Shelby County Outreach Ministries will be closing ALL programs for the week of June 1 – June 5 with the exception of the Helping Hands Outreach Center. Helping Hands will be open only on Friday, June 5th from 10-2 in order to help clients. The senior citizens that are currently being served through our senior programs have received extra meals that will cover them through the next 2 weeks. They will also receive calls to confirm that they are safe, and all is going well.

If you are scheduled to receive an emergency food box during this week, please come to the Helping Hands Outreach Center on Friday, June 5th to receive it between the hours of 10-2.  Our lobby is closed to the public. Food Boxes are distributed by Drive-Thru ONLY. Please be prepared to open your trunk of the car and stay in your vehicle. Keep windows rolled up and show ID through the glass. For information, please call us at 936-598-4990.  Thank you.  

Shelby County COVID-19 Cases as reported by DSHS to the Shelby County Office of Emergency Management:

196 Cumulative cases

-78 recovered

-6 deaths

=112 ACTIVE CASES

**DSHS also reports that of the 196 cumulative cases,  19 of those cases are “lost to follow”…meaning, DSHS has not been able to contact them to follow up on their recovery.

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS: 

75935…143                                                      1-20…..11             

75974…19                                                        21-40....60

75975…15                                                        41-60…72                4

75973…11                                                        61-80…36                2

75954…8                                                           81-100...12

                                                                        Unknown...5

On Friday, May 22, 2020, officers from the San Augustine County Sheriff's Office, SA Police Department, DPS Highway Patrol and the TDCJ prison system in Woodville caught Jed Landon Townsend, 36, after he escaped custody and evaded arrest for about 18 hours. Sheriff Robert Cartwright called in a search team from the prison system to help track the suspect with dogs and followed on horseback. The suspect was spotted by Sergeant J.T. Moon, of the San Augustine County Sheriff's Office, under a bridge on US 96 South. Townsend is currently being held on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Dangerous Drug and Escape.

Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference to provide an update on the COVID-19 surge response efforts in Amarillo. The Governor discussed the state's ongoing collaboration with local and federal leaders to address COVID-19 hot spots within the Amarillo area, and outlined the data on hospitalizations, testing, fatalities, and positivity rates that demonstrate the success of the surge response teams in containing and mitigating further spread of this virus. The Governor noted that there is ongoing testing in meat processing plants in the Amarillo area that could result in a spike in cases, and that the surge response teams will respond with the same proven strategies.

Governor Abbott announced the formation of surge response teams on May 5th. These teams serve nursing homes, packing plants, and other facilities that experience flare ups of COVID-19 by providing personal protective equipment, testing supplies, onsite staffing, and assessment assistance.

"Here in Texas, we have implemented a strategy that enables Texans to get back to work while mitigating further spread of COVID-19," said Governor Abbott. "Amarillo is an example of this strategy in action, and our surge response teams have done a tremendous job in containing the hot spots within the Amarillo community and protecting health and safety. As we continue in our efforts, we are committed to prioritizing public health while safely and strategically opening the state." 

The Governor was joined by Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, Amarillo Public Health Director Casie Stoughton, as well as State Senator Kel Seliger and State Representatives Four Price, John Smithee, and Ken King.

Home
Governor Abbott

Governor Greg Abbott issued the following statement on the passing of former Texas Congressman Sam Johnson:

"Sam Johnson was a fearless patriot and an American hero, and we are incredibly proud and fortunate to have called him a fellow Texan. Congressman Johnson dedicated his life to our nation and the state of Texas. He bravely served as a fighter pilot in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and his profound sacrifice is something Texans will never forget.

As a congressman, Sam Johnson served with integrity and was always guided by his principles and the needs of the Texans he served. Today, we mourn the loss of a great Texan, but we also remember his tremendous life and the legacy he leaves behind. Cecilia and I offer our prayers to his family and friends, and we ask all Texans to join us in remembering a true Texas icon."

Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 224

Nacogdoches County 271

Shelby County 189

Panola County 174

San Augustine County 31

New Report Helps Agricultural Producers Navigate Federal Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

On May 19, 2020, USDA released details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP’s $19 billion package contains two primary components. First, USDA will partner with regional and local distributers to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat and provide those commodities to those in need. The bulk of the program is designed to provide $16 billion in direct support to farmers and ranchers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Eligible commodities for the direct support include livestock (cattle, hogs, and sheep), dairy, wool, several grain crops, specialty fruit crops (including blueberries, and watermelons), specialty vegetable crops, nuts, and others (such as beans and mushrooms).

For our local cattlemen, there will be assistance paid for those who sold calves between January 15 and April 15. And even if you did not sell any cattle during those dates, assistance funds are still available for cattle owned during those dates. 

Signup will be from May 26 to August 28, 2020. Once signup begins, eligible producers should call their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to schedule an appointment.  The local FSA office serving Shelby County can be reached by calling (936) 564-5891. 

To help affected producers navigate this new program, Agricultural and Food Policy Center (AFPC) at Texas A&M University co-directors Dr. Bart Fischer and Dr. Joe Outlaw, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economists Dr. David Andersons and Dr. Justin Benavidez authored a timely report. Overview of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is available at https://www.afpc.tamu.edu/research/publications/files/699/RR-20-02.pdf.  

The report provides an excellent overview of the program, provides clarification on payment rates and eligible commodities, payment limits, income tests, and payment reductions. It also provides payment calculations and examples by commodity. 

The report’s lead author, Dr. Bart Fischer, notes that while CFAP provides a significant amount of aid, there are a number of losses not covered. A previous AFPC report, estimated Texas agricultural losses alone could exceed $8 billion. That report can be read at https://afpc.tamu.edu/research/publications/files/698/RR-20-01.pdf. 

Dr. Fischer identified one area of concern not addressed by CFAP that could affect several local beef producers. While cattle producers in particular are the biggest recipients of assistance from CFAP, the estimated support for cattle is still significantly less than half of the damages estimated by industry. 

While animals in inventory from April 16 to May 14, will be eligible for a CFAP payment, there likely will be calls to provide additional assistance to producers who had to depopulate animals in response to COVID-19. Also, those producing poultry on contract and paid by pounds produced may accrue significant additional losses. 

Looking ahead, cattle producers need to follow update to the CFAP closely. As Congress continues to debate the next steps, these and other issues will be in the forefront. 

Lane Dunn is the County Extension Agent for agriculture and natural resources for Shelby County. His email address is jldunn@ag.tamu.edu. 

The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.

The police radio in the patrol car called my number, “Unit 1401, call your X2.”  This was unusual.  The term “X2” was code for ‘wife’.  So, my wife had called the sheriff’s office dispatcher and asked him to give me the message.  She had never done this before, so I was quite alarmed.  Since cell telephones had not been invented in 1972, I had to drive around and find a pay telephone to use.

While dialing our phone number I was thinking of specific things that could have happened.  Perhaps one of the children had been injured, or maybe my wife had been hurt.  Could one of our parents taken ill?  By the time she answered the telephone I was worked into a dither.  “Honey, got your message to call.  Is everything OK?  Are you OK?”, I stammered into the receiver.  “Oh, we are all fine”, she replied.  “Well, what’s so important that you had to call me while on duty?”, I inquired.

“Honey, the kids have found the cutest little puppy that they want really badly. Philip and Beverly’s little white poodle had a litter of pups and there is only one left.  Please, can’t we get him for the kids?”, my wife explained.  “A poodle!  A poodle?”, I exclaimed. “If we get a dog I want a real dog, like a German shepherd, or a collie, you know, a real dog.”  “I know, I know,” she replied, “but, the kids want this all white fuzz-ball .  He’s so cute!.”

I suppose there was a little psychology used on me here.  I was so relieved that everyone was OK I was happy to agree to this adoption.  “Ok, honey, but the kids have to take responsibility in caring for the dog”, I instructed.

