The Center Police have had a civil rights lawsuit filled against two of the officers, with allegations of the use of excessive force during the course of an arrest.
Posted
2017-08-31 08:35:00 by Deep East Texas Electric Coop
As of 8:30 AM 8-31-17 , Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is reporting approximately 3,301 outages.
Panola County: 1 meter out
Shelby County: 226
Nacogdoches County: 51
San Augustine County: 480
Sabine County: 774
Jasper County: 100
Newton County: 1,546
Overnight flash flood warnings and road closures greatly slowed work. Today, as flood waters recede, crews are diligently working to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible.
DETEC would like to remind members to be safe - STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Consider them all to be live and dangerous.
Call DETEC at 1-800-392-5986 to report downed lines.
* If you or someone in your household is dependent upon life support, identify a location you can move to that has an alternate power source.
* Check backup generators for proper operations and remember to carefully follow generator safety precautions including NOT operating a generator indoors.
* Monitor local weather conditions.
* Follow warnings from local authorities. If you must travel, check drivetexas.org<http://drivetexas.org>, for road closures and hazard information.
Center ISD will have a late start Thursday 8/31/17. Classes will begin at 9:15 a.m. All staff will report at 9 a.m. Buses will run 1 - 1.5 hours later than normal.
Timpson ISD will start at 9 a.m.
Shelbyville ISD will start at 9 a.m and will release early at 1 p.m.
Tenaha ISD has not reported a change in schedule.
Joaquin ISD has not reported a change in schedule.
As of 12 PM, Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is reporting approximately 3,323 outages as Tropical Storm Harvey moves through the area.
Shelby County: 30 meters out
Nacogdoches County: 575
San Augustine County: 372
Sabine County: 1,896
Jasper County: 3
Newton County: 350
DETEC crews and contractors are working to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. Due to rising flood waters and road closures, outage restoration work is extremely slowed.
DETEC would like to remind members to be safe - STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Consider them all to be live and dangerous.
Call DETEC at 1-800-392-5986 to report downed lines.
* If you or someone in your household is dependent upon life support, identify a location you can move to that has an alternate power source.
* Check backup generators for proper operations and remember to carefully follow generator safety precautions including NOT operating a generator indoors.
* Monitor local weather conditions.
* Follow warnings from local authorities. If you must travel, check drivetexas.org<http://drivetexas.org>, for road closures and hazard information.
Shelbyville ISD will release early today, Aug. 30 and tomorrow, Thursday Aug. 31 at 1:00 pm as a precaution due to weather conditions. Classes will start at 9am tomorrow Aug. 31.
Posted
2017-08-29 15:51:00 by Senior Nutrition Site
The Senior Center in Center located at 3580 Loop 500 will be closed Wednesday and Thursday due to rain. They will reopen on Friday. For more information contact them at 936-598-7768.
Shelby County Precinct 3 will be handing out sand bags there barn is located at 200 Childers off of highway 7 next to the bus barn at Joaquin ISD this is for precinct 3 residents. For more information contact them at: 936-269-3997.
Posted
2017-08-29 07:51:00 by Shelby County Sheriff
Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on Sunday, August 27, 2017 Shelby County Sheriff's Communications Division received a call at approximately 06:42 A.M. of a body floating in the Sabine River. The call was transferred from DeSoto Parish and they had lost contact with the caller. SCSO Communications was able to regain contact with the caller. Responding from SCSO was Sheriff Blackwell, Deputy Renfro and Investigator Birdwell along with Constable Pct. 3 Cheatwood. TPWD Game Warden Austin Cryer also responded.
Upon arrival of SCSO personnel, the victim had gotten in the current and was traveling downstream. The victim was originally located between the US 84 bridge and Lovick's Landing. Upon getting the victim to shore, the victim was only known as being a black female and no identification was located on her person.
Desoto Parish Fire/Rescue along with two Desoto Parish Deputies arrived on scene via water to provide assistance. Shortly after DeSoto Parish Sheriff Arbuckle and three investigators arrived as well. One of the deputies thought he recognized the victim as someone from Logansport. Sheriff Arbuckle took a picture of the victim and sent it for identification. The victim was later identified as Sophia Young Davis, 48 of Keatchie, Louisiana. It is believed she had been staying in the Logansport area recently.
The inquest was performed by Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Margie Anderson. Davis was taken from the scene by Watson and Sons Funeral Home personnel for transport to East Texas Forensics in Tyler for an autopsy.
Tropical Storm Harvey has stalled over southeast Texas where extreme rainfall has caused catastrophic flooding across the Houston metro area. Days of drenching downpours are ahead, along with the potential for tornadoes and lingering coastal flooding. New mandatory and voluntary evacuations have been ordered southwest of downtown Houston.
Postal operations have been impacted in the region. Check “Service disruption alerts” or “Is my Post Office open” under “Residential customers” below for the latest information.
Posted
2017-08-29 06:39:00 by Governor Gregg Abbott Press Release
AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott visited the Coastal Bend region where he received a briefing and gave an update on Hurricane Harvey.The Governor then toured the region speaking with Texans impacted by the storm and surveying the extensive damagein the areas affected by Harvey. During his visit,the Governor was inspired by the resilience andbravery of the communities in that region, and he reaffirmed Texas'commitment to doing everything possible to help people rebuild and recover.
"A Texas-sized storm requires a Texas-sized response, and that is exactly what the state will provide," said Governor Abbott. "While we have suffered a great deal, the resiliency and bravery of Texan's spirits is something that can never be broken.As communitiesare comeing together in the aftermath of this storm,I will do everything in my power to make sure they have what they need to rebuild."
"While this is still a dangerous situation with a long response effort ahead, the state and people of Texas are resilient," said FEMA Administrator Brock Long. "FEMA was here before the storm hit, and we will be here as long as needed, actively coordinating the full resources of the federal government, to support Governor Abbott and the state."
Senator John Cornyn also joined the Governor on the ground today to survey the region and help facilitatecoordination of the federal, state, and local response tothe recovery effort in Texas.
While touring the damage in Rockport, Governor Abbott was approached by a local veteran whorecovered the American Flag that was flying at RockportCity Hall. She asked the Governor to deliver the flag to Rockport Mayor C.J. Wax, which he did. A picture of the exchange can be found below.
All recreation areas and trails in the Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, Angelina and Sabine National Forests remain closed as a public safety precaution until the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey passes, according to Forest Supervisor Eddie Taylor.
Taylor emphasized that national forest campgrounds have older trees that are susceptible to falling when soils become saturated.
"With potentially high winds, possible tornados and heavy rainfall, the forest is not a safe place to be," he said. "The forecast calls for rain through the week which means the ground will be saturated and the threat of falling trees is real. We've had experiences with people trapped and even injured in recreation areas when trees have fallen onto campers and tents. Expected heavy rains can cause roads and culverts to wash out and we will not put the public in harm's way."
Recreation areas and trails will remain closed until the storm has passed and Forest Service personnel have determined the roads and public areas are safe.
Tropical Storm Harvey is now moving southeast and expected to move back out into the Gulf of Mexico tonight. A very slight strengthening is forecast before Harvey makes another landfall as a tropical storm near Houston.
Timing and Overview:
The primary threat from Harvey will be heavy rain and associated flooding. The flooding threat is already ongoing across Deep East Texas and West Central Louisiana, and will spread northeast across the area late Tuesday through Thursday as Harvey moves northeast.
Secondary threats include isolated tornadoes (already ongoing) mainly south of Interstate 20. There is also a slight possibility that tropical storm force winds could affect portions of Deep East Texas and West Central Louisiana late Tuesday and into Wednesday.
Four State Impacts:
Expected Accumulations:Additional rainfall amounts of three to six inches are expected south of Interstate 30 through 7am Sunday morning, with most of the rain falling between now and 7am Friday morning.
A swath of higher amounts between six and eight inches is expected from Deep East Texas northeast through Northwest Louisiana and into Southern Arkansas.Isolated higher amounts near 10 to 12 inches will be possible across Deep East Texas.Impacts: Flash flooding will be possible.A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until 7pm CDT Thursday for areas south of a line from Cherokee County, TX, to Winn Parish, LA.Saturated soils will mean that trees can topple with lighter wind speeds.Red River Impacts:A reasonable worse case scenario with Harvey is that the Red River could see a three to six foot rise, starting this weekend, but the rainfall would have to fall north of Shreveport near or upstream of Fulton to have this kind of rise in Shreveport. This is NOT the current forecast, but a possibility given the uncertainty with Harvey's track.
Posted
2017-08-29 06:02:00 by Foucsed Care of Center
Focused Care of Center will be accepting donations throughout this week for items that will be taken to areas affected by the Hurricane.
We are Honored to be able to take these items to people who so desperately need them. If you would like to bring blankets, Socks, non perishable food items, bottled water, diapers, infant formula or anything you feel would help please drop off your items at the front office. We ask that if you would like to donate money please do so in the form of a Walmart gift card. For more information please call Renee Bush at (936)598-2483.
If during the course of the meeting, any discussion of items on the Agenda that should be held in executive or closed session, the Council will convene in executive or closed session, in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code Section 551.101 and Texas Revised Civil Statues.
The City Council of Tenaha will meet in regular session on Monday – August 28, 2017 at 5:15 p.m. at the Tenaha Municipal Building located at 238 N. George Bowers Drive, Tenaha, Texas.
Order of Business:
1. Call to Order & Roll Call
2. Pledge and Prayer
3. Welcome Guests/Public Comments
4. Consider Approval for July 2017 Financials – ACTION
5. Accept Carl Jernigan’s Resignation as Mayor – ACTION
6. Accept Jimmy Wagstaff’s Resignation as Marshal – ACTION
7. Discuss and Consider Appointing Darren Gray As The Interim Chief Administrator for the Marshal’s Department – ACTION
a. Discuss and Consider Approval of Required Bond for Darren Gray as Interim Chief Administrator - ACTION
8. Re-Visit and Discuss Dog and Cat Ordinance #2015-07-20-2
9. Discuss City Donation Policies
10. Discussion of Overtime Approval
11. Discussion Regarding Transportation Coverage Options While Handling City Business
12. Discuss Performance Bonds and Consider Approval of $25,000 Limit For Each Employee Handling Cash - ACTION
13. Open Sealed Ballpark Mowing Bids and Award – ACTION
14. Discuss and Set Budget Workshop Date – ACTION
15. Convene to Closed Session Per Section 551.074 Personnel Matters:
a. Discuss Director of Public Works Wages, Job Description and License Requirements
16. Re-Convene to Open Session
a. Council to Make Motion Pertaining to the Outcome of Closed Session. - ACTION
LUFKIN – Clark Construction of Texas, Inc. is working with TxDOT to perform repair work to the sealcoat that was applied to SL 287 East in Lufkin late last week.
TxDOT has an annual sealcoat program for preventative maintenance to our roadways across the State. Sealcoats are used to preserve the pavement structure and extend the service life of the roadway.
The torrential rainfall East Texas has been receiving the past several days has caused much of the rock to become loose.
Repair work is being scheduled as soon as the weather clears and the work can be performed safely. Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in the area or take alternate routes. Alternate routes include the west side of SL 287 or BU 59/Timberland Drive.
Work schedules are subject to change in inclement weather. Reduce speed and obey all signage in the area.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov<mailto:Rhonda.OaksDonaldson@txdot.gov> or (936) 633-4395.
Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is currently and has been monitoring Tropical Storm Harvey for the past several days, as well as preparing for the storm's possible movement across the DETEC Service Area.
DETEC linemen are currently responding to outages and contractors are ready to respond if needed.
With the current rainfall levels increasing and the continued forecasted rain over the next few days, please understand that restoration efforts may be slowed considerably to ensure the safety of our lineman and contractors.
We encourage you to also prepare now for the possibility of weather-related problems. We urge everyone to make necessary preparations including:
* If you or someone in your household is dependent upon life support, have an alternate power source available or identify a location you can move to that has an alternate power source.
* Check backup generators for proper operations and remember to carefully follow generator safety precautions including NOT operating a generator indoors.
* Monitor local weather conditions.
* Follow warnings from local authorities. If you must travel, check drivetexas.org, for road closures and hazard information.
* Above all, we want to ask you to be safe - STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Consider them all to be live and dangerous. Call DETEC at 1-800-392-5986 to report downed lines and outages.
WASHINGTON (Aug. 21, 2017) — The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is saluting President Trump for signing the VFW-supported Global War on Terrorism Memorial Act into law late Friday. The signing now clears the way for the GWOT Memorial Foundation to work with the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission to secure federal approval for acreage on the National Mall, as well as coordinate a national competition for the memorial’s design. It also exempts the GWOT Memorial from a provision in the Commemorative Works Act of 1986 that requires Congress to wait 10 years after the official end of a military conflict before considering a war memorial in the nation’s capital.
“Sixteen years ago, no one would have thought it possible for America to fight a nonstop, multi-front war for so long with just an all-volunteer force,” said VFW National Commander Keith Harman, who served in Vietnam as a UH-1 Huey helicopter crew chief and door gunner. “That we have — that they have — and continue to do so magnificently, is a testament not only to this generation’s patriotism but of their character, as well. The VFW is very proud to support this memorial, and we are extremely proud that VFW members are the driving force behind its creation.”
The GWOT Memorial Foundation founder and executive director, Andrew Brennan, is a life member of VFW Post 3945 in Pittsburgh. The legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), a life member of VFW Post 2037 in Green Bay, Wis., and Rep. Seth Moulton, a member of VFW Post 2005 in Marblehead, Mass. Its companion bill in the Senate was introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a life member of VFW Post 2265 in Red Oak, Iowa, and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), a strong veterans’ advocate who also co-chairs the Senate Post-9/11 Veterans Caucus.
“This historic signing is dedicated to our 3 million brothers and sisters who have deployed in the Global War on Terror, especially to the ones we have lost, and those who face great obstacles since their return home,” said Brennan, a West Point graduate, who served in Afghanistan as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot. “I’m very proud of the VFW’s early support, and when the time comes, I look forward to a significant presence at the memorial’s groundbreaking and its grand opening, hopefully alongside our nation’s other war memorials.”
Posted
2017-08-28 12:42:00 by Sen. Cruz Press Release
HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today released the following statement in the wake of flooded roadways that will prevent him from traveling out of Houston to Corpus Christi to survey storm damage from Hurricane Harvey:
"Due to continuing rain and flooding in Houston, I regret that roadways are blocked and I will be unable to travel out of the city to join Gov. Abbott, Sen. Cornyn, and other state and local officials down in Corpus Christi this afternoon. I will remain in Houston, working closely with federal, state, and local officials continue providing relief to those impacted by the storm.
"I am grateful for the leadership that our local and state officials have shown in the preparation and aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. While we have yet to see the full impact of the storm, there is no doubt that the thoughtful coordination of Texas elected officials and their counterparts at all levels have helped mitigate the devastation we have seen. And I'm thankful for the assurances from President Trump and Vice President Pence that full federal assistance stands at the ready once we begin the recovery and rebuilding process.
"My and Heidi's prayers remain with the millions of Texans who have been impacted by this historic storm, and we continue to urge all to heed the warnings from local officials and stay out of harm's way as rains continue to cause flash flood threats in Houston and surrounding areas.
"We are immensely thankful for our first responders, in Texas and from across the country, who continue to risk their own safety to help those in need of rescue. And for the thousands of private citizens who have pitched in to help, whether by offering a boat to rescue those stranded, giving needed supplies to local shelters, or donating to charities who are housing and feeding the displaced.
"We have a long road to recovery before us, but as always the Texas spirit of determination, generosity, and perseverance will guide us forward. We see the best of Texans in our times of need and today is no exception. I am so incredibly proud to call Texas and Houston home. We will come together, and we will recover and rebuild, as we always have."
Throughout the days and weeks ahead, Sen. Cruz will keep working with state and local officials throughout the state, to keep all Texans safe. If you need additional information or assistance during this emergency situation, please do not hesitate to contact Sen. Cruz's office or utilize the federal and state resources listed below:
Texas Hurricane Resources:
· To qualify for assistance, or register your sustained damage with FEMA: 1-800-621-3362.
· Red Cross disaster assistance: 1-877-500-8645.
· If you are in need of help or would like to volunteer, call 211
· Para solicitar ayuda con un reclamo personal, llame a la línea telefónica de atención al consumidor del Departamento de Seguros de Texas al 1-800-252-3439.
Posted
2017-08-28 12:39:00 by Governor Gregg Abbott Press Release
Austin - Governor Greg Abbott today announced he has activated the entire Texas National Guard in response to Hurricane Harvey, bringing the total number of deployed guardsman to roughly 12,000. These National Guardsman will assist in the ongoing search and rescue effort for any Texans in immediate danger, and will be heavily involved in the extensive recovery effort in the aftermath of the storm.
It is imperative that we do everything possible to protect the lives and safety of people across the state of Texas as we continue to face the aftermath of this storm, said Governor Abbott. The Texas National Guard is working closely with FEMA and federal troops to respond urgently to the growing needs of Texans who have fallen victim to Hurricane Harvey, and the activation of the entire Guard will assist in the efforts already underway. I would like to thank FEMA Administrator Brock Long, as well as all our brave first responders for their hard work in helping those impacted by this terrible storm.
"While this is still a dangerous situation with a long response effort ahead, the state and people of Texas are resilient," said FEMA Administrator Brock Long. "FEMA was here before the storm hit, and we will be here as long as needed, actively coordinating the full resources of the federal government, to support Gov. Abbott and the state."
"The men and women of the Texas National Guard are working around the clock to support all relief efforts from Hurricane Harvey," said Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, Texas Adjutant General. "We will not rest until we have made every effort to rescue all those in harm's way. We will remain here as long as we are needed. I want to thank Governor Abbott for his continued leadership and look forward to serving the great people of Texas."
The Texas Guard currently has approximately 3,000 personnel activated and mobilized for operations relating to Hurricane Harvey rescue and recovery. This new mobilization by Governor Abbott send those who are physically able, not currently deployed, preparing to deploy or in a combat preparation cycle to answer the call for help and assist their fellow Texans in need. All Texas Military Department personnel should report to their respective units for further instructions.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office will serve as a drop site for donations to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. If you have questions or if need your donation picked up, please contact Leach Chase at the SCSO at 936-598-5601 or 936-572-0423.
