. followed by a Flag Retirement program with local scouts. The new flag burning facility, built by Boy Scout Nathan Hairgrove, will be used for the first time.

The public, and especially Korean War Veterans, are cordially invited. 

If you have a flag that is no longer serviceable and you would like to include it in the ceremony, you’re asked to bring it with you

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 68-year old Willie Earl Tarver of Tenaha. Service will be at 1 p.m. this afternoon at St. John Baptist Church in Tenaha, with interment at St. John Cemetery.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 60-year old Mr. Lonnie Lane of San Augustine and Lufkin. He passed away Wednesday night at Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin.

The Center Dixie Boys 14U undefeated state champs are headed to the World Series on Aug. 2 in Bossier City. Members and their families are taking donations towards travel expenses for the tournament. If you're interested in making a donation, make checks payable to Center Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 991, Center. Corporate sponsors will receive banner recognition with their names on the League Banner. After a rain-out last Friday, the boys will be out around the Center Square accepting donations today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A Dallas County, Texas, physician has been convicted on 15 counts of health care fraud violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Tariq Mahmood, 63, of Cedar Hill, Texas, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and seven counts of health care fraud following a four day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael Schneider.

 According to information presented in court, Mahmood, a general practitioner, owned and operated several hospitals in the state of Texas, including Cozby Germany Hospital in Grand Saline, Renaissance Terrell Hospital in Terrell, Central Texas Hospital in Cameron, Community General Hospital in Dilley, and Lake Whitney Medical Center in Whitney.  From January 2010 to April 2013, Mahmood and others carried out a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid through the submission of false and fraudulent claims.  Mahmood and others added, changed, deleted, and incorrectly sequenced diagnostic codes in a way that did not reflect the actual diagnoses and conditions of the patients.  They submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid based on the added, changed, deleted, and incorrectly sequenced diagnostic codes.  Mahmood and others also unlawfully used Medicare beneficiaries' names and Medicare numbers in order to commit health care fraud.  Mahmood was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 11, 2013.

Mahmood faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the conspiracy conviction and two years for each aggravated identity theft conviction.  A sentencing date has not been set.

 The case was investigated by the Texas Office of the Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (OAG-MFCU), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld and Frank Coan and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alma Hernandez and Ken McGurk.

Any individuals with knowledge of these or other health care fraud violations are encouraged to contact the Department of Health and Human Services' fraud hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (447-8477)

Currently DETEC is reporting less than 150 members remaining without service.  The majority of these outages are within Nacogdoches and Shelby Counties.  Crews continue to work to have all powered restored as quickly and as safely as possible.   

Should you still be experiencing an outage, please report the outage to DETEC at 1-800-392-5986.

It appears things are getting back to normal this morning after last night’s storm activity. Wind was the major issue, as numerous trees were reported blown down along with limbs littering yards and roadways, along with a large number of power outages.

The National Weather Service is saying we experienced what is called a Derecho, which is a line of intense, widespread and fast-moving windstorms and sometimes thunderstorms that moves across a great distance and is characterized by damaging winds. The National Weather Service did issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning around 7:20 last night, which expired by 8:30. Winds were gusting to 40+ mph, with some 60 mph gust part of the Derecho or squall line of thunderstorms.

There are no impassable roadways being reported this morning. However, power companies are saying there are still some areas with outages.

Brittney Johnson of Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative reported before midnight that had several thousand members out, with the vast majority of the damage and outages in Shelby, Nacogdoches and Panola Counties. As always, crews are working to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible.

Just before 7, Ms. Johnson says that outage number is down to 300, as crews continue to work.

AEP Swepco is saying they have no current outages in Shelby County, but are reporting around 1,300 customers out in DeSoto Parish, and just over 200 in Sabine Parish.

Our forecast today calls for a 20 percent chance of possible showers and thunderstorms this afternoon as it heats up.

Arrest Report

7/23/14-7/24/14

Shelby County:

Johnny Barrett, 43, Huxley Bay Marina, Possession of a Dangerous Drug

San Augustine County:

Jerry Wall, 29, San Augustine, Attempted Theft & Two charges of Criminal Trespass

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

A Shelby County man turned himself in to authorities Monday after a warrant was issued for his arrest for felony theft of livestock.

The suspect, 53-year old Hollis Neel Farris of Center, a rancher and poultry producer, was accused of taking his neighbor’s stray bull to an east Texas sales barn, pocketing the funds and denying to the victim ever seeing the bull after selling it. He was released on a $4,000 bond.

exas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger, Larry Hand assisted Shelby County Sheriff’s Department investigator Kevin Windham, DJ Dickerson and Pct. 5 Constable Stanley Burgay in the investigation.

A TSCRA market inspector was able to locate sales records implicating Farris, who cooperated with investigators when confronted.

Ranger Hand was able to track the bull through four counties to a feeder cattle operation and made a positive ID based on distinct earmarks and sales records.

Ranger Hand advises ranchers to brand their livestock so they can be more easily tracked and identified if stolen. He also warns ranchers and the public that all stray cattle in Texas must be reported to their local sheriff’s department. 
Hollis Neel Farris

A San Augustine woman serving a 30-year prison sentence for kidnapping had her petition for review rejected by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals this week.

It’s reported, 53-year old Gloria Walker argued in her handwritten petition she should have been tried separately from her daughter, 29-year old Krystle Tanner.

Walker was sentenced in February 2013 after being found guilty by a San Augustine County jury. She and Tanner were arrested in April 2012 after being on the run for eight years after kidnapping Miguel Morin while babysitting him overnight.

Court documents say Tanner hid Miguel in homes all over Central and East Texas, allowing him to believe he was younger than he actually was.

The court rejected the appeal, saying it exceeds the proper length. Walker is allowed to re-draw the petition within 30 days.

Tanner, was sentenced to eight years for kidnapping and reckless injury to a child.

Gloria Walker (Photo courtesy of San Augustine County Sheriff's Office)

Nacogdoches will be one step closer to having a water park next year, as the city council is expected to make a contribution to help finalize funding efforts.

The Daily Sentinel reports the city of Nacogdoches will be giving Johnny Blevins of Splash Kingdom $180,000 in public money when it meets Aug. 5.

A five-year project will be closer to a reality for Blevins who owns Splash Kingdom parks in Canton and Shreveport.

The Nacogdoches water park will cost around $6 million to build, and is proposed on a seven-acre site on North University Drive, owned by the city. It's expected to feature all the typical water park attractions, including slides and a lazy river, and would be open from May to September.

An economic impact report says the park is expected to draw 40,000 people annually from outside Nacogdoches.

The city has been without a city-owned water feature since 2010, when Maroney Pool was demolished and filled in after city council members decided to stop funding the aging facility. 

Tenaha High School incoming freshman Jaden Washington was recently crowned Miss Texas Junior Teen during competition in Dallas.

Jaden competed against 159 other girls for the title. She will now travel to California in November and represent Texas for the national title. She was also awarded a cash prize, tickets to Disneyland and a guided tour through the fame streets of Hollywood.

Jaden is the 14-year old daughter of Angel and Frank Washington. In preparation for nationals, anyone that would like to sponsor Jaden is asked to contact her mom at mommytojaden5@yahoo.com. 

Miss Texas Junior Teen, Jaden Washington (Courtesy Photo)

The San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce is approaching a busy time of year, with several events planned.

According to Chamber Executive Director Tasha Byrd, a ribbon cutting will be held at 4 p.m. this afternoon for “Gotcha Covered”, a boutique owned by Lorei Choate that’s located at Mary Kay’s Country Diner on Hwy. 96 north.

Ms. Byrd tells us the annual Civic Auction is set for Sept. 13 at the Expo Center. The event is the chamber’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and includes dinner, an auction, games, raffles and door prizes. Ticket prices are $25 each, with corporate sponsored tables available.

Also, the 24^th annual Sassafras Festival is coming up in San Augustine on Oct. 25, and Ms. Byrd says applications for vendor booth spaces are being taken. She says those interested can stop by the log cabin, call or email for one.

By the way, the next San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting is at noon, Tuesday, Aug. 19.

The annual Garrison Homecoming will be held Labor Day weekend, Saturday, Aug. 30.

This year’s event is presented by the Garrison Lions Club & Garrison Special Projects committee.

Events include a parade, domino and washer tournament, entertainment, a coloring contest, and games for the kids, plus gift and food vendor booths. In addition, there’s the FFA BBQ sale, the announcement of Citizen of the Year and the Lions Club Cake Auction.

For vendor booth information, call 936-347-2693.

The Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center's annual Backpack Drive continues through Aug. 8 for kids in Shelby and San Augustine County. According to the advocacy center's Denise Merriman, your generous support allows them to provide children that have been victims of abuse with the essential school supplies. She says it just one less thing the victim and their family have to be concerned with.

She says this marks the second year for the backpack drive, and the advocacy center is accepting either supplies, monetary or gift cards for kids from kindergarten through teen years.

Ms. Merriman says you can drop donations by The Children's Advocacy Center at 220 Field Street in Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday thru Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday. Also, in San Augustine at Shelby Savings Bank during regular business hours. She adds they've already exceeded last year's collection, and are excited to assist more children with your help. For any questions, call 936-590-9864.

Garrison Funeral Home announces graveside service for 76-year old Ralph A. Garrett of Nacogdoches. He passed away last Sunday in Nacogdoches. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. this morning at Bethel Cemetery, Appleby.

Ralph A. Garrett

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 68-year old Willie Earl Tarver of Tenaha. He passed away last Friday in San Augustine. Service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at St. John Baptist Church in Tenaha, with interment at St. John Cemetery. Among Willie Earl Tarver’s survivors are, wife, Johnnie Tarver of Tenaha; daughters, Mita Thompson of Tenaha and Doyle Joe Tarver of Center; and sister, Lou Willie Cooks of Tenaha.

The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks are picked to finish in the middle of the pack in the Southland Conference in two preseason media polls that were released Tuesday at the league’s media football kickoff meetings in Lake Charles. SFA placed in a tie for sixth in a poll of league coaches and sixth in another poll of the conference’s sports information directors. SFA went 3-9 last season, and added new head coach Clint Conque during the off-season. Defending league champion Southeastern Louisiana was predicted to place first and Mc-Neese State was picked second in each poll. They were followed by Sam Houston in each poll.

The Texas State 4H shooting sports games were held in San Antonio July 14-19th. Shelby County 4H Shooters had ten participants in the games; Jaxon Brittain, Lance Holloway, Seth Shamblin, Corey Denney, Logan Holloway, Nic Lambert, Wade Baty, Konner Windham, Jacob Locke and Jared Richards. These shooters represented Shelby County very well on the biggest stage of the year. There were over one thousand shooters from across the state participating.

Jr. Division- Archery
Jaxon Brittain 4th place Field and 4th place 3D

Jr. Division Shotgun
Modified Trap- Seth Shamblin 6th place

International Skeet- Seth Shamblin 4th place International HOA- Seth Shamblin 3rd American Skeet- Seth Shamblin 3rd Junior Whizbang- Seth Shamblin 6th Jr. Sporting Clays- Lance Holloway 3rd, Seth Shamblin 5th

Jr. American Trap team (Seth Shamblin/Lance Holloway) 3rd

Intermediates
Modified Trap- Logan Holloway 1st
American Trap- Logan Holloway 2nd

2 man team skeet- Logan Holloway/Nic Lambert 3rd place

2 man team trap- Logan Holloway/Nic Lambert 3rd place

Senior 1
Sporting Clays- Konner Windham 2nd place American Skeet- Wade Baty 1st place "C" Class

Senior 2
Whizbang- Jacob Locke 3rd place "D" class

The Shelby County Youth Football League will not meet tonight as scheduled. The meeting has been rescheduled for 6 p.m., Friday, Aug. 1 at The Pizzeria in Center. A representative from each team is asked to be present.

The Center Dixie Boys 14U undefeated state champs are headed to the World Series on Aug. 2 in Bossier City. Members and their families are taking donations towards travel expenses for the tournament. If you're interested in making a donation, make checks payable to Center Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 991, Center. Corporate sponsors will receive banner recognition with their names on the League Banner. After a rain-out last Friday, the boys will be out around the Center Square accepting donations tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

It appears things are getting back to normal this morning after last night’s storm activity. Wind was the major issue, as numerous trees were reported blown down along with limbs littering yards and roadways, along with a large number of power outages.

The National Weather Service is saying we experienced what is called a Derecho, which is a line of intense, widespread and fast-moving windstorms and sometimes thunderstorms that moves across a great distance and is characterized by damaging winds.

The National Service did issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning around 7:20 last night, which expired by 8:30. Winds were gusting to 40+ mph, with some 60 mph gust part of the Derecho or squall line of thunderstorms.

There are no impassable roadways being reported this morning. However, power companies are saying there are still some areas with outages.

Brittney Johnson of Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative reported before midnight that had several thousand members out, with the vast majority of the damage and outages in Shelby, Nacogdoches and Panola Counties. As always, crews are working to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. Above all, DETEC encourages everyone to keep safety a priority. Should you encounter a downed line, consider it live and dangerous. Please report all downed lines and outages to DETEC.

AEP Swepco is saying they have no current outages in Shelby County, but are reporting around 1,700 customers out in DeSoto Parish, and 209 in Sabine Parish.

Our forecast today calls for a 30 percent chance of possible showers and thunderstorms this afternoon as it heats up. The head index this afternoon is expected to be around 104 degrees.

Arrest Report

7/22/14-7/23/14

Shelby County:

Gregory Dean Craig, 19, Joaquin, Warrant-Indecency with a Child

Roy Curtis Jacobs, Jr., 59, Center, Warrant-Indecency with a Child

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The Shelby County Sheriff's Department is warning residents of a possible Scam that's made its way into the county.

According to sheriff's department investigator DJ Dickerson, unknown suspect(s) are contacting individuals using other people's phone numbers attempting to sell things.

Dickerson said most of the reports his department has received is in regards to the suspect making offers of lowering their interest rates in an attempt to get their personal identifying information as well as credit card information.

Dickerson warns residents to NOT give out any personal ID and/or credit/debit card information to anyone that sounds suspicious.

If you believe you're the subject of a scam, call the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 936-598-5600.

At their meeting Monday night, the Tenaha City Council voted to name the new city park in honor of a long-time civic and business family.

The McNeill Family Park will be located downtown, on the vacant lot next to the former city hall building on Center Street.

According to City Secretary Doyce Bailey, a portion of the property to be used was donated to the city by the Dave McNeill family. McNeill was a business owner in Tenaha, running McNeill Drug Store, and served on the city council from 1914 to 1926, and was Mayor from 1926 to 1945. Plans are to put a fence around the property, and add some other features.

Mayor Orinthia Johnson advised the council decided at the meeting after discussion with the city's utility consultant Stacy Cranford, to place city employee Wes Wheeler on 6-months probation, change his job title to waste water operator and make him an hourly employee.

Tenaha City Council also decided to place an ad for a deputy city marshal position. Marshal Jimmy Wagstaff has been the lone peace officer for the city since taking over the position last year.

The Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees Monday night set the 2014 tax rate, and agreed on calling for a Tax Ratification Election on Saturday, Sept. 13, asking voters to authorize the new tax rate.

According to information on the district's website, the total tax rate for 2014 is $1.5855, less than the 2013 rate. The new tax rate will bring in more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year's.

The tax rate will effectively be raised by 12.88 percent, and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $84.50.

Information from the Texas Association of School Boards says a Tax Ratification Election is required by law since the board is proposing to raise the M&O portion of the total tax rate. The action is being taken to maximize its revenues from the state under the Texas school finance system.

Also, at the meeting Joaquin ISD Trustees also accepted letters of resignation from Ashley Dean and Leisa Chadwick, and approved hiring of Ashley Kostra, Jennifer Sipes, Kathy Brittain, Kaprice Hill, Sharron Shanz, Angela Gillis and Paula Pliler on one year probationary contracts.

There's a new way for the community to share information and conversation on today's news topics and items of interest that's gotten started in Center. Lifetree Cafe is meeting Thursday evenings at the Little Fox Marketplace on the square, across from the Rio Theatre. Rick Lindsey heads up the hour-long forums where you have the opportunity to weigh-in with your opinion, and hear those of your neighbor in a Christian atmosphere.

Lindsey says there's no admission, with snacks and beverages available.

Tomorrow night's program is fracking in the oil and gas industry, as the pros and cons will be presented in a video, and of course a time for local input.

Lindsey says Lifetree Cafe provides a coffeeshop setting where you can meet old friends and make new ones.

Future weekly Lifetree programs include: "Miracles or Mere Coincidences?" (Does everything happen for a reason); "Overcoming Childhood Pain"; and "Understanding radical Islam".

That's at 6 p.m. Thursday night at Little Fox Marketplace on the downtown Center Square. For more information, contact Rick Lindsey at 936-332-8312.

Tri-County has partnered with The East Texas Food Bank to hold a produce drop each 4th Wednesday of the month beginning this morning @ 9:30 a.m. The drop will take place at the “OLD” CVS building parking lot and will be on a 1st come, 1st serve basis. Each person will be given one number per household; however, after all numbers have been called, anyone can return to the line and receive more produce. You will need to bring your own containers for items to be put in. 

Planning is underway for the 38th East Texas Poultry Festival, which will take place October 2-4 on the historic downtown Center square, with Co-chairmen Jim Sawyer and Hollie Adams leading the steering committee. According to Polly McKissick, Arts and Crafts Committee Chair, vendor applications are being accepted at the Shelby County Chamber office until Friday, August 8.  To receive an application and a copy of the guidelines call the Chamber office or go online at www.shelbycountychamber.com. The fee for the rental of a 10' x 10' booth is $125.  Each booth includes a canopy and an electrical outlet.  Booths must be manned continuously during the hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. all three days of the festival.  First time exhibitors are asked to send three color photographs showing merchandise that will be in the booth.  The Arts & Crafts committee will select the vendors based on the type and quality of merchandise and notify them of their selection. For an application to be received by mail or electronically or questions, call Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 936-598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is averaging $3.40 a gallon, that's down four cents in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.36, down three cents in the past week. Nationally, the average is $3.55, which is 12 cents from the same time a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $3.39 at Wal-Mart, down a nickel in the past week.

The Center Dixie Boys 14U undefeated state champs are headed to the World Series on Aug. 2 in Bossier City. Members and their families are taking donations towards travel expenses for the tournament. If you're interested in making a donation, make checks payable to Center Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 991, Center. Corporate sponsors will receive banner recognition with their names on the League Banner. After a rain-out last Friday, the boys will be out around the Center Square accepting donations this Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

There will be a meeting of the Shelby County Youth Football League at 6 p.m., tomorrow night, Thursday, at Center's Pizzeria. A representative from each town will need to be in attendance.

Piney Woods Outreach Center will be hosting a back-to-school/youth basketball skills camp on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camp is open to children between 8-15 years. In addition to the basketball camp, there will be a school supply drive benefit that will help collect and donate school supplies to needy families in the area. Contact Marquita Garrett at 936-591-0848 or Keith Suell at 214-290-6268. If you’re interested in making a school supply donation or monetary contribution to that purchase, contact Piney Woods Outreach Center at 936-591-0308.