Back in the patrol car I began to feel that I had been “snookered” into agreeing to getting a dog.  But, if the kids wanted the puppy so much I should not be an old grouch about it.  So, “Curley” the poodle became a part of our family in 1972.  He was a typical poodle, cute but high-strung.  He never seemed to like me very much.  Perhaps he sensed that I really wanted a real dog and he was not it.

In 1974 we moved to Littleton, Colorado for a job change.  Philip and Beverly came up to Colorado to visit us in 1975 for a few days.  When they walked into the house Curley remembered them and let them know it.  He had a great memory.  

Curley’s nemesis in Colorado was static electricity.  The low humidity helped generate this electricity when one walked across our wool carpets and touched Curley.  He would yelp and run for cover.  My father-in-law enjoyed doing this and Curley shunned him with each visit.

Curley was a member of our family until 1985 when he died of natural causes at age 13. He is buried in a back yard in the City Lake addition.  I do not recall any other time that my wife called me through the dispatcher while on duty.  Once was enough.

“THE  POODLE  PUPPY”

BY: NEAL MURPHY
PO BOX 511
107 HEMLOCK STREET
SAN AUGUSTINE, TX 75972
936-275-9033
Cell: 936-275-6986
Email: humptydumpty1940@gmail.com

521 Words

Seniors, please come by the high school office on Wednesday, June 2, 2020 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to pick up information needed for graduation.  These packets will include tickets for your guest, instructions for the ceremony, and several other important documents. 

Sam Samford Masonic Lodge announces their annual Scholarship Fundraiser. They are raffling, a two-compartment, barbecue, smoker pit with two fish cookers, on a 16 foot, covered trailer.

Tickets are available now, for donations of $100. each or Six for $500.  The drawing will be on July 1st.  Tickets can be obtained from lodge members and the cook trailer can be seen at the lodge on Hwy 96 south in Center. For more information call 936 598 5738 or 936 598 4280.  

The Shelby County Jail has been found non-compliant with two issues after a recent inspection. 

1. The staff is not properly filling out the mental health screening form for suicide and medical, mental, and developmental impairment.

2. The secure jail doors have false indicators on the control board.

This information is from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards report located below.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Stephen F. Austin State University Charter School held two graduation car parades — one for the kindergarteners and one for the fifth graders — featuring mortarboards and tassels on May 22, the last day of school, in the Janice A. Pattillo Early Childhood Research Center parking lot. Kindergartener Jackson Wright is pictured.

“These parades can’t take the place of our in-person graduation ceremonies that were canceled because of COVID-19 this year, but they are a fun and safe way to celebrate our students’ achievements,” said Lysa Hagan, principal and chief executive officer of the charter school. 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Every year, seniors in Stephen F. Austin State University’s interior design program take their final projects on the road to major Texas cities to receive feedback and obtain job leads.

Their travel was canceled this year because of COVID-19.

Like other designers around the country, the students decided to move their work online to showcase how they create beautiful spaces while focusing on safety, economy and utility.

The SFA senior interior design student website organizes the seniors by the cities they’re hoping to work in — Austin, Dallas and Houston — and presents their portfolios and résumés for potential employers to explore.

Jennifer Luque, adjunct professor of interior design in SFA’s School of Human Sciences, helped create the website and taught the seniors’ portfolio course during the spring semester.

“This is the next best thing to exhibiting in person,” Luque said. “What some have interpreted as a challenge, we have taken as an opportunity.”

She sent the website’s URL to the International Interior Design Association Texas/Oklahoma Chapter and the American Society of Interior Designers Texas Gulf Coast Chapter. Those organizations have agreed to share the website with their members, including thousands of interior designers, firms and industry professionals, according to Luque.

“In some ways, the students are receiving more exposure and a chance to share their graduate portfolios with individuals across the region,” she said.

Luque added that one student was hired just by sharing the site with friends, family members and firms asking SFA about recent interior design graduates.

Trekeva Cotledge of Whitehouse and Madison McDaniel of Mount Pleasant are two of the nearly dozen students featured on the website.