The Hillcrest Baptist Church will take evacuees upto 130 people for more information contact them at 936-488-0923.
The Hampton Inn is taking in Evacuees such as this lady and her family they are also seeking donations of food, water and clothing.
Shelby County Outreach Ministries is curently working to make sure people get clothes and food, and vital medicine. They are taking donations of clothing, food and water. For more information contact them at 936-598-4990 or visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/shelbycountyoutreach/
Posted
2017-08-28 12:22:00 by Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce announces the Chicken Cooking Contest, sponsored by Tyson Foods. On Super Wednesday, September 27, 2017 immediately following the 41st East Texas Poultry Festival Doo Dah parade, sponsored by Center Tire Company. The event will be held on the east side of the historic downtown Center square. In the event of inclement weather, the event will move to the active Shelby County Courthouse community room.
The Chicken Cooking Contest is open for participation in three categories, Youth (ages 8 – 14), High School Youth (ages 14-17) Adult (age 18 and above). Contestants will be provided with approximately 36 inches of covered presentation area to decorate. Participants are asked to prepare their recipe to create 25-30 sample size servings and bring serving utensils. Participants must be set up before the Doo Dah Parade in order to maintain the time schedule. All participants must have some type of cover for their dish.
Chicken Cooking Contest awards and trophies will be presented in each category with First Place $100, Second Place $50 and Third Place $25. All cooking awards will be presented at the conclusion of the event at approximately 6:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. Free samples of the food will be available until the food runs out.
To be eligible for the cooking contest, participants must submit their recipes to the Chamber office by the entry deadline Wednesday, September 13, 2017 by email at info@shelbycountychamber.com, postal mail or delivered to 100 Courthouse Square, A-101, Center, TX 75935. For complete entry details for the Chicken Cooking Contest, please contact the Chamber office at (936) 598-3682 or www.shelbycountychamber.com.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and the 41st East Texas Poultry Festival Steering Committee extends a special note of appreciation and gratitude to the following event sponsors: Farmers State Bank, Presenting Sponsor, and Gold sponsors; City of Center and Tyson Foods.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote and advance economic enrichment and development, tourism, and the social and civic interest of Shelby County and adjoining areas. For additional information, please call 936.598.3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.
Posted
2017-08-28 12:21:00 by Shelby County Court House
Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 31st day of August, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. in the Community room 2nd floor at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:
Advocates Call for Monetary Donations to Local Groups, and for Government to Ensure Rapid and Robust Food Response
The following is a statement from Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, a national direct service and advocacy non-profit organization:
"Eighty one percent of Houston public school students come from such low-income families that they are eligible for free- and reduce-price meals. On any given day, Houston public schools provide 224,000 children with free and reduced-priced breakfasts and lunches, according to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)<http://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/school-breakfast-large-school-districts-sy-2015-2016.pdf>. For all the horrors faced by Houston this week and into the future, add to that the heartbreaking reality of increased child hunger because school didn't start today. To make matters even worse, because today is near the end of the month, many families that rely on SNAP (formerly called food stamp) benefits, issued near the start of the month, may have run out of benefits, and may not be able to reach area food pantries and soup pantries due to the flooding.
In Harris County, Texas, (where Houston is located), 886,678 people, more than half of whom are children, rely on SNAP to obtain groceries. Americans have Texas in our thoughts and prayers, but we must do more. I urge anyone who can afford to do so to donate money to the Food Bank of Houston and other Texas food banks. Even before Harvey hit, Texas had the 10th worst rate of hunger in the nation, with one out of six Texans living in homes that couldn't afford enough food in 2015, according to USDA. But the charitable sector can't fully respond to this massive new crisis - on top of the pre-existing hunger crises in Texas - alone. I urge the federal, state, and local governments to work together to not only get food charities the help they need, but also to make government commodities and disaster SNAP benefits available easily and widely in the impacted areas."
Posted
2017-08-28 10:28:00 by Shelby County Sheriff
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office will serve as a drop site for donations to those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Items needed are cases of water, non-perishable food items, personal care items, clothing for small children to adults – this includes undergarments and socks, tarps, items to make small repairs, dog and cat foot, animal crates and garbage bags.
Members of Hillcrest Baptist Church will carry the items by an 18-wheeler to the victims. No donation is too big or too small. Donations will be accepted at the SCSO until Thursday afternoon. If you have questions or if need your donation picked up, please contact Leach Chase at the SCSO at 936-598-5601 or 936-572-0423.
Posted
2017-08-28 10:27:00 by Strong Triumph Church
The Strong Triumph Church will have its 3rd annual Shepherd and 1st Gentleman Appreciation honoring Shepherd, Elder Faye Dell Allen and 1st Gentleman, Bro. Adrian Allen. The appreciation will be on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 7 p.m.
The City Council of Joaquin will meet in Special Workshop session Thursday, August 31, 2017 4:00 p.m. at The Joaquin City Hall located at 124 North Preston, Joaquin, Texas.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. Call to order, establish quorum & welcome guest.
2. Budget Discussions.
3. Adjourn
IF during the course of the of the meeting, any discussion of items on the Agenda should be held in executive or closed session, the Council will convene in executive or closed session, in accordance With the Texas Open Meetings Act, Governmental Code Section 551 and Texas Revised Civil Statutes.
The Timpson Fire Department is taking donations and are working with our local constables to get water and supplies to Houston. For more information you can call 936-254-3547.
The Hampton Inn in Center is housing evacuees and is seeking donations. There are already several families in need. They will take food, water, clothes, anything that may help.
Tropical Storm Harvey has stalled inland over a majority of southeast Texas, and will move slowly across South Central and Southeast Texas through Wednesday. Substantial rainfall, dangerous flooding, and high winds continue to threaten this part of the state. Travel is discouraged in the affected areas until conditions improve.
The uncertain storm path and patterns of rain bands can make water levels change rapidly. Motorists who come upon a section of roadway that has water flowing across it should seek an alternate route. It is against Texas law to drive around barricades at flooded roads. And it’s never worth the risk.
If you find yourself in need of shelter, please call 2 1 1.
Remember: Turn around, don't drown.
TxDOT is committed to your safety and to the reliability of the information contained on this site. While road conditions can change rapidly, DriveTexas.org is an industry leader in providing some of the most accurate and up-to-date travel-related information currently available to drivers in Texas. Information presented here is as close to real time as possible. For those who use our roads, please do not use this site while operating a motor vehicle. Be Safe. Drive Smart.
The flooding comes after the hurricane left at least three people dead after it bashed the Texas coast. Buildings and parts of communities are submerged and, in Houston, there were more than 1,000 calls for rescues and people were forced to their rooftops.
Donald Trump will visit Texas on Tuesday, the White House said as tropical storm Harvey brought intense rainfall that threatened “historic” flooding in Houston, freeways turning into rivers and water rushing into homes in America’s fourth-largest city.
As coastal Texas cleaned up from Harvey, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Friday night before weakening, the storm shifted its attention inland. Amid predictions that as much as 50in of rain could fall, waters rose so high that people were advised to climb to their roofs rather than take refuge in attics, unless they had “an axe or means to break through”.
Heavy rains were predicted to linger for several days and the National Weather Service (NWS), issuing a flash flood emergency warning, said “catastrophic flooding in the Houston metropolitan area is expected to worsen and could become historic”.
More than 6.5 million people live in the region. Several deaths were reported. Early in the day Harris County sheriff Ed Gonzalez reported on Twitter that a woman and child had died in a submerged vehicle on Interstate 10. The deaths were not confirmed, because the location was unreachable. Texas governor Greg Abbott later told CBS he was “not capable at this time of confirming” the number of fatalities caused by the hurricane.
At least six people have died as a result of the flooding, but everyone expects that number to keep rising considering rescue workers have not been able to reach some of the worst-hit areas. The flooding in Houston was so extensive that officials couldn’t even say that one area was the worst affected.
REPORTED HIGH WATER LOCATIONS, AS OF 6:35 PM SUNDAY
IH-10 EAST Eastbound At JENSEN DRAll MainlanesVerified at 5:34 AM today
IH-10 EAST Eastbound At LOCKWOOD DRAll MainlanesVerified at 11:54 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-10 EAST Eastbound At MC CARTY ST/US-90 ALTERNATERight Lane,Center LaneVerified at 11:59 PM
IH-10 EAST Eastbound At MONMOUTH DR3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 11:41 AM on on 8/26/2017
IH-10 EAST Eastbound At Westmont/Greens BayouUnknownVerified at 7:14 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-10 EAST Westbound At GELLHORN DR3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 11:49 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-10 EAST Westbound At JENSEN DRAll MainlanesVerified at 5:32 AM today
IH-10 EAST Westbound At LOCKWOOD DRAll MainlanesVerified at 5:24 AM today
IH-10 EAST Westbound At LOCKWOOD DRAll MainlanesVerified at 12:00 AM today
IH-10 EAST Westbound At MONMOUTH DR3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 9:52 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-10 KATY Eastbound At BELTWAY 8-WESTLeft Shoulder,Right ShoulderVerified at 8:36 AM today
IH-10 KATY Eastbound At GESSNER DR3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 9:56 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-10 KATY Eastbound At PATTERSON ST3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 3:04 PM today
IH-10 KATY Eastbound At SILBER RDAll MainlanesVerified at 8:18 AM today
IH-10 KATY Eastbound At T C JESTER BLVDAll MainlanesVerified at 2:37 PM today
IH-10 KATY Eastbound At TAYLOR STAll MainlanesVerified at 11:30 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-10 KATY Eastbound At WASHINGTON AVE/WESTCOTT STAll MainlanesVerified at 11:59 PM
IH-10 KATY Westbound At BELTWAY 8-WESTUnknownVerified at 9:57 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-10 KATY Westbound At PATTERSON ST3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 3:10 PM today
IH-10 KATY Westbound At T C JESTER BLVDAll MainlanesVerified at 2:40 PM today
IH-10 KATY Westbound Before IH-610 WEST LOOP/ US 290 Direct ConnectAll MainlanesVerified at 2:07 AM today
IH-10 Westbound At FM-359 in Waller CountyExit RampVerified at 2:44 AM on on 8/26/2017
IH-45 GULF Northbound At IH-610 SOUTH LOOPLeft Lane,2 Center LanesVerified at 10:49 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-45 GULF Northbound At SCARSDALE BLVD3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 8:36 AM today
IH-45 GULF Northbound At TELLEPSEN ST3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 5:04 AM today
IH-45 GULF Northbound At TRAVISEntrance RampVerified at 3:35 AM today
IH-45 GULF Northbound At W DALLAS STAll MainlanesVerified at 5:42 AM today
IH-45 GULF Southbound At EDGEBROOK DR/CLEARWOOD DR2 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 6:32 PM today
IH-45 GULF Southbound At IH-69 EASTEXAll MainlanesVerified at 1:30 AM today
IH-45 GULF Southbound At SCARSDALE BLVD3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 8:37 AM today
IH-45 GULF Southbound At SH-3/MONROE RD3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 6:30 PM today
IH-45 NORTH Northbound After RICHEY RD3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 7:42 AM today
IH-45 NORTH Northbound At AIRLINE DR3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 10:33 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-45 NORTH Northbound At CYPRESSWOOD DR/Holzwarth3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 6:04 PM today
IH-45 NORTH Northbound At N MAIN STRight Shoulder,Right Lane,Center LaneVerified at 11:33 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-45 NORTH Northbound At N SHEPHERD DR3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 3:55 PM today
IH-45 NORTH Northbound At SH 249/ MOUNT HOUSTON RD2 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 11:40 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-45 NORTH Northbound At TIDWELL RD3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 10:38 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-45 NORTH Northbound At WEST RDUnknownVerified at 6:27 PM today
IH-45 NORTH Southbound At BELTWAY 8-NORTHUnknownVerified at 4:12 PM today
IH-45 NORTH Southbound At CYPRESSWOOD DR/HolzwarthAll MainlanesVerified at 5:58 PM today
IH-45 NORTH Southbound At LITTLE YORK RDUnknownVerified at 10:37 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-45 NORTH Southbound At N MAIN STRight Lane,Center LaneVerified at 10:33 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-45 NORTH Southbound At N SHEPHERD DRUnknownVerified at 3:55 PM today
IH-45 NORTH Southbound At SH 249/ MOUNT HOUSTON RDAll MainlanesVerified at 12:47 PM today
IH-45 NORTH Southbound At TIDWELL RD4 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 10:36 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-45 NORTH Southbound At WEST RD3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 6:25 PM today
IH-45 NORTH Southbound Before RICHEY RD3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 7:43 AM today
IH-45 Northbound At FM-518 in Galveston CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 11:52 AM today
IH-45 Northbound At HOLLAND in Galveston CountyAll Mainlanes Verified at 12:40 PM today
IH-45 Northbound At HUGHES in Galveston CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 3:23 PM today
IH-45 Northbound At SH-242 in Montgomery County2 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 12:05 AM today
IH-45 Southbound At FM-517 in Galveston CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 12:40 PM today
IH-45 Southbound At FM-518 in Galveston CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 11:50 AM today
IH-45 Southbound At HOLLAND in Galveston CountyAll Mainlanes Verified at 12:42 PM today
IH-45 Southbound At HUGHES in Galveston CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 3:25 PM today
IH-45 Southbound At SH-6/SH-146 in Galveston CountyExit Ramp Verified at 9:30 AM on on 8/26/2017
IH-45 Southbound Before FM-2854/MONTGOMERY in Montgomery County3 Frontage Road Lanes,Exit RampVerified at 7:22 AM today
IH-610 EAST LOOP Northbound At CLINTON DRAll MainlanesVerified at 11:01 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 EAST LOOP Northbound At IH-10 EASTExit RampVerified at 10:47 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 EAST LOOP Northbound At PORT OF HOUSTONAll Mainlanes Verified at 11:19 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 EAST LOOP Southbound At CLINTON DRAll MainlanesVerified at 11:02 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 EAST LOOP Southbound At MARKET STAll MainlanesVerified at 11:00 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 NORTH LOOP Eastbound After IH-10 EASTAll MainlanesVerified at 11:28 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 NORTH LOOP Eastbound At GELLHORN DR3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 11:05 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 NORTH LOOP Eastbound At IH-45 NORTHExit RampVerified at 10:49 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 NORTH LOOP Eastbound At LOCKWOOD DRAll Mainlanes Verified at 2:11 PM today
IH-610 NORTH LOOP Westbound At GELLHORN DR3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 11:03 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 NORTH LOOP Westbound At LOCKWOOD DRAll Mainlanes Verified at 2:12 PM today
IH-610 NORTH LOOP Westbound At YALE ST3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 12:10 AM today
IH-610 SOUTH LOOP Eastbound At BROAD3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 11:45 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 SOUTH LOOP Eastbound At CRESTMONT ST3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 11:40 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 SOUTH LOOP Eastbound At MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 11:38 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 SOUTH LOOP Eastbound At S WAYSIDE DR3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 12:36 AM today
IH-610 SOUTH LOOP Eastbound At SCOTT ST3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 11:36 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 SOUTH LOOP Eastbound At SH-288Exit RampVerified at 11:59 PM
IH-610 SOUTH LOOP Westbound At CRESTMONT ST3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 11:41 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 SOUTH LOOP Westbound At S POST OAK RDAll Mainlanes Verified at 7:36 AM today
IH-610 SOUTH LOOP Westbound At SH-288Left Lane,Right Lane,Exit RampVerified at 12:06 AM today
IH-610 WEST LOOP Northbound At POST OAK RDAll MainlanesVerified at 3:04 PM today
IH-610 WEST LOOP Northbound At WESTPARK DR2 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 9:38 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 WEST LOOP Southbound At BELLAIRE BLVD4 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 9:29 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 WEST LOOP Southbound At FOURNACE PL4 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 10:09 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-610 WEST LOOP Southbound At POST OAK RDAll MainlanesVerified at 2:46 PM today
IH-610 WEST LOOP Southbound At WESTPARK DRUnknownVerified at 9:39 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-69 Eastex Freeway Northbound At GREENS RD3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 7:02 AM today
IH-69 Eastex Freeway Northbound At SAN JACINTO RIVER1 Frontage Road LaneVerified at 5:37 AM today
IH-69 Eastex Freeway Southbound At GREENS RD3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 7:01 AM today
IH-69 Eastex Freeway Southbound At IH-610 NORTH LOOPUnknown Verified at 1:06 AM today