Arrest Report

7/21/14-7/22/14

Shelby County:

Hollis Neal Farris, 53, Center, Warrant-Theft

Erick Sanchez, 38, Center, Assault-Family Violence-impeding breathing

LaKendra Barnes, 25, Center, Driving While License Invalid with Prior Conviction & Failure to ID

San Augustine County:

Norris Guy, 54, San Augustine, Burglary of a Habitation & Burglary of a Building

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

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Shelby County employees don’t bring home that much “bacon” at the end of the week.

A study reveals the average weekly wage in Shelby County is over $300 less than the national average. Data from 2013 has Shelby County’s wage at $631, while the national average is $958 a week. If it makes you feel any better, the majority of U.S. counties were below the national average.

Elsewhere in our region, San Augustine County’s average weekly wage is $610, Sabine County’s is $637, while Nacogdoches County is $646, Angelina County is slight higher at $723, Panola County’s is one of the highest in this neck of the woods at $865 a week, with Rusk County as $811.

Meanwhile, Jasper County’s is $694, Tyler County $606 and Newton County has the lowest in Deep East Texas at $566 a week.

Up in the Marshall area in Harrison County, the average weekly wage is $965, the only East Texas County above the median.

In neighboring Western Louisiana, DeSoto Parishes’ average weekly wage is $916, and Sabine Parish is $636.

The lowest average weekly wage in the U.S. is in Delta County, in far northeast Texas with $378.

The highest weekly average is in San Mateo, California at $1,983.

The trial for the former owner of Shelby Regional Medical Center began yesterday in Tyler Federal Court. After being indicted in April of 2013 and charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and seven count of healthcare fraud, 61-year old Tariq Mahmood of Cedar Hill, who has denied wrongdoing, could face more than two decades in prison if convicted on all 15 fraud counts.

Mahmood had previously entered a guilty plea, but rescinded his plea on May 12. By using fraudulent billing practices, the defendant and his co-conspirators are alleged to have unlawfully submitted false claims Medicare and Medicaid of more than $1.1 million and obtained more than $375,000.

Taking the stand on the first day were two former employees at another of Mahmood’s facilties, the Renaissance Hospital in Terrell, Norma Longley and Cynthia Kennemer Plumlee.

Ms. Longley testified how she discovered her medical codes for Medicare reimbursements were being altered at another facility, and Ms. Plumlee said she was fired for refusing to allow Mahmood to be “involved” in reviewing the codes, saying it would have been a serious breach of professional ethics.

She said in 28 years, she had never been asked by a hospital owner or executive to be a part of the coding process.

Mahmood’s defense attorneys have filed a motion to have the jury decide a ‘good faith defense,’ and would like the U.S. Attorneys to prove intent to defraud beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sabine County Commissioners have been getting an ear-full from residents concerning $2.6-million in Hurricane Ike 2.2 federal grant money that was apparently all spent on inadequate road material that’s not doing what it’s suppose to be.

It seems the cold mix of oil/sand used does not harden like hot mix, and is primarily used for patchwork.

According to the story on Toledo Chronicle.com, commissioners are pointing fingers at the material supplier, saying it's not doing what it's suppose to be.

Citizen concerns voiced at a meeting last week ranged from vehicles sliding off roads, to emergency vehicles not being able to get to those in need, to not even being able to walk on roads without sinking through the mixture.

Other concerns voiced included what chemicals were being put in Toledo Bend and water supply from the loose oil/sand cold mix.

Sabine County Commissioners were to have met in special session yesterday to address the issues.

The San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court meets at 9 this morning, and among the items for discussion and possible action will be new benches for the courthouse sidewalks and porches as presented by Main Street Director Tracy Cox and City Manager Bruce Milstead will present plans for the City of San Augustine to place the recycle trailer at the courthouse one day a week. He’ll also introduce Pineywoods Sanitation as the city’s new garbage collection company.

In addition, a road issue in Pct. 4 from Concerned Citizen Sam Colotta is expected. The court will consider renewal of medical and dental insurance coverage for county employees; disposition of surplus on Ike 2.2 funds; the imposition of Texas Motor Vehicle Optional Fees for 2015; and Curtis Architecture plans and fire marshal’s requirements for the county jail.

San Augustine Commissioners will also get an update on the NIXEL notification call-out program.

Apparently a man with a concealed gun permit accidentally shot himself last Friday afternoon inside a Carthage convenience store.

The Panola Watchman reports, 37-year old Jason Paul Bryant of Orange entered the Gateway Travel Plaza on Hwy. 59 south just after 4 p.m., pulled his shorts up and accidentally shot himself in the leg.

The report says he walked six feet in the door; something caught the trigger and gun discharged into his left.

It’s reported a woman in the store took a belt and applied a tourniquet to the man’s leg and was applying pressure to the wound.

The paper is saying no charges were filed against Bryant for the negligent discharge.

He was taken to ETMC Carthage for treatment. There was no word on his condition.

Carthage Chief of Police Jim Vanover said the accident could have been prevented if the man had the gun in a holster.

Main Street San Augustine is alive and kicking. Director Tracy Cox says there’s been a lot of community support and excitement about the downtown projects and future plans.

Ms. Cox invites you to play Merchant BINGO now through July 30 for a chance to win door prizes. You can pick up instructions and a Merchant BINGO game sheet at Haley Furniture and Appliance.

She says drawings will take place at 4 p.m., Thursday, July 31 at The Meeting Place at 109 South Harrison. You need not be present to win, and there's no purchase necessary.

She invites you to enjoy the advantages of shopping local and dining in historic, pedestrian friendly San Augustine.

A community forum about the facts and fiction about fracking will be hosted by Lifetree Café at 6 p.m., Thursday July 24 in Center.

The program, title “To Frack or Not to Frack? An informative hour of respectful conversation”, features filmed interviews with both supporters and detractors of fracking. Community members will also have the opportunity to weigh in with their opinions.

Admission to the 60-miniute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available.

Lifetree Café is located at the Little Fox Marketplace on the square, across the corner from the Rio Theatre in Center.

For questions, contact Rick Lindsey, 936-332-8312.

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Fourth Friday Luncheon is from noon to 1 p.m., Friday, July 25 at Quality Inn & Suites, 3400 South St.

Marcela Coe, President/CEO, E.S. Translations Plus, will present "Communicating with the Hispanic Market."

Attendee registration is required by noon, July 23. Call 560-5533, and lunch is $16.  Also, a register and pay securely online option is available at www.nacogdoches.org.

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will observe the 61^st Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice on Saturday, July 26^th at the post home, 617 Highway 96 North in Center. There will be a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. followed by a Flag Retirement program with local scouts. The new flag burning facility, built by Boy Scout Nathan Hairgrove, will be used for the first time. The public, and especially Korean War Veterans, are cordially invited.  If you have a flag that is no longer serviceable and you would like to include it in the ceremony, you’re asked to bring it with you.

Whataburger restaurants throughout East Texas are helping the community blood supply during the month of July. Every volunteer blood donor walks away with a coupon for a free Whataburger sandwich. The Timpson Whataburger will host a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m., this afternoon.

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 92-year old Alfred L. Hudgins of Longview. Service will be at 1 p.m. this afternoon at Cold Spring Baptist Church in Garrison, with military honors graveside at Cole Springs Cemetery under the direction of VFW Post 8904.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces a graveside service for 50-year old Ms. Melba Lynn McElroy of Austin. She passed away last Thursday in Austin. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. this morning at Shiloh Cemetery in San Augustine County. Among Melba Lynn McElroy’s survivors are a daughter, Leah Cheryl Lowman of Pharr; sister, Freddie Sue Lewis of Hemphill; brother, Charles McElroy of Hallsville; and special friend, James Lunsford of Austin.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home announces service for 72-year old Edward "Rae" Estes of San Augustine. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with interment at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden, San Augustine.

We have some World Series champions in Nacogdoches County, as the Nacogdoches U-8 All Stars defeated Tennessee yesterday at the Dixie Youth Baseball World Series in Texarkana, Ark. to take the title. The Nacogdoches all stars went 7-1 at the series.

There will be a meeting of the Shelby County Youth Football League at 6 p.m., this Thursday, July 24 at Center's Pizzeria. A representative from each town will need to be in attendance.

Piney Woods Outreach Center will be hosting a back-to-school/youth basketball skills camp on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camp is open to children between 8-15 years. In addition to the basketball camp, there will be a school supply drive benefit that will help collect and donate school supplies to needy families in the area. Contact Marquita Garrett at 936-591-0848 or Keith Suell at 214-290-6268. If you’re interested in making a school supply donation or monetary contribution to that purchase, contact Piney Woods Outreach Center at 936-591-0308.

Today: A 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. East wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of evening showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.

Friday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

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

Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

The Texas Workforce Commission released the June unemployment numbers and local counties have seen little change in the past month.

In Shelby County, unemployment is at 5.7 percent, up slightly from 5.3 in May. However, that beats the 7.1 percent from this time a year ago. The state-wide rate for June is 5.1 percent, compared to 6.1 percent nationwide.

San Augustine County’s June unemployment is up to 7.8 percent from 7.6 percent last month. That’s still better than the 10.4 percent in June of last year.

Neighboring county June unemployment saw 11 percent in Sabine County, 5.8 in Nacogdoches County, and 4.2 in Panola County.

The City of San Augustine is facing a possible major water issue if something’s not done soon to replace it’s aging above ground fresh-water storage tank.

City Manager Bruce Milstead tells us the half-million gallon structure is in terrible shape structurally, and the city’s looking at funding options for replacement. He said it would take around a million dollars to replace the 40+ year old tank, plus do needed repairs at the sewage plant. Milstead advised the city council at last week’s meeting of how severe the water storage issue is. A combination of bonds and even a loan are funding options the City of San Augustine is exploring.

In addition, Milstead said the city’s still seeking a $1.4 million grant to assist with extending city water and sewage service south on Hwy. 96 for the Pinto Pony factory project, as well as other current and future businesses along the corridor.

Also, at the meeting, the San Augustine Garden Club was given the green light to proceed with funding to establish a “birding trail” on city property along Ayish Bayou. Milstead said “bird watching” is the fastest growing spectator hobby in the U.S.

Joaquin has joined in with other Shelby County cities and the county to help fund a recycling trailer that will make its way to each entity twice a year.

Mayor Mike Wood says the city will pay a fee of $1,000 over two years for the service.

Also, at last week’s meeting, the Joaquin City Council decided to renew the water contract with Paxton/Jackson water till December, at which time, according to Mayor Wood it would be re-evaluated when the new reverse osmosis plant goes on line.

James McDaniel also addressed the council in regards to drainage problems along streets in predominantly black neighborhoods. Mayor Wood said the council advised McDaniel they will do what they can with limited resources, with no promise.

Councilman Bill Baker was also re-elected to be Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Joaquin.

Mayor Wood added he was thrilled to see the city’s sales tax revenues increase 10 percent in June from the same period a year ago. He said growth among retail business in Haslam is leading the way.

Before the Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees meet tonight, a Public Hearing will be held at 5:30 to discuss the proposed tax rate for 2014. Public participation in the discussion is invited.

On the regular meeting agenda at 6, recognition of service as a board member for Joaquin ISD will be given to John Paul Lawson, Frank Cooper and Jeff Hamilton; a report on STARR and End-of-Course testing will be given by Director of Curriculum Sherry Scruggs; among other reports, including a report on teacher appraisal process, a review of handbooks and the Budget and tax rate meeting calendar.

Among items for consideration and possible action, will be the District Code-of-Conduct for the new school year; a waiver for Teacher Data Portal of Texas Assessment Management System; and a resolution to suspend portions of EIE Local for the 2014-15 school year.

Joaquin ISD Trustees are also expected to adopt an order setting tax rate for 2014, and an order for a Tax Ratification Election for Saturday, Sept. 13.

In executive session, resignations, teacher positions and update on Level III employee complaint may be discussed.

Any action would be taken in open session.

Joaquin Elementary School Principal Sheryl Graves was awarded the Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree at the 86^th annual Texas FFA State Convention held last week in Fort Worth.

The Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree is the highest honorary degree bestowed by the Texas FFA.

Ms. Graves was one of 68 individuals in the state of Texas receiving this esteemed honorary degree.

The award recognizes individuals who have rendered outstanding service to agricultural education and the Texas FFA.

Garrison Funeral Home announces service for 92-year old Alfred L. Hudgins of Longview. He passed away last Thursday in Longivew. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Garrison Funeral Home. Service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Cold Spring Baptist Church in Garrison, with military honors graveside at Cole Springs Cemetery under the direction of VFW Post 8904. Among Alfred L. Hudgins survivors are, daughter, Carolyn Pondant of Marshall; sons, Carl Hudgins of Grandbury, Stephen R. Hudgins of San Antonio, and John D. Hudgins of Longview; brothers, Elmer “Bubba” Hudgins of Botaw, and Frank Hudgins of Palestine; sisters, Clara Mittleman of San Antonio, Louise Hal of San Angelo, Margie Starr of Round Rock and Barbara Coggin of San Antonio.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home announces service for 72-year old Mr. Rae Estes of San Augustine. He passed away Saturday in Lufkin. Rae Estes was a general contractor and worked in various fields such as air condition maintenance and general maintenance and construction. Service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with interment at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden, San Augustine. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Rae Estes’ survivors are, sons, Edward Kaemmerling of Sugarland, Quintin Kaemmerling of Flower Mound, Nicholas Estes of Nacogdoches, and Michael Estes of San Augustine; daughters, Laura Wright of Dallas, and Sandy Hearnsberger of Carthage; brothers, Junior McGown of Bossier City, Archie Day of Round Rock, and Curt Goetz of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 68-year old Mr. Willie Tarver of Tenaha. He passed away last Friday at Memorial Health System of East Texas in San Augustine.

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be conducting a blood drive at the Center Police Department on Shelbyville Street, from 12 noon to 6 p.m., this afternoon. For all who donate, or attempt to donate will receive a Free T-Shirt. Also, you will be entered into a daily drawing for $100 Gas Card. 

A fundraiser will be held at Center Wal-Mart this Friday and Saturday, July 25 & 26 to assist the Texas Bandits 10 and under softball team in their bid for a 2014 World Series title. The team is comprised of 11 East Texas girls, including four from Shelby County that will travel to Branson, Missouri, July 28 through Aug. 3. The young Shelby County ladies playing on the team are Kennedy Stanley, JJ Bass, Olivia Ford and Makaiya Hubbard. If you have a player interested in playing for the Texas Bandits, tryouts will be held Aug. 14. Girls with birth dates from 2002-2005 are eligible. For more information check out the Texas Bandits 10u Softball Team Facebook page, or contact Spencer Hubbard at 936-591-5641.

There will be a meeting of the Shelby County Youth Football League at 6 p.m., this Thursday, July 24 at Center's Pizzeria. A representative from each town will need to be in attendance.

Today: A 20 percent chance of afternoon showers.Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

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

Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

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

Thursday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 95.

Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 87. North wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

The heavier rain has pretty well left the deep east Texas and northwest Louisiana area after the system brought a good rain event overnight.

Reports are the larger amounts of rain and storm activity stayed south of us, as the National Weather Service is saying an estimated four to five inches fell over portions of Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties overnight. The weather service issued a Flash Flood Warning for Angelina, Nacogdoches and San Augustine Counties around 1 this morning, which expired at 3 a.m. Authorities in San Augustine County say County Road 1992, about six miles north northwest of Broaddus was closed just before 3 due to water over the road. There are also reports of high water overnight on Hwy. 69 in Huntington in Angelina County.

Jim Forbes reports 3.88 inches in Center overnight, while James Greer had 3.77 inches north of Center on Hwy. 96.

Our rain chances are still good up until around noon at 80 percent, and 40 percent this evening. Sun is expected to return this weekend and temps go back up, with a slight chance of scattered showers.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department reported earlier a tree was down on Hwy. 7 west near FM 711, and another on FM 1970 south of Timpson. The roadway was blocked while crews removed debris.

Also, an 18-wheeler accident occurred around 10:30 last night on Hwy. 59 south of Tenaha, when it’s reported the truck, carrying pipe, overturned about two miles out, and lost its load in the ditch. The sheriff’s department is reporting the roadway was partially blocked. Both occupants of the tractor trailer were reported to have been transported to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Arrest Report

7/17/14--7/18/14

Shelby County:

Geana Cheshire, 36, Center, Two charges-Possession of a Controlled Substance, a charge for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Rickey Joe Mosely, 53, Bella Vista, Ark., Polk County Warrants-Bail Jumping, Assault-Family Violence and Evading Arrest

Hollis Neal Farris, 53, Center, Capias-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Driving While Intoxicated

San Augustine County:

Shawn A. Steveson, 26, Lufkin, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Possession of Marijuana

Holly L. Hebert, 25, San Augustine, Driving While License Invalid

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

Five defendants arrested last month in a narcotics raid on two East Center residences had their bonds reduced this week by up to 90 percent during a bond reduction hearing in Center.

District Judge Charles “Brick” Dickerson presided over the two-day hearing for five of the individuals arrested on charges of Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone and Abandon/Endangering a Child at the houses on Brooks and Greer Streets during the raids on June 25.

In all, seven individuals were arrested during the PCP bust with their original bonds ranging from $260,000 to $300,000.

The hearing’s five defendants Kennis Henderson, Atoshia Ayers, Tristan Patton, Trenton Patton and Nick Rushing, all made bond Wednesday night following the ruling by Judge Dickerson.

Charges were dismissed against Jamichael Phillips and Darryl Nolan, and Brandon Damarcus Roberts was released on personal recognizance bonds.

The Tenaha City Council will have a regular meeting at 5:15 Monday afternoon, and among their agenda items for discussion and possible consideration will be hiring a deputy for the City Marshal’s Department, in addition to possibly acting on changing utility supervisor Wes Wheeler’s title to waste water operator and changing his pay structure to hourly.

Tenaha Council will also be briefed on the procedure for disposing of seized property/vehicles by Stephen Shires, and discuss the budget and progress for the proposed park on Center Street.

The Tenaha ISD will be one step closer to starting construction on a new baseball complex when trustees meet at 5:30 Monday.

Superintendent Scott Tyner says action will probably be taken on bids submitted for building the site. He said after a couple of years of planning, and having a lot of work done already through volunteer efforts, the school district now has the funds in hand to start the construction process.

Tyner said there’s a master plan to include fields, concession areas, batting cages, and possibly a track in the future. However, the goal right now is to have a baseball field ready for next season. Tenaha had to play all their games away last season.

The baseball project is to be built on a 40-acre tract of property the school district owns just off Hwy. 96 coming into town.

The lead singer for Shelby County based, The Ashton Hill Band, Stephen Stroud will be furthering his musical career when he signs a publishing contract with “Mike and Joe Show Entertainment” at Banita Creek Hall in Nacogdoches Saturday night.

According to a press release on the night spot’s Facebook page, Stroud has been traveling back and forth to Nashville learning the music business and writing songs with a number of veteran writers the past four years.