Cotledge’s portion of the website includes her designs for furniture, a condo and a long-term care facility.

“I aim to give back to the community and help clients’ dreams come true through strategy and dedication,” she said.

Cotledge hopes to obtain a second degree in architecture and start her own business.

McDaniel’s volunteer work refurbishing furniture for the “Chairished Blessings” fundraiser and designing bath houses for the homeless for Love In the Name of Christ, an organization in Nacogdoches committed to transforming lives, informs her design philosophy.

“A good designer needs to be able to see and create beautiful, functional spaces,” she said.

Her portion of the site features both residential and retail designs.

For more information on these future designers’ work, visit the SFA senior interior design student website at https://sfasuinteriordesign.wixsite.com/sfasu-2020portfolios. For more information on SFA’s interior design program, contact program coordinator Leisha Bridwell at (936) 468-2371, or lbridwell@sfasu.edu.  

Monday, June 1st
Raymond Jackson Stadium 7:30 pm
Invitation Only

Apply to be a 2020-2021 Center High School Athletic Trainer.

Students will:

• learn about the medical field
• tape ankles
• wrap injuries
• basic first aid
• and help athletes perform at their best. 

Benefits:

• great experience to put on a resume for college 
• earn scholarships to be a student trainer at the collegiate level. 
• free travel and meals with student athletes 

Apply with the attached application by June 8. Turn in your application to the CHS Athletic Office or email application to mark.wiseman@centerisd.org. Finalists will be contacted during the last week of June. 

Please email questions to mark.wiseman@centerisd.org.

Center Middle School has scheduled a personal item pickup for girls' athletics. Items may be picked up tomorrow, Wednesday, from 8:00 AM -12:00 PM, and Thursday afternoon from 3:00 -5:00 PM.

Please drive to the east side of the campus and drive through the gate next to the gym where you will be met by one of the coaches. Please stay in your car unless otherwise directed.  

In an effort to accommodate those who are unable to attend the CHS graduation event, the CISD technology department will be broadcasting the event on YouTube as we have done for school board meetings in the recent past.

The broadcast can be viewed live on YouTube at the following URL:
https://youtu.be/jy4nTqVY3b8

Center High School graduation is on June 1 at 7 p.m. Students are limited to 5 tickets. The graduation protocol can be found in the attached document. 

Tri-County Community Action, Inc. will hold a regular scheduled Board Meeting on Monday, June 1, 2020. For more information call Yolanda Neal at (936) 598-6315 Ext: 200

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has extended payment deadlines for designated reimbursing employers that are required to pay a share of unemployment benefits. Designated reimbursing employers include non-profits, local governments, school districts and other qualifying employers who reimburse TWC for the full amount of unemployment benefits to be paid to eligible former employees. 

TWC’s action delays the due date for the June 1 payment to December 31, 2020.  This action also waives interest and penalty charges during the same time period, and does not reduce or eliminate this payment for reimbursing employers. Instead, it provides more time for these employers to secure resources to meet these and other liabilities as they deal with the implications of COVID-19. This extension also does not delay or prevent Texans who qualify for unemployment benefits from receiving these resources.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented economic challenges, and the State of Texas is committed to helping both employers and Texans who have lost their jobs through this challenge,” said Governor Abbott. “This payment extension will help these employers address financial setbacks due to COVID-19 and provide them more time to pay their share of unemployment benefits.

As Texas continues to respond to COVID-19, we are committed to ensuring employers across the state have the resources they need to recover." 

Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 224

Nacogdoches County 257

Shelby County 183

Panola County 172

San Augustine County 29

Excelsior ISD will have a final packet drop off on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 from 9am to 2pm. We will also be collecting Chromebooks and chargers at that time. Library books and yearbook money can be turned in as well. 

We will also have students' personal belongings bagged and ready to be picked up. When you drive up in front of the school, please remain in your vehicle. A staff member will bring your child's bagged personal belongings to you and will collect the items that you are returning.

If you cannot make it during that time, please call 936-598-5866 between 9-12 Monday - Wednesday to make other arrangements.