IH-69 Eastex Freeway Southbound At MC GOWENUnknownVerified at 10:08 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-69 Eastex Freeway Southbound At RANKIN RD2 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 6:13 AM today
IH-69 Eastex Freeway Southbound At SAN JACINTO RIVERAll Mainlanes Verified at 5:38 AM today
IH-69 Northbound At FM-762/THOMPSON RD in Fort Bend CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 11:50 AM today
IH-69 Southbound At FM 1314 in Montgomery County3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 7:45 AM today
IH-69 Southbound At FM-762/THOMPSON RD in Fort Bend CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 11:53 AM today
IH-69 Southbound At ISLEIB RD in Fort Bend County3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 10:19 PM on on 8/25/2017
IH-69 SOUTHWEST Northbound At BELLAIRE BLVD3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 9:27 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-69 SOUTHWEST Northbound At CHIMNEY ROCK RD4 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 9:44 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-69 SOUTHWEST Northbound At DUNLAVYRight Shoulder,Right Lane,2 Center LanesVerified at 5:58 AM today
IH-69 SOUTHWEST Northbound At IH-45 GULFLeft Shoulder,Left Lane,Center LaneVerified at 10:09 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-69 SOUTHWEST Northbound At IH-610 WEST LOOPAll Mainlanes Verified at 5:31 AM today
IH-69 SOUTHWEST Northbound At IH-610 WEST LOOPRight Shoulder,Right Lane,2 Center LanesVerified at 5:59 AM today
IH-69 SOUTHWEST Southbound At BELLFORT AVE2 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 9:57 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-69 SOUTHWEST Southbound At BELTWAY 8-WEST3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 9:25 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-69 SOUTHWEST Southbound At SH-288UnknownVerified at 10:53 PM on on 8/26/2017
IH-69 SOUTHWEST Southbound At WESTPARK DR3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 9:38 PM on on 8/26/2017
US-290 NORTHWEST Eastbound At BINFORDAll MainlanesVerified at 6:23 AM today
US-290 NORTHWEST Eastbound At FM-5293 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 1:09 AM today
US-290 NORTHWEST Eastbound At GESSNER RD1 Frontage Road Lane Verified at 8:34 AM on on 8/26/2017
US-290 NORTHWEST Westbound At ELDRIDGE PARKWAY3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 9:21 PM on on 8/26/2017
US-90 Westbound At BELTWAY 8-EASTAll MainlanesVerified at 2:46 AM today
US-90 Westbound At UVALDEAll MainlanesVerified at 2:47 AM today
SH-225 Eastbound At RED BLUFF RD3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 7:03 PM on on 8/26/2017
SH-225 Eastbound At RICHEY STAll MainlanesVerified at 11:21 PM on on 8/26/2017
SH-225 Eastbound At SCARBOROUGH LN3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 11:19 PM on on 8/26/2017
SH-225 Westbound At RICHEY STAll MainlanesVerified at 11:22 PM on on 8/26/2017
SH-249 TOMBALL PARKWAY Northbound At BS 249/ HOLDERRIETH Entrance RampVerified at 3:33 PM today
SH-288 Northbound After IH-69 SOUTHWESTAll MainlanesVerified at 12:42 PM today
SH-288 Northbound After MAC GREGOR DR1 Frontage Road Lane Verified at 2:03 PM today
SH-288 Northbound At FORT BEND COUNTY RD CR 56 in Brazoria County2 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 7:59 PM on on 8/26/2017
SH-288 Northbound At HOLCOMBE BLVDAll MainlanesVerified at 11:10 PM on on 8/26/2017
SH-288 Northbound At HOLLY HALL STAll MainlanesVerified at 7:39 AM today
SH-288 Northbound At IH-610 SOUTH LOOPAll MainlanesVerified at 9:55 PM on on 8/26/2017
SH-288 Northbound At IH-610 SOUTH LOOPExit RampVerified at 11:29 PM on on 8/26/2017
SH-288 Northbound At MAC GREGOR DRAll MainlanesVerified at 7:33 AM today
SH-288 Northbound At SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 11:38 AM today
SH-288 Northbound At SOUTHMORE BLVDAll MainlanesVerified at 7:28 AM today
SH-288 Northbound Before FM-2234 MC HARD RD in Brazoria County2 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 11:51 AM today
SH-288 Southbound After FM-2234 MC HARD RD in Brazoria County2 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 11:50 AM today
SH-288 Southbound At HOLCOMBE BLVDAll MainlanesVerified at 7:35 AM today
SH-288 Southbound At HOLLY HALL STAll MainlanesVerified at 7:40 AM today
SH-288 Southbound At IH-45 GULFAll MainlanesVerified at 12:43 PM today
SH-288 Southbound At IH-610 SOUTH LOOPExit RampVerified at 11:23 AM today
SH-288 Southbound At IH-610 SOUTH LOOPAll MainlanesVerified at 8:00 AM today
SH-288 Southbound At IH-69 SOUTHWESTAll MainlanesVerified at 10:00 PM on on 8/26/2017
SH-288 Southbound At MAC GREGOR DRAll MainlanesVerified at 7:59 AM today
SH-288 Southbound At SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY2 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 7:09 AM today
SH-288 Southbound At SOUTHMORE BLVDAll MainlanesVerified at 9:37 PM on on 8/26/2017
SH-288 Southbound Before MAC GREGOR DR2 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 2:04 PM today
SH-3 Northbound At SH-146 in Galveston CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 12:39 AM today
SH-3 Northbound At Walker St in Galveston CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 12:58 AM today
SH-3 Southbound At SH-146 in Galveston CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 12:40 AM today
SH-3 Southbound At Walker St in Galveston CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 1:03 AM today
SH-35 Eastbound At DIXIE FARM CR 126 in Brazoria CountyUnknown Verified at 1:03 AM today
SH-6 Eastbound At Bissonnet St in Fort Bend CountyAll Mainlanes Verified at 3:39 PM today
SH-6 Eastbound At FM-521 in Fort Bend CountyUnknownVerified at 9:17 PM on on 8/26/2017
SH-6 Eastbound At MISSISSIPPI ST in Brazoria CountyUnknownVerified at 9:40 PM on on 8/26/2017
SH-6 Eastbound At MUSTANG BAYOU RD in Brazoria CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 3:38 PM today
SH-6 Northbound At PARK ROWAll MainlanesVerified at 6:45 AM today
SH-6 Southbound At PATTERSON RDAll MainlanesVerified at 6:48 AM today
SH-87/ Broadway Northbound At GALVESTON-BOLIVAR FERRY in Galveston CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 10:55 AM on on 8/26/2017
SH-87/ Broadway Northbound At Rollover Pass in Galveston CountyRight Shoulder,Center LaneVerified at 2:47 PM on on 8/25/2017
SH-87/ Broadway Southbound At SEWALL BLVD/ 2ND ST in Galveston CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 10:53 AM on on 8/26/2017
SH-87/ Broadway Southbound At SH-124 in Galveston CountyRight Shoulder,Center LaneVerified at 2:40 PM on on 8/25/2017
SH-99 GRAND PARKWAY - West Northbound At Clay RdAll Mainlanes Verified at 12:55 PM today
SH-99 GRAND PARKWAY - West Northbound At US 290 Northwest UnknownVerified at 1:34 AM today
SH-99 Grand Pkwy - North Eastbound At FM-2920All MainlanesVerified at 3:21 PM today
SH-99 Grand Pkwy - North Westbound At FM-2920All MainlanesVerified at 3:38 PM today
BELTWAY 8-EAST Northbound At FAIRMONT PKWY3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 11:54 AM today
BELTWAY 8-EAST Northbound At GARRETT3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 1:49 AM today
BELTWAY 8-EAST Southbound At GARRETTEntrance RampVerified at 8:49 AM today
BELTWAY 8-NORTH Eastbound At HARDY TOLLAll MainlanesVerified at 5:30 AM today
BELTWAY 8-NORTH Eastbound At HARDY TOLL4 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 12:22 AM today
BELTWAY 8-NORTH Eastbound At HARDY TOLLLeft Shoulder,Right ShoulderVerified at 8:29 AM today
BELTWAY 8-NORTH Eastbound At IH-45 NORTHUnknownVerified at 5:49 AM today
BELTWAY 8-NORTH Westbound At HARDY TOLL4 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 12:30 AM today
BELTWAY 8-NORTH Westbound At HARDY TOLLAll MainlanesVerified at 9:09 AM today
BELTWAY 8-NORTH Westbound At HARDY TOLLAll MainlanesVerified at 5:31 AM today
BELTWAY 8-NORTH Westbound At HARDY TOLLUnknownVerified at 3:07 AM today
BELTWAY 8-NORTH Westbound At IH-69 EASTEX4 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 12:18 AM today
BELTWAY 8-SOUTH Eastbound At FM-865 CULLEN BLVDAll Mainlanes Verified at 9:30 PM on on 8/26/2017
BELTWAY 8-SOUTH Eastbound At W. FUQUAExit RampVerified at 8:33 AM today
BELTWAY 8-SOUTH Eastbound Before SH-288Left Shoulder,Right Shoulder,Exit RampVerified at 8:08 AM today
BELTWAY 8-SOUTH Westbound At BEAMER2 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 11:31 PM on on 8/26/2017
BELTWAY 8-SOUTH Westbound At FM-865 CULLEN BLVD3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 10:05 PM on on 8/26/2017
BELTWAY 8-SOUTH Westbound At FM-865 CULLEN BLVD3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 9:33 PM on on 8/26/2017
BELTWAY 8-SOUTH Westbound At W. FUQUAExit RampVerified at 8:32 AM today
BELTWAY 8-SOUTH Westbound At W. FUQUAExit RampVerified at 5:51 AM today
BELTWAY 8-WEST Northbound At BRIAR FOREST DR3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 11:47 AM today
BELTWAY 8-WEST Northbound At CLAY DR3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 10:41 PM on on 8/26/2017
BELTWAY 8-WEST Southbound At BELLFORTUnknownVerified at 9:05 PM on on 8/26/2017
BELTWAY 8-WEST Southbound At CLAY DR3 Frontage Road Lanes Verified at 10:19 PM on on 8/26/2017
BELTWAY 8-WEST Southbound At FM-1093 WESTHEIMER RD3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 8:52 PM on on 8/26/2017
BELTWAY 8-WEST Southbound At LITTLE YORK RD3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 10:21 PM on on 8/26/2017
FM-1092 Northbound At 5TH ST in Fort Bend CountyAll Mainlanes Verified at 9:22 PM on on 8/26/2017
FM-1092 Southbound At 5TH ST in Fort Bend CountyAll Mainlanes Verified at 9:23 PM on on 8/26/2017
FM-1462 Northbound At Nordt Rd in Fort Bend CountyUnknownVerified at 12:55 PM today
FM-1462 Southbound At Nordt Rd in Fort Bend CountyUnknownVerified at 12:58 PM today
FM-1464 Northbound At W Bellfort Rd in Fort Bend CountyAll Mainlanes Verified at 7:52 PM on on 8/26/2017
FM-1464 Southbound At W Bellfort Rd in Fort Bend CountyAll Mainlanes Verified at 7:55 PM on on 8/26/2017
FM-1488 Eastbound At KICKAPOO RD in Waller CountyUnknown Verified at 4:05 AM today
FM-1488 Eastbound At Lois Ln in Montgomery CountyAll Mainlanes Verified at 3:23 PM today
FM-1764 Eastbound At IH-45 in Galveston CountyAll MainlanesVerified at 1:19 AM today
FM-1960 Eastbound At ELLA BLVDUnknownVerified at 1:56 AM today
FM-2920 Eastbound At BAUER RDAll MainlanesVerified at 8:27 PM on on 8/26/2017
FM-2920 Eastbound At Park RdAll MainlanesVerified at 4:18 PM on on 8/26/2017
FM-2920 Westbound At BAUER RDAll MainlanesVerified at 8:28 PM on on 8/26/2017
FM-2920 Westbound At Calvert RdAll MainlanesVerified at 4:26 PM on on 8/26/2017
FM-362 Northbound At WINTERS RD in Waller CountyAll Mainlanes Verified at 2:57 AM today
FM-521 Northbound At FORT BEND COUNTY RD CR 56 in Brazoria CountyUnknownVerified at 11:56 PM on on 8/26/2017
HARDY TOLL ROAD Northbound At ALDINE MAIL ROUTEExit Ramp Verified at 8:55 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Northbound At BELTWAY 8-NORTH4 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 12:29 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Northbound At CROSSTIMBERS STExit Ramp Verified at 6:01 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Northbound At CROSSTIMBERS STExit Ramp Verified at 11:40 PM on on 8/26/2017
HARDY TOLL ROAD Northbound At LITTLE YORK RDRight Lane Verified at 5:48 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Northbound At LITTLE YORK RDLeft Shoulder,Right ShoulderVerified at 8:03 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Northbound At RANKIN RDEntrance RampVerified at 9:32 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Northbound At RANKIN RDExit RampVerified at 11:04 PM on on 8/26/2017
HARDY TOLL ROAD Northbound At RICHEY RDEntrance RampVerified at 11:34 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Southbound At BELTWAY 8-NORTH4 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 12:25 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Southbound At BELTWAY 8-NORTHEntrance Ramp Verified at 8:34 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Southbound At BELTWAY 8-NORTHUnknown Verified at 9:05 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Southbound At BELTWAY 8-NORTHExit Ramp Verified at 12:04 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Southbound At CROSSTIMBERS STExit Ramp Verified at 11:17 PM on on 8/26/2017
HARDY TOLL ROAD Southbound At RANKIN RDEntrance RampVerified at 11:38 PM on on 8/26/2017
HARDY TOLL ROAD Southbound At RANKIN RDExit RampVerified at 11:43 PM on on 8/26/2017
HARDY TOLL ROAD Southbound At RICHEY RDEntrance RampVerified at 11:34 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Southbound At RICHEY RDAll MainlanesVerified at 10:49 AM today
HARDY TOLL ROAD Southbound At RICHEY RDExit RampVerified at 9:30 AM today
WESTPARK TOLLWAY Eastbound At FONDRENExit RampVerified at 10:54 PM on on 8/26/2017
WESTPARK TOLLWAY Eastbound At GESSNEREntrance RampVerified at 7:34 AM today
WESTPARK TOLLWAY Eastbound At IH 610Exit RampVerified at 9:37 PM on on 8/26/2017
WESTPARK TOLLWAY Eastbound At IH-69All MainlanesVerified at 9:21 PM on on 8/26/2017
WESTPARK TOLLWAY Eastbound At POST OAKExit RampVerified at 9:28 PM on on 8/26/2017
WESTPARK TOLLWAY Westbound At BELTWAY 8Exit RampVerified at 3:28 AM today
WESTPARK TOLLWAY Westbound At RICEEntrance RampVerified at 10:18 PM on on 8/26/2017
EAST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At C. E. King PkwyExit RampVerified at 5:43 PM today
EAST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At FAIRMONT PKWYExit RampVerified at 12:18 AM today
EAST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At FAIRMONT PKWYExit RampVerified at 9:07 AM today
EAST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At GarrettEntrance Ramp Verified at 4:57 PM today
EAST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At Generation PkwyExit RampVerified at 11:59 PM
EAST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At SPENCER HWYExit RampVerified at 12:30 AM today
EAST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At TidwellExit Ramp Verified at 5:24 PM today
EAST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At FAIRMONT PKWYExit RampVerified at 11:01 PM on on 8/26/2017
EAST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At SH 3/OLD GALVESTON Entrance RampVerified at 11:11 AM today
EAST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At SPENCER HWYCenter Lane,Exit RampVerified at 11:22 PM on on 8/26/2017
EAST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At TidwellExit Ramp Verified at 1:07 PM today
NORTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Eastbound At IMPERIAL VALLEY DRUnknownVerified at 5:50 AM today
NORTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Eastbound At John RalstonExit RampVerified at 4:38 PM today
NORTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Eastbound At Wilson RdExit Ramp Verified at 5:20 PM today
NORTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Westbound At ELLA BLVD3 Frontage Road LanesVerified at 7:02 AM today
NORTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Westbound At IMPERIAL VALLEY DRUnknownVerified at 5:49 AM today
NORTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Westbound At John RalstonExit RampVerified at 5:04 AM today
NORTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Westbound At VETERANS MEMORIAL PKYExit RampVerified at 6:39 AM today
SH 275 / HARBORSIDE Eastbound At IH 45 Gulf Freeway in Galveston CountyLeft Lane,Right LaneVerified at 2:34 PM on on 8/25/2017
SH 275 / HARBORSIDE Westbound At SH 87/ 2ND ST in Galveston CountyLeft Lane,Right LaneVerified at 2:34 PM on on 8/25/2017
SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Eastbound After IH-45 GULF FWY Exit RampVerified at 11:53 PM on on 8/26/2017
SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Eastbound At AIRPORTExit Ramp Verified at 9:15 PM on on 8/26/2017
SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Eastbound At BLACKHAWKExit RampVerified at 11:49 PM on on 8/26/2017
SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Eastbound At FM-865 CULLEN BLVD Exit RampVerified at 9:50 PM on on 8/26/2017
SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Eastbound At FUQUAExit Ramp Verified at 10:01 PM on on 8/26/2017
SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Eastbound At IH-45 GULF FWY UnknownVerified at 8:56 AM today
SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Eastbound At SH-288Exit Ramp Verified at 12:06 PM today
SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Eastbound At US-90 ALTERNATE S. MAINExit RampVerified at 8:49 PM on on 8/26/2017
SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Westbound At AIRPORTExit Ramp Verified at 9:17 PM on on 8/26/2017
SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Westbound At PEARLAND PARKWAYExit RampVerified at 10:36 PM on on 8/26/2017
SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Westbound At S. POST OAKExit RampVerified at 1:10 AM today
SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Westbound At US-90 ALTERNATE S. MAINExit RampVerified at 8:50 PM on on 8/26/2017
SPUR-342 Northbound At IH-45 in Galveston CountyLeft Lane,Center LaneVerified at 2:37 PM on on 8/25/2017
Tomball Tollway Northbound At BS 249/ HolderriethExit RampVerified at 11:59 PM
Tomball Tollway Southbound At BS 249/ HolderriethLeft Shoulder,Right ShoulderVerified at 8:15 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound After BOHEME DRRight Shoulder,Left Lane,2 Center LanesVerified at 11:00 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At BELLAIRE BLVDExit RampVerified at 4:52 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At BISSONNET STAll MainlanesVerified at 11:19 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At BOHEME DRAll MainlanesVerified at 12:08 PM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At FM-1093 WESTHEIMER RDAll MainlanesVerified at 11:46 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At HAMMERLY BLVD Exit RampVerified at 10:19 PM on on 8/26/2017
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At MEMORIAL DRLeft Shoulder,Right ShoulderVerified at 11:38 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At RICHMOND AVELeft Shoulder,Right ShoulderVerified at 7:56 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At RICHMOND AVE UnknownVerified at 9:38 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At TANNER RDExit Ramp Verified at 8:51 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At BISSONNET ST1 Frontage Road LaneVerified at 11:22 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At BRIAR FOREST DR Exit RampVerified at 8:46 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At CLAY DRExit Ramp Verified at 11:53 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At IH-10 KATYAll MainlanesVerified at 1:40 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At IH-69 SOUTHWEST Left Shoulder,Right ShoulderVerified at 8:01 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At MEMORIAL DR Entrance RampVerified at 1:53 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At WESTPARK DRLeft Shoulder,Right Shoulder,Left Lane,Right Lane,2 Center Lanes,Exit Ramp Verified at 12:55 AM today
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At WESTVIEWExit Ramp Verified at 8:47 AM today
SH-332 Westbound At SAILFISH RD to Shark LnAll MainlanesClosed Daily from Friday, August 25, 2017 2:00 PM until further notice
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Northbound At BELLAIRE BLVD Closed beginning Sunday, August 27, 2017 9:00 PM
WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY Southbound At IH-10 KATYAll MainlanesClosed beginning Sunday, August 27, 2017 9:00 AM
IH-69 Eastex Freeway Northbound At IH-610 NORTH LOOP to BELTWAY 8-NORTH3 Frontage Lane(s)Closed beginning Sunday, August 27, 2017 9:00 AM
IH-69 Eastex Freeway Southbound At BELTWAY 8-NORTH to IH-610 NORTH LOOP3 Frontage Lane(s)Closed beginning Sunday, August 27, 2017 9:00 AM
IN DICKINSON
The Office of Emergency Management in Dickinson said most roads are underwater in Dickinson, and are not passable.