Stroud says the process has taken a lot of time and hard work to be recognized as a serious song writer, but the effort has paid off and now the real work begins.

The Ashton Hill Band is also to perform at Banita Creek Hall tomorrow night.

Mike and Joe Show Entertainment” was responsible for finding Tracy Byrd among others.

Stroud grew up in Orange County and has been playing and signing in country bands since he was a small child.

When he’s not picking, singing and writing, Stroud is an investigator with the Center Police Department.

Stephen Stroud, lead singer of The Ashton Hill Band will sign a publishing contract Saturday night at Banita Creek Hall in Nacogdoches. (Courtesy Photo)

Saturday's Pam White Memorial Benefit in Center will bring together a gathering of friends and other community residents to not only assist in raising funds to help defray the medical and funeral expenses incurred with her passing, but to help start one of Pam's visions, a soup kitchen in Shelby County. On hand to entertain and serve as the master of ceremonies for the event will be nationally-known comedian Willie P. Richardson, who'll present part of his family friendly stand-up routine at New Life Church in Center.

Richardson is also using the event as his retirement from the road after 20 years. He says he couldn't think of any better way to go out than paying tribute to his friend, Pam whom he said was always thinking of others to help and add to the programs of Shelby County Outreach Ministries.

There’s no admission to Saturday’s fund-raiser. A hot dog/hamburger meal will be served at 4:30 p.m. for $6, followed by a concert at 6 p.m. featuring music from Center contemporary Christian band, Soul Harvest and New Day Spirituals from Jasper, in addition to Brad Maule, aka Dr. Tony Jones from TV’s General Hospital. A love offering will be taken during the evening. 

From left, Willie P. Richardson, Shirlene Jones, Brad Maule and the late Pam White.

There will be a fundraising event for leukemia victim Max Matlock of Marshall, formerly of Joaquin at 11 a.m., tomorrow (Saturday, July 19) at Word of Faith Outreach on Hwy. 84 in Haslam. Max is the 10 year old son of Shane and Katherine Brewton Matlock, and is still fighting a courageous battle against cancer. The meal will consist of a hamburger, chips, drink and dessert for a $6 donation that will go to the Max Matlock Medical Fund. 

The HOPE Project in Tenaha has an on-site mammography coming to Shelby County by appointment ONLY, next Tuesday and Wednesday, July 22-23. You are eligible, if you: Are a female, age 40-64; Uninsured; Do not have any breast symptoms or problems; are not currently pregnant or nursing; have a primary care physician; and have not been diagnosed with breast cancer within the past 2 years. Call the HOPE Project in Tenaha with any questions, 936-248-4673.

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be conducting a blood drive at the Center Police Department on Shelbyville Street, from 12 noon to 6 p.m., Monday afternoon. For all who donate, or attempt to donate will receive a Free T-Shirt. Also, you will be entered into a daily drawing for $100 Gas Card. 

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for Susan JoAnn Sanford of Center. She passed away Wednesday at her home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel, with burial at Borders Cemetery in Center. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Mangum Funeral Home. Among Susan JoAnn Sanford’s survivors are, children, Louis Underbrink, IV, Barrett Underbrink and Wimberly Underbrink, all of Center; sister, Edith LeBlanc of Center; and brother, Brealon Allen “Buddy” Sanford of Center.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces a memorial service for 74-year old Dennis “Leo” Edward Brownlee of Broaddus. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Old Salem Cemetery, Shelby County. The family chose cremation, and visitation will be prior to the graveside service at the cemetery.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home of Nacogdoches announces service for 88-year old Jewel Dean McCoy Lane of San Augustine. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church in San Augustine, with burial at Mosaic Cemetery in San Augustine. There will be two visitations, from 1 to 5 p.m. this afternoon at Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, and 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday before service at the church.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 72-year old Roy Whitaker, Jr. of Mansfield, Louisiana. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at New Eastside Baptist Church in Mansfield. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces a graveside service for 86-year old Mrs. Athalee Youngblood of San Augustine. She passed away Wednesday in San Augustine. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel Hill Cemetery in San Augustine County. Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Athalee Youngblood’s survivors are, son, Burl Wesley Youngblood, Jr. of San Augustine; daughters, Sandee Simmons of Oregon, Shirley Schier of Fulshear, Reva Cook of Phoenix, AZ, Regina Curbow of Garrison and Sonya Youngblood of San Augustine.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 102-year old Herman Garner of San Augustine. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at True Vine Baptist Church with interment at Mosaic Cemetery in San Augustine. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. today at Garner & Son Chapel.

Arrest Report

7/16/14--7/17/14

Shelby County: No Arrest Reported

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Panola County is profiting from Shelby County, as jail inmates are being housed regularly with our neighbors due to overcrowding.

According to Jail Administrator William "B.B." Cox, Shelby County has just run out of room with the number of inmates that have flooded the facility recently, most on drug-related charges.

Cox says officers are doing their job in getting law breakers; it's just a big flood of individuals, and apparently there’s no let up anytime soon. We're just not able to house all the prisoners, therefore the transfer to Panola County.

Cox noted there were 15 male and female prisoners as of Wednesday morning being housed in Panola County at a daily cost of $40, which figures to about the same amount if they could be kept here.

He says the Shelby County Jail has only 66 beds compared to some 200 there. When Center Broadcasting spoke to Cox yesterday, he said he was preparing to send six more to Panola County.

Any medical cost incurred by prisoners taken to Panola County is picked up by Shelby County.

He added right now the 27-year old Shelby County Jail is passing state jail inspection, even with an aging infrastructure, but it's just not big enough.

The Timpson City Council took a step forward at Tuesday night’s meeting to help make the city’s water department more solvent, approving a rate increase to the monthly minimum for residential and commercial customers.

Mayor Debra Smith said the water department had become financially dependant on other city resources, and she felt an increase was needed. She said even with the increase of $5 ($15) more a month for residential and $7.50 ($22.50) for commercial accounts, Timpson’s water rate remains well below that of other comparable Texas cities.

Mayor Smith said she had to cast the tie-breaking vote, as the item passed 3-2, with council members Janelle Baker and George Grace voting against the increase.

As for the city’s 2014-2015 Budget, she said no reduction in workforce is foreseen.

In regards to the federal lawsuit filed by Councilman Grace against the mayor claiming voter discrepancies, she said she had received confirmation by the court her response had been filed.

Mayor Smith said several citizens had signed up to speak at the meeting in regards to the suit, many directing questions to Grace as to why he had filed the suit, which he chose not to answer. Grace is seeking $1,800 from Ms. Smith, which he says is to re-coup campaign expenses in the May election.

Efforts are underway in Shelby County to assist a local veteran and his father who are currently living in almost homeless conditions, get a replacement trailer to call home.

Shelby County Memorial VFW Post 8904 Quartermaster Larry Hume says the men are living in a trailer without windows or heat and says it shouldn’t be inhabited.

Hume said the VFW is asking for help from county businesses and citizens to donate to the goal of $10,000, which would purchase a replacement trailer, clear the current lot and install a new structure.

He adds Shelby County Veterans Service Officer Sherry Riley brought the need to the post’s attention.

Hume said the man served in Iraq and was honorable discharged in 2007 with a disabling (back) injury, which has kept him from steady work.

He noted Ms. Riley’s been working to assist him get more disability funding from the VA.

Hume says donations can be sent to P.O. Box 1024 in Center, or you can call him at 598-2976.

It appears the new middle school science lab at Shelbyville ISD will be ready to use when the new school year begins next month.

Superintendent Dr. Ray West tells us the contractor has assured him he'll sign-off on the project in August.

Dr. West said the science lab and construction of a new gym was part of a $2.7 million construction projected built by funds on hand. He added the gym will likely be ready for use in September.

Dr. West said the new gym will be used primarily by high school and junior high school girls' athletics, especially with girls' volleyball set to begin in Shelbyville. He noted the decision to build the new gym came about when the old gym suffered water damage.

In another item, Dr. West said the board took no action at Monday night's meeting on the Level III parent grievance complaint that was discussed in executive session, and he mentioned the Shelbyville ISD Board will meet at noon, Aug. 11 for a Budget workshop.

He says although property valuations have not been made official, the preliminary information is that values could be down.

Center Broadcasting spoke with Patsy Carl of Shelby County Outreach Ministries yesterday and she advised the Pineywood Board of Realtors had donated 10 fans to the organization’s fan drive that go to senior citizens in Shelby and San Augustine County.

Board of realtor member Laura Butler Rowe said the group felt there were so many senior citizens that needed some type of relief from the summer heat that they wanted to make the donation to the ministry.

She added the fans are colorful, and will hopefully brighten up the day of those that receive them.

Also, Ms. Rowe said a challenge has been issued from the Pineywood Board of Realtors to other community organizations to at least match the 10 fan donation to Shelby County Outreach Ministries.

You can drop fans off at the senior nutrition sites in Center and San Augustine, or at Unique Boutique and Helping Hands Ministry on Shelbyville Street in Center.

Fans will go to citizens 60-years of age and older.

Panola College Kids' College was held at the Shelby Regional Training Center last week, July 8-10. 

Much fun was had by all as the participants attended classes such as Manners Matter, Food Fun, Recycled Art, and Sports. 

Panola College wishes to thank all of the sponsors that made this event possible. They include: H&A Construction, Devon, Shelby Savings Bank, Farmers State Bank, Raymond Construction, Lone Star Location Services, Lease Operating Services, Rusty's Consulting, MKO Trucking, and Trails End Grocery & RV Park.

Mangum Funeral Home announces pending service for Susan Sanford of Center. She passed away Wednesday at her home. Among Susan Sanford’s survivors are, sons, Louis Underbrink and Barrett Underbrink of Center; daughter, Wimberly Underbrink of Center; and brother, Buddy Sanford of Center. Additional service information & survivors will be announced later.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 75-year old Patricia Ann Crawford of Center. Graveside Service will be at 10 a.m. this morning at Powdrill Cemetery in Center.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces a memorial service for 74-year old Dennis “Leo” Edward Brownlee of Broaddus. He passed away Monday at his residence in the Powell Park Community in San Augustine County. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Old Salem Cemetery, Shelby County. The family chose cremation, and visitation will be prior to the graveside service at the cemetery. Among Dennis “Leo” Edward Brownlee’s survivors are his wife, Barbara of Broaddus; children, Phillip Kennon of Cypress, Tracy Paige of Pineland; Peter Webb of Dallas, Dana Brownlee of Broaddus, Gordon Brownlee of Phoenix, AZ, Kristina Pivovar of Ohio, Dennis Edward Brownlee of Phoenix, AZ, Whitney Goetter of Ohio and Ben Goetter of Santa Barbara, CA.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home of Nacogdoches announces service for 88-year old Jewel Dean McCoy Lane of San Augustine. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church in San Augustine, with burial at Mosaic Cemetery in San Augustine. There will be two visitations, from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday at Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, and 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday before service at the church.

Heritage Cremation of Mountain City, Tennessee announces the death of 83-year old Julius Ray Cogswell, formerly of Center. He passed away July 6 in Mountain City, Tennessee. Mr. Cogswell was cremated and no service is planned. Among Julius Ray Cogswell’s survivors are, his wife, Bobbie Cogswell of Mountain City, Tennessee; daughters, Mitzi Hays of Crystal Beach and Tonya Guillotte of Orange; brothers, Billy Cogswell of Center, Harold Cogswell of Logansport and Lynn Bueke Cogswell of Garrison; sisters, Hazel Metz of Orange and Linda Lawler of Longview; and sister-in-law, Nelda Shillings Brown of Center.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 72-year old Roy Whitaker, Jr. of Mansfield, Louisiana. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at New Eastside Baptist Church in Mansfield. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 102-year old Herman Garner of San Augustine. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at True Vine Baptist Church with interment at Mosaic Cemetery in San Augustine. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Garner & Son Chapel.

The Center 13 & 14-year old Dixie League state baseball champions will be out in force today around the Center Square collecting monetary donations as they prepare for their appearance at the Dixie League World Series in Bossier City Aug. 2 thru 6.

Players will be stationed at intersections from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 3 to 6 p.m. accepting funds to help off-set their stay.

The Center All-Stars will open play in the World Series at 7 p.m. Aug. 2 against host Bossier City.

You can find the double-elimination tournament bracket on our website, just go over the cbc-radio.com, and you’ll see the link of the front page.

Arrest Report

7/15/14--7/16/14

Shelby County:

David Weaver, 36, Center, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance

Juanita Williams, 45, Natchez, MS, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Theft

San Augustine County: No Arrested Reported

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

The Shelby County Commissioners' agreed at Monday’s meeting to renew a land use agreement with Tri-County Community Action for storage building space, and the placement of additional storage buildings on site of the former Shelby General Hospital on Hurst Street in Center.

County Judge's Administrative Assistant Deanne Sample said a 10-year lease with a 120-day opt out for either side will be renewed.

Tri County has also been using the county-owned property at the old Center Elementary School on Nacogdoches Street as their offices for several years, with a possible long-term agreement to be worked out, soon. 

At the Tenaha City Council's special called meeting Monday night, members voted to re-evaluate the position and pay structure for utility supervisor Wes Wheeler at next Monday's regular meeting.

The decision was made after the council met with utility consultant Stacy Cranford in executive session to discuss Wheeler's job performance.

Tenaha Council members are also expected to discuss changing Wheeler's title to waste water operator and changing his pay structure to hourly.

The City of Tenaha recently had to pay a $38,000 fine to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for not properly handling water issues.

A Sabine County man already faced with a number of sexual assault of a child charges, and a count of indecency with a child by sexual contact, has yet another charge brought against him.

Pineland police and the Sabine County Sheriff's Office has filed an aggravated sexual assault of a child against 47-year old Bobby Dean Elliott of Pineland.

Elliott was arrested on May 20. His bond is now set at $700,000 collectively.

Authorities say Elliott allegedly sexually assaulted a 15-year old girl, who made an outcry stating Elliott had assaulted her.

It's also reported this may not be Elliott's first offense, and that more charges are pending. 

Bobby Dean Elliott

The Joaquin community is coming together on Saturday to help out a former resident as he battles cancer. A hamburger fundraiser will be held at 11 a.m. at the Word of Faith Outreach on Hwy. 84 in Haslam for 10-year old Max Matlock of Marshall. Max's parents are Shane and Katherine Brewton Matlock. Family member Stephen Ewing says Max is fighting a courageous battle daily against a tough form of the dreaded disease, Acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Ewing says as one would expect, there's a lot of financial and emotional distress that comes with having a young family member fight cancer.

He added Mike Dickerson will be cooking burgers for for a $6 donation, you'll get a burger, chips, drink and dessert, all going to the Max Matlock Medical Fund. That's at 11 Saturday morning at Word of Faith Outreach in Haslam.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is averaging $3.44 a gallon, that's down three cents in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.39, down six cents in the past week. Nationally, the average is $3.59, which is a nickel from the same time a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $3.44 at Wal-Mart, down a penny in the past week.

Texas retailers are preparing for the annual sales tax holiday, which will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 8-10.

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs reminds shoppers they can save money on certain items priced under $100 during the annual event. T

he law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 from sales tax, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend during the weekend. She says, “Families gearing up for the new school year will not pay any sales tax for many back-to-school items ranging from pens to blue jeans.”

Lists of apparel and school supplies that may be purchased tax free can be found on the Comptroller’s website at www.TexasTaxHoliday.org.

Whataburger restaurants throughout East Texas are helping the community blood supply during the month of July.

Every volunteer blood donor walks away with a coupon for a free Whataburger sandwich.

The Joaquin Whataburger will have a blood drive, today, Wednesday, July 16 from 1 to 6 p.m.; and Timpson Whataburger will host a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 22.

For more information about donor eligibility and to make an appointment, call Carter BloodCare at 1-800-366-2834 or visit carterbloodcare.org.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 75-year old Patricia Ann Crawford of Center. She passed away Sunday at her residence. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Powdrill Cemetery in Center. Among Patricia Ann Crawford's survivors are, her husband, Don Crawford of Center; children, Thomas Ashley Kinsel, Jr. of Ft. Stockton, Ruthe Ann Porter of Waco, and Patricia Allison Merchant of Panama City, Florida; brothers, Robert L. Kirkwood of Hondo and William Kirkwood of San Antonio; sister, Royce Woodard of Houston; and step-father, Benjamin Holleman of Houston.

Rose Hills Mortuary in Whittier, California announces service for 78-year old J. Tom Steele. A military service will be held Thursday at Rose Hill Mortuary in Whittier, California. He grew up in Timpson and Center. Among J. Tom Steele’s survivors are his children, Jim, Debbie and Tracy of California, with local survivors, nephew, Charlie Mac Bussey; and nieces, Mary Lou Lout of Center and Barbara Windham of Bossier City.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home of Nacogdoches announces service for 88-year old Jewel Dean McCoy Lane of San Augustine. She passed away last Saturday. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church in San Augustine, with burial at Mosaic Cemetery in San Augustine. There will be two visitations, from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday at Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, and 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday before service at the church. Jewel Dean McCoy Lane is survived by a daughter, Dorothy Clay Watts of San Augustine; sons, James E. Clay of San Augustine, Calvin Clay of Houston, and Jerry Lane of San Augustine; step-son, James Lane, Jr. of Hemphill; and brother, Cleveland McCoy, Jr. of San Jose, California.

Four Shelby County 4-H shooters took part in the 14th annual Comal County Shotgun Invitational, also known as the state warm-up tournament recently, with over 350 kids participating. Jacob Locke, Konner Windham, Logan Holloway, Lance Holloway and Seth Shamblin were those shooting. In the junior division category, placing was: Skeet- Seth Shamblin 2nd; Trap- Lance Holloway 1st; Sporting Clays- Lance Holloway 1st; Whizbang- Lance Holloway 5th. In the intermediates division category, placing was: Skeet- Logan Holloway 5th; and in the Senior 1 division category, placing was: Whizbang- Konner Windham 6th. The state tournament is taking place this week in San Antonio.

The start of high school football practice is less than three-weeks away, and the Center Roughrider Athletic Department will be issuing equipment the week of July 28th-July 31st. The first day of practice is Aug. 4 at 9 a.m. in Center.

There will be a meeting of the Shelby County Youth Football League at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 24 at Center's Pizzeria. A representative from each town will need to be in attendance.

According to Brittney Johnson, DETEC is currently reporting small scattered outages across Shelby, Sabine and Nacogdoches Counties due to the weather.  Current reports are small in numbers and crews are working to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible in the current weather conditions. 

Arrest Report

7/14/14--7/15/14

Shelby County:

Kathleen Moore, 36, Timpson, Possession of a Controlled Substance & Theft of Property

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

A lightning strike during yesterday’s late afternoon thunderstorm is reported to be the cause of a fire that destroyed a family’s home on County Road 2230 in Center.

The Center Fire Department, with assistance from the Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze at the residence of Austin Lucas and his three sons after 5:30.

Reports say the fire was started by a lightning strike, as firemen arrived to find the flames coming through the attic of the two-story brick and wood structure.