Center Middle School has scheduled a personal item pickup for girls' athletics. Items may be picked up tomorrow, Wednesday, from 8:00 AM -12:00 PM, and Thursday afternoon from 3:00 -5:00 PM.

Please drive to the east side of the campus and drive through the gate next to the gym where you will be met by one of the coaches. Please stay in your car unless otherwise directed.  

Tri-County Harvest for Homes Produce Drop will be tomorrow Wednesday May 27, 2020
@ 9am, @ Sombero's Parking lot, please do not park in front of any business, we will continue with our same COVID-19 policy you are not to exit your car, the staff will assist you from your car. 
 

Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 224

Nacogdoches County 257

Shelby County 183

Panola County 172

San Augustine County 29

Shelby County Outreach Ministries will be closing ALL programs for the week of May 25 – May 29 with the exception of the Helping Hands Outreach Center. Helping Hands will be open only on Friday, May 29 from 10-2 in order to help clients. The senior citizens that are currently being served through our senior programs have received extra meals that will cover them through the next 2 weeks. They will also receive calls to confirm that they are safe, and all is going well.

If you are scheduled to receive an emergency food box the during this week, please come to the Helping Hands Outreach Center on Friday, May 29th to receive it between the hours of 10-2.  Our lobby is closed to the public. Food Boxes are distributed by Drive-Thru ONLY. Please be prepared to open your trunk of the car and stay in your vehicle. Keep windows rolled up and show ID through the glass. For information, please call us at 936-598-4990.  Thank you.  

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on Tuesday the 26th day of May, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. in the Community room on the 2nd floor of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1.     Approve and pay weekly expenses.

2.    Public comments on Agenda item.

3.    Consider and take action upon the approval, acceptance, affirmation, and ratification of the Application submitted by the County for the purpose of securing grant funding under the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund program, including acceptance and approval of the following, included therein:

a. the acts of the designated TxDOT County contacts for the purposes of preparing and submitting the Application;
b. The Road Reports, as the 2019 road condition reports required by Texas Transportation Code §215.005 and §215.018.
c. the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund Project List (Prioritized List) 
d. Designation of a County Contact person and authorize the County Contact person to prepare and/or execute documents on behalf of the County in matters relating to and regarding the TxDot CTIF Grant and Grant Program.

4.    Adjourn. 
 

Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order suspending in-person visitations in all county and municipal jails in the state of Texas. This restriction does not apply to visitation by an attorney meeting with a client or a religious leader or member of the clergy. The Governor previously directed state prisons, jails, and juvenile justice facilities to restrict visitation upon issuing his COVID-19 disaster declaration. This executive order adds another layer of defense to contain COVID-19 hot spots, prevent community spread, and protect staff and inmates.

"Jails have shown to be highly susceptible to COVID-19 surges which is why we are focused on containing any potential hot spots and preventing spread both within jails and the community," said Governor Abbott. "I encourage jails to utilize virtual visitation strategies to allow for visitations in a way that protects both staff and the inmate population. The State of Texas is committed to keeping all Texans safe, protecting our most vulnerable populations, and mitigating the spread of COVID-19 throughout the Lone Star State."

Timpson Texas, is stepping up to our nation’s call, while continuing our own community Memorial Day Tradition to honor our fallen heroes. Memorial Day, Monday 25th at 3 pm on the downtown square in front of the gazebo we will honor these men and women and their families by joining our Nation and Bradley Young (senior 2020) playing Taps . All are invited to attend. However, please remain in your car, doing your part in playing Tribute and to honor this moment respectfully. We hope to surround the Downtown Park with vehicles full of Proud and Thankful Americans. All across our Nation Taps will be played and Timpson will be included.  Thank you Timpson TX

On Wednesday, May 20th, the foster children from Shelby County lost one of their best friends and advocates, Carolyn Hooker Scull.