IN FORT BEND COUNTY
Beechnut and FM 1464
FM 1093 East bound from Harlem to Grand Mission shut down
IN PEARLAND
ORANGE/MAIN
YOST/BRDWY
PRLND PRKWY/S. BRDWY
OLD ALVIN/WOODWAY
N. GALVESTON
ENTRANCE TO HIGHLAND GLEN
3800 MCHARD EB/WB LANES
JASPER STONE/OLD ALVIN
N. BRDWY/ODAY
W. WALNUT/VETERANS
2400 KINGSLEY
SOUTHDOWN SUB DIV
MAGNOLIA/HATFIELD
BROADWAY/KIRBY
DIXIE FARM/PRLND PRKWY
2402 LONGWOOD
1302-127 BROADWAY
HOUSTON LAKE/TOWNE LAKE
MANVEL/518
SHERWOOD/BROADWAY
LAUREL LANE
YOST /PINEHILL
HERITAGE LANDING/PILGRIMS POINT
3200 BUSINESS CENTER
PINE VALLEY DRIVE
GABLE PARK/HICKORY BEND
E. WALNUT/MAIN
W.WALNUT TO VETERANS
NORTHSIDE ENTRANCE REC CENTER
MCCARD/OLD ALVIN
4000 BAILEY
OILER
PEARLAND PARKWAY SB
BROADWAY/HARKEY
NORTHDOWN SUB DIV
RETENTION POND N. OF ACADEMY
HIGHLAND GLEN/OLD ALVIN ENTRANCE
BISCAYNE BAY
WINDWARD BAY
288 FEEDER/SHAD CRK PRKWY
2700 KINGWOOD
SCARSDALE/BOGEYWAY
SPRING MEADOWS RETENTION POND
NB/SB DIXIE FARM IMPASSABLE FOR EMS
YOST IMPASSABLE EMS
FITE /HARKEY/ WAGON TRL
1400 BRDWY EB LANE
1300 BRDWY
ORANGE/WOODY
BRENTWOOD/OLD ALVIN
IN ROSENBERG
Road Closures due to flooding: Hwy 90 @ Lane Dr
Hwy 90 @ SH 36
I69 @ FM 762 & Reading Rd
Lane Dr @ Mustang
Commercial Dr @ Town Center
It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
A deputy had to be transported after being injured in an accident involving a rescue boat in Dickenson. Texas City Fire Department members loaded him into an ambulance.
Galveston County Sheriff's Office and Galveston Police Department say they're ending rescue operations for the night because it's too dark.
Posted
2017-08-27 20:23:00 by Senator Cruz Press Release
HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today joined Fox News' 'America's News HQ,' The Weather Channel, and CNN's 'Newsroom' to urge Texans to heed warnings from local officials and avoid all high water areas. Sen. Cruz also discussed his efforts to allocate resources into the affected regions.
On Fox News, Sen. Cruz urged Texans to avoid high water areas, and heed warnings from local officials.
"The state of Texas is hurting right now," Sen. Cruz said to Fox News' Eric Shawn. "My hometown of Houston, we've got flooding throughout much of the city. We've got about 2,000 high-water rescues that have been ongoing. We've been seeing resources pouring into the region both from the state of Texas and at the federal level, but this is a 500-year flood and Harvey is predicted to stay here and keep dumping a significant amount of water on the region. The message I would say to folks in and around Houston and in affected areas is listen to your local officials, monitor the news but stay safe and don't go out on the roads if you don't have to. The roads are very dangerous, and every time we have an incident like this, the most frequent cause of loss of life is people that go out on the roads in a car, and they think they can make it across water, and they can't. You and your family's life could be put in jeopardy very quickly. So stay in your home, stay safe, stay high if you can if water is rising. But don't risk the roads unless it's absolutely an emergency."
On the Weather Channel, Sen. Cruz discussed his efforts to mobilize and allocate resources to areas affected by the ongoing flooding and disaster.
"A great many communities on the Gulf Coast are hurting, and as you know, Harvey is expected to stay here and continue to dump massive levels of rain which is going to only exasperate the flooding," Sen. Cruz said to Mike Bettes. "State officials, local officials, federal officials are all concentrating primarily on rescues right now. Just in the city of Houston, there are over 2,000 high water rescues that are ongoing. There are a lot of people who in distress and seeing flood waters rise."
Sen. Cruz continued, "I spent much of the day talking to the mayor in Houston, the county judge in Houston, the county judge in Galveston and in Brazoria and asking, 'what are the challenges?' The number one challenge the local officials are telling me is we need additional assets for high water rescues. That we've got a substantial number deployed, but that the need is even greater than the capacity. I just got off the phone 20 minutes ago with Governor Abbott, who the state has deployed 60 boats to the Houston area and 20 helicopters. They've sent about 500 DPS troopers to Houston and have mobilized a total of about 3,000 National Guards. I've had conversations today with FEMA leadership about mobilizing federal assets to get additional boats on the ground, or on the water, additional trucks, additional helicopters. And then we're seeing from across the country, ten different states have already provided resources. We're really seeing an outpouring of help."
On CNN, Sen. Cruz discussed the federal resources that have been allocated to the affected region, and thanked first responders for putting themselves in harms way to help their fellow Texans.
"I spoke to the president earlier, and he committed swift and immediate federal resources and all the support the state needed," Sen. Cruz said to Fredricka Whitfield. "I was very appreciative of his direct and personal level of concern. Yesterday I spoke with Vice President Pence right after the President had convened a video conference cabinet meeting, and the Vice President conveyed to me, the President directed every cabinet official to move as swiftly as humanly possible to marshal resources on ground to meet the need. We've been seeing that level of cooperation. In fact the Governor told me he's in the process of signing an agreement with the federal government to create a duel status command center so that you don't have the problems of coordination between the state and federal government that we've seen in other disasters."
Sen. Cruz continued, "Our first responders, the incredible bravery of police offers and fire fighters and paramedics and National Guardsman and so many people that are just risking their lives. And as you know you mentioned a minute ago, also just neighbors helping neighbors in Houston and Galveston, there's been a call to private citizens, if you've got a flat bottom boat and can assist in rescue efforts, to do so. And that's one of the most incredible things we see is whenever natural disasters strike, in Texas and sadly we're big enough that we've had a significant number of natural disasters, we always see Texans coming together and neighbors helping neighbors and we're seeing that right now as well."
Posted
2017-08-27 20:21:00 by Governor Greg Abbott Press Release
AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott will receive a briefing on Hurricane Harvey at the Texas Department of Public Safety office in Corpus Christi and survey storm damage in the Coastal Bend region on Monday, August 28th.
As of 4 p.m. CDT Sunday afternoon, parts of the southeast Houston metro area had received more than 25 inches of rain. One location northeast of Houston, near Dayton, logged more than 27 inches of rain in 48 hours.
The average rainfall within the Harris County Emergency Management network has exceeded that of Tropical Storm Allison (2001) in almost half of the time (2 to 3 days versus 5 days).
Posted
2017-08-27 18:39:00 by Governor Greg Abbott Press Release
AUSTIN Governor Greg Abbott today requestedfrom Secretary of Defense General James Mattis that a Texas National GuardDual Status Command (DSC)be establishedallowingfor asingle commander for both federaland state forces to overseeresponse to thedevastation statewide of Hurricane Harvey.
"It is imperative that we give our military and first responders on the ground the most efficient method of execution when responding to the urgent needs of Texans," said Governor Abbot. "The Dual Status Command will ensure that the Texas National Guard is overseeing all response effortsin a way that most closely coordinates with federaltroops and military efforts to ensure the needs of thevictims of Hurricane Harvey are being met as swiftly and effectively as possible. I thankSecretaryMattis for his cooperation and immediateresponse to our requestandcontinue to assure the people of this state that Texas is doing everything possible to aid in your time of need."
The DSC will centralize command and control,provide both federal troopsand the Texas National Guardchains of command with a common operating picture, andfacilitate
unity of effort from all assigned forces. During the DSC operation, the National Guard remains a state entity under the exclusive commandand control of the governor, while the president remains the commander-in-chief of federal troops.
Posted
2017-08-27 18:38:00 by Governor Greg Abbott Press Release
AUSTIN Governor Greg Abbott today requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) add 12 Texas counties to the Presidential Disaster Declaration granted last week. The original request, which was quickly granted by FEMA, will provide Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation to Texas counties affected by the storm.
"Our partners at the federal level have stood ready to answer the call for help from Texas, and I am thankful for their assistance as we continue to assess the situation in expanded areas across our state," said Governor Abbott. "Many parts of Eastern Texas, especially in and around Houston, are experiencing historic flooding causing the need to grow for additional resources that will allow us to answer the call for help from our fellow Texans. I thank those at FEMA for their attention to the severity of the situation in Texas and the people of this great state for coming together in this time of need."
Space Center Houston will remain closed through Tuesday, Aug. 29, because of severe weather. We are monitoring conditions and will announce the operating hours for Wednesday, Aug. 30.
As we all know, Hurricane (now tropical storm) Harvey has caused severe damages in the lower Texas coast area and is currently causing extreme flooding in the Houston Area. Officials with Nacogdoches Emergency Management have been, since Friday morning, in regular contact with regional and state emergency management officials. As of 6:00 pm Sunday, August 27, this is the situation in Nacogdoches:
Currently no shelters have been opened in Nacogdoches. We are following the request of state emergency operations officials. Shelters are opened on a pre-determined state plan to better insure the safety of those evacuating as well as taking into consideration possible local needs. If we are notified to open shelters, they will be opened quickly, and information will be disseminated at that time.
Gasoline is currently available in Nacogdoches. A check with distributors this morning indicates no supply problems.
A check of our two creeks in the city at 5:15 p.m. today showed them flowing almost normally and well within their banks. The ground is currently saturated, and more light rain is forecast. Persons in low lying areas should be mindful of the possibility of rising water within the next 24 hours, but that is not forecast by the weather service at this time.
FORECAST: The National Weather Service has indicated our area could receive an additional 3” to 6” of rain between this afternoon and Wednesday. Nacogdoches County is right on the breaking line (see posted graphic). This should be in the form of showers.
We will issue an update tomorrow or earlier if the situation changes.
Harvey has stalled inland over Texas, resulting in catastrophic, record flooding.
Periods of torrential rain will continue over parts of Texas the next several days with more flooding likely.
Some locations southeast of Houston have seen more than two feet of rain in 24 hours.
The flooding has rivaled what was observed during Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 in some locations.
Tropical Storm Harvey has stalled over Texas where extreme rainfall has occurred in the Houston metro area, leading to record-breaking, catastrophic flooding. Days of drenching downpours are ahead along with the potential for tornadoes and lingering coastal flooding.
Localized rain amounts of 40-50 inches are not out of the question once Harvey's rain is finished later this week. This may end up being one of the worst flood disasters in U.S. history.
In the 24 hours through Sunday 6 a.m. CDT, parts of the southeast Houston metro area had received more than 20 inches of rain. One location in far southeast Harris County near Webster logged 24.28 inches of rain in 24 hours and 26.76 inches in 48 hours.
A homeowner shot an alleged intruder in Corpus Christi, Texas, just as Hurricane Harvey was making landfall late Friday night, police confirmed to CBS News.
The victim was taken to a local hospital, and was coherent when police arrived on scene, the Corpus Christi Police Department said on Twitter.
Officers responded to the residents and found the had been shot in the head, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports. It was unclear if the residence had power Friday night.
Neither the homeowner nor victims were identified as of Saturday morning and no other injuries were reported.
Rescue workers in Houston renewed search efforts Sunday morning for residents trapped in their homes by Tropical Storm Harvey's rising floodwaters.
More than 1,000 people were rescued overnight from record flooding in the area, authorities said. The storm so far has killed two people in Texas, said authorities, who added they expect the death toll to rise.
Law enforcement agencies advised people trapped in their houses not to take shelter in their attics unless they carried axes so they could break through to their roofs and within sight of rescue workers.
Space Center Houston is closed Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-27, because of severe weather. We are monitoring weather conditions and will announce operating hours for Monday, Aug. 28.
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced today that taxpayers in declared disaster areas affected by Hurricane Harvey can postpone paying state taxes while they recover from storm-related losses. Businesses located in those areas can call the Comptrollers office and request up to a 90-day extension to file and pay certain monthly and quarterly state taxes.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the people who are dealing with this catastrophic weather event, Hegar said. This storm is forecast to bring significant damage to large areas of our state, and we know businesses and taxpayerswillneed to focus on cleanup and recovery in the weeks and months to come.Givingfolks in these disaster zones the opportunity to request a filing and payment extensionshould allow themto focus on those recovery efforts without the worry of a looming tax deadline.
In addition toallowing the Comptroller toextend tax-filing deadlines, Texas law exempts certain recovery-related expenses from sales tax, including:
* the cost of labor to repair storm-damaged, nonresidential property, including office buildings and stores. Labor charges must be separately stated on the repair bill. Texas does not impose sales tax on labor for residential repairs.
* services used to restore storm-damagedtangible personalproperty, including dry cleaning of clothing and draperies, rug and carpet cleaning, and appliance repairsregardless of whether the property is residential or nonresidential.
For more information or to request a tax filing extension, call the Comptroller's toll-free tax assistance line in Austin at 800-252-5555, or go to the Comptrollers website for answers to frequently asked questions [ http://www.comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/faqs/disaster.php ].
Hegar also announced the following Comptroller enforcement and field offices will be closed until at least Tuesday, Aug. 29:
* Corpus Christi Audit and Corpus Christi Enforcement
* Brownsville Enforcement
* Katy Audit
* Beaumont Audit
* Houston Northwest Enforcement, Houston Southwest Enforcement, Houston North Audit, Houston South Audit and Houston West Audit
Calls to the affected enforcement and audit offices will be automatically transferred to other enforcement offices or the Austin call center.
Posted
2017-08-26 20:47:00 by Governor Greg Abbott Press Release
AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott will receive a briefing from the Texas Division of Emergency Management and give an update on Hurricane Harveyat the State Operations Center (SOC) in Austin, Texas on Sunday, August 27th.
Posted
2017-08-26 20:35:00 by Governor Greg Abbott Press Release
If granted by the president, this request will provide Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation to Texas counties in the affected areas. This request also allows the Governor to request assistance for additional counties after damage assessments are made. The request will provide Texas with the necessary resources to respond to the severity and magnitude of Hurricane Harvey in order to help save lives and to protect property, public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a disaster.
Granting this request will provide Texans the additional resources needed to protect themselves, their property and rebuild their lives if necessary after Hurricane Harvey, said Governor Abbott. I spoke with President Trump yesterday and am confident that he will move quickly to grant this request and provide the people of Texas with everything they need to recover from this storm. I want to continue to encourage Texans to take this threat seriously, heed warnings from local officials, and do all they can to prepare as the state of Texas works to ensure we are in the best position to respond to urgent needs following this storm.
At least one person is dead after Tropical Storm Harvey roared into the south Texas Coast Friday as a Category 4 hurricane.
According to media reports, a man was killed when his house caught fire at the height of the storm.
Officials in several coastal Texas towns asked residents to stay away until they could get a better scope of the destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey, now a tropical storm, during its Friday night landfall.
A curfew was in place in Port Lavaca because all power, water and sewer services were down, the city's police department said in a Facebook post.
In Port Aransas, Mayor Charles Bujan told The Weather Channel there were no fatalities but damage was widespread – including a trailer park that is 100-percent destroyed. Search and rescue operations continued in the town Saturday afternoon, and all residents were asked to stay out of the town because damage was severe and authorities needed more time to survey, KIII-TV reported.
During a Saturday press conference, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also confirmed that no deaths have been reported and noted that it's too early to speculate how much property damage the storm has incurred.
It's believed as many as 100 people stayed in Port Aransas to ride out the storm Friday night, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times reported.
'Widespread Devastation' in Rockport
Buildings were ripped to shreds in Rockport and firefighters were unable to respond to pleas for help in the hours following Hurricane Harvey's Friday night landfall along the Texas coast.
Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on Thursday, August 24, 2017 a narcotics search warrant was issued for a residence located at 147 East Saddle Street in Joaquin which stemmed from an ongoing extensive narcotics investigation conducted by Chief Deputy D.J. Dickerson. The search warrant was executed by Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Investigators, along with Shelby County District Attorney Investigator Joey Haley and Constable Pct. 2 Jamie Hagler.
The search warrant yielded the recovery and seizure of over 10 grams of methamphetamine, along with ecstasy, hydrocodone’s, oxycodone, valium, and over 3 ounces of marijuana. During the search warrant, property also recovered was zip baggies for packaging narcotics, several digital scales, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.
Suspects arrested at the residence was a John Escobedo, 39 of Joaquin and a Jessica Barber, 26 of Joaquin. Escobedo and Barber were charged with Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 1 >= 4g<200g, Felony 1, Delivery of Marijuana >=2oz<4oz, State Jail Felony, Possession of a Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 2 < 1g, State Jail Felony, Possession of a Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 3 < 28g, Misdemeanor A, Possession of a Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 1 >=1g<4g, Felony 3. Escobedo also was arrested for a warrant for Failure to Appear on Credit Card / Debit Card Abuse, State Jail Felony.