Despite efforts by personnel, the fire spread as thunderstorms remained in the area.

There was no one at home during the incident, and no injuries were reported.

The cause of a house fire in Joaquin last night continues under investigation as volunteer fireman were dispatched to a house fire on County Road 3173, off Hwy. 7 West just before 7. The homeowner, with assistance from family members was able to contain the blaze to the front of the structure. Fireman snuffed the remainder of the fire when they arrived. It’s reported the house sustained heavy fire damage in the front bedroom, along with smoke damage throughout. The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department responded with four trucks and 11 firefighters.

Center Crime Stoppers is asking for your help in solving an arson case involving a suspicious house fire that occurred the evening of May 1 at 1595 FM 2674 in Center.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident, which was being rented by four individuals from owner, Mary Harris.

Investigator Kevin Windham said during Deputy Adam Renfro’s initial report, he observed the source of the fire appeared to be from multiple locations in the house.

Center Fire Department responded to find the house full involved in fire, and requested a deputy. The Criminal Investigation Division of the Sheriff’s Department is working with the State Fire Marshal’s Office on the case.

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

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

The City of Joaquin has three meetings scheduled for this afternoon.

Starting at 5 p.m., the Joaquin Economic Development Corporation will meet, among their agenda items will be the discussion and approval of road repairs and reorganization of the board.

At 5:30, the Joaquin Public Safety Corporation will meet to reorganize their board, and then at 6 p.m., there will be a regular meeting of the Joaquin City Council.

Items for discussion and possible action will be electing a mayor pro tem; and a request by Jim Gibson of the City of Center on placing a recycling cart in Joaquin for an annual fee.

In addition, James McDaniel is scheduled to address the council on street conditions; possible approval of the Paxton/Jackson water contract; discussion of the consumer confidence report on both Haslam Water Supply & Joaquin Water Supply; and discuss the pay increase for gas certifications.

When the Timpson City Council meets at 5:30 this afternoon, they're to possibly consider a monthly minimum increase for residential and commercial water accounts.

Mayor Debra Smith says the proposed increase for residential customers would go up $5 to a $15 a month minimum, and from $15 to $22.50 for commercial. The rate increase would not affect the per gallon pricing or effect the minimums or rates for sewer.

Mayor Smith will also present the preliminary department budgets for the next fiscal year and revise if needed; and accept the revised budget proposal, if needed.

She's also to give a brief statement regarding the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court by Councilman George Grace against her.

In other agenda items, street repair on Marcus Street should be completed soon, and bids on repairs on Bremond and Todd Streets should be made within three weeks.

City Secretary Barbara Hunt says the city is taking bid quotes from the Texas Municipal League Governmental Risk Pool for health insurance, since Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas has increased premiums by $2,200 a month. 

The San Augustine City Council meets at 5 p.m. today, and among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be granting the San Augustine Garden Club permission to explore a city park on city-owned property; approve the San Augustine Police Department to auction three vehicles online with Rene Bates Auctioneers; condition of water storage tanks at city water plant; and exchange a Case backhoe for Pro-Gravity Recycle Trailer with Piney Woods Sanitation.

In addition, the San Augustine City Council will discuss course of action concerning DETCOG EDA Grant for Pinto Pony Project and the city paying a monthly fee to the San Augustine Garden Club for Public Library use of building.

A Nacogdoches firefighter, who's also a Shelby County resident, was among a group of 16 firemen recognized last week for rescuing two women from a burning house a year ago.

Capt. Steven Gutermuth received the Medal of Courage during a reception last Thursday. Gutermuth and a fellow fireman, Clint Poole, entered a house in Nacogdoches on the afternoon of June 23, 2013, with near zero visibility, found heavy fire coming from a room, but continued down a hall to eventually reach 82-year old Mattie Coleman in a doorway.

She was taken to safety outside, but also found Ms. Coleman's daughter, 62-year old Sharon Teal, just inside the front door. Both were eventually transferred to Parkland Hospital burn unit in Dallas, with Ms. Coleman passed away.

Poole also was awarded the Medal of Courage. Capt. Gutermuth told me he works with some great guys, and while he’s honored to receive the award, what he and Poole did, was no different than what anyone else in that department would have done. He added, “It’s what we’re trained to do.”

Ms. Teal was in attendance at the ceremony last week, and Capt. Gutermuth said all were moved by being there.

Steven Gutermuth is a 1993 graduate of Timpson High School. He, and his wife, Stephanie Simmons Gutermuth, and their three children, reside near Timpson, where they also own and manage two poultry farms.

Nacogdoches Fire Capt. Steven Gutermuth receiving the Medal of Courage last week in Nacogdoches. (Courtesy photo)

The late Pam White left an impression on those that knew her, whether it was personally or through her duties as executive director of Shelby County Outreach Ministries. Here untimely death in April brought with it medical and funeral expenses that friends are attempting to retire with a benefit this Saturday in Center at New Life Church. Angela Waller was a close friend, and says this weekend’s event is also going to help with one of Ms. White’s ministry goals of establishing a soup kitchen in Shelby County.

Ms. Waller says there’s no admission to Saturday’s fund-raiser. A hot dog/hamburger meal will be served at 4:30 p.m. for $6, followed by a concert at 6 p.m. featuring nationally-known comedian Willie P. Richardson, and music from local contemporary Christian band, Soul Harvest and New Day Spirituals from Jasper, in addition to Brad Maule, aka Dr. Tony Jones from TV’s General Hospital. Ms. Waller says there’s been a number of volunteers that have worked to make the benefit happen.

A love offering will be taken during the evening. For those that can’t attend, donations are being accepted at Shelby County Outreach Ministries on Shelbyville Street in Center. Be sure to include “for Pam White Benefit” on the check. Ms. Waller noted an account will possibly be opened this week at a local bank where donations can be directly deposited. She added plans are to make the benefit an annual event to help with funding a soup kitchen for Shelby County.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 74-year old Pat Crawford of Center. That’s service pending for Pat Crawford of Center at Watson & Sons.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 92-year old Frances Lee Ingram of Jasper, formerly of Shelby County. She passed away Sunday Rayburn Healthcare & Rehab in Jasper. A private family graveside will be at 12:30 this afternoon at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Among Frances Lee Ingram’s survivors are, husband, Larry Squires of Jasper; son, Douglas Koger of Mesquite; and son-in-law, Ken Sharp of Little Rock, Ark.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 90-year old Lillie Bell Bucklew of Bland Lake. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with burial at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden, San Augustine County.

At the Dixie League Youth Baseball 10-yearold AAA South Junior Regional Tournament yesterday in Center, both Joaquin and San Augustine came up short in their attempts to move on. The Joaquin All-Stars did take on a tough West Rusk team last night, facing elimination, falling to the eventual regional champions, 10-0. Joaquin finishes the tourney as the runner-up, Meanwhile, San Augustine lost to West Rusk, 12-2 earlier Monday in an elimination game.

The state champion 13 & 14-year old Center Dixie Boys All-Stars will play in the Dixie Boys Baseball 2014 World Series Aug. 2 thru Aug. 6 at Tinsley Athletic Complex in Bossier City. Center’s first game is set for 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2 against host team Bossier City. There are 12 teams playing in the double-elimination series. The Center team is coached by Jason Covington, Jason Mitchell and Dale Alexander. We’ve added the World Series’ bracket to our website, just go over the cbc-radio.com, and you’ll see the link of the front page.

Arrest Report

7/11/14--7/14/14

Shelby County:

Bobby Stein, 56, Mount Enterprise, Possesssion of a Controlled Substance

Michelle Hughes, 44, Nacogdoches, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Michael Agnew, 22, Timpson, Driving While Intoxicated with Child

Ray Howard Neuwirth, 21, Center, Bond Surrender on 10 charges, including forgery, theft and 8 counts of credit card abuse

Michael Emmons, 25, Carthage, Warrant-Theft

Precious Redmond, 19, Tyler, Warrant-Theft

Bobby Jack Brown, 54, San Augustine, Warrant-Non-Payment of Child Support

Gary Patrick Simon III, 30, Mt. Pleasant, Driving While Intoxicated

Andrew Chase Hutto, 19, Tenaha, Assault-Family House Member

Willie Charles Jones, 52, Shelbyville, Evading Arrest/Detention with Vehicle

Nicole Baker-Fuss, 31, Corpus Christi, Bond Forfeiture, Original Charge: Driving While Intoxicated-Travis County

Isamel Arias Hernandez, 33, Carthage, Driving While Intoxicated & No Drivers License

Andres Vasquez, 47, Timpson, Public Intoxication

San Augustine County:

Bobbie J. Brown, 55, San Augustine, Attorney General Warrant-Motion for Enforcement

George B. Brooks, 27, Jasper, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Two charges Tampering with ID

Christopher McMurrin, 22, San Augustine, Public Intoxication

Jonathan McDaniel, 37, Elmendorf, Assault on EMS

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

The "Golden Arches" are coming to San Augustine. City Manager Bruce Milstead confirmed for Center Broadcasting Friday that a McDonalds restaurant will be opening in San Augustine next year.

Milstead said dirt work has started on construction of a new co-branded 24-hour convenience store by Rudy's Operating Company, owned by Denny Oil in Nacogdoches, to include the popular fast-food outlet.

The store is being built on Hwy. 96 north, and Milstead said he was advised that construction will take around eight months.

Another big construction project expected to start in the next six weeks in a total make-over of the Hwy. 96 and 21 traffic intersection  or circle. Milstead says TxDOT had done extensive traffic studies, and their decision is based on safety. He says the circle will go away and the intersection will become a four-way stop.

Milstead added rehab work is also planned on over 30 city streets that's being funded through Hurricane Ike Grant money to the tune of a million dollars.

Shelby County Commissioners' Court will be meeting at 9:30 this morning, and among the items for discussion and possible approval will be a request from George Simon with Tri-County Community Action to address the court requesting a Land Use Agreement renewal between Tri-County and Shelby County for storage building space, and permission to add additional buildings to the site of the former Shelby General Hospital.

In addition, commissioners will approve election judges; the purchase of two lawn mowers for the probation department; advertise for bids to sell a 2000 720 road grader for Pct. 2; and consider approval of Commissioner Pct. 2 Jimmy Lout's request to hire a full-time employee created by a vacancy.

Shelby County Commissioners will also likely take action on renewing health insurance for employees through the Texas Association of Counties. County Judge Administrative Assistant Deanne Sample said there's an almost six-percent increase for insurance, which is normal.

The Center City Council has a couple of meetings scheduled for today, beginning at 4 with a preliminary Budget discussion, followed by the regular meeting at 5.

City Manager Chad Nehring says the Budget is still in draft form, with the presented Budget required for submission in early August.

Among action items at the regular meeting will be calling for a city council election for November 4. Positions up for election are Dist. 2, currently held by Jerry Lathan, and Dist. 4, Charles Rushing, as well as the two at-large positions that are held by Jim Forbes and Leigh Porterfield.

The council is also expected to authorize an Interlocal Agreement with SFA for an intern at the Windham Civic Center; and allocation of the city’s portion of the safety funds collected by the county from vehicle registration fees.

The Tenaha City Council has a special called meeting for 5:15 today, and among the agenda items for discussion and possible approval will be a city-wide mowing contract with Mike Davis; and executive session, where recently hired water department consultant Stacy Cranford is to discuss with council members employee Wes Wheeler's job performance.

The Shelbyville ISD Board of Trustees have a regular meeting at 6 p.m. tonight, and among the agenda items for consideration and possible approval will be a resolution for Policy EIE, the delegate assembly for the Texas Association of School Board meeting; and the August meeting and Budget workshop. In addition, trustees will go into executive session to consider Level II Parent Complaint and consultation with the school attorney.

To update you on a story we had last week concerning the death of a Carthage church’s youth minister, The Panola Watchman reported last Friday the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office is saying Jonathan Wright’s death has been ruled a suicide.

According to an investigator with the coroner’s office, Wright jumped from the second or third floor of the Westin LAX parking garage and was found around midnight, July 3. Wright had been vacationing in California with friends. He died from injuries the next morning at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

Jonathan Wright was youth minister at Central Baptist Church in Carthage, and was also a substitute teacher in the Carthage ISD.

Tri-County has partnered with The East Texas Food Bank in an effort to relieve hunger within our communities. A produce drop will be held each 4th Wednesday of the month beginning on July 23, @ 9:30 a.m. The drop will take place at the “OLD” CVS building parking lot and will be on a 1st come, 1st serve basis. Each person will be given one number per household; however, after all numbers have been called, anyone can return to the line and receive more produce. Tri-County is also seeking VOLUNTEERS! If you would like to help, contact LaTisha Hendrix at 936-598-6315, ext. 28 or Yolonda Neal at 936-598-6315, ext. 18 ASAP.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 74-year old Pat Crawford of Center. That’s service pending for Pat Crawford of Center at Watson & Sons.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors of Nacogdoches announce service for 92-year old Emma “Laverne” Thruston of Martinsville. She passed away last Tuesday Green Acres Nursing Home in Center. Visitation will be held prior to service, from 2 to 3 today at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, with burial at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery, Martisville. Among Emma “Laverne” Thruston’s survivors are, a daughter, Laura Sue Butler Rowe of Center; and a son Martin Wallace of Santa Barbara, Ca.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 90-year old Lillie Bell Buklew of Bland Lake. She passed away Sunday in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with burial at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden, San Augustine County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Lillie Bell Bucklew’s survivors are her children, James Bucklew, Jr. of San Augustine and Martha Hedge of McKinney; sisters, Margie Lymn of Center and Cleo Willoughby of Kingwood.

Play began Saturday in four different Dixie Youth Baseball tournaments in Center, including the 10-year old AAA South Regional Tournament and 12-year old Major Tight Base Tournament, and the District 9-year old and 10-year old tournaments. The Center 10 and 12 year old teams were eliminated over the weekend.

However, San Augustine and Joaquin 10-year old teams are still alive, and both have games today. San Augustine beat Tri-Cities, 10-2 last night, with their next game starting at 2 this afternoon.

Thanks to Stephen Ewing for this report on the Joaquin 9-10 year old All Stars. Joaquin began play Saturday morning, dropping a 16-11 decision to West Rusk. They bounced back to knock off Chapel Hill 15-8, behind a solid pitching performance by Bennett Anglin. They used the momentum from that win to power a 9-3 victory later in the day over Fairfield. Maddux Hutchins picked up the win on the hill.

The Joaquin All Stars will be back on the diamond at noon today, taking on the loser of the West Rusk/ Onalaska matchup. 

There will be a meeting of the Shelby County Youth Football League at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 24 at Center's Pizzeria. A representative from each town will need to be in attendance.

The 25^th annual What-A-Melon Crawl 5K Results:

Overall Race, Top Male
Monsivais, Juan - Time 19:31.7 Pace 6:18

Overall Race, Top Female
Taylor, Tammy - Time 21:21.1 Pace 6:53

Results below are in age category, male and female.

The Center Rotary Club says a special thanks to all the sponsors of the 5K who were All Hours Fitness, East Texas Poultry Supply, Shelby Savings Bank, JBA Financial Services, and Nacogdoches Medical Center. Also, thank you to Nacogdoches Medical Center and the Scouting youth who provided the water stations along the route and Brookshire Brothers for providing water and fruit for the runners.

The 25^th annual What-A-Melon Seed Spitting and Speed Eating Winners, participants:

What-A-Melon Pageant Results:

Amy Permenter of Shelbyville was crowned queen. She received a $500 cash scholarship donated by Wiggins Farms.

(Boys 0-5)
Adan Perez - King (Best Smile, Personality, and Best Fashion)
Jayden Barkins - Prince (Most Handsome)

(0-11 Group A)
Ayla Belin - Queen (Best Smile and Personality)
Layla Emanis - Princess (Runner-up and Best Fashion)
Karlie Windham - Princess (Most Beautiful)
Caylee Jordan - Princess

(0-11 Group B)
CaDence Shadix - Queen (Best Smile and Personality)
Isabel Ellington - Princess (Runner-up and Most Beautiful)
Emree Holloway - Princess (Best Fashion)
Jazmine Cannon - Princess
Georgia Vance - Princess

(12-23 months-old)
Tensley Sholar - Queen (Best Smile)
Kimber King - Princess (Runner-up and Most Beautiful)
Jaylah Vargas - Princess (Personality)
Kaydence Baisden - Princess (Best Fashion and winner of $25 cash drawing)
Justice Boyd - Princess
Jayla Barkins - Princess

(2-3 years-old)
Makenzie Stevenson - Queen (Most Beautiful)
Madilyn Polley - Princess (Runner-up and Best Smile)
Aubreyana Holman - Princess (Personality)
Ivyuana Richard - Princess (Best Fashion)

(4-5 years-old)
Rihana Lane - Queen (Best Smile and Most Beautiful)
Payton Brown - Princess (Personality)
Colby Choate - Princess (Best Fashion)
Bailey Shadix - Princess

(6-8 years-old)
Carolyn Mathis - Queen (Best Fashion)
Cassidy Calhoun - Princess (Runner-up and Personality)
Jaylee Webb - Princess (Best Smile)
Addison Key - Princess (Most Beautiful)

(9-12 years-old)
Melanie Deleon - Queen (Best Smile and Most Beautiful)
Landry Behan - Princess (Runner-up and Best Fashion)
Andrea Horton - Princess (Personality)

(13-15 years-old)
Rebecca Mathis - Queen (Personality)
I'Ceyonna Ware - Princess (Runner-up and Best Fashion)
Loren Vandrovec - Princess
Kayli Saulsbury - Princess (Best Smile)
Marrisa Riley - Princess
Faith Eddings - Princess (Most Beautiful)

(16-19 years-old)
Amy Permenter - Queen (Most Beautiful)
Kalie Harkness - Princess (Runner-up and Best Fashion)
River Turner - Princess (Personality)
Jazlynn Babin - Princess (Best Smile)

The 25^th annual Shelby County What-A-Melon “Largest Melon” Results:

Today: A 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 102. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 103. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

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

Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Light southwest wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

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

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.

Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.

Sunny, hot & steam, chance of showers, thunderstorms..

Today: A 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph.

Awards presented at the 2014 What-A-Melon Pet Show were:

Best in Show - Smog, judges loved his display of his watermelon necklace.
Smog, a Bearded Dragon, shown by Rhonda Bennett

Best Dog
1st Place - Sable, a German Shepherd, shown by Tina Roddy
2nd Place - Mini, a 2-year-old Dachshund, shown by John Austin Ford
3rd Place - J.R., 3-month-old Chiweenie, shown by Jessica Berry

Best Mannered Pet
1st Place - Smog, a Bearded Dragon, shown by Rhonda Bennett
2nd Place - Charlotte, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, shown by Bobby French
3rd Place - Opie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, shown by Bobby French

Pet with Best Trick
1st Place - Austin, a Miniature Schnauzer, shown by Sylvia Mosby
2nd Place - Mini, a 2-year-old Dachshund, shown by John Austin Ford
3rd Place -Buster, a 9-month-old Beagle, shown by John Austin Ford

Most Unusual Pet
1st Place - Zeke, 1-year-old Lionhead rabbit, shown by Skylar Sigler
2nd Place - Smog, a Bearded Dragon, shown by Rhonda Bennett
3rd Place -Fish Jr., 4-month-old fish, shown by Fisher Bright

Smallest Pet
1st Place - Fish Jr., 4-month-old fish, shown by Fisher Bright
2nd Place - Miley, 3 1/2-month-old Chihuahua, shown by Gabriella Heady
3rd Place - Tinker Bella, 3 1/2-yr-old Yorkie, shown by Lila Akin

Biggest Pet
1st Place - Sable, a German Shepherd, shown by Tina Roddy
2nd Place - Buster, a 9-month-old Beagle, shown by John Austin Ford
3rd Place - Charlotte, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, shown by Bobby French

Best Dressed
1st Place - Tinker Bella, 3 1/2-yr-old Yorkie, shown by Lila Akin
2nd Place - Lexi, a Chipom, shown by Josie Martinez
3rd Place - Miley, 3 1/2-month-old Chihuahua, shown by Gabriella Heady

Arrest Report

7/10/14--7/11/14

Shelby County:

Bob Donald Dugan, 35, Missouri, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Theft

Ashley Michelle Gipson, 25, Timpson, Warrant-Security Execution of Document

Raina Baker, 24, Timpson, Driving While License Invalid, Warrant-Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility & Warrant-Failure to Appear

Justin Bridges, 31, Carthage, Criminal Trespass

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

According to the state comptroller's office, sales tax revenues for June are up overall in Shelby County compared to the same period a year ago.

In the city of Center, there's been another slight increase, as the payment is up some three percent from 2013. Center's check is $231-thousand, bringing the year-to-date payments to $1.7 million.

The city of Joaquin's June payment is up 10 percent from last year right at $18-thousand; while Tenaha has seen the biggest increase in the past 12 months at almost 45 percent and will be receiving a check for $69-hundred. Huxley is also up and has a check of $517. The city of Timpson has dropped off over 8.5 percent, and will receive a June payment of almost $16-thousand.

Overall, Shelby County's June payments are up almost 3.5 percent, for a total payment of $272-thousand.

San Augustine's payment this month is up a whopping 98 percent, as they'll receive a payment of $42-thousand.

Meanwhile, Broaddus is up with a check of $19-hundred headed their way.

The owner of a Garrison convenience store has been arrested on two felony tobacco-related charges after his indictment by a Nacogdoches County grand jury.

It’s reported that 48-year old Mohammed Hossain Khan of Nacogdoches is being held at the Nacogdoches County Jail on two counts of third-degree felony possession of tobacco products tax. His bail is $400,000.

The indictment says the crimes took place from 2010 to 2012. Count 1 of the indictment says Khan possessed “tobacco products on which a tax of more than $50 is required to be paid.”

The second count alleges Khan “intentionally or knowingly” failed to report to the Texas State Comptroller’s Office the purchases of untaxed tobacco products.

Khan reportedly owns the old Little’s store in Garrison.

San Augustine County Commissioners have agreed to put the NIXEL emergency notification program into operation county-wide.

Thanks to some research on the part of the county's Veterans Service Officer James Fowler, commissioners were advised earlier this week there would be no costs involved for San Augustine County to offer the service.

NIXEL provides a notification service for local police departments, county emergency management offices, municipal government and agencies.

Fowler said the notification service would assist with community announcements, meetings, and road closures and even boil water notices.

According to County Judge Samye Johnson, what's needed is for county residents to sign up for the service and provide contact information so they'll be able to receive either a text message or email from authorities concerning emergencies and other important information.

Judge Johnson said more information about the NIXEL service is coming to the county's website, as well as a sign-up push during the Sassafras Festival Oct. 25.

We'll have more information about sign-ups as it becomes available.

To bring you up-to-date on a story we had earlier this week, I spoke with Christy Tompkins, clinic manager for ETMC in Center, and she advised patients of Dr. Jane Todd and Dr. Harvey Dayton should receive a letter by mail today informing them of the physician's future plans after the ETMC affiliation ceases on August 15.

Ms. Tompkins said that both Dr. Todd and Dr. Dayton would continue to see patients after ETMC pulls out of Center. She said physician assistants Suzanne Middlebrook will be on medical leave, and Aaron Singh would be transferring to Carthage.

We had told you this week that Dr. Craig McMullen and Family Nurse Practioner Cicily Cross Blair would be opening a practice adjacent to ETMC hospital in Carthage on Aug. 15.

As for Dr. Chandra, Ms. Tompkins said the doctor has been on medical leave, and she's had no communications with her as to her plans.

ETMC in Tyler said in June they would cease affiliation with the three clinics in Center, citing it was longer economically possible.

Farmers Markets are open this weekend in Shelby, San Augustine and Nacogdoches Counties.

You’ll find the market in Center today and Saturday set up next to the old post office on Tenaha Street, due to the What-A-Melon Festival.

In San Augustine, farmers will  have their items downtown from 7 to 11 Saturday. Vendors pay $5 to set up in San Augustine, and all produce must be produced within 100 miles of San Augustine. For more information, call Linda at 936-275-5850.

Also, the Nacogdoches Farmers’ Market will be open Saturday on West Main, across from the police dept.

Panola College in Carthage reports the new Science/Health Science building construction is well underway with piers being drilled for the building to rest on. 

The piers are 35 ' deep and between the Science/Health Science building and new Student Life Center over 130 piers will be drilled.

The construction project is still on target to be completed in July 2015. 

A remote controlled drone with a goPro camera took the photo below of construction.

The 25th annual Shelby County What-A-Melon Festival, sponsored by the Center Rotary Club began is officially underway as "cutting of the melon" took place yesterday.

The festival gates open at 3 p.m. this afternoon, with sign up of for the pet show at 5:30, and the Darrin Morris Band from Longview will play at 7 o'clock.

There's a full schedule of events planned for Saturday, beginning with the What-A-Melon Crawl 5K Run and Walk at 7 a.m. It's not too late to sign up, just be at the registration table before events start.

J.J. Ford is Rotary Club president, and says money raised from the What-A-Melon Crawl goes to local scouting.

In addition, the Shelby County Cruisers' Car Show is from 9 to 11 Saturday morning, with carnival rides opening at 3, followed by the seed spitting and speed eating at 4 p.m. 

The highlight event of the festival is the What-A-Melon weigh-in at 5. Festival chairman is Thomas Morrison. He says this year's crop looks pretty good.

Morrison says some 20 melons are expected for the weigh-in. Last year's winner tipped the scales at 163 pounds.

The What-A-Melon Pageant is at 6 o'clock Saturday, and Johnson’s Lost Crows from Shelbyville will take to the stage at 8.

Admission to the What-A-Melon Festival is a one-time fee of $4 for a button, and free for kids 5 and under.

Also, the carnival armbands are $20 for all-u-can ride again tonight and Saturday night from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center and Garrison announces service for 72-year old Perry Honea of Garrison. He passed away Wednesday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Garrison Funeral Home. Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday morning at First Baptist Church in Garrison, with interment at Cold Spring Cemetery in Garrison. Among Perry Honea’s survivors are, wife, Linda Honea of Garrison; son, Brad Honea of Garrison; daughters, Traci Stokes, Jenni Bernard, both of Garrison; brother, Bobby Honea of Nacogdoches; sister, Nelda Honea of Spring; father-in-law, Bud Williams of Garrison; brother-in-law, Larry Williams of Garrison; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Melton of Garrison and Penny Holloway of Garrison.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for long-time Shelby County businessman, 86-year old Johnny Maurice Gee of Center. He passed away Thursday at Twin Lakes Care Center in San Augustine. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Neuville Cemetery, Shelby County. Johnny Maurice Gee was the owner and operator of Gee Lumber Company from 1950 to 1992, playing an instrumental part in supplying lumber during the early stages of the poultry industry in Shelby County. Among his survivors are, wife, Ethel Gee of Center; children, Linda Miller, Mike Gee, David Gee and Richard Gee, all of Center; and sister, Helen Hall of California. Memorial donations may be made to the Neuville Community Cemetery Fund, 854 FM 2140, Center, and Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library in Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces the death of 79-year old Fred Carter Green of Shelbyville. He passed away Thursday in Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the home of Vance & Betty Green, 396 FM 2694 in Shelbyville. The family will have a private graveside service at a later date. Among Fred Carter Green’s survivors are, wife, Bessie Lou Green of Shelbyville; children, Danny Green of Shelbyville, Ron Green of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Theresa Stem of Boise, Idaho; and brothers, Vance Green of Shelbyville and Johnny Price of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 81-year old Patricia Parker of Bexar County, Texas. A visitation will be held prior to service, beginning at 9:30 this morning. Service will be at 11:30 at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Duncan Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Mangum Funeral Home announces graveside service for 58-year old Robert Lee Creech of Center. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Newburn Cemetery, Center. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Mangum Funeral Home.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 58-year old Kay Frances Cuenco of San Augustine. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with burial at Macune Cemetery in San Augustine County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 63-year old Leola “Sister Girl” Hewitt of Center. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Abundant Life Ministries in Center, with interment at Westview Cemetery in Center.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 61-year old Patsy Ruth Thomas of San Augustine. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, with interment at Greer Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. today at Garner & Son Chapel.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces pending service for 102-year old Herman Garner of San Augustine. He passed away Thursday at Memorial Health System of East Texas in San Augustine.

Hicks Mortuary of Center announces service for 55-year old Jerry Wayne Bruton. He passed away last Friday. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at First United Smyrna Baptist Church in Timpson, with burial at Timpson City Cemetery. Among Jerry Wayne Bruton’s survivors are, wife, Denise Bruton, mother, Christopher Fay Williams of Ardmore, Ok.; sons, Jerald Bruton and Derail Taulton, both of Oklahoma; and daughters, Antonette Christopher of Texas and Shinika Fagan of Oklahoma.

The Center 14-year old Dixie League All Stars have been crowned state champs after defeating Huntington, 9-2 yesterday in the championship game of the state tournament in Center. The 14-year old all-stars went undefeated, and it marks the third-straight year the Center all-star team has won the state championship. They will advance to the Dixie League World Series to be played next month in Bossier City. Congratulations to players, coaches, parents and fans!

Photo courtesy of Jason Mitchell

Arrest Report

7/9/14--7/10/14

Shelby County:

Ashley Dawn Perry, 35, Joaquin, Warrant-Theft by Check

Antonris Levingston, 36, Mansfield, La., Possession of Marijuana

Ashley Porterfield, 24, Center, Warrant-Theft

San Augustine County:

Kristi L. Stokes, 33, Lufkin, Possession of a Controlled Substance

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

State Senator Robert Nichols hosted a meeting in Nacogdoches yesterday addressing the earthquake activity in the Timpson area in the past couple of years.

Sen. Nichols said his office had been contacted by residents of Shelby County expressing concerns over the growing number of earthquakes in the area. He said the meeting provided a first-hand opportunity for those from the area to illustrate their personal experiences and ask questions.

In attendance were Ray Wilson from State Rep. Chris Paddie’s office and staff from the Texas Railroad Commission, including Executive Director Milton Rister and newly hired Seismologist Dr. Craig Pearson.

For several years, waste water from gas fracturing operations in Texas and Louisiana has been injected into Shelby county soil, much of it near the fault line. Residents believe this has contributed to the earthquakes.

Some of the issues brought forth in the meeting included costly property repairs caused by foundation damage, masonry damage, broken windows and more. Those affected believe their homeowner insurance would not cover the cost of repairs. Many voiced concerns over property values declining and worry they will not be able to sell their homes in the future.

Sen. Nichols said his hope is with the hiring of Dr. Pearson, the Railroad Commission will have additional resources to study and understand the cause of these earthquakes.

The San Augustine County Commissioners' Court voted at this week's meeting to lease the clinic building in Broaddus to Family Nurse Practioner Debra Wendel, who will be opening the facility on a part-time basis.

Ms. Wendel said the Wendel Community Clinic will hopefully fill a void left by the closure of the previous medical practice a year ago.

As a San Augustine County native, and former employee of the clinic, Ms. Wendel said it's become a community effort to re-open the facility. She added the city council in Broaddus, along with the community and San Augustine County have all pulled together to see this project take shape.

San Augustine County Judge Samye Johnson tells us she's excited for the Broaddus area to have primary medical care at home again.

The Wendel Community Clinic is located next to the Broaddus Community Center on FM 2558. Ms. Wendel said she’s hoping to be open within the next month or so, and that the clinic will probably be open a couple of evenings during the week, and about two Saturdays a month.

She added she'll continue to see patients at Cline Family Medicine in Center.

Joining Ms. Wendel at the clinic will be her daughter Hannah who is an LVN and Tina Wendel Morris who is an RN.

Family Nurse Practioner Debra Wendel addressing the San Augustine County Commissioners' Court Tuesday. Photo courtesy of the Toledo Chronicle.

A Center native's family has been ranked by Forbes in the Top 10 on the magazine's list of the nation's wealthiest dynasties.

When Dan Duncan, who grew up in Center, passed away in 2010, his fortune passed in equal amounts to his four children, each with a net worth of $6.3 billion, which put them at No. 215 on Forbes' list of individual billionaires. There combined worth this month, according to Forbes is $25.4 billion.

The magazine says Dan Duncan parlayed $10,000 and a truck into a multi-billion Enterprise Products pipeline empire. Duncan passed away at age 77, and donated hundreds of millions of dollars, especially to institutions in the Texas Medical Center.

His family is the only Houston family in Forbes' Top 10 dynasties list.

Topping the Forbes list released Tuesday was the Walton family, heirs to brothers Sam and James Walton, co-founds of Wal-Mart Stores.

The list is scheduled for publication in the financial magazine's July 21 edition.

Dan Duncan

The Texas Department of Transportation Commission is currently considering changes to a rule that has been challenged by Sabine County residents Gary and Jeanette Golden.

The law prohibits them from expressing their beliefs with a sign containing the Ten Commandments on their 28 acre property along Highway 21 in Milam.

The Goldens erected the sign last August, and the state agency sent a letter to them saying it violated a state law passed to comply with the Federal Highway Beautification Act, which prohibited signs and billboards within a certain distance of primary highways, unless they are defined as commercial or industrial.

The proposal by the Texas Transportation Commission is currently in the public comment phase which closes on Monday, July 14.

The change would address a possible unconstitutional anomaly in Texas law that provides for more protection for business and ad campaigns that personal opinion.

The Commission will vote on a change after the comment period closes. 

A Nacogdoches small business owner was killed in a one-vehicle accident Wednesday.

DPS is saying 82-year old George Henry Millard, Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene approximately 14 miles west of Nacogdoches in Douglass.

He owned Millard Farms, and was a long-time vendor at the Nacogdoches Farmers Market.

The accident report says Millard was westbound on state Hwy. 21, entered a curve, left the roadway, struck a culvert then overturned, ejecting him from the pickup.

Millard was reportedly not wearing a seat belt.

An autopsy was ordered by Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Kerry Williamson.

A Garrison woman was arrested Tuesday night by DPS and accused of driving drunk with a child passenger.

DPS is saying 24-year old Karlie Rae Case has been charged with state-jail felony DWI with a child. A trooper was dispatched to US 59 north of Nacogdoches in an attempt to locate a possible intoxicated driver, as called in by another motorist.

The trooper was informed the driver had pulled into a home on County Road 130, and when the trooper arrived at the home, Case had multiple signs of intoxication and performed poorly on a field-sobriety test.

The four-year old child was released to the custody of a family member.

The opening ceremonies for the 25^th annual What-A-Melon Festival, sponsored by the Center Rotary Club will be held at 5 o'clock this afternoon, as local dignatries, along with event organizers and the community gather under the big tent on the downton Center square to officially "cut the melon" on the three day event, according to Rotary Club President J.J. Ford.

She said vendor booths and carnival rides will also get underway at this time. Tonight there's live entertainment starting at 5:30 featuring several church groups and individuals.

Ms. Ford said festival attendees will find some familiar and new vendors. 

She added it's also a good time to do some early Christmas shopping

Festival gates open at 3 p.m. Friday, with sign up of for the pet show at 5:30, and the Darrin Morris Band from Longview will play at 7 o'clock.

Saturday is the big day with the What-A-Melon Crawl 5K Run and Walk, the Shelby County Cruisers' Car Show from 9 to 11, with carnival rides opening at 3, followed by the seed spitting and speed eating at 4 p.m., and a highlight event of the festival, the What-A-Melon weigh-in at 5. The pageant begins at 6 p.m. and Johnson’s Lost Crows from Shelbyville will take to the stage at 8 p.m.

Admission to the What-A-Melon Festival is a one-time fee of $4 for a button, and free for kids 5 and under.

Also, the carnival armbands are $20 for all-u-can ride tonight, Friday night and Saturday night from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

WHAT-A-MELON t-shirts are available at Farmers State Bank, Shelby Savings Bank, and the Chamber of Commerce until noon today. Adult sizes are $15, Children's sizes and caps are $10. All items will be on sale at the festival.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center and Garrison announces pending service for long-time employee and family member, 72-year old Perry Honea of Garrison. He passed away Wednesday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Among Perry Honea’s survivors are, wife, Linda Honea; children, Traci Stokes, Jenni Bernard, and Brad Honea, all of Garrison.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 81-year old Patricia Parker of Bexar County, Texas. A visitation will be held prior to service, beginning at 9:30. Service will be at 11:30 Friday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Duncan Cemetery in Shelbyville. Among Patricia Parker’s survivors is her husband, Donald Parker of Center; children, Georgia McCotter of Shreveport, James Berridge of Haughton, Louisiana, Lisa Pearson of Haughton, Louisiana and Michael Berridge of Bossier City.

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 58-year old Robert Lee Creech of Center. He passed away Wednesday at Twin Lakes Nursing Home in San Augustine. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Newburn Cemetery, Center. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Mangum Funeral Home. Among Rober Lee Creech’s survivors are, daughter, Melissa Jones of Carthage; brother, Johnnie Creech of Center; and sister, Martha Martin.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 58-year old Kay Frances Cuenco of San Augustine. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with burial at Macune Cemetery in San Augustine County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors in Nacogdoches announces pending service for 92-year old Emma “LaVerne” Thruston of Martinsville. She passed away Tuesday in Center.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 61-year old Patsy Ruth Thomas of San Augustine. Service will be at 11 Saturday at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, with interment at Greer Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 6:30 Friday at Garner & Son Chapel.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 63-year old Leola “Sister Girl” Hewitt of Center. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Abundant Life Ministries in Center, with interment at Westview Cemetery in Center. Leola “Sister Girl” Hewitt is survived by husband, James A. Hewitt of Nacogdoches, daughters, Patsy Patton of Nacogdoches and Michelle Hewitt of Center; a son, Patrick McCollister, Sr. of Nacogdoches; brother, Leo McCollister of Center; and sister, Addie B. Greer of Dallas.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 72-year old Roy Whitaker, Jr. of Mansfield.