Escobedo
Barber
Escobedo and Barber were both arraigned by Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Melissa Crouch. Escobedo’s bond was set at $85,000 along with a no bond for the FTA warrant and Barber’s bond was set at $83,000.
The latest projections from the National Weather Service indicate Hurricane Harvey could be a Category 4 storm by the time it makes landfall on Saturday. It’s been almost a decade since a major hurricane hit the Texas coast.
As Hurricane Harvey approaches the Texas Gulf Coast, Forest Supervisor Eddie Taylor is closing all campgrounds and trails in the Davy Crockett, Angelina and Sabine National Forests.
Sam Houston National Forest sites were closed earlier in the week.
"With potentially high winds, possible tornados and heavy rainfall, the forest is not a safe place to be," Taylor said. "Recreation areas and trails will remain closed until the storm has passed and our personnel have determined the roads and public areas are safe."
Taylor emphasized that national forest lands and campgrounds cannot serve as evacuation sites. "We've witnessed the destruction of high winds and heavy rainfall in recent years, and it is better to err on the side of caution than to place even one person in jeopardy," he said.
Reservations through www.recreation.gov<http://www.recreation.gov> will be suspended through next week.
LUFKIN - SL 287 in Lufkin will continue to see single lanes of traffic on the east side as crews work to complete sealcoating applications. In addition, work is scheduled on US 59/SL 287 at Chestnut Drive/FM 58 to upgrade metal beam guard railing to design standards.
Motorists should expect daily work hour lane closures through these and other work zones in the nine-county Lufkin District. Motorists could experience delays and traffic congestion during peak travel hours. They are advised to reduce speed and obey all traffic signage. Stay alert to moving equipment and workers throughout all work zones.
Work schedules are subject to change in inclement weather. For more information on driving conditions and closures throughout the state, visit drivetexas.org. Work scheduled for the week includes:
ANGELINA COUNTY
US 69: Preparation to shift traffic and begin work on cross structures is scheduled this week from the Huntington city limits to FM 844.
US 59/SL 287: Work is scheduled to replace metal beam guard rail at the ramps and frontage roads of Chestnut Drive and FM 58 on this project that will improve guardrail to design standards. Daytime lane closures expected.
US 59: Sealcoating will be placed in coming days on this project designed to resurface existing pavement from just north of FM 2021 to the Angelina River Bridge. Alternating lane closures expected.
NACOGDOCHES COUNTY
FM 1878: Construction on abutments and columns will continue on this project designed to replace the bridge at La Nana Creek.
FM 2783: Crews will work to rehabilitate the road from SH 204 to the end of pavement.
FM 343: Crews are scheduled to work on driveways and mailbox placements on this project designed to reconstruct and widen the pavement from the Cherokee County line to FM 225.
FM 1087: Work will continue to safety treat cross structures and culverts from US 259 to FM 95.
SAN JACINTO COUNTY
US 59: Concrete will continue to be set on a project designed to add a southbound frontage road and reconstruct the main lanes of traffic from just south of the United Pacific Railroad in Shepherd to just north of FM 2914..
FM 223: Work is scheduled to clean and replace delineators, signs and mailboxes.
FM 1725: Crews will be trimming limbs and dead trees from the right of way in various locations.
FM 3128: Work is scheduled to rehabilitate about 2 miles of pavement and clear ditches in various locations.
HOUSTON COUNTY
SH 21 East: Level up repairs are scheduled from FM 3187 to FM 227.
SH 21: Crews will continue to undercut the eastbound lanes and remove concrete on this project designed to reconstruct the pavement and add passing lanes from 2.3 miles east of FM 2967 to SH 7.
SH 19 South: Base and level up repairs are scheduled from Loop 304 to Spring Mar.
SH 19: Crews will work to install metal beam guardrail on the east side of the roadway. Shoulder closures expected.
FM 227: Work continues to reconstruct existing pavement and widen the roadway from 4 miles west of SH 21 to the SH 21 intersection. Daily lane closures expected.
FM 2110: Base and level up repairs are scheduled from LP 304 to the end of pavement.
SL 304: Base work and edge sealing is planned on the loop from SH 7 East to SH 21 East.
CR 1155: Crews are expected to begin removing the steel frame in a bridge replacement project at the Neches River relief. Anderson Crossing is expected to be closed through March, 2018.
SHELBY COUNTY
FM 947: Crews will be repairing edges in various locations.
FM 415: The bridge deck has been placed and bridge railing is under construction on the bridge replacement project at Bear Bayou.
FM 417: Crews are scheduled to work on driveways, mailboxes and metal beam guard fence after the recent cement treatments to reconstruct and widen the pavement from SH 87 to FM 139.
CR 4855: The bridge deck is complete and crews are working to construct the wingwall for the box culvert at Byfield Creek.
CR 4760: Work continues on the construction of the box culvert on the bridge replacement at the tributary of the Attoyac River.
CR 4256: Guardrail work is scheduled at the tributary of Flat Fork Creek after the recent bridge replacement.
Various locations: Work is scheduled to repair signs, apply herbicide and patch potholes.
SABINE COUNTY
FM 2343: Crews will be repairing road base in various locations.
SAN AUGUSTINE COUNTY
US 96: Hot mix is being applied to the surface after completion of the southbound lanes on this project designed to add passing lanes and reconstruct existing pavement from the Shelby County line to FM 3451.
SH 21: Concrete placement is scheduled to begin on the bridge deck at Perkins Creek. The approaches at Venado Creek and Perkins Creek are being constructed as part of the bridge and approach replacements at both locations.
SH 21: Barricades are set and crews have started the drilled shaft foundations for the bridge replacement at Niciper Creek.
FM 705: Work to upgrade culverts and metal guard railing will continue from SH 147 to the end of pavement.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov<mailto:Rhonda.OaksDonaldson@txdot.gov> or (936) 633-4395.
Posted
2017-08-25 10:42:00 by Shelby County Court House
Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 28th day of August, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:
1.Approve and pay monthly expenses.
2.Public discussion on agenda items.
3.Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent-FCS, to seek approval to utilize county travel to attend National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences conference in Omaha, Nebraska to represent Shelby County in receiving the Greenwood Frysinger National Award in recognition of the Shelby County Community Garden project.
4.Steve Smelley with the Way Companies to present information to the Commissioners Court regarding Energy Sustainability of the County Buildings and request authorization to perform an Energy Audit of the County Buildings at no cost to the County and present an action plan of their findings to Commissioners Court.
5.Alison Scull with Bounds Insurance Agency to present the Court a quote on Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
6.Open bids for Janitorial Services.
7.County Treasurer to discuss Attorney General Opinion KP-0160 – Payment of Claims Against the County.
Posted
2017-08-24 13:37:00 by Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
The 41st East Texas Poultry Festival will be featuring local Creative Arts through the annual Creative Arts Show, sponsored by Scull Timber, along with a Can-A-Rama featuring local canned goods. The Creative Arts Committee has expanded this year’s show to include art, crafts, horticulture, woodworking and metal art along with photography, quilting and canning.
All creative arts divisions have several classes of judging categories and are open to youth and adults that will be judged in separate divisions. Ribbons will be awarded to the top three places in each category along with a sweepstakes rosette for top point winner in both divisions.
Creative Arts entries will be on display at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Gym Building on Thursday, October 5 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Here is your opportunity to showcase your handiwork in quilting or canning, horticulture, crafts, woodworking, metal art, photography or display your grandmother’s heirloom quilt.
Registration packets and guidelines are available at the Chamber office, at the County Extension office’s new location at 266 Nacogdoches Street. For more information, please contact the Chamber office at 936-598-3682 or Jheri-Lynn McSwain at 936-598-7744.
Posted
2017-08-24 13:12:00 by San Augustine Rural Water
Boil Water Notice Rescinded for San Augustine Rural Water supply, it is no longer necessary to boil your water as of today 8/24/17. Once again the boil water notice is lifted for the San Augustine Rural Water Supply.
Posted
2017-08-24 12:57:00 by Shelby County Sheriff
Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on August 15, 2017 Deputy Adam Renfro was dispatched to a residence in Timpson in reference to a 15 year-old female runaway.
During the investigation, it was revealed through a neighbor’s video surveillance camera, that the female left her home at 11:47 p.m. on August 14, 2017.
Investigators with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office learned that Holly Elizabeth Brown of Garrison and her son 15 year-old son picked the female up from her residence in Shelby County.
Brown and 15 year-old son took the female to their residence in Garrison and hid her when approached by law enforcement officers. Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Kevin Windham found the female runaway hiding underneath a bed at the Brown’s residence in the evening hours of August 15, 2017.
Holly Brown, Lorri Brown, Elma Paul Brown and the juvenile son of Holly Brown were present in the home when the runaway was located and all had knowledge the child was a runaway and failed to notify law enforcement or the child’s legal guardians of her location.
Warrants were issued for Holly Brown and Lorri Brown for Harboring a Runaway Child M-A).
Holly Brown and Lorri Brown turned themselves into the SCSO on August 23, 2017. Each posted a $5,000 bond and were released the same day.
Our latest weather call this morning with the National Weather Service indicated they are now expecting a higher storm surge along the Gulf, more rainfall and possibly an upgrade to a Catergory 1 or even a Category 2 hurricane as it makes landfall. The problem will be once it does, they are expecting it will stall and move very slowly. That could mean a lot of rain for Southeast and Deep East Texas. TxDOT began preparing for this weather event yesterday here in our own district and we are also supplying manpower to aid the southern districts in their efforts.
Nacogdoches Indivisible will be holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 11 at 6 pm at the Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant, located at 637 N University Dr, Nacogdoches TX. Anyone interested in working to promote a progressive political agenda and to elect progressive candidates is welcome to attend and to join the group.
The U.S. Forest Service is proposing camping and boating and swimming fee increases at recreation sites and adding a new day-use fee for an existing recreation site on the National Forests in Texas.
"The proposed changes will help to ensure fees are more comparable to similar public and private sites in the area, be consistent with inflationary costs, and help defray rising maintenance and operation costs," said Forest Supervisor Eddie Taylor. He also noted that the last price increase for most sites in Texas occurred in 2003.
Proposed fee changes include:
Sam Houston National Forest
-- Cagle Recreation Area camping: proposed $30/night/site; currently $27
-- Cagle Recreation Area boat launch: proposed $8/day/vehicle; currently $5
-- Scott's Ridge Recreation Area boat launch and swim area: proposed $8/day/vehicle; currently $5
Davy Crockett National Forest
-- Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area swim area: proposed $5/day/vehicle; currently $3
Angelina National Forest
-- Boykin Springs Recreation Area camping: proposed $10/night/site; currently $6
-- Boykin Springs Recreation Area day-use: proposed to reinstate day-use fee of $5/day/vehicle
-- Caney Creek Recreation Area boat launch: proposed $5/day/vehicle; currently $3
Sabine National Forest
-- Red Hills Lake Recreation Area swim area: proposed $5/day/vehicle; currently $3
Public notices proposing the fee increases will be posted in each recreation area and distributed through the media.
The Interagency (Access, Senior) Passes and Golden (Access, Senior) Passports will be honored at standard day-use locations. Senior and Access passes offer a 50 percent discount on all single occupancy campsites, boat launch sites and swimming areas.
The fee proposal will be presented before a citizen's advisory committee, called the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee, and the public is invited to attend and comment. The meeting time, location and agenda will be announced on www.fs.usda.gov/texas. The Regional forester will make a decision on these fee proposals after public comment is complete.
Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act in 2008 which allows the Forest Service to keep 80-95 percent of fees collected at recreation sites to operate, maintain and improve the sites.
For more information or comments regarding the fee proposals, contact Recreation Program Manager Nancy Snoberger at 936-639-8548.
Posted
2017-08-23 12:02:00 by Toledo Bend Cowboy Church
On Friday August 25th all are invited to attend a free concert featuring the Christian music group Summit Trace at the Toledo Bend Cowboy Church in Huxley, free dinner at 6:00 p.m. concert of 7:00 p.m.
Posted
2017-08-23 10:43:00 by Governor Abbott Press Release
AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the State Operations Center (SOC) to elevate its readiness level as Tropical Depression Harvey approaches, and the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane and storm surge watch for the Gulf Coast. Starting at 7:00 a.m. today the SOC increased from level IV (normal conditions) to level III (increased readiness) and will be further elevated to levelII (escalated response conditions) starting Thursday, August 24th at 7:00 a.m. Additionally, Governor Abbott has made available any and all state resources to assist in preparation, rescue and recovery efforts.
The states emergency personnel are well prepared for the potential impact from TropicalDepression Harvey, and stand ready to assist in the event of any severe weather emergencies, said Governor Abbott. As the State Operations Center increases its readiness levels, I also encourage Texans in the storms path to make their own emergency preparations, heed warnings from local officials, and avoid high water areas. I ask that all Texans keep those in the Gulf Coast region in their thoughts and prayers as they prepare for this severe weather event.
State resources currently engaged in the emergency preparation effort include:
* Department of Information Resources
* Public Utility Commission of Texas
* Railroad Commission of Texas
* State Auditors Office
* Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
* Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas Task Force One)
* Texas A&M Forest Service
* Texas Animal Health Commission
* Texas Attorney Generals Office
* Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
* Texas Commission on Fire Protection
* Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
* Texas Department of Agriculture
* Texas Department of Criminal Justice
* Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
* Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
* Texas Department of Insurance
* Texas Department of Public Safety
* Texas Department of State Health Services
* Texas Department of Transportation
* Texas Division of Emergency Management
* Texas Education Agency
* Texas General Land Office
* Texas Health and Human Services Commission
* Texas Military Department
* Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
* Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
LUFKIN – TxDOT has begun studying possible changes to a south Angelina County intersection where recent crashes have occurred.
The intersection under review is located on US 69 South at FM 326. In the wake of recent crashes, a traffic study and review is underway to determine possible changes.
“We have seen several accidents recently at that location,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “Whenever we see this occur it is concerning. Our engineers are currently discussing the best options for possible changes that could enhance the safety of that intersection. We welcome public comments and input on this as the process begins.”
Rumble strips will be placed in the roadway on US 69 to help alert traffic to the approaching intersection of FM 326 and motorists on FM 326 will also be alerted to the upcoming stop sign at US 69. Motorists should reduce speed in the area and stay alert to oncoming cars.
"Monday, August 28, 2017 - The Capt. Jesse Amason Camp # 282 Sons of Confederate Veterans will hold their regular monthly meeting August 28, 2017 at the Las Margaritas Restaurant, 110 Nacogdoches St., Center at 6:30 PM. Come join us as we honor our Confederate Ancestors! We will be electing officers for the next year. Please remember it is time to pay your dues if you haven't already done so.
At our July meeting I announced that this month's program would be on Civil War Sharp Shooters. Our guest speaker had to delay his program until our September meeting.
All interested parties are encouraged to attend, and any male descendant of a confederate soldier who was in good standing is eligible to join. The public is welcome. Those wishing to eat are asked to arrive about 6:00 PM so you’ll be ready for the program. Contact Jim Barrett (936) 254-2618 for additional information."
(AUSTIN) Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced todays sale of $5.4 billion in Texas Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANs) received a net interest rate of 0.96 percent.
We received the highest possible short-term credit ratings from Wall Street, which helped drive down the cost of borrowing, Hegar said. Im proud to say Texas is a solid investment.
The Comptrollers office received 66 bids worth $20.5 billion, 3.8 times the amount offered for sale. It is the first time Texas has had to issue TRANs since 2014. Prior to that, Texas had sold TRANs annually since fiscal 1987.
Money from TRANs sales is used to help fund expenditures such as public-school payments madeearly in the fiscal year,beforethe arrival of tax revenues later in the year.
The $5.4 billion in notes from todays sale will be repaid on Aug. 30, 2018.
Posted
2017-08-22 12:57:00 by Patroon Baptist Church
Patroon Baptist Church is hosting an Ice Cream Social on Saturday, September 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Curious about what God's doing at Patroon Baptist Church? Wondering if you could see yourself attending service with us? This is a great opportunity for you and your kiddos to have homemade ice cream while you meet our youth leaders, learn about and register your children for our Awana Club Program, see our facilities and find out what the upcoming season at Patroon Baptist has in store.
Posted
2017-08-22 11:49:00 by Todd Springs Baptist Church
The Todd Spring Baptist Church will have its Annual Homecoming on Sunday August 27th at 3:00 p.m. Special guest will be Bishop W.C. Martin and the Bennett Chapel Baptist Church Family.
Posted
2017-08-22 09:44:00 by Shelby County Sheriff
Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on August 2, 2017, Weeks and Ashley Crawford contacted Investigator Fears at SCSO to request assistance in locating their dog, Marucci, a French Mastiff that had gone missing or possibly stolen. The Crawford’s stated that they had been out of town until late night of 08/01/2017 and had only learned of their dog being missing at that point.
When Weeks and Ashley went out of town for vacation, Marucci was able to get out of the fence and wander the neighborhood. The dog ended up in a neighbor’s yard and the neighbor posted on Facebook looking for the owners, or someone who could take the dog because she could not care for it. Preslie Nichols, 26 of Timpson responded and witness statements show that Nichols picked the dog up from the neighbor on 7/26/17, to which Nichols confirmed.
When Nichols was first questioned, on 8/2/17, she stated that the dog was run over and she had found the dog in the woods when she went in search of the source of a dead animal smell. Nichols told Investigators that she lied about the dog running off because she did not want to be responsible for the cost of the dog because it had died.
Investigator Fears and Brown were able to locate the dog and informed the Crawford’s so that they could retrieve the animal if they wanted, for burial.
After investigating the case and reviewing several witness statements, it was found that Nichols had tied the dog out, in a sunny part of the yard with no water or shade for better part of the day, beginning at about 10-11 am and lasting till late evening, with one witness stating that he could hear the dog panting and in distress at around 12 pm, but assumed the owner would be back shortly.
When Nichols was confronted with the new information, Nichols did confirm that she picked the dog up the evening of 07/26 and that she had tied the dog up outside on 07/27 for approximately three hours in temperatures reaching 93 degrees and the humidity reaching 94 %, but claimed there was shade and water, despite witness statements claiming otherwise. Nichols stated that she had left her home at about 12 pm to go to Nacogdoches to watch a movie and had returned around 3 pm and the dog was dead. Nichols then dragged the dog with a four wheeler to the woods located next to her house.
Nichols was arrested on August 16, 2017 for Animal Cruelty (MA) for failing to care for the dog adequately or to make specific accommodations for the dog resulting in its death.
Nichols was arraigned by JP1 Melissa Crouch on August 16, 2017 and was released with a $2,500 PR bond.
Toletha Furlow Scholarship Fund t-shirts are now on sale. Order forms are available in the office on each Shelbyville ISD campus. The deadline for ordering is August 31, 2017.
The City of Center is not entirely under a boil water notice. Those customers affected by a boil water notice have been hand delivered written notifications by city personnel. If a residence has not received written notification via a yellow door knocker, then the residence is not under a boil water notice.
The Pastor and Members of The House Of Refuge Ministries. Presents: Bro Josh Black a native of Shelby County to Preach his First Message. Sunday August 27,2017 at 3:00 p.m. Josh is the son of Melvin Black and Patricia Nash. Everyone Is Invited.
Posted
2017-08-22 06:42:00 by Shelby County Sheriff
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and John Burns – Farmers Insurance Agency will host the 4th annual HALLOWEEN IN THE HOLE, Monday, October 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Center High School baseball field.
All Shelby County businesses and organizations are invited to participate. Participants are required to provide their own table (folding table or smaller), candy or treats, table decorations, etc. Participants need a sign on the front of their table with their name.
Law enforcement officers will provide security to ensure all children and families enjoy a safe environment.
Center High School National Honor Society will have a concession stand with popcorn, drinks and snacks plus a dance party area for the kids. Other events provided by NHS will be face painting and ring toss for prizes. Rowdy the Roughrider will be taking pictures with kids, too!
The sheriff’s office will provide trick-or-treat bags for the event. Children, 12 years of age and under, must be dressed in costume to trick-or-treat. Participants will NOT pass out candy to adults.
Bring the family and enjoy a safe evening of fun!
To request a table or if you have questions, contact Leah Chase at the Sheriff’s Office- (936) 598-5601, (936) 572-0423 or by email at leah.chase@co.shelby.tx.us or John Burns at (936) 427-5077 or jburns2@farmersagent.com.
The Heart of the Pines Chorus in Nacogdoches will perform "Sweet Harmony Diner---Where Your Destiny Awaits" at N St. Church of Christ; 3914 North St., Nac on Sat, Sept 30 at 7:00 pm. Tickets available at the door.
Posted
2017-08-21 13:42:00 by Justin Mott & Timpson FD
Earlier today 8/21/17 a white utility van traveling east on 84 did not see a stop sign due to a swarm of bugs.
The van struck a diesel pickup truck, near the intersection with Highway 59, the truck then over turned onto it's roof top. 4 people were in the pick up all transported to Nacogdoches memorial with minor injuries. The van driver was uninjured and cited for running stop sign.
The Timpson Fire Department, Timpson EMS, Ace Ems and the Timpson Constable all responded to the scene. Emergency crews cleared the scene and the road is now open and cleared of the wreckage.
The Center High School Alumni Association is pleased to announce our 2017 Hall of Honor Award winners! After careful consideration from one of the largest groups of nominees ever, the Committee has selected:
Luke Motley III, representing the Class of 1957 (celebrating their 60th Class Reunion)andJoy Ann Weaver Harvan, representing the Class of 1967 (celebrating their 50th Class Reunion)
The CHS Alumni Association would like to congratulate our newest Hall of Honor Inductees.
Posted
2017-08-18 11:39:00 by Shelby County Sheriff's Office
Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on May 12, 2017 a Wesley Permenter reported a burglary that occurred at his camp house that is located in the south eastern part of Shelby County. Mr. Permenter reported that several items were stolen which included fishing rods, televisions, battery chargers, a Black & Decker electric weed eater, and miscellaneous fishing tackle and lures.
During the course of the investigation, information was received that led to a search warrant being obtained for the residence of a Richard Dickerson in Carthage, Texas.
The search warrant was executed on May 16th, 2017 by Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Kevin W. Windham, Chief Deputy DJ Dickerson, Investigator Mandy Fears and Investigator Del Birdwell along with Carthage Police Department Detective Hilton Poindexter. During the execution of the search warrant, some of the property that was reported stolen by Mr. Permenter was located and recovered.
An arrest warrant was issued for Richard Dickerson on the charge of Burglary of a Habitation, Felony 2 and Richard Dickerson was arrested on May 26th, 2017. Mr. Dickerson was arraigned by JP2 Marla Denby and bond was set at $20,000.
Mrs. Permenter came to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the property recovered during the search warrant was relinquished to her which included 10 rod and reels and a 110V Black & Decker electric weed eater.
Special appreciation is extended to the Carthage Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun. Anyone within the path of totality can see one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights - a total solar eclipse. This path, where the moon will completely cover the sun and the sun's tenuous atmosphere - the corona - can be seen, will stretch from Lincoln Beach, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. Observers outside this path will still see a partial solar eclipse where the moon covers part of the sun's disk.
The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce board of directors has named the 2017 Gary Justice Business Excellence award recipients, the Citizens of the Year and the Non-Profit of the Year.
"The chamber of commerce directors are thrilled to have an opportunity to honor these outstanding businesses and individuals, and now we are including a non-profit from our community," said Scarlett Sloane Long, chairman of the Board of Directors. "The recognition is well deserved as they each contribute to making Nacogdoches a great place to live. Congratulations to all of them for a job well done."
The 2017 award recipients are:
•SERVPRO® of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County is Small Business of the Year, award sponsored by Heritage Land Bank;
•Newk's Eatery #1057 is Medium Business of the Year, award sponsored by Regions Bank;
•NMC Health Network is Large Business of the Year, award sponsored by R&K Distributors, Inc.;
•Richard and Barbara DeWitt are the Citizens of the Year, award sponsored by Tipton Ford, Inc.;
•Nacogdoches Treatment Center is Non Profit of the Year, award sponsored by Charles Pool Real Estate, Inc.
"There are many Nacogdoches County Chamber members that go above and beyond what is expected and what is necessary," said Betty Shinn, planning committee chairman. "The addition of the non-profit award expands the recognition of deserving community partners that make a big difference in the quality of life we enjoy."
All award honorees will be recognized and the 2017-2018 Chamber Board of Directors will be inducted at the 96th Annual Meeting & Membership Banquet on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at The Fredonia Hotel and Convention Center, the event's presenting sponsor.
"Holding the event at the Fredonia will make for a memorable Chamber banquet," Shinn said. "To capture the moments and add a special touch, the planning committee has secured a photographer who will take photos of all attendees as they arrive and at their tables."
The community may learn more about each award honoree through a series of feature stories that will run in The Daily Sentinel leading up to the annual meeting. At the event, videos produced by Terri Thompson Wade will be shown during the award presentations.
Table reservations are available. Businesses may have corporate recognition as a Gold sponsor for $2,000, a Silver sponsor for $1,000 or a Bronze sponsor for $750. Individual tickets admission tickets are available for $40. Seating is limited, and the reservation deadline is Sept. 15. For more information, contact the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce at 936-560-5533 or send email messages to chamber@nactx.com.
The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors named the
Nacogdoches Treatment Center as the first recipient of the Non-Profit of
the Year award. Pictured from left are Chamber Chairman Scarlett Sloane
Long, the center's Executive Director Kathy Strong, and Chamber
Few insects bring as much contempt as the lovebug. This flying insect is best known for splattering across your windshield and causing damage to the paint on your vehicle.
Interestingly enough, this is an insect that does not bite, does not sting, it doesn’t carry disease, won’t harm livestock, and doesn’t damage crops and still, there’s just nothing to love about a lovebug.
By all recorded accounts, lovebugs (Plecia nearctica) were established in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. They are reported to naturally have migrated from Central America into Texas in the early 1900’s staying (originally) close to the gulf shore.
The lovebug was first described in 1940 by a young, 26 year old entomologist by the name of D. Elmo Hardy in Galveston, Texas. At the time, he reported the incidence of lovebugs to be widespread, but most common in Texas and Louisiana.
Born in Utah in 1914, Hardy researched insects for over 70 years and passed away on October 17, 2002 in Honolulu, Hawaii. During his lifetime, with just over seven decades of research, Hardy published 437 articles and notes in which he named and described nearly 2,000 species of flies in the Diptera order.
There is a common myth that lovebugs are from Florida. There is an even more insidious myth that lovebugs were either imported or “developed” in a lab by Florida scientists to get rid of mosquitoes. While preposterous and completely false, the myth still persists. They arrived in Florida peninsula (the last gulf state they occupied) in the 1950’s.
They continued their movement north along the Atlantic shore and were discovered in South Carolina in 1975. In 2006, it was reported as far north as Topsail Beach, north of Wilmington, North Carolina.
I was surprised to learn that lovebugs live all year long. It is only in the insect’s adult stage that we notice its flight in May and August.
Now we all know that an insect goes thru three stages: egg then larvae then adult. We remember well that a butterfly was once a caterpillar, right?
It follows then, that the lovebug is the adult form that we notice twice a year in May and Aug. The adult female lovebug can lay from 100-500 eggs after mating. These eggs hatch and the larvae then feed on decomposing matter in the “off” months where we don’t see them.
Lovebug larvae can be found in your lawn’s thatch and under cow manure, among many other sites. From a truly environmentalist point of view, they are described by some folks as beneficial insects because they help break down organic matter!
Lovebug adults are attracted to light-colored surfaces, especially if they are freshly painted, but the adults can congregate almost anywhere by reacting to the effects of sunlight on automobile fumes, asphalt, and other environmental factors that are still not completely understood.
Officially, lovebugs are considered a nuisance pest. While you and I are certainly tired of dealing with them, their lack of “impact” on food production and human health put them quite low on the list of problematic pests that researchers are working on. To be blunt, unless lovebugs start spreading disease, damage livestock or food crops, there is little chance that we’ll have any breakthroughs in their control or abatement.
Their main damage is to your car or truck. Smeared guts across your windshield can make driving hazardous. An incredibly excessive number in your vehicle’s radiator may cause it to overheat. But the primary problem we fuss and fume over is the condition to the paint and other surfaces that the innards of the lovebug stick adhere.
LUFKIN – After the completion of a recent speed study and reevaluation on a portion of roadway located on SH 7 East, TxDOT is recommending for approval the speed limit be lowered from 75 mph to 65 mph.
The section of SH 7 East that will be affected includes .3 miles east of SL 224 in Nacogdoches to Martinsville. The change also includes just east of Martinsville and continues on SH 7 through San Augustine County and will end at the Center city limits in Shelby County.
TxDOT is required to evaluate speed limits periodically every five to 10 years. Speed studies are also conducted if requests are received on roadways that have not recently been evaluated. TxDOT received several requests for a new speed study on SH 7. As a result of that speed study, the Lufkin District is submitting for approval the recommendation that the speed limit be lowered.
A speed study consists of radar samples, an accident analysis and a review of existing roadway conditions. TxDOT uses a method referred to as the 85th percentile to determine speed limits. This method represents the speed at which the majority of drivers are traveling at or below for a particular section of highway. The 85th percentile is determined by radar samples of free flowing vehicles on an average week day during fair weather. The accident analysis consists of a review of the accident history over the past three years plus the current year. A thorough review of the accident history will reveal any patterns if present.
If the speed study reveals a reduction in speed is justified, recommendations are submitted for approval. The Texas Transportation Commission decides speed limits in Texas and if approved a minute order is issued establishing the new speed limit.
For more information, contact
Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov<mailto:Rhonda.OaksDonaldson@txdot.gov> or (936) 633-4395.
The Center High School Class of 1987 is getting ready for their 30th Annual Reunion. They will sit together durning the Center Football game on September 15th at 7:30 p.m. They will have a parade on the following Saturday September 16th at 4:00 p.m. starting at the Farmers State Bank in Center. The Reunion will be held later that evening at 7:00 p.m. at the JOI Ranch located on Folsom Chapel Road 5198 FM 2026 in Tenaha, TX 75974. The cost of attendance is $50 for a couple and $30 for individuals. Dues can be paid at any Farmers State Bank location and for more information contact Angela Gardner at: 936-591-5711.
Yesterday at approxiamtely 9:50 a.m. there was a single structure dwelling fire in the Garrison Area on County Road 3284. Garrison, Appleby, Mt. Entiprise Fire Departments responded. The Fire was put out and the Garrison Fire Department returned to the station by 11:00 a.m.
There will be a BBQ Fundraiser benefiting Calvin Smith and Neera Smith this Friday at the Outreach Center next to Piney Woods nursing home off the loop in Center this Friday.
Calvin Invites the public to attend. To place order you can call 936-572-5342.
Woodmen Life Chapter 250 will hold a reunion dinner after being off for the summer on Monday, August 21st at 6:00 pm. Dinner will be served at Clear Springs Restaurant in Nacogdoches inside the banquet room. All members are invited to come out and enjoy good food and fellowship.
Posted
2017-08-15 06:50:00 by Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
The deadline to apply for an Arts and Crafts vendor booth at the 41st East Texas Poultry Festival, sponsored by Farmers State Bank, has been extended to Friday, September 1. The festival will take place October 5-7 on the historic downtown Center Square. Limited spaces are still available and the applications are being accepted at the Shelby County Chamber office. Gold Sponsors for the Festival are City of Center and Tyson Foods.
The fee for the rental of a 10' x 10' booth is $125. Each booth includes a canopy and an electrical outlet. Booths must be manned continuously during the hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. all three days of the festival. First time exhibitors are asked to send three color photographs showing representative merchandise. At the deadline, the Arts & Crafts committee will select the vendors based on the type and quality of merchandise and notify them of their selection. Applications are available for download at www.shelbycountychamber.com
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.
LUFKIN - As the new school year begins, TxDOT is reminding drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to exercise caution in and around school zones and school buses.
Schools in the nine-county Lufkin District are set to begin in coming days and the safety of all school children and motorists is important. Driver inattention could cause an unsafe condition on the roadway, whether it involves pedestrians, those on bicycles or school buses.
In 2015, there were 683 vehicle crashes in Texas school zones.
"We are urging all motorists to pay attention and follow the law as they drive near school zones and school buses," said Rhonda Oaks, Lufkin District public information officer. "The statistics for 2016 are not yet available, but in 2015 the Lufkin District recorded four vehicle crashes in school zones. Even one is too many. Everyone should remain alert. Drivers should slow down and pay close attention when entering a school zone."
Safety tips for drivers to remember include:
* Obey the speed limit in school zones. Violators face fines up to $200.
* Cell phone use is unlawful in an active school zone and violators face fines up to $200.
* Drop off and pick up children in designated areas, not in the street.
* Be alert to children who might dart across a street or in between vehicles to and from school.
Safety tips for pedestrians include:
* Parents and children walking to school should be alert and cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks.
* Always walk on sidewalks if they are available.
* Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Never assume the driver sees you.
* Obey all crossing guards.
Safety tips for cyclists include:
* Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
* Don't be distracted by electronic devices.
* Watch for vehicles in all directions.
When driving near a school bus, Texas law requires motorists to stop in all directions on an undivided roadway for flashing red school bus lights. Once the bus begins moving and the red flashing lights have stopped, motorists can resume driving. Violators could face fines of up to $1,000.
Additional information on school safety can be found on TxDOT.gov. Motorists can find traffic updates and closures on drivetexas.org or TxDOT Lufkin on Twitter.
For more information, contact:
Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov<mailto:Rhonda.OaksDonaldson@txdot.gov> or (936) 633-4395.
The PWPS will be holding our regular monthly meeting this Saturday 8/19/17 from 9 am to 12 pm at the Methodist church on Porter St. in Center. Hey all.
This next meeting will be jam packed!
Our challenge theme is low angle. And we are gonna try to do 2 workshops - print mounting (since we have fall shows coming up) and off camera flash. Lots to do in 3 hours so don't be late! Look forward to seeing everybody. And if you have friends, invite them.
For more information call or text Billie F Jones, 936-591-2426
The House of Refuge Homecoming and Revival will start Sunday August 20 at 3:00 our Guest Speaker will be Pastor Mario Osby of Timpson Tx. And starting Monday the 21 at 7:30 our speaker will be Pastor Carlos Johnson Timpson Tx. and Tuesday night Pastor Byron Cutee Center Tx. and Wednesday night Bishop W.C. Martin Shelbyville Tx.
Posted
2017-08-14 07:41:00 by Golden Harvest Ministries
The Golden Harvest Ministries Club will meet Monday August 21st, 2017 in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church at 11:30 AM. The program will be presented by Ron Barbee telling about the work and opportunities of TEXAS BAPTIST MEN.
If you grew up in Timpson, Scotty Rhodes probably knows who you are...and who your parents are...and their siblings! Possessed of an incredible encyclopedic memory about the people and history of Timpson, “Mr. Big” has been the “go-to guy” for information about Timpson citizenry for many years.
Born here in the late 1940s, Scotty is the only child of the Reverend Bob Rhodes and his wife, Mathilde. Descended from one of the extended families who came to Timpson from Tignall, Georgia around the beginning of the 20th century, Scotty grew up hearing about the early settlers of Timpson...and remembered it. He continued to amass his knowledge of the local citizenry for over the next half century...and remembered it! The Timpson Area Genealogy and Heritage Society invites the public to hear Scotty recall a minute portion of this knowledge at their August 16 meeting at 2PM in the new meeting room of the Timpson Public Library, located on the corner of Austin and Bremond Streets.
Notice is hereby given that a BUDGET WORKSHOP will be held immediately preceding the regular meeting of the governing body of the above named City. The workshop will begin at 5:00pm and will end promptly at 5:30pm on the 15th day of August, 2017. No action will be taken during the workshop. The meeting can be conducted with or without a quorum. The Economic Development Corp will also have a meeting prior to the Budget Workshop at 4:00pm to discuss adopting the preliminary budget for 2017-18.