The Center 14-year old Dixie League All Stars defeated Henderson, 12-3 last night, and will play Huntington for the championship at 5:30 this afternoon at Roughrider Field. Center is undefeated in the tournament, while Huntington’s only loss was to Center Tuesday in the double-elimination format. Advancement to the Dixie World Series in Bossier City next month is on the line.

Teams from Center, San Augustine and Joaquin will begin play Saturday in the 10-year old AAA South Regional Tournament and the 12-year old Major Tight Base Tournaments, also taking place in Center. The District 9-year old and 10-year old tournament will also start play here this weekend.

A number of Shelby County 4-Her's will be competing next week in the State 4H Shoot in San Antonio. Among the participants are Wade Baty, Jaxon Brittain, Corey Denney, Lance Holloway, Logan Holloway, Nicholas Lambert, Jacob Locke, Jared Richards, Kristoffer Risinger, Seth Shamblin, and Konner Windham. The competition is being held at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio. Best of Luck!

It’s not to late to get signed up for the What-a-Melon Crawl 5K Run and Walk to be held Saturday morning in Center at 7 a.m. You need to contact Anna Lee at Shelby Savings Bank in Center, or show up Saturday morning prior to the event.

The Great East Texas Outdoor Fest Banquet will be held Friday, July 11, at the former Bistro building on the square in Hemphill. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 each or $75 for couples. The event will include a steak dinner, live music, silent auction and door prizes. Tickets are available at the door, or by calling Roger Gay at 409-625-1101.

There will be a meeting of the Shelby County Youth Football League at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 24 at Center's Pizzeria. A representative from each town will need to be in attendance.

Today: A 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. West Wind around 5 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.

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

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

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

Sunday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95.

Arrest Report

7/8/14--7/9/14

Shelby County:

Russell Thomas Goodrum, 43, Joaquin, Deleware County, Oklahoma Warrants-Two charges for Failure to Pay Child Support, Two charges for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, False Report of a Crime, Two Charges for No Drivers License, Failure to Maintain Security, and Driving While License Suspended

Ladarrius Perkins, 30, Timpson, Assault-Family Violence Impeding Breathing

David Lewis, 34, Timpson, Nacogdoches County Warrant-Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle

Kevin Nash, 30, Timpson, Resisting Arrest

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

A Shelby County Sheriff’s Department deputy has been recognized by his peers for a heroic effort made earlier this year saving another man’s life.

Deputy Chris King received “The Humanitarian Award” At the 63rd annual East Texas Peace Officers' Association Annual Training Conference and Awards Banquet held recently in Tyler.

The award is given annually to a law enforcement officer that has given of himself, his time, of his efforts, and many times has saved the life of someone or prevented further injury to a victim.

Deputy King was nominated by Sheriff Willis Blackwell and Chief Deputy Shad Sparks for action he took as a house fire on Old Airport Road in Center in January.

The occupant was unable to exit the residence at which time King entered the burning house and pulled the man to safety.

Also at the event, San Augustine Police Chief Gary Fountain was installed as president of the association.

From left, Brit Featherston, 2013-14 ETPOA president, and Deputy Chris King (Photo Courtsey of Walter Shofner)

San Augustine Police Chief Gary Fountain, 2014-14 ETPOA president, and his wife, San Augustine County Deputy Tammy King (Photo Courtesy of Walter Shofner)

The youth minister at a Carthage church died last week while vacationing in Los Angeles.

According to the Panola Watchman newspaper, Jonathan Wright, a minister to students at Central Baptist Church, was found around midnight, July 3, and transported by ambulance to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center where he was pronounced dead last Friday morning.

The paper says Wright last contacted family members by text early last Thursday. He had reportedly driven to California and was camping at Catalina Island.

Jonathan Wright joined the staff at Central Baptist Church in Carthage in September of 2012.

A Mansfield, Louisiana police officer has been suspended 29-days without pay after he was caught participating in a softball game while on duty.

Mansfield Police Chief Gary Hobbs said in a press release that Jercarlous Colbert’s suspension is for “conduct unbecoming an officer." 

Colbert’s supervisor observed him playing softball when he was supposed to be on patrol.

Colbert has been with the Mansfield PD since Feb. 2012, and was formerly employed with the Shreveport Police Department but resigned after he was arrested in 2011 for solicitation of prostitution.

The suspension is the maximum allowed without action by the Mansfield Board of Aldermen.

The 25^th annual What-A-Melon Festival, sponsored by the Center Rotary Club will be held this Thursday through Saturday in downtown Center.

Opening ceremonies will be at 5 o’clock Thursday, as the official “cutting of the melon” takes place. The vendor booths and carnival will also get underway at that time.

According to Center Rotary Club President, J.J. Ford, Thursday night has become a “family night” for festival goers. She said gospel singing will be the entertainment tomorrow night starting at 5:30. Scheduled to perform is the Mt. Zion Youth Choir, followed by First Baptist Church, Charles Delaney, First Christian Church and Principle de Paz Youth at 9 p.m.

Ms. Ford says festival gates open at 3 p.m. Friday, with sign up of for the pet show at 5:30.

She added the Darrin Morris Band from Longview will play at 7 Friday night.

Saturday is the big day with the What-A-Melon Crawl 5K Run and Walk, the Shelby County Cruisers' Car Show from 9 to 11, with carnival rides opening at 3, followed by the seed spitting and speed eating at 4 p.m., and a highlight event of the festival, the What-A-Melon weigh-in at 5. The pageant begins at 6 p.m. and Johnson’s Lost Crows from Shelbyville will take to the stage at 8 p.m.

Admission to the What-A-Melon Festival is a one-time fee of $4 for a button, and free for kids 5 and under.

Also, the carnival armbands are $20 for all-u-can ride Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

WHAT-A-MELON t-shirts are available at Farmers State Bank, Shelby Savings Bank, and the Chamber of Commerce until noon Thursday. Adult sizes are $15, Children's sizes and caps are $10. All items will be on sale at the festival.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is averaging $3.47 a gallon, that's down two cents in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.45, down a penny in the past week. Nationally, the average is $3.64, which is up 17 cents from the same time a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $3.45 at Wal-Mart, down two cents in the past week.

The Pam White Memorial Benefit Concert will be held Saturday, July 19 at New Life Church on Hurst Street in Center. Headlining the event and serving as MC will be comedian Willie P. Richardson, who’s retiring after the event. Soul Harvest with Luke Metcalf, along with The New Day Spirituals with Elmer Adaway will be performing. A love offering will be taken. In addition, a hamburger/hot dog plate sale will be held before the concert starting at 4:30 p.m., with concert at 6 p.m. Also appearing will be Brad Maule, aka Dr. Tony Jones from General Hospital, and Roger Robinson, who’s worked with the Stamps Quartet and Blackwood Quartet in the past. Funds raised will go to help with funeral expenses.

A Blood Pressure Screening and Healthy Living information will be distributed in San Augustine from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at the San Augustine Food Pantry. Public Health Educator and registered nurse, Paula Botsford says she’ll also have information on smoking cessation, exercise, healthy dietary solutions and medication compliance.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 81-year old Patricia Parker. She passed away Monday in Haughton, Louisiana. Service will be at 11 Friday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Duncan Cemetery in Shelbyville. Among Patricia Parker’s survivors is her husband, Donny Parker.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 58-year old Kay Frances Cuenco of San Augustine. She passed away last Friday in Lufkin. Service will be at 2 Saturday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with burial at Macune Cemetery in San Augustine County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Kay Frances Cuenco’s survivors are, daughter, LeeAnna Farmer; mother, Pauline Russell of San Augustine; brothers, Curtis Russell of Palestine, David Russell of San Augustine and Robert Russell of Gatesville.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 62-year old Leola “Sister Girl” Hewitt of Center.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 72-year old Roy Whitaker, Jr. of Mansfield.

In sports,

The Center 14-year old Dixie All-Stars continued their dominance in the state tournament last night, taking a 13-3 win over Huntington. Center will play Henderson in the semi-final round tonight at 7:30 at Roughrider Field. The Center 14-year old All-Stars are undefeated in the tournament, and would have to lose twice to be eliminated. The tournament championship game is Thursday night in Center. The tournament winner goes to the Dixie Boys' World Series in Bossier City next month.

Center Youth Baseball President, Jason Mitchell tells us all there will be teams from Center, San Augustine and Joaquin playing this Saturday in the 10-year old AAA South Regional Tournament and the 12-year old Major Tight Base Tournaments, also taking place in Center. The District 9-year old and 10-year old tournament is also being played here this weekend.

The Great East Texas Outdoor Fest Banquet will be held Friday, July 11, at the former Bistro building on the square in Hemphill. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 each or $75 for couples. The event will include a steak dinner, live music, silent auction and door prizes. Tickets are available by calling any board member, or Roger Gay at 409-625-1101.This is the same group that put on the big outdoor fest back in March. It’s the intention of the group to make the next event bigger and better, and promote Toledo Bend as a vacation destination. The Great East Texas Outdoor Committee would like to raise money to eventually build a pavilion, boat ramp and park area so that fishing tournaments and events can be hosed on the Texas side of the lake. The next festival will be held March 6 & 7. Check out the website, getoutdoorsfest.com to find out more.

Arrest Report

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

Shelby County:

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

Jamison Swindle, 25, Center, Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Brian Harkins, 33, Gilmer, Exhibition of Firearm on Campus or School Bus

Roy Byrd, 35, Joaquin, Warrant-Expired or No Registration, Warrant-No Drivers License and Warrant-No Liability Insurance

San Augustine County:

William Birdwell, 45, Jasper, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

Brandi Davis, 39, Lufkin, Motion for Adjudication of Guilt, Original Charge: Credit/Debit Card Abuse of the Elderly

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

In sports,

The Center 14-year old All-Stars will play at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Roughrider Field in the Dixie Boys' 14-year old state tournament. A win tonight and they advance to the state semi final Wednesday night. Center is undefeated in the tournament, and would have to lose twice to be eliminated. The tournament championship game is Thursday night in Center. The tournament winner goes the Dixie Boys' World Series in Bossier City in August.

Center Youth Baseball President, Jason Mitchell tells us all other Center all-star teams have already been eliminated from play in the past weekend's tournament action. He says there will be teams from Center playing this Saturday in the 10-year old AAA South Regional Tournament and the 12-year old Major Tight Base Tournaments, also taking place in Center. The District 9-year old and 10-year old tournament is also being played here this weekend.

A Shelbyville Lady Dragon Softball standout is playing on team from Keller (in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex) that has recently qualified for the The ASA 18U National Championship in Montgomery, Alabama later this month. Caleigh Sparks, the daughter of Shad and Sandy Parks of Shelbyville, is a senior this coming school year, and is a member of Texas Glory Adkins-Barrera. Caleigh says it is such an honor to have the opportunity to play in the national championship, and have a lifelong dream come true. She also has several colleges interested in her talent after high school. Caleigh needs help to defray the costs of the tournament for travel and lodging expenses. Any donations from companies or individuals would be appreciated. If you'd like to help Caleigh out, call her at 936-590-8117 or Shad or Sandy Sparks at 936-590-9230.

It’s time to celebrate the watermelon in Shelby County, as the 25^th annual What-A-Melon Festival, sponsored by the Center Rotary Club will be held this Thursday through Saturday in downtown Center. Rotary Club past president Thomas Morrison says the three-day event is a big fundraiser that plays a big part in helping out groups and organizations throughout the county.

Morrison says opening ceremonies are at 5 o’clock Thursday, as the official “slicing of the melon” takes place by local dignitaries. The carnival kicks-off at that time, and the gospel singing begins at 5:30, featuring a number of local church groups and individuals performing.

Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday, with the pet show at 6, and the Darrin Morris Band from Longview plays at 7 p.m.

Saturday morning starts early and Morrison says funds raised by the What-A-Melon Crawl 5K run and Walk at 7 a.m. are being directed to local Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Cub Scouts and Explorer Post.

To register for the What-A-Melon Crawl 5K Run or Walk contact Anna Lee at 598-5688.

Morrison adds the Shelby County Cruisers Car Show gets underway at 9 Saturday morning, with carnival rides opening at 3, followed by the seed spitting and speed eating at 4 p.m., and a highlight of the festival, the What-A-Melon weigh-in is at 5. The pageant begins at 6 p.m. and Johnson’s Lost Crows from Shelbyville will take to the stage at 8 p.m.

Admission to the What-A-Melon Festival is a one-time fee of $4 for a button, and free for kids 5 and under.

WHAT-A-MELON t-shirts are available at the Chamber, Farmers State Bank and Shelby Savings Bank until noon Thursday.  Adult sizes are $15, Children's sizes and caps are $10. All items will be for sale at the festival.

By the way, the carnival armbands for all-u-can ride are $20 each, and will be honored from 5:30 to 10:30 Thursday, Friday & Saturday.

We told you last month that ETMC in Tyler had decided to cease their affiliation with three Shelby County first physican clinics on August 15, saying it did not make economic sense to continue, due in part to reduced reimbursements from commercial insurance and federally funded health programs.

Affected by ETMC's decision are approximately 20 employees, including physicians and mid-level providers at Dr. Jane Todd, Dr. Craig McMullen and Dr. Chandra offices.

We've received word that Dr. McMullen and Family Nurse Practioner Cicily Cross Blair will be moving to Carthage after Aug. 15. According to Ms. Blair, they will begin accepting new patients at that time at their new offices, located next to ETMC Hospital in Carthage.

As for Dr. Todd and Dr. Chandra, CBC was able to confirm through Christy Tompkins, the clinic manager for both doctors that letters will be going out to current patients by this Friday, addressing the future of both providers in Center.

We’ll have a follow up to the story when we know more.

A traffic stop in Nacogdoches County Sunday night netted over a quarter-of-a-million in cash and less than two ounces of marijuana.

A press release says a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper stopped the two out-of-state men and arrested them on money laundering and drug charges. The men, a 40-year old from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a 42-year old from Chicago, remain in the Nacogdoches County Jail.

The report says the stop of the 2014 Buick occurred on U.S. 259 north of Nacogdoches, as the men were speeding around 6 p.m. During the interview, the driver and passenger gave conflicting information and displayed indicators of criminal behavior. An odor of marijuana was also detected.

The men were reportedly traveling from Milwaukee to Houston.

Shelby County Sheriff's Department Investigators made an arrest last week in the recent burglary of Worsham's Grocery in Joaquin.

Chief Deputy Shad Sparks says 35-year old Roy Denver Byrd, Jr. of Joaquin was arrested last Thursday and charged with Burglary of a Building, which is a State Jail Felony.

Chief Sparks said Investigators DJ Dickerson and Kevin Windham found Byrd in possession of cigarettes, in addition to a block of ham and cheese, stolen from the store after it had closed for the day, June 27.

Investigators report they made contact with several witnesses that said they received cigarettes, as well as smokeless tobacco from the suspect. The sheriff’s office added Constable Pct. 3 Billy Hearnsberger assisted in the investigation.

Byrd was arraigned last Friday by Justice of the Peace Pct. 1, Maxie Eaves, who set bond at $8,000. Chief Sparks said the case is still being investigated with other suspects of interest.

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

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

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

Arrest Report

7/4/14--7/7/14

Shelby County:

Fidel San Martin, 26, Center, Driving While Intoxicated-1st Offense, Possession of Marijuana and No Drivers License

Jose Luis Camacho, 47, Center, Driving While Intoxicated-3rd of More

Chadwick Bradshaw, 45, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Ruben Camarillo, 20, Center, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Public Intoxication and Failure to ID

Israel Montes Posados, 20, Center, Driving While Intoxicated, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Minor in Possession, No Drivers License and Failure to Maintain Insurance

Glenn Webb, 27, Joaquin, Possession of a Controlled Substance and No Drivers License

Jose Omar Castro, 32, Lufkin, Angelina County Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Driving While Intoxicated

Jose Luis Garay, 36, Center, Driving While Intoxicated-2nd Offense

Martin Jimenez, 41, Center, Driving While Intoxicated

Johquillan Nickerson, 32, Center, Warrant-Evading Arrest with Previous Conviction and Theft

Amber Chisenhall, 30, Center, Driving While License Invalid with Prior Conviction

San Augustine County:

Justin Harrison, 44, San Augustine, Motion for Adjudication of Guilt, Original Charge: Possession of Chemical with Intent to Manufacture a Controlled Substance

Jesse R. Bratchett, 47, San Augustine, Burglary of a Building

Tommy Lee Lane, 54, San Augustine, Driving While Intoxicated-2nd Offense and Possession of Marijuana

Tommy Hogan, 49, Center, Public Intoxication

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

Timpson Mayor Debra Smith has been named as the defendant in a lawsuit filed in Beaumont Federal Court for supposed voter discrepancies. The civil action is brought by Ms. Smith’s competitor in the recent mayor’s race, and Timpson City Councilman George Grace, who failed in unsetting the incumbent. Ms. Smith says Grace is seeking $1,800 in campaign expenses. She says the suit alleges there were seven voters in the May city election that were not legal to cast ballots.

Included on that list is Mayor Smith’s 102-year old grandfather, who now resides in a Garrison nursing home, and voted provisional.

Grace is also saying he didn’t receive a complete copy of the citizens that cast ballots in the recent Timpson mayoral election.

Grace was unavailable for comment.

Ms. Smith defeated Grace, 128 to 64 to win re-election to her second term as City of Timpson mayor. She added she’ll be preparing a response to the suit which has to be filed within 21-days. She noted the suit was hand-written by Grace, and he was also seeking court-appointed representation in the matter.

A bond reduction hearing is scheduled for next Monday, July 14 for the suspects arrested last month during execution of the narcotics search warrants on two East Center residences.

The individuals were booked on multiple charges in a drug free zone, in addition to abandoning/endangering a child, and others. Individual bonds ranged from $260,000 to $300,000 each.

Seized during the search warrants was some 15-hundred grams of PCP, 17-hundred grams of codeine cough syrup, around 400 grams of Promethazine and almost $29-hundred dollars in cash at a Brooks Street house. Ecstacy “crack” cocaine and over a pound of marijuana was taken from a Greer Street residence.

If you had been called for jury duty today, July 7 for the 123^rd District Court with Honorable Charles “Brick” Dickerson presiding, you have been excused from service. District Clerk Lori Oliver says the scheduled cases have been resolved or passed. Again, if you had been called for jury duty today in Judge Charles “Brick” Dickerson’s court, you have been released until you receive a future summons.

Two Center teenagers escaped serious injuries when the Jeep they were traveling in didn’t negotiate a curve on a farm-to-market road near Timpson last Saturday night.

DPS Trooper Keith Jones says 17-year old Ali Caroline Baty, and a 15-year old passenger were traveling at a reported unsafe speed northbound on FM 415, about two miles off Hwy. 87, when the Jeep Rubicon left the roadway in a curve and rolled several times before coming to a rest in a drainage ditch.

Timpson Volunteer Ambulance transported the injured to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital with reported minor injuries. Trooper Jones said Baty was cited for unsafe speed.

The 2014 East Texas What-A-Melon Pageant will be held Saturday, on the downtown square.