Notice is hereby given that a REGULAR MEETING of the governing body of the above named City will be held on the 15th day of August, 2017 at 5:30 pm at the City Hall, 456 Jacob Street, Timpson, Texas, at which time the following subjects will be considered, to-wit:
Call to Order:
Invocation:
Pledge: United States Pledge, Texas Pledge
Chamber of Commerce: Chamber of Commerce
Council Items: Reports by the members of the City Council on matters not on the
agenda will be made at this time. A total, not to exceed 10 minutes will be devoted
to these reports.
Presentations & Recognition: Henry Marx will celebrate his 4th year anniversary
on August 21st.
7. Citizens Input: This time is provided for members of the public to address the City
Council on items that appear within the Consent and Action Items or a matter not
listed on the agenda. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes. A Citizens Input Form
may be filled out and filed with the City Secretary prior to the meeting.
8. Department Reports:
A. Public Works Report: Larry Burns
B. Police Department Report: Kent Graham
C. Municipal Court Report: For the month of July 2017, there were 45 citations
issued, 54 violations, 1 to juveniles and 2 to minors. Total amount reported
$15,552.00, the City’s portion a 55% estimate of $8,553.60.
D. City Secretary: Leslie Leathers reporting there have been no bids on the 2008
Crown Vic owned by the Police Department. Larry Burns has received a quote on
a new transmission for the race track located at the Waste Water Plant for $6,199.00
9. Consent Agenda: Items included under the Consent Agenda require little or no
Deliberation by the Council. Approval of the Consent Agenda authorizes the
City Secretary to proceed with the conclusion of each item as reflected in the
Minutes of this meeting.
Consider approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on July 18, 2017
Consider approval of the minutes of the special meeting held on July 25, 2017
Consider approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of the EDC on August
1st, 2017
Consider approval of Financial Statement for the month of July, 2017
Consider approval of Accounts Payable – Unpaid bills for July, 2017
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (10 –14)
10. Discuss and take action: Discuss & Adopt the PROPOSED 2017-2018 Budget for
Water/Sewer & Electric Enterprise Funds.
11. Discuss and take action: Discuss and Adopt the PROPOSED Budget for the
General Operating Fund for 2017-2018 including the Streets, Parks, Cemetery,
Court Technology, EDC, TVFD, Basic Operations of the City Office & Timpson
City Police Department.
Please include in the Motion the Gross Revenue/Gross Expenditures/Size of Police
Force/Net Fund Increase or Decrease.
12. Discuss and take action: Discuss and consider adopting the Proposed
Tax Rate for 2017-2018. Read the proposed ordinance regarding the proposed
Tax rate and percentage of increase if any.
13. Discuss and take action: Consider a special called meeting, if needed, to work on
the budget or tax rate. Both MUST be adopted no later than Thursday,
September 28, 2017. If no special meetings are called the FINAL BUDGET & TAX
RATE will be adopted at the September 19, 2017 meeting.
Patroon Baptist Church is hosting a community lunch fundraiser on Sunday, August 27. Come eat with us after church or stop by our fellowship hall to grab a to-go plate. We will bless the food at 12:30. Everyone is welcome! The menu includes spaghetti, chicken spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, green beans, corn, and dessert. Donations are appreciated and will benefit our youth fund.
The City Council of Joaquin will meet in Special Workshop session Tuesday, August 15, 2017 5:30 p.m. at The Joaquin City Hall located at 124 North Preston, Joaquin, Texas.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Call to order, establish quorum & welcome guest.
Budget Discussions.
Adjourn
IF during the course of the of the meeting, any discussion of items on the Agenda should be held in executive or closed session, the Council will convene in executive or closed session, in accordance With the Texas Open Meetings Act, Governmental Code Section 551 and Texas Revised Civil Statutes.
Posted
2017-08-11 11:54:00 by Texas Agri-Life Ext.
Friday August 18th a multi-county program will be held at the Angelina County Extension office landowners interested in the management of wildlife will have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals how they can better manage for white tailed deer.
Sessions for this event include deer necropsy, prescribed fire, Managed Land Deer Program updates, antler restrictions data, and methods to deter feral hogs and beavers.
A necropsy is similar to an autopsy in that whitetail deer enthusiasts can study harvested deer and determine more of the overall health than what can be observed from a visual appraisal.
Prescribed fire is a powerful and excellent tool that when used correctly can have tremendous benefit to wildlife and native plant species. Fire was a naturally occurring part of our local ecosystem for eons. Today we are so good at preventing and stopping destructive structural and wild fires that many don’t even know that it can be of tremendous benefit.
Representatives from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will be on hand provide updates on the Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP). The MLDP is ended to foster and support sound management and stewardship of native wildlife and wildlife habitats on private lands. Deer harvest is an important aspect of habitat management and conservation.
Landowners enrolled in either the MLDP Harvest Option or Conservation Option are able to take advantage of extended season lengths and liberalized harvest opportunities.
Additionally, TPWD will share results from the ten years of data that they’ve accumulated on the antler restrictions that came into effect in 2006. Antler restrictions provided a base management across property lines to allow for older bucks, improve the age structure of the whitetail deer herd and increase hunter opportunity.
Lastly, we all know feral hogs and beavers can cause great destruction to property. Hogs will tear up crops, fields, and even residential landscapes by rooting through it. Beavers will cut down younger trees and use them to build their dams which can then cause flooding. We will be looking at ways to legally and effectively control them.
Two Continuing Education Units will be given for those agricultural producers with a pesticide license. For landowners with a Private Pesticide License from the Texas Department of Agriculture, they are required to get 15 CEUs every 5 years to maintain their license.
To RSVP call 409-379-4831 by Wednesday, Aug 16. You will pay at the door. Cost is $10 per person.
We encourage anyone with an interest in benefiting white tailed deer and other wildlife to participate. Both hunters and non-hunters will benefit.
According to Joey Haley a commissioned peace officer with 123rd District Attorney's Office.
On August 8, 2017 a complaint was filled by a released inmate from the Shelby County Jail. The complainant Tony Josh Parker alleged that while an inmate at the Shelby County Jail he was inappropriately "grabbed" by the genitals by a Jail Sergeant Mr. Korey Lanier McClure.
Parker stated that this happened on multiple occasions while he was a trustee at the jail. Mr. Parker alleged that on one occasion, the Jail Sergeant called him into his office and showed him a video on his phone of an unknown male masturbating. On this same day he also showed Parker a picture of himself naked. In addition after he was released from the jail the complainant Parker said that he received texts asking to allow oral sex acts to be performed on him by the Jail Sergeant.
Parker also alleged that while an inmate at the Shelby County Jail, he was told by McClure that if he gave him $200 he would get him released from jail. McClure allowed Parker to make a phone call to his mother to make arrangements to get the money. Parker stated that he was allowed to go into the recreation area by himself, where his mother gave him the money, he was then let back into the jail where he turned it over to Sgt. McClure.
The photos and texts were taken as evidence and Korey Lanier McClure was arrested on the charges of Improper Sexual Activity with a Person in custody, and Bribery. According to Graves Bail Bonds he posted a total bond of $11,000 of which $8,000 was for bribery and $3,000 was for sexual misconduct.
Posted
2017-08-11 10:09:00 by Shelby County Court House
Notice is hereby given that a Regular meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 14th day of August, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:
1.Approve the minutes of the July 10, 2017 Regular Meeting, and the July 24, 2017 Special Meeting, of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court.
2.Approve and pay the monthly expenses.
3.Approve Officers’ Reports.
4.Public Comments on Agenda items.
5.Discuss and possibly approve donation of pipe from Nuverra to Shelby County. Pipe will be used for culverts for County Commissioners. The pipe is located in Frierson, La.
6. Discuss and possibly approve contract with Bryan & Bryan Asphalt, LLC.
7.Judy Thompson to address the court about CR 4378.
8.Accept and record the Certificate of Completion of the Basic Peace Officer Course and the Reactivation of the Peace Officer’s License of Roy G. Cheatwood, Constable Precinct 3.
9.Discuss payment options and possibly approve the reimbursement for the utility adjustment and new highway construction costs for Loop 500 as per an Agreement to Contribute signed on August 13, 2007 between the County and the Texas Department of Transportation.
10.Sealed bids to be discussed and possibly accepted on Property ID 21747, located in the Jesse Amason Survey, City of Center which has been struck off the tax rolls.
11.Discuss and possibly advertise for bids on janitorial services.
12.Discuss and possibly approve the purchase of a new computer for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 from the Justice Court Technology Fund.
13.Discuss and possibly approve the purchase of a new vehicle for Constable Precinct 3.
14.David Chandler to address the court about a contract for 911 ambulance calls.
Posted
2017-08-11 10:08:00 by Shelby County Court House
Notice is hereby given that a Workshop of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 14th day of August, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:
1.Work on the budget for the Fiscal Year 2017-2018.
Posted
2017-08-10 12:07:00 by Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
Start testing out your Chicken Recipes for the 41st Poultry Festival Cooking Contest sponsored by Tyson Foods. Chicken dishes can be grilled, baked, fried, in a casserole, in a dip – any way you love to cook and eat chicken. The Chicken Cooking Contest is open for participation in three categories: Youth (ages 8-13), High School Youth (ages 14-17) and Adult (age 18 and above).
Trophies and cash prizes are presented to the winners in each category. So, crank up the grill, heat up the oven and start searching for unique and delicious chicken recipes or fine tune that family favorite.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and the 41st East Texas Poultry Festival Steering Committee extends a special note of appreciation and gratitude to the Poultry Festival Presenting Sponsor Farmers State Bank, and Gold Sponsors City of Center and Tyson Foods.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote and advance economic enrichment and development, tourism, and the social and civic interest of Shelby County and adjoining areas. For additional information, please call 936.598.3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers responded to and investigated a one vehicle fatal crash on FM 139 about three miles north of Huxley yesterday evening at approximately 9:15 p.m.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates a 2002 Oldsmobile passenger car was
traveling south on FM 139 when the vehicle drove off the roadway to the left and
struck a utility pole.
The driver of the vehicle is identified as Robert Jones, 28, from Shelbyville. Jones
was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash by Justice of the Peace Marla
Denby.
This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at
Posted
2017-08-10 07:30:00 by Huxley Helping Hands
HUXLEY HELPING HANDS, A LOCAL MISSION GROUP IS HOLDING A FOOD PANTRY FOR THE RESIDENTS OF SHELBY COUNTY. IT WILL BE HELD THE SECOND SATURDAY OF AUGUST 2017. PROOF OF RESIDENCY & I.D. WILL BE REQUIRED. ONLY (1) BOX PER HOUSEHOLD WILL BE GIVEN.
DATE: August 12, 2017
TIME: 9:00 A.M. UNTIL FOOD IS GONE
LOCATION: HILLCREST BAPTIST CHURCH
901 SOUTHVIEW CIRCLE, CENTER TEXAS
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
On August 7, The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) received a call for suspicious activity involving the transport of a backhoe. Blue Diamond Hot Shot (BDHS) out of Gary, Texas was contracted by Christy Borders, 46 of Center, to transport a backhoe to Shreveport, LA. During the course of setting up a location to pick up the equipment, Borders changed the location spots for different reasons. Borders also told BDHS that the equipment would need to he hauled after sunset. BDHS took possession of the equipment and became suspicious of the property when it was observed the vehicle identification number (VIN) appeared to have been tampered with. BDHS left the location spot with the equipment and immediately contacted the SCSO.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Del Birdwell and Timpson Police Officer Michelle Ashworth responded to the area where BDHS advised they had stopped with the equipment. BDHS had entered into Panola County. Law enforcement officers with the Carthage Police Department and the Panola County Sheriff’s Office responded to the location to assist Birdwell and Ashworth.
Birdwell identified the equipment as a 4WD John Deere 310 SJ backhoe on a trailer. Birdwell inspected the equipment and observed that the third, fifth and ninth digits on the VIN had been altered. A driver for BDHS advised Birdwell that Borders was calling him repeatedly. Birdwell advised the driver to tell Borders to come to the location in Carthage.
Borders arrived on the scene in Carthage and Birdwell questioned her about the equipment. Borders stated she was selling the equipment for an individual whose name changed several times while she was talking to Birdwell. Borders denied having any knowledge of the VIN being altered. Borders stated she had sent pictures of the equipment to the potential buyer and had not noticed anything out of the ordinary. Borders showed Birdwell the photos she sent the buyer. The picture showing the VIN plate was taken with the plate off the machine. The picture shows two rivet holes exposed with one hole having damage around the edge. Borders was extremely nervous while being questioned by Birdwell and continuously had to gather her thoughts before answering questions.
Borders was advised that the equipment would be impounded until ownership could be proven. The equipment was transported to the SCSO.
On August 8, Birdwell made contact with Doggett Equipment in Lufkin. A representative of the company ran the VIN for Birdwell and it revealed the equipment belonged to Panola County Road and Bridge.
Birdwell contacted Panola County and he was advised the equipment had been sold in an auction. Panola County stated the equipment was sold to Panola Enterprises, owned by Larry Fields.
Larry Fields contacted Birdwell to inquire about the stolen equipment. Fields traveled to the SCSO and was able to positively identify the recovered property as his. Fields further stated he had filed a report with Panola County. The equipment was released to Fields.
Charges are forthcoming out of Panola County for the individuals involved with this crime.
The SCSO will seek warrants for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (M-A) and Tampering with Identification Numbers (M-A).
Panola County will seek warrants for Theft (F-3).
The SCSO would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Carthage Police Department, Panola County Sheriff’s Office and the Timpson Police Department for their assistance in this situation.
The Texas and U.S. flags will be lowered to half-staff until sunset tomorrow in memory of former Texas Gov. Mark White as directed by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Flags also will be lowered again on the day of White’s interment.
Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports the arrest of Cynthia Suzett Hughes, 49, of Tenaha.
On August 4, 2017, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Chad Brown was contacted by a parent of a juvenile student who attends Tenaha High School. The parent advised Brown that she believed Hughes, a high school teacher employed by Tenaha Independent School District (TISD), was communicating inappropriately with the student.
Brown and TISD Police Chief Derek Jeter interviewed the student who advised officers that he did receive nude photographs of Hughes. The student also told the officers on one occasion during the summer of 2017 Hughes messaged said student and stated all of her family members were away and she would like to spend some time together.
Brown and Jeter interviewed Hughes who admitted that she sent the nude photos to the student.
Hughes turned herself in to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office on August 9 and was arrested for the offense of Improper Relationship between Educator and Student, a 3rd Degree Felony. She was arraigned by JP-1, Melissa Crouch. Hughes posted $20,000 bond and was released.
State law requires all students be current on their immunizations before attending school. Shelbyville ISD will be offering an Immunization Clinic to students enrolled in classes for the 2017-18 year. The Clinic will be held during “Meet the Teacher,” August 24, 2017, between the hours of 3:30 – 5:30 PM… Immunizations will be available to ALL students… Parents should bring a current copy of student’s immunization record and, if student is insured, bring insurance card. For more information you may contact the school nurse, Jeane Taylor at 936 598-7363. Students who are not up-to-date on immunizations will not be allowed to attend classes, until the immunizations are complete.
Posted
2017-08-09 08:28:00 by Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
The deadline to apply for an Arts and Crafts vendor booth at the 41st East Texas Poultry Festival, sponsored by Farmers State Bank, is Friday, August 11. The festival will take place October 5-7 on the historic downtown Center Square. Limited spaces are still available and the applications are being accepted at the Shelby County Chamber office. Gold Sponsors for the Festival are City of Center and Tyson Foods.
The fee for the rental of a 10' x 10' booth is $125. Each booth includes a canopy and an electrical outlet. Booths must be manned continuously during the hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. all three days of the festival. First time exhibitors are asked to send three color photographs showing representative merchandise. At the deadline, the Arts & Crafts committee will select the vendors based on the type and quality of merchandise and notify them of their selection. Applications are available for download at www.shelbycountychamber.com
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.
After 2017 Spring Recital, Maestro Leonard Kacenjar stands with violin students who played solos and group selections to share their progress in making music as students of Project String Power, Inc.
Project String Power, Inc. registration for violin, viola, cello, upright bass, harp, guitar (all styles), and banjo lessons is scheduled for Saturday, August 12, 10:30-12 noon at Naylor Hall of St. John’s Episcopal Church, 308 Cottage Road, Carthage, TX. Lesson times and help with choosing an instrument to learn can be done at that time.
Students who have accomplished the basic requirements to join Super Group String Orchestra, Silver Dew Bluegrass Band, Texas Made Rock and Country band, Forte Cello Ensemble and/or Pineywoods Harp Ensemble can join one or more of the performance groups.
There is a $25 registration fee for each instrument studied. Application for a scholarship for lessons may be made at the time of registration. Registration forms may also be printed from the website www.projectstringpower.org and mailed to the address given. Project String Power, Inc. is a non-profit music school that operates with the purpose of making lessons affordable for all. For further information, please call 903-263-0598.
Posted
2017-08-08 13:02:00 by Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Revial Services August 16-18th at 7:00 p.m. each evening. Pastor Jospeh Hall Jr. is the guest speaker. Homecoming services at 12 noon on the August 20th, Pastor Brandon Owens Sr. for more information call 936-572-0774.
Earlier this morning at approximately 9:00 a.m. a wreck occurred on HWY 7 between Center and Nacogdoches near fm 711 involving a passenger car, Hughes wrecker service responded along with emergency personnel from the Center Fire Department and Shelby County Sheriff's office. The road was blockaded.
According to the Texas DPS the vehicle was driven by Ayan Ahmed 30 of Nacogdoches. The driver was traveling at an unsafe speed left the road way hit a small tree and then entered the east bound lane overturning. There were no other vehicles involved and no passengers.
The driver was taken to the Nacogdoches Medical Center in Center and issued a citation for traveling at an unsafe speed. The roadway was cleared by emergency personnel and traffic resumed.
The Homemaker's Extension Club will have their August meeting on Thursday August 17th at 1:00 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension Office in Center located at 266 Nacogdoches St.
Center ISD will be holding their annual Substitute Orientation on Tuesday, August 8th from 8 AM to 12 Noon at the High School Library. All district substitutes are required to attend to go over policies for the upcoming school year. For more information or questions please contact Holly Mikesh, HR Officer, at 936-598-5642.