Boys newborn to 5 and girls newborn to 19 will wear their best Summer or watermelon wear on the stage in front of the judges.

This year there's a new age group, 16-19 Year olds, and Wiggins Farms will be giving a $500 Cash Scholarship to the Queen in that group.

All contestants must register by this Friday. For an entry form and more information call Tonya Bailey at 936-590-0120 or 332-9610 or go by M&M Insurance.

The 25^th annual What-A-Melon Festival sponsored by the Center Rotary Club will be held this Thursday through Saturday in downtown Center.

Among the events Thursday as gates open at 5 p.m. will be the carnival, along with vendor booths and gospel music, as featured artist performers include Mt. Zion Choir, First Baptist Church, Charles Delaney, First Christian Church and Principle de Paz Youth Band.

The festival opens at 3 p.m. Friday as local talent will perform under the big tent, along with the pet show, and the Darrin Morris Band to follow.

Saturday’s schedule includes the What-A-Melon Crawl, a car show, and a number of contests, including the seed spitting and speed eating, along with the What-A-Melon weigh-in, What-A-Melon Pageant and the evening will close with Johnson’s Lost Crows performing.

WHAT-A-MELON t-shirts are available at the Chamber! Adult sizes are $15, Children's sizes and caps are $10.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of service Sunday for 85-year old Juanice Wheeler Powell of Shelbyville. Service was held at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Shelbyville Cemetery. Among Juanice Wheeler Powell's survivors are, husband, James Powell of Shelbyville; sons, Greg Powell of Shelbyville and Timothy Powell of Odessa; and brother, Richard Don Wheeler of California. Donations may be made to the Methodist Children's Home in Waco.

Mangum Funeral Home was in charge of service Sunday for 43-year old Lisa Marie Whittley of Center. She passed away last Thursday in Shreveport after a brief illness. Service was held at Sardis Pentecostal Church with interment at the Brandon Shofner Memorial Cemetery in the Sardis Community of Shelby County. Among Lisa Marie Whittley's survivors are parents, Edwin & Madie Whittley of Center; and brother, Bill Whittley of Center. If you would like to make a contribution to the family for funeral expenses, an account has been established at Shelby Savings Bank in Center.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches was in charge of service Sunday for Elma Dean Greer. Service was held at St. Matthew Baptist Church in San Augustine, with burial at Greer Cemetery in San Augustine. Elma Dean Greer is survived by, daughter, Patricia Smith; step-daughter, Teresa Jackson; and sister, Debra Sexton.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home was in charge of service Saturday for 26-year old Stephen McCollister of Center. Service was held at Mt. Gillion Cemetery, Center, with burial at Mt. Gillion Cemetery. Among Stephen McCollister's survivors are, parents, Sheldon and Sheila McCollister; brother, Sheldon McCollister; and grandmothers, Irene Morris and JoAnn McCollister-White.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 53-year old Mary Alice Moore of San Antonio. She passed away last Wednesday at her residence. Service will be held at 2 this afternoon at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Center, with interment at Blount Chapel Cemetery in Center. Among Mary Alice Moore’s survivors are, husband, Clarence Moore of San Antonio; daughter, Raven Moore of San Antonio; and 10 sisters and 14 brothers.

The Center Youth Baseball Association continues to host several state tournaments at the Center Youth Baseball Park. Games got underway Saturday for the 8-year old and under Machine Pitch and Machine Jr. Pitch State Tournaments, as 21 teams will be playing through Tuesday; in addition, the Dixie Boys’ 14-year old and Dixie Boys’ Jr., 13-year old event is held with 15 teams taking part.

The Center 14-year old All-Stars have won their first two games, winning, 19-0 Saturday night in a mercy-rule ending in the third inning. The all-stars came back to take a 5-2 victory last night.

Beginning this Saturday, Center will hosts the 10-year old AAA South and AAA Jr. South Regional Tournament, with 17 teams involved; as well as the 12-year old Major Tight Base Tournament; and the District 9-year old and 10-year old Tournament with six teams.

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light in the afternoon.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the morning.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind around 5 mph.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

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

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

Arrest Report

7/3/14—7/4/14

Shelby County:

Richard Livingston, 46, Center, Two Warrants for Theft and Assault on a Public Servant

Jamison Swindle, 25, Center, Delivery of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Controlled Substance

Bobby Lloyd Pinion, 37, Logansport, Warrant-Theft

Roy Byrd, 35, Joaquin, Warrant-Burglary of a Building

San Augustine County:

Johnathan Holman, 33, San Augustine, Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon

Lynze Edwards, 38, San Augustine, Assault-Family Violence

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

It’s the Fourth of July, Independence Day, it’s also a federal, state and local holiday observance. All banks, federal, state and local municipalities are closed for business today.

A Shelby County Grand Jury no-billed two law enforcement officers earlier this week for the shooting death of a Shelbyville man.

Texas DPS Trooper Dustin Ramos and Center Police Officer Dwayne Gordon will not be charged in the incident where 38-year old Jonathan Swindle was killed in Lout Town, after he struck Trooper Mills with the vehicle he was driving.

The shooting followed a multi-agency chase on State Hwy. 87 south of Shelbyville in May.

Shelby County District Attorney Kenneth Florence said after Texas Ranger Brian Brazil completed his investigation and facts were presented, witness statements and autopsy reports were given, and several dash cam videos were viewed by the grand jury, there was no evidence there saying the officers acted outside their law enforcement rights.

Florence said some 20 shots were fired at Swindle by the officers, with five actual striking him.

The autopsy result also showed that Swindle had a high amount of PCP in his system at the time of the incident.

At their meeting Wednesday afternoon, the Center ISD Board of Trustees voted to not renew the contract with the law firm that represented the school district in collecting delinquent taxes and file appeals.

The firm of Calme, Linebarger & Pefia had been employed by Center ISD for 18 years. Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry noted the firm did not want to file an appeal on behalf of the district, which he said led him to suggest to the board to seek the services of another firm.

The City of Tenaha will hold a ribbon cutting at 4 this afternoon to celebrate the move of city hall to its new location at the Tenaha Municipal Building at 238 North George Bowers Drive. Everyone is invited to come by and enjoy cake and punch.

The Paxton Water System of Shelby County has informed Center Broadcasting that the boil water notice has been lifted, and it’s no longer necessary to boil water before consumption for customers of the Paxton Water System. 

The Tenaha Businessmen's Club and HOPE Project in Tenaha are having the first Tenaha Independence Day Celebration Family Festival this afternoon starting at 2 p.m. in downtown Tenaha.  Events are planned for the downtown Tenaha Square, and include a vendor area, Little Miss/Miss Firecracker pageant at 2:30 p.m., as well as a Veteran Recognition, American as Apple Pie Eating Contest, Patriotic Pet Parade, Red, White and Bounce Park, Yankee Doodle's Den for big kids, and a 50/50 raffle. Tonight American Legion Post 520, Tenaha Businessmen's Club along with several other Shelby County businesses will present the Tenaha Independence celebration at Tiger Stadium. The event is free and gates will open at 7 p.m. The Calvary Boys will provide the entertainment at 8 p.m., followed by a large fireworks display at 9. Tenaha ISD cheerleaders will have the concession stand. Lawn chair space is available.

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Timpson Frontier Day celebration is underway through the weekend. The carnival in downtown Timpson has armband tickets from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., all-u-can-ride for $18 Entertainment on the square tonight includes Curtis Daniel from 6 to 7:30, followed by Dale Cummings. There's a full-day of events Saturday starting with the parade at 10 a.m. , also a Relay for Life Walk, parade, pet show, car/truck show, pea shelling, domino tournament, homemade ice cream contest, food and craft booths, gun-fight re-enactments, a laser light show, and street dance with “A Pack of Strays at 10 p.m. The gun-fight peformances will be at 12:30, 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, with the laser light show at 9:30.

Also today and tonight,

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

Fourth of July events in Logansport will be held at the Dennis Freeman Memorial Park along the River Front today. Music begins at 4 p.m. by Landry & Company, and Fireworks will start at dusk. Food vendors are welcome.

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

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

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

If outdoor activities are a part of your Fourth of July celebration, the Texas A&M Forest Service is urging caution. Whether you’re sitting by the campfire, grilling, or using fireworks-remember, they could spark a wildfire. According to Texas A&M Forest Service Prevention Specialist Jan Amen, 90 percent of wildfires are started by humans, so it is imperative to be mindful of the risk of starting fire-even with recent rainfall.

Here are some fireworks safety tips:

• Before you celebrate, always check with local government officials to ensure fireworks and outdoor burning are allowed in your county. Be sure to comply with all restrictions.

• Read and follow all warnings and instruction labels on fireworks.

• Use fireworks only under close adult supervision and in safe areas away from structures, dry grass and brush.

• Keep a hose, bucket of water and wet towels nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.

• Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water.

• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.

As a reminder, officials with the U.S. Forest Service are reminding the public that fireworks are prohibited in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.

The 25^th annual What-A-Melon Festival sponsored by the Center Rotary Club will be held July 10-12 in downtown Center.

Among the festival events are a carnival, a variety of vendors and live music, including gospel music on Thursday, July 10.

Don’t forget, entries for the Largest Watermelon Contest are being accepted thru today, July 4.

Watermelons MUST be grown in Shelby County, and be attached to the vine when judges assign numbers.

Event organizers way it’s the responsibility of each contestant to make sure that the entry form is received by the deadline.

Entry forms are available at Brookshire Brothers Grocery. All completed forms will be need to be returned by today, July 4, to Brookshire Brothers, or faxed to Chandra Atholi at 936-591-8884 or mailed to her attention at 301 Wulf Creek Drive in Center.

By the way, WHAT-A-MELON t-shirts are at the Chamber! Be the first kid on the block to wear one!! Adult sizes are $15, Children's sizes and caps are $10.

Mangum Funeral Home announces pending service for 43-year old Lisa Whittley of Center. She passed away Thursday in Shreveport after a brief illness. Among Lisa Whittley’s survivors are her parents, Edwin and Maddie Whittley of Center.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces a memorial service for 82-year old Donald “Don” Frances Bretz of San Augustine. A memorial service will be held at 10 Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church in San Augustine.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches announces service for Michael E. Barnes. Visitation will held from 1 to 6 today at Sid Roberts Funeral Home. A second visitation will be prior to service be from 9 to 10 Saturday morning at True Vine Baptist Church in San Augustine. Service will be at 11 a.m., with burial at St. Luke Cemetery in San Augustine.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home of Nacogdoches announces service for 26-year old Stephen McCollister of Center. He passed away Monday at his home. Service will be at 2:30 Saturday at Mount Gillion Baptist Church, Center, with burial at Mount Gillion Cemetery. Visitation is from 1 to 6 today at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 SE Stallings Drive.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 78-year old Clarence “Jim Bo” Jordan of Center. He passed away Wednesday at Pine Grove Nursing Home in Center. Visitation will be from 11 to 12 noon Saturday at Todd Springs Baptist Church in Shelbyville, with service to follow. Interment will be at Bennett Chapel Cemetery in Shelbyville. Among Clarence “Jim Bo” Jordan’s survivors are daughters, Debbra Johnson of Center, Janice McKnight of Conroe and Lisa Michelle Pitts of Longview; and a sister, Baby Lou Gardner of Center.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 53-year old Mrs. Mary Moore of San Antonio, formerly of Center. She passed away Wednesday in San Antonio.

At the College World Series Home Run Derby last night in Omaha, Nebraska, former Central Heights Blue Devil Hunter Haley came up short in his bid to capture the championship, as Texas’ Tres Barrera took home the trophy.

Haley, a current Oklahoma Sooner, one of seven selected for the event, hit one home run in the first round — failing victim to an explosion of home runs. Barrera faced off against high-school teammate and Texas Tech Red Raider Eric Gutierrez in the finals, but Barrera hit an outrageous 25 home runs to put the contest out of reach.

Haley was fresh off of his sophomore year at Oklahoma where he hit .294 with nine doubles, six triples, six home runs and 34 RBI as the Sooners finished with a 29-29 record.

The Center Youth Baseball Association will be hosting a number of state tournaments at the Center Youth Baseball Park beginning this weekend. Games will start tomorrow Saturday for the 8-year old and under Machine Pitch and Machine Jr. Pitch State Tournaments, as 21 teams will be playing July 5-8; in addition, the Dixie Boys’ 14-year old and Dixie Boys’ Jr., 13-year old event is held with 15 teams starting Saturday.

Then, July 12 thru 15, the 10-year old AAA South and AAA Jr. South Regional Tournament will be played with 17 teams involved; as well as the 12-year old Major Tight Base Tournament; and the District 9-year old and 10-year old Tournament with six teams.

The Great East Texas Outdoor Fest Banquet will be held Friday, July 11, at the former Bistro building on the square in Hemphill.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 each or $75 for couples. The event will include a steak dinner, live music, silent auction and door prizes. Tickets are available by calling any board member, or Roger Gay at 409-625-1101.

This is the same group that put on the big outdoor fest back in March. It’s the intention of the group to make the next event bigger and better, and promote Toledo Bend as a vacation destination.

The Great East Texas Outdoor Committee would like to raise money to eventually build a pavilion, boat ramp and park area so that fishing tournaments and events can be hosed on the Texas side of the lake.

The next festival will be held March 6 & 7. Check out the website, getoutdoorsfest.com to find out more.

The scattered thunderstorms that tracked through the area last night brought with it a number of power outages according to Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative's Brittney Johnson. She said DETEC began receiving outage reports at approximately 10 PM las due to the weather. Overnight, DETEC reported approximately 800 outages, with the majority of reports in Shelby and Nacogdoches County. Crews worked throughout the night to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. As of 8 AM, DETEC is reporting less than 50 members out in the Shelbyville area.

Arrest Report

7/2/14—7/3/14

Shelby County:

Larry Byrnes, 29, Tenaha, Possession of Marijuana

Jonathan Elkins, 32, Overton, Gregg County Warrant-Assault on a Family Member

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Two local award winning high school band programs will be competing for the coveted Class 1A “honor band” status later this month.

The Timpson Bear Band and Shelbyville Dragon Band have advanced to the state level of the Texas Music Educator Association Honor Band Competition, being held July 27 in San Antonio.

Timpson band director Rhonda Cates says the competition uses a recording of the band from the Spring semester for judging. She said the winner holds the title of “Class A Honor Band” for two years and will perform at the TMEA Convention in San Antonio in February.

Ms. Cates added many consider this to be the highest honor a Texas High School band can achieve.

Joining Timpson and Shelbyville bands in the state competition are Forsan, Harper, Honey Grove, Italy, Knox City, New Deal, Panhandle, Somerville and Valley Mills.

Ms. Cates says the Timpson band also advanced to the state level in Outstanding Performance Series, an annual contest held by the Association of Texas Small School Bands, also being judged later this month.

Both Timpson and Shelbyville were awarded Sweepstakes during the past school year.

The Shelbyville Dragon Band is directed by Shaka Hawkins.

It’s been almost two weeks, and there’s still no suspect in the home invasion and assault of two Center residents in the pre-dawn hours of June 21.

Authorities are still looking for a black male wearing a “devil” costume that surprised and attacked Billy Don and Janice Hughes at their home on Hwy. 7 West. Mr. Hughes was struck in the head with a pistol during the incident.

Anyone who has information regarding this crime should call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at www.centercrimestoppers.com.

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

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

Former DeSoto Parish schools superintendent Walter Lee is now facing state ethics charges.

According to documents made public Tuesday, Lee violated three state conflict of interest laws. The charges involve Lee’s alleged use of his position for personal gain. Lee is also a Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education member.

The 79-year old was indicted in January by a DeSoto Parish grand jury on felony theft, public contract fraud and malfeasance in office during his tenure as schools chief. He has pleaded not guilty.

In state court, Lee is accused of double billing expenses to the school district and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Other counts allege he personally benefited from the return of a leased vehicle and intentionally performed his duties as superintendent in an unlawful manner.

Newton County authorities have arrested a second person of interest for the robbery and assault incident that took place at Sabine State Bank in Burkeville last week.

Twenty-one year old Xavier Clark was arrested Wednesday morning near Houston. Arrested last weekend was 20-year old Michael Byerly, who turned himself in to authorities.

The Sabine State Bank branch in Burkeville was robbed Wednesday, June 25, and bank manager Trudy Woods was stabbed, receiving a punctured lung. She’s reported to be recovering at a Houston hospital.

The Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel is reporting this morning that Tenaha ISD’s deputy superintendent of curricular instruction, Walter Peddy is the lone finalist to become the new superintendent of the Douglass ISD.

The announcement will become official after a state mandated 21-day waiting period. Peddy was among 37 applicants for the position. He was among two finalists for the job.

Peddy said in a press release he was excited to work with the Douglass Board of Trustees and the community of Douglass to continue building on the tradition of excellence in academics and athletics. Peddy added it was a great fit for his family.

The 14-year educator is currently pursuing a doctorate degree from SFA. 

The City of Center Water Utilities Department has released its 2013 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report.

If you’re a city of Center customer and did not receive a copy of the report in the mail, additional copies are available at City Hall, 617 Tenaha St.

This report is also available for download on our website:  centertexas.org.  Feel free to contact the Utility Department at 598-2941 with any questions.

The Timpson Frontier Day celebration starts officially tonight with the Sonny Tippett Memorial Gospel Singing at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Tickets are $10 at the door. Featured artist include The Calvary Boys, Grounded, Broken Vessels, Weston and Christy Hinson and the Calvary Boys Trio.

Also tonight thru Saturday night, the all-u-can ride carnival will get underway at 6 p.m. till 10 p.m. on the Timpson Square, as armbands are $15 in advance and available at the Timpson Public Library, or $18 at the carnival. 

There's more information on all the events coming up this weekend by going to the event's Facebook page: Timpson Frontier Days.

The 25^th annual What-A-Melon Festival sponsored by the Center Rotary Club will be held July 10-12 in downtown Center.

Among the festival events are a carnival, a variety of vendors and live music, including gospel music on Thursday, July 10. Don’t forget, entries for the Largest Watermelon Contest are being accepted thru tomorrow, July 4.

Watermelons MUST be grown in Shelby County, and be attached to the vine when judges assign numbers.

Event organizers way it’s the responsibility of each contestant to make sure that the entry form is received by the deadline. Entry forms are available at The Light and Champion and Shelby County Today office, Brookshire Brothers Grocery and Boles Feed. All completed forms will be need to be returned by the deadline date of July 4, to Brookshire Brothers, or faxed to Chandra Atholi at 936-591-8884 or mailed to her attention at 301 Wulf Creek Drive in Center.

By the way, WHAT-A-MELON t-shirts are at the Chamber! Be the first kid on the block to wear one!! Adult sizes are $15, Children's sizes and caps are $10.

San Augustine Main Street held a Fourth of July downtown business window decorating contest this week, and Texas Star Retail Store located in the newly renovated J P. Mathews Building won first place. Second place and congratulations was Haley Furniture and Appliance, while third place goes to Tangles Hair and Nails.

A Blood Pressure Screening and Healthy Living information will be available in San Augustine next Wednesday, July 9 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the San Augustine Food Pantry.