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center ISD will be held August 8, 2017, beginning at 12:00 PM in the Center High School - New Ag Building - 658 Roughrider Drive Center, Texas 75935.
On April 14, 2016, the Center ISD Board of Trustees approved two projects, an agriculture science building, and tennis facility expansion. After nearly 16 months of planning, preparation, and construction, the district is excited to announce the completion of the agriculture science building. The new expansion project consists of 10,500 square feet to meet the present and future needs of the agriculture science program.
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) department of Center High School (CHS) has seen remarkable growth and student interest over the past ten years. Currently, the CTE agriculture science program is one of the fastest growing at CHS, and many of our related programs were displaced in rooms not designed for such advanced and specialized courses. Additionally, the lack of adequate space left many interested students without the opportunity to take certain courses.
On August 8, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., Center ISD will hold a ribbon cutting to open the new facility. The expansion project includes specialized classrooms for agribusiness, animal science, floral design, power, structure, and technical systems, and a meeting room for FFA and other leadership activities. We welcome you to join us on for this special moment and event.
Posted
2017-08-04 12:15:00 by Justin Mott & Texas DPS
According to Texas DPS officials at approximately 1:24 yesterday John Michael Joe Lee 36 of Stonewall, LA was traveling southbound on Highway 96 South.
He was in a 2013 White Freight-Liner pulling a 2010 black Galley Trailer when it left the right side of the roadway and overturned just inside of San Augustine County near the Shelby County, San Augustine County line. Major damage was cause to both the truck and trailer.
Mr. Lee was taken by a San Augustine ambulance to the Nacogdoches Emergency Center in Center where he was life-flighted to Tyler for his injuries. The wreck did not involve any other vehicles. He was later issued a citation for failure to maintain a single lane.
Posted
2017-08-04 10:29:00 by Texas Agri-Life Ext.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is comprised of 12 districts covering all 254 counties in Texas, and Shelby County is part of District 5 which is composed of 22 counties in the East region. Recently, the district conducted a leadership camp in Laneville for youth in grades 9 to 12. At the camp, participants learned the importance of being a leader for their community, what makes a good public speaker, and giving back to their counties through community service opportunities. At the conclusion of the camp, these youth leaders were given the chance to present a speech on the importance leadership within their counties and participate in a peer-led interview. Megan Dunn, a Shelby County 4-H member participated in this opportunity and because of her motivating speech and outstanding interview, she was selected to represent the district as president. In addition, Megan also selected for a position on the state 4-H council.
The Texas 4-H Council is a team of 4-H members elected by their peers from across the state of Texas representing the twelve AgriLife Extension districts. Serving as ambassadors for the Texas 4-H program, members represent the organization statewide while collaborating with Extension faculty to plan, coordinate, and facilitate activities and events.
Megan also serves the state as a Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador. As a livestock ambassador, she is provided additional opportunities to develop and practice advanced leadership skills related to mentoring other youth and to advocate for animal agriculture. We would like to wish congratulations to Megan for selection to these top district and state positions.
If you have any questions regarding 4-H, please do not hesitate to contact the Shelby County Extension Office at 936-598-7744, Lane Dunn, Ag/NR Agent and Jheri-Lynn McSwain, FCS Agent. Be sure to check us out on Facebook at Shelby Extension.
Posted
2017-08-04 10:23:00 by Governor Gregg Abbott Press Release
AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today joined President Donald J. Trump, heads of federal agencies and other Governors from across the country via video teleconference for the 2017 White House Hurricane Briefing. In addition to the President, other participants on the teleconference included Department of Homeland Security Acting-Secretary Elaine Duke and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long, who discussed the importance of readiness efforts and provided an overview of response to and recovery from a hurricane.
During the teleconference, Governor Abbott spoke about the preparedness efforts already underway in Texas to ensure the state is ready in the event of a hurricane.
"Texas is in a constant state of hurricane preparedness, and the safety of Texans is our top priority," said Governor Abbott. "The Texas Division of Emergency Management continues to plan and train in the event of a hurricane, and I would encourage all Texans to be mindful of the dangers and always comply with evacuation orders issued by local officials. I appreciate the efforts of our partners at the federal level in helping to build resilience, preparedness & responsiveness in communities across the country."
Natural disaster preparedness is a joint effort between state and local partners, the American people, and the federal government. We at DHS and FEMA are ready to respond quickly, efficiently, and effectively when a disaster occurs, said Acting Secretary Duke. We take this responsibility seriously, and like today will continue to coordinate closely with our state and local partners to support our nations collective ability to respond.
Posted
2017-08-03 13:03:00 by Shelby County Court House
Notice is hereby given that a Workshop of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 7th day of August, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:
1.Work on the budget for the Fiscal Year 2017-2018.
Posted
2017-08-03 06:47:00 by Texas A&M AgriLife Ext
The Comal County Claybusters held their annual shoot at the National Shooting complex in San Antonio July 15 and 16. This shoot is commonly called the state warmup shoot because it is the weekend before the State 4-H games. Representing Shelby County 4-H were shooters Dawson McFadden, Colton Gutermuth and Lance Holloway. In the intermediate division, Lance Holloway placed third in super sporting and fourth in sporting clays.
The following week the Texas 4-H shotgun games were held at the National shooting complex in San Antonio, July 18-22. This year there were over 800 kids from across Texas that participated. Shelby County 4-H had six kids attend. In the Senior II division, Konner Windham placed first in trap Lewis Class 3. In the Senior I division, Colton Gutermuth placed fourth in modified trap. In the Intermediate division, Lance Holloway placed second in whizbang.
Comal County participants
Left to right: Lance Holloway, Colton Gutermuth,
and Dawson McFadden
Shelby County 4-H shooters had a great week. Nic Lambert shot his personal best shooting 98/100 in skeet and trap but missed placing in the tough senior II division. Konner Windham shot her first 25 straight in trap. Colton Gutermuth shot his first 50 straight in trap. Dawson McFadden shot his first 25 straight in both skeet and trap. Lance Holloway shot his first 25 straight in modified trap. Overall, the team had a great week in San Antonio. We would like to say congratulations on a job well done representing Shelby County 4-H.
State Shotgun GameParticipants: LoganHolloway, Lance Holloway, Nic Lambert, Dawson McFadden, Konner Windham, and Colton Gutermuth
If you have any questions or would like more information regarding 4-H, please give us a all at 936-598-7744.
Posted
2017-08-03 06:42:00 by Texas Agri-Life Ext.
Broilers are meat type chickens usually about 6 to 7 weeks of age when ready for processing. The 4-H broiler project is a very popular youth project. Their popularity is because the projects are shorter in length, require less space, and are less expensive than many other 4-H livestock projects.
Because all the birds are from the same genetic source, the differences in the conformation of the birds is due to the management practices of the competitor. A successful entry requires good management skills such as maintain the proper environment, disease control, feeding good quality feed, and keeping good records. The contestants also learn what selection criteria are necessary when choosing their pen of birds to show.
In preparation for the upcoming East Texas Poultry Festival in October and the arrival of baby chicks in late August, the Shelby County Extension office will be hosting a Broiler Show Workshop on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the new county Extension office located at 266 Nacogdoches Street in Center.
Posted
2017-08-03 06:39:00 by Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
Planning is underway for the 41st East Texas Poultry Festival, presented by Farmers State Bank, which will take place October 5-7 on the historic downtown Center square, with chairmen Josh Payne, leading the steering committee. According to Polly McKissick Montemayor, Arts and Crafts Committee Chair, vendor applications are being accepted at the Shelby County Chamber office until Friday, August 11. To receive an application and a copy of the guidelines call the Chamber office or go online at "http://www.shelbycountychamber.com". Gold Sponsors for the Festival are City of Center and Tyson Foods.
The fee for the rental of a 10' x 10' booth is $125. Each booth includes a canopy and an electrical outlet. Booths must be manned continuously during the hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. all three days of the festival. First time exhibitors are asked to send three color photographs showing merchandise that will be in the booth. The Arts & Crafts committee will select the vendors based on the type and quality of merchandise and notify them of their selection on Friday, August 18.
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.
Posted
2017-08-03 06:36:00 by Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
The East Texas Poultry Festival is just around the corner in October, so now is the time to start lining out your creative arts to be displayed and eligible for judging. All creative art divisions are open to elementary, youth and adult participants who reside in Shelby County. This year, the following creative art divisions will be featured:
Art
Crafts
Quilts
Canning
Photography
Horticulture
Woodworking
Metal Art
Entry forms and a complete set of division rules and guidelines are available from the Extension office and the Chamber of Commerce. The creative art show will be held at the new Extension gym building October 5-7, 2017. So get your crochet needle, paint brush, canning jars, plant specimens, camera, sander, sewing machine, and welding torch in gear and plan to enter this fun event and let everyone in Shelby County see your creative talent!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Shelby County Extension Office, Jheri-Lynn McSwain, FCS Agent at 936-598-7744 or email jlmcswain@ag.tamu.edu or the Chamber of Commerce at 936-598-3682.
(AUSTIN) Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said today that state sales tax revenue totaled $2.56 billion in July, 7.9 percent more than in July 2016.
Sales tax receipts from all major economic sectors were up compared to last year, Hegar said. The most notable increases were from oil- and gas-related industries, as spending on well development continues to rebound. Despite the recent uptick, sales tax revenue remains in line with recent estimates from my office.
Total sales tax revenue for the three months ending in July 2017 is up 7.3 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Sales tax revenue is the largest source of state funding for the state budget, accounting for 56 percent of all tax collections. Motor vehicle sales and rental taxes, motor fuel taxes and oil and natural gas production taxes also are large revenue sources for the state.
In July 2017, Texas collected the following revenue from those taxes:
* motor vehicle sales and rental taxes $384.7 million, down 7.3 percent from July 2016;
* motor fuel taxes $308.2 million, up 3.7 percent from July 2016; and
* oil and natural gas production taxes $251.5 million, up 24.6 percent from July 2016.
Posted
2017-08-03 06:25:00 by Patroon Baptist Church
Due to the weather, Patroon Baptist Church is postponing their car wash fundraiser set for this Friday evening. A future date will be announced later. Thank you.
Today the Love like Victor Day Proclamation was signed by Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison. A large gathering of people from the community assembled for the ceremony.
Posted
2017-08-02 11:40:00 by Tom Johnson & Justin Mott
I just looked at Norman Neel & Goeff Reeders North SA County rain buckets... both show 2.36 inches already. Many stations to their North and West have that or more. The rain band is slowly sagging to the South and East and training the rain over what is becoming a soggy and soaked.
Posted
2017-08-02 08:53:00 by Texas Agri-Life Ext.
Shelby County 4-H member, Blake Griffin wins big at the State 4-H horse show. The show was held in Abilene the last week of July. Blake places first in cutting, first in breakaway roping, second in team roping and second in tie down calf roping.
Blake won the high point roper saddle for his efforts. As a result of these outstanding placings, Blake also won four belt buckles, a pair of Anderson Bean boots, and a head stall for his horse. The high point roping saddle has also been won by former Shelby County 4 H members Dakota Klein in 2000 and Blake’s uncle David Griffin in 1982.
In addition to his accomplishments at State, he also placed well at the District Horse Show winning two belt buckles for Senior tie down and team roper. Please help us congratulate Blake on a job well done.
If you would like to participate in this project or any other 4-H project in Shelby County, contact Lane Dunn, County Extension Agent – Ag/NR at 936-598-7744 or email at jldunn@ag.tamu.edu.
Indivisible Nacogdoches will hold its monthly meeting on August 8, 2017 from 6-8 pm at the Austin Heights Baptist Church. The church is located at 2806 Appleby Sand Road, Nacogdoches, TX 75965. Anyone interested in electing progressive candidates to office or working for progressive causes is welcome. There will be a potluck at the beginning of the meeting, so bring your favorite dish!
If you have any questions, please contact Donna Todd at donnamtodd@yahoo.com or call her at 936-615-7825. Donna M. Todd 936.615.7825
Back to School Backpack Drive: Anyone that wishes to DONATE may contact Leslie Leathers or Debra Smith 936-254-2421 or Bro Dee Daniel or Beth Collins (FBC sec) 936-254-2220
Distribution: Thurs Aug 10th at SoSo Park Community Bldg (for Timpson ISD
area / Timpson elementary students) 4:30 - 7:00 pm
Posted
2017-08-01 10:49:00 by Texas Agri-Life Ext.
Shelby County 4-H is getting ready to start up their new project year with our annual 4-H Kickoff, Awards Ceremony and Volunteer Recognition program which is scheduled for Sunday, August 27th from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at the new Extension gym building at 266 Nacogdoches Street in Center. This fun-filled, hands-on event will allow the youth to try their hand at the various projects.
Posted
2017-08-01 09:08:00 by San Augustine Main St.
“An American Main Street” patriotic event will be on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017 in downtown San Augustine wish to support and remember all local First Responders/Veterans and 9-11 victims.
During the regular council meeting held on July 18, 2017, the City of Timpson appointed Marilyn Corder to the position of municipal judge.
There were two names presented as interested parties for the position. Council woman, Yvonne Ramsey made a motion to appoint Marilyn Corder. The second was made by councilman Al Skinner and of the 4 council members in attendance Mrs. Corder received 3 votes. Councilman Kyle Allen was absent from the meeting and councilwoman,Tiffany Collins abstained.
Councilwoman Ramsey, stated Mrs. Corders volunteerism and the many things she does on behalf of the City as her primary reasons for selecting Marilyn. The appointment is for 24 months, requires 32 hours of judicial training within the first year and 16 hours each year thereafter. The mayor, council and staff look forward to working with Mrs. Corder.
Marilyn Corder will be sworn in at 10am on Tuesday August 1, 2017
SAN AUGUSTINE, Texas — Grab your lunch and a friend and head down to Mission Dolores State Historic Site on Friday, August 18th at 12:00 p.m. for the monthly “Lunch and Learn” program!
The program, “San Augustine and the Great Depression” will include a photographic journey through San Augustine during its most trying times. As part of the tricentennial celebration commemorating the establishment of Mission Dolores in San Augustine, Mission Dolores State Historic Site will hold similar lunchtime programs once a month throughout 2017, covering a variety of topics related to East Texas history. Our Site Educator/Interpreter, Brooke Bonorden, will present this month’s program. We look forward to seeing you there!
Admission is free and the program will run from 12:00–1:00 p.m. Mission Dolores State Historic Site is currently open Tuesday through Sunday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, please call 936-275-3815.
Nine Shelby County firefighters recently completed a week of training at the 88th Annual Texas Municipal Fire/ Rescue Training School, held at Brayton Fire Field in College Station, Texas. Brayton Fire Field is the largest fire/ rescue training facility in the world. Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department Firefighters Levi Manali, Vincent Raybon, and David Pierce, along with Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter Austin Barna, completed Firefighting Phase II. Phase II covers a wide range of subjects, from forcible entry to interior structural firefighting. Students also received instruction in fire behavior and the use of ladders on the fireground. They also took part in three live burn classes, designed to simulate conditions inside an actual structure fire. Joaquin VFD Firefighter Michael Bates completed Firefighting Phase III, which covers subjects like positive pressure ventilation, water supplies, and live burns of petroleum fire projects. Joaquin Assistant Chief/ Fire Marshall Jeremy Boyett and Assistant Fire Marshall Justin Boyett completed Fireground Tactics, which covers subjects ranging from reading smoke to the Incident Command System. Joaquin VFD Secretary/ Treasurer Rusty Wilson served as a first year instructor on the Firefighting Phase I, SCBA project, which teaches students the importance of using their self contained breathing apparatus, as well as search and rescue tactics. It also provides instruction on the proper care and maintenance of SCBA. Joaquin VFD Training Officer Stephen Ewing served as a fifth year instructor on Firefighting Phase II, Structural Burn Complex, which uses live fire scenarios to instruct students in interior structural firefighting techniques. The Annual Municipal School attracts students from across the state of Texas. This year's attendance totaled just over 1,600 students, and used almost 500 guest instructors.
The Senior Site in Center will have a Breakfast Fundraiser on September 9th, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. They are located at 124 Haley Dr. on Loop 500.
SCCAC would like to thank Focused Care for donating backpacks and school supplies. We greatly appreciate your support of our agency and the children we serve.Pictured are Focused Care staff members Sandy Runnels and Renee Bush along with SCCAC staff members Jade Miller and Denise Merriman.
As we finish the second week of the special session, both the House and the Senate continue working on the bills that Governor Abbott has included in his calls for the session.
This week, the House unanimously approved the must-pass sunset bill, HB 1. This bill will continue the Texas Medical Board, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, and the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. All of these boards would have ceased to exist on September 1st if this legislation had not passed. Without these boards, the professionals currently practicing in these professions would have no longer been licensed, with a wide range of consequences from loss of insurance to unqualified and untrained persons possibly holding themselves out as professionals.
The House also passed HB 13 which will require doctors to report complications related to abortion procedures. Currently there is no penalty for not reporting these complications, which results in incomplete and incorrect data relating to the risks of having an abortion. Having complete data will help the legislature draft the best possible policy moving forward.
The State Affairs Committee met several times this week to pass important pro-life measures. The committee passed HB 13, which also passed the full House this week, as well as HB 14 and HB 215. HB 14 will prevent any governmental entity from providing any financial assistance to an abortion provider. This bill includes use of governmental facilities or any other type of financial assistance that some entities have previously provided to abortion providers. This is a common sense extension of current practices that prohibit taxpayer dollars from paying for or supporting abortion providers.
HB 215 establishes reporting requirements for abortions where the mother is a minor and has obtained the abortion either with the permission of her parents or a court or where an abortion is conducted as a result of a fetal abnormality. This reporting will also provide more complete information to the state as to why certain abortions are being conducted, which will help to allocate resources more effectively to help prevent the need for abortions in the future.
The House Select Committee on State and Federal Power and Responsibility also met this week to pass some resolutions. The most important resolution we passed was HCR 16, which calls on the US Congress to pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Texas must pass a balanced budget each year, requiring that the state live within its means and this resolution calls on the federal government to do the same.
If there are issues that are important to you or you have any questions about information you are receiving from outside groups, please contact me at 512-463-0556 or district9.paddie@house.texas.gov.