Public Health Educator and registered nurse, Paula Botsford says the program puts "tools" into the hands of citizens that want to make lifestyle changes, so that they feel better and can avoid a preventable hospitalization. 

Ms. Botsford says she’ll have information on smoking cessation, exercise, healthy dietary solutions and medication compliance. 

Mangum Funeral Home announces the death of 84-year old Christine Green Paxton of Tenaha. She passed away Wednesday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. The family requested a cremation and no service is planned. Her cremains will be buried next to her husband at Restland Cemetery in Tenaha. Christine Green Paxton is survived by a daughter, Cynthia Paxton Byrd of Center. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations for funeral expenses can be made to Shelby Savings Bank in Center, in the name of her daughter, Cynthia Byrd.

Watson & Son Funeral Home announces service for 52-year old Joe Stephen “Stevie” Bush of Shelbyville. Service will be at 2 this afternoon at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Taylor Funeral Home announces service for 53-year old Clayton Moore Taylor of Timpson. Service will be at 10 this morning at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces a memorial service for 82-year old Donald “Don” Frances Bretz of San Augustine. He passed away Wednesday after a lengthy illness. The family has chosen cremation and a memorial service will be held at 10 Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church in San Augustine. Among Don Bretz’s survivors are his wife, Edlina (Lina) Bretz; children, Ronnie Bretz, Randy Bretz, Donnie Bretz, Scott Page, Suzy Inmon, Reed Bretz, James Smith, Heath Hebert, Tina Motley, Angel Northcut and Bobbie Ledger; and brother-in-law, Garline Wood.

Hicks Mortuary of Center announces service for 105 year old Edith Gardner of Center. Service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Mt. Zion CME Church, with burial at Westview Cemetery in Center. Repass will be at Mt. Zion CME Church.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches announces service for Michael E. Barnes. Visitation will held prior to service be from 9 to 10 Saturday morning at True Vine Baptist Church in San Augustine. Service will be at 11 a.m., with burial at St. Luke Cemetery in San Augustine. 

The Douglass Indians’ state championship baseball season has put the program into the national spotlight. Douglass won the Class A State Championship in a 32-1 season, and finished the season ranked 13th in a national poll for small high schools conducted by Jim Stout of CBS MaxPreps.

Just a reminder, a former all-state baseball player at Central Heights, with family ties to San Augustine, will be participating in the 2014 TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby in Omaha, Nebraska tonight. Hunter Haley has just completed his second season at Oklahoma, and will take part in the fifth annual event that will be broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. this evening. Haley will be one of eight college players taking part in the competition. Hunter Haley’s parents are Richard and Kathy Chumley Haley, originally of San Augustine.

The Center Youth Baseball Association will be hosting a number of state tournaments at the Center Youth Baseball Park beginning this weekend. Games will start this Saturday for the 8-year old and under Machine Pitch and Machine Jr. Pitch State Tournaments, as 21 teams will be playing July 5-8; in addition, the Dixie Boys’ 14-year old and Dixie Boys’ Jr., 13-year old event is held with 15 teams starting Saturday. Then, July 12 thru 15, the 10-year old AAA South and AAA Jr. South Regional Tournament will be played with 17 teams involved; as well as the 12-year old Major Tight Base Tournament; and the District 9-year old and 10-year old Tournament with six teams. 

Arrest Report

7/1/14—7/2/14

Shelby County:

Trentin Patton, 23, Center, Three Charges-Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone and Three Charges-Abandoning/Endangering a Child/Imminent Danger

Kennis Henderson, 24, Center, Three Charges-Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone and Abandoning/Endangering a Child

Nickolas Rushing, 37, Center, Three Charges-Delivery of a Controlled Substance and Two Charges-Abandoning/Endangering a Child

Robin Griffin, 37, Nacogdoches, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Criminal Mischief; Warrant-Evading Arrest/Detention with Vehicle Causing Death; Warrant-Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction and Warrant-Possession of a Controlled Substance

Javoris Gatlin, 39, Logansport, Warrant-Burglary of a Habitation with Intent to Commit Felony

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The Center ISD Board of Trustees will have a regular meeting at noon today.

Among the agenda items for consideration will be awarding the milk bid proposal for the next school year; review and discuss contract with the school district's attorneys, and discussion of compensation and benefits and leaves and absences policy.

Center ISD trustees will also consider and possibly approve the substitute teacher compensation.

A Budget workshop will also be part of today's meeting of the Center ISD Board of Trustees.

The City of Tenaha has hired a consultant to help get the city back on track with TCEQ water regulations.

Mayor Orinthia Johnson says Stacy Cranford began his duties yesterday, and will assist the water department to make sure its in compliance with state and federal law.

Mayor Johnson said he felt Cranford will be a good asset for Tenaha and help get the city going in the right direction with water regulation. He said Cranford was given an annual contract for $7,500 a month with benefits.

Tenaha's water issue woes included a recent TCEQ fine of $38,000.

In other business approved at Monday's meeting, the Tenaha City Council agreed to participate with the City of Center in a recycling program. The city will contribute $500 a year for the next two years, which would eventually place a recycling bin in Tenaha for citizens' use.

Approval was also given to Larry Fountain to make the restroom at the Tenaha Municipal Building handicap accessible, in anticipation of the move of city hall to the location. Fountain's bid was $2,100 for the work.

Mayor Johnson said a ribbon cutting will be held for Tenaha City Hall at its new location, 238 N. George Bowers Dr., at 4 p.m. on Friday, with cake and punch to be served.

The Deep East Texas Council of Governments has been given thumbs up as the board received the agency’s Fiscal Year 2013 audit at their meeting last week in Nacogdoches.

The accounting firm Alexander, Lankford and Hiers gave DETCOG the highest “opinion” possible on its audit.

Executive Director Walter Diggles advised the board over 300 applications for housing assistance has been made to the Hurricane Ike Disaster Recovery Housing Program. Diggles said the program is expecting to serve around 150. He said 27 houses would be distributed through nine of DETCOG’s 12 counties.

The next board meeting is scheduled for July 24 in Hemphill.

The Tenaha Businessmen's Club and HOPE Project are having the first Tenaha Independence Day Celebration Family Festival Friday in downtown Tenaha.  The HOPE Project's Kyndal Banks says organizers wanted to expand on events that were already in place for the Fourth of July in Tenaha.

Events are planned for the downtown Tenaha Square, and include a vendor area; Little Miss/Miss Firecracker pageant at 2:30 p.m.;) Among the other activities are a Veteran Recognition; American as Apple Pie Eating Contest; Patriotic Pet Parade; Red, White and Bounce Park; Yankee Doodle's Den for big kids; and a 50/50 raffle.

For more information, phone 936-332-8813, or visit celebratetenaha.com.

Later on that day, American Legion Post 520, Tenaha Businessmen's Club along with several other Shelby County busineses will present the Tenaha Independence celebration at Tiger Stadium. The event is free and gates will open at 7 p.m.. The Calvary Boys will provide the entertainment at 8 p.m., followed by a large fireworks display at 9. Tenaha ISD cheerleaders will have the concession stand. Lawn chair space is available. For more, contact Tenaha City Hall at 936-248-3841.

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the annual Timpson Frontier Day celebration starting tomorrow night and going through the weekend. Among the events will be The Sonny Tippett Memorial Gospel Singing at 7 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church. Also Thursday night, the all-u-can ride carnival will get underway at 6 p.m. till 10 p.m. on the Timpson Square, as armbands are $15 in advance and available at the Timpson Public Library, or $18 the night of. There’s entertainment Friday night with Curtis Daniel and Dale Cummings downtown, and a full-day of events Saturday starting with the parade at 10 a.m. Featured Saturday will be a Relay for Life Walk, parade, pet show, car/truck show, pea shelling, domino tournament, homemade ice cream contest, food and craft booths, gun-fight re-enactments, a laser light show, and street dance with “A Pack of Strays. For more, call 936-254-2966.

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

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

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

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

The 25^th annual What-A-Melon Festival sponsored by the Center Rotary Club will be held July 10-12 in downtown Center.

Among the festival events are a carnival, a variety of vendors and live music, including gospel music on Thursday, July 10. Don’t forget, entries for the Largest Watermelon Contest are being accepted now until this Friday, July 4. Watermelons MUST be grown in Shelby County, and be attached to the vine when judges assign numbers. Event organizers way it’s the responsibility of each contestant to make sure that the entry form is received by the deadline.

Entry forms are available at The Light and Champion and Shelby County Today office, Brookshire Brothers Grocery and Boles Feed.

All completed forms will be need to be returned by the deadline date of July 4, to Brookshire Brothers, or faxed to Chandra Atholi at 936-591-8884 or mailed to her attention at 301 Wulf Creek Drive in Center. 

The average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide is averaging $3.49 a gallon, that's down a penny in the past week, according to gasbuddy.com. In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $3.46, up one cent in the past week. Nationally, the average is $3.68, which is up 18 cents from the same time a year ago. Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $3.47 at Wal-Mart and at Brookshire Brothers, which is unchanged in the past week.

Watson & Son Funeral Home announces service for 52-year old Joe Stephen “Stevie” Bush of Shelbyville. He passed away Tuesday in Shreveport. Stevie was a longtime employee of Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 Thursday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville. Among “Stevie” Bush’s survivors are, his parents, Joe and Selma Bush of Shelbyville; sister, Cheryl Kaul of San Marcos; and grandmother, Mary Killen of Shelbyville.

Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson announces service for 66-year old Judy Milford Ramsey of Timpson. Service will be at 10 this morning at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment in Corinth Cemetery, Timpson.

Taylor Funeral Home announces service for 53-year old Clayton Moore Taylor of Timpson. He passed away Monday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Service will be at 10 Thursday at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at Taylor Funeral Home. Clay was a long-time employee of Toledo Automotive Supply in Center. Among Clay Taylor’s survivors are, his mother, Kathleen Moore Taylor of Timpson; and brother, Tom Taylor of Prattville, AL.

Hicks Mortuary of Center announces service for 105 year old Edith Gardner of Center. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 this evening at Hicks Chapel. Service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Mt. Zion CME Church, with burial at Westview Cemetery in Center. Repass will be at Mt. Zion CME Church.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches announces service for Michael E. Barnes. Visitation will held prior to service be from 9 to 10 Saturday morning at True Vine Baptist Church in San Augustine. Service will be at 11 a.m., with burial at St. Luke Cemetery in San Augustine.

Arrest Report

6/30/14--7/1/14

Shelby County:

Nikia Johnson, 36, San Augustine, Possession of Marijuana

Coby Lewis, 31, Carthage, Delivery of Marijuana with a Child and Child Endangerment

Albert Conley, 43, Timpson, Driving While Intoxicated

Brandon Damarcus Roberts, 21, Center, Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone, Delivery of Marijuana in a Drug Free Zone and three charges of Abandon/Endangering a Child

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

The Center economy is about to get a much needed  shot in the arm over the next couple of weeks, as the Center Youth Baseball Association is preparing to host a number of state tournaments at the Center Youth Baseball Park.

For the past five years teams from across Texas, along with coaches, parents and fans have converged on the community, which in turn means business for motels, restaurants and retailers.

Center Youth Baseball President Jason Mitchell tells us games will start this Saturday for the 8-year old and under Machine Pitch and Machine Jr. Pitch State Tournaments, as 21 teams will be playing July 5-8; in addition, the Dixie Boys’ 14-year old and Dixie Boys’ Jr., 13-year old event is held with 15 teams starting Saturday.

Then, July 12 thru 15, the 10-year old AAA South and AAA Jr. South Regional Tournament will be played with 17 teams involved; as well as the 12-year old Major Tight Base Tournament; and the District 9-year old and 10-year old Tournament with six teams.

Mitchell said he’s expecting around 1,000 players and coaches the next couple of weeks, and figure in the families, at least 2,500 to be in Center for the tournaments July 5-15.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Dept. is investigating the burglary of a Joaquin business.

Investigator DJ Dickerson advises the sheriff’s department responded to Worsham’s Grocery Saturday, and Deputy Kurtes Lawrence took a burglary report.

The incident reportedly took place between 5:30 last Friday afternoon and 6 Saturday morning. The unknown suspect(s) made entry into the store through the front door and stole several cartons of cigarettes, cans of snuff, as well as food products.

If you have any information on the recent burglary of Worsham’s Grocery in Joaquin, Center Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at centercrimestoppers.com. Remember you don't have to give your name.

All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous.

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

We want to bring you up-to-date on a story we had yesterday. It was reported the Center Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant last Wednesday on two residences in East Center -- in the 12-hundred block of Brooks Street and 900 block of Greer Street.

Eight suspects were taken into custody. Seized during the raid on Brooks Street was 15-hundred grams of PCP, 17-hundred grams of Codeine Cough Syrup, 401 grams of Promethazine and over $28-hundred dollars in US currency.

Meanwhile, ecstasy, “crack” cocaine, and approximately 1.25 pounds of marijuana was seized at the Greer Street house.

Center Police Dept. advises this is an ongoing investigation with more arrest expected.

The Paxton Water System in Shelby County has issued a boil water notice until further notification. The TCEQ has required the system to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption. This is for the customers on the Paxton Water System that were out of water Sunday and Monday, east of FM 699 on Hwy. 84. When it’s no longer necessary to boil water, the system officials will notify you. If you have any questions, contact Vince DiVerdi at 590-9177 or 591-1205.

East Texas Extended Care will hold a ribbon cutting and open house this afternoon for the opening of their newest location in San Augustine.

Owners Justin Timmons and Dawn Barnes invite you to come by from 4 to 6 p.m. and meet the staff of East Texas Extended Care at 606 West Columbia in San Augustine, the old Byrd House Building.

Refreshments will be served. East Texas Extended also has clinics in Timpson and Pineland.

The Timpson area is gearing up for its annual Frontier Day celebration Thursday through the weekend. The Sonny Tippett Memorial Gospel Singing will officially start events at 7 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church. Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce volunteer, Marilyn Corder says top-notch performers will headline the show.

Among those performing will be Grounded, The Calvary Boys, Broken Vessel and Weston and Kristi Henson.

Ms. Corder says pre-sale tickets for the concert are $8 and available at the Timpson Public Library, Timpson-Tenaha News and King’s Nursery in Tenaha. Tickets are $10 at the door. The singing will have also pay tribute to the late Aubrey King, who Ms. Corder says was instrumental in reviving the concert.

Also Thursday night, the all-u-can ride carnival will get underway at 6 p.m. till 10 p.m. on the Timpson Square, as armbands are $15 in advance and available at the Timpson Public Library, or $18 the night of. There’s entertainment Friday night with Curtis Daniel and Dale Cummings downtown, and a full-day of events Saturday starting with the parade at 10 a.m. Featured Saturday will be gun-fight re-enactments, a laser light show, and street dance with “A Pack of Strays. For more, call 936-254-2966.

By the way, Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce President Paul Smith tells us, Marilyn Corder has been named Grand Marshall of the Timpson Frontier Days Parade this year by The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce. Smith said Ms. Corder was chosen because of her hard work and dedication towards making Timpson Frontier Days a great success. He added, Ms. Corder Marilyn takes on many challenges that have made Timpson Frontier Days a favorite event for the Timpson community. Smith said, “We thank Marilyn for her involvement and dedication in the past and look forward to many years to come.”

The 25^th annual What-A-Melon Festival sponsored by the Center Rotary Club will be held July 10-12 in downtown Center.

Among the festival events are a carnival, a variety of vendors and live music, including gospel music on Thursday, July 10.

Don’t forget, entries for the Largest Watermelon Contest are being accepted now until this Friday, July 4. Watermelons MUST be grown in Shelby County, and be attached to the vine when judges assign numbers. Event organizers way it’s the responsibility of each contestant to make sure that the entry form is received by the deadline.

Entry forms are available at The Light and Champion and Shelby County Today office, Brookshire Brothers Grocery and Boles Feed.

All completed forms will be need to be returned by the deadline date of July 4, to Brookshire Brothers, or faxed to Chandra Atholi at 936-591-8884 or mailed to her attention at 301 Wulf Creek Drive in Center. 

Mangum Funeral Home announces the passing of 86-year old Alma Jean Dundon of Center. She passed away Sunday at Green Acres Nursing Home in Center. Her wishes were to be cremated and no service is planned. Among Alma Jean Dundon survivors are, daughter, Betty Snyder of South Carolina; son, John Dundon of Center; twin sister, Betty; and sisters, Helen, Lois & Barbara; and brothers, Dale and Dawn.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 88-year old Arrie Fay McGee Rawlings of Houston, formerly of Joaquin. Graveside service will be at 11 this morning at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Joaquin.

Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson announces service for 66-year old Judy Milford Ramsey of Timpson. She passed away Sunday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Service will be at 10 Wednesday morning at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment in Corinth Cemetery, Timpson. Visitation for family and friends will be from 6 to 8 this evening at Taylor Funeral Home. Among Judy Milford Ramsey’s survivors are, husband, Kenneth Ramsey of Timpson; sons, Stephen Ramsey of Diana, and Nathan Ramsey of Timpson; brother, James H. Milford of Longview; and sister, Linda Askins of Timpson.

Taylor Funeral Home announces pending service for 53-year old Clayton Moore Taylor of Timpson. He passed away Monday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. That’s pending service for Clay Taylor at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 75-year old Mr. J.B. Honeycutt, Sr. of Broaddus. He passed away Sunday in Lufkin. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. No other service information was available.

Hicks Mortuary of Center announces service for 105 year old Edith Gardner of Center. She passed away Saturday at Green Acres Nursing Home in Center. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 Wednesday at Hicks Chapel. Service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Mt. Zion CME Church, with burial at Westview Cemetery in Center. Repass will be at Mt. Zion CME Church. Among Edith Gardner’s survivors is a son, Gilbert Booker Coleman of Lawton, OK.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches announces service for Michael E. Barnes. Visitation will held prior to service be from 9 to 10 Saturday morning at True Vine Baptist Church in San Augustine. Service will be at 11 a.m., with burial at St. Luke Cemetery in San Augustine. Among Michael E. Barnes’ survivors are, mother, Opal Jeanette Garrett of San Augustine; brothers, Anthony Barnes and Edward Barnes; sisters, Vernessa Barnes, Sharon Price, Lillie Barnes and Elandra Carston.

A former all-state baseball player at Central Heights, with family ties to San Augustine, will be participating in the 2014 TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby in Omaha, Nebraska Thursday night. Hunter Haley has just completed his second season at Oklahoma, and will take part in the fifth annual event that will be broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. Haley hit .294 with nine doubles, six triples, six home runs and 34 RBIs for the Sooners. Haley will be one of eight college players taking part in the competition. Hunter Haley’s parents are Richard and Kathy Chumbley Haley, originally of San Augustine.

The Nacogdoches County Exposition and Civic Center will host a family-friendly watch party at 2:30 p.m. today for the first U.S. Round of 16 World Cup game against Belgium. Two large viewing screens will be set up for families to watch the game. Admission is free. Attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks, but no outside beverages are allowed.

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