Carolyn was the longest serving member of the Shelby County Child Welfare Board with over thirty years of commitment to children.  During this time, she was able to assist Shelby County foster children and other children in need.  She participated in the annual Empty Stocking & Emergency Fund fundraiser each year in December.  Carolyn arrived with a large crockpot of soup and could be seen at Wal Mart’s door with a stocking helping children collect funds.

During her tenure on the Shelby County Child Welfare Board, the number of children in need increased from an average of nine up to sixty-five children on the roll.   Carolyn was there every step of the way making sure each child’s needs were met.  Each Board member has lost a personal friend.

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

Nacogdoches County 244

Shelby County 180

Panola County 164

San Augustine County 28

Governor Greg Abbott today 5-22-20 released a public service announcement (PSA) entitled "Be A Good Neighbor. Be a Texan." As the Lone Star State begins to open up, the Governor encourages all Texans to do their part to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 by following best practices like social distancing in public, wearing a face covering, and washing hands regularly.

TRANSCRIPT:

Texans always get the job done, especially when we work together. As we safely open up our state, we need to unite as one Texas to contain COVID-19 and to get Texans back to work. If you go out in public, stay six feet apart from others, wear a face covering, and wash your hands regularly. Be a good neighbor. Be a Texan. Together, we're going to make our way through this.

This year the Shelby Soil & Water Conservation District will be awarding a $1,000 scholar-ship.  The scholarship recipient will receive $500 for the fall 2020 semester and another $500 for the spring 2021 semester.  The Shelby SWCD Scholarship is open to college students who are working toward a degree in the natural resources or agricultural field.  We will be looking

at individuals who meet the following qualifications:  

1. Must have graduated from a high school or home school program in Shelby County, TX.
2. Must be a college junior or senior (successfully completed 2 years college).
3. Must be enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 12 hours per semester).

Applicants must submit their high school and college transcripts, a completed SWCD scholarship application and a letter of recommendation.  Selection will be based on academic merit and recommendations of the school and others concerning the applicant’s initiative and character, leadership, citizenship and need.  Applicants may be called for a personal interview.  To obtain a copy of the application, E-mail the SWCD office in Center:  shelby@swcd.texas.gov.  Due to public health concerns, applications cannot be picked up at our office this year.  If you would like to call and request a copy be mailed to you, the telephone number is (936) 598-5557, Ext. 3.  If no one answers, please leave your name and telephone number and someone will call you back.    

Programs and services of the Shelby SWCD are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard for race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status or disability.  All applications must be received by June 19, 2020. 

The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD) announced the winners of the 2020 Barbara Jordan Media Awards for media content created in 2019.  Established in 1982, the Barbara Jordan Media Awards recognize the respectful, accurate portrayal of people with disabilities by media professionals and students. In response to the challenges presented by COVID-19 pandemic, GCPD and their partners created a virtual awards program honoring the winners and highlighting their outstanding work. 

The winners of the 2020 Barbara Jordan Media Awards are:

College Broadcast Rebecca Sloane, The Battalion (College Station) Year Two: Signing the Midnight Yell

College Print Magazine Sarah Hoenig, Insite Brazos Valley magazine (Bryan) Beep Baseball: Making Dreams Come True

High School Documentary Eaglevision Film Productions, Lindale High School (Lindale) Students Miles Hill, Braulio Navarro, Lauren Knox, Jeffrey Ptak, Jude Ratcliff, and Ashlynn Brice Miniature Blessings: Where Community Meets the Classroom

High School Journalism Jordan Ramsey and Jacob Choi, Eagle Nation Network, Prosper High School Run, Mabry, Run

Photojournalism Lola Gómez, Austin American-Statesman Just Like Me

Radio Podcast Shelly Brisbin, Relay FM (Austin) 36 Seconds That Changed Everything: How the iPhone Learned to Talk

Radio Broadcast (Series) Laura Isensee, Houston Public Media Texas Students Fighting for Special Education Services

Broadcast Feature Walt Maciborski, KEYE-TV (Austin) Game On!

Broadcast Entertainment Teresa Woodard, WFAA-TV (Dallas) I’m Not Less: They have autism, and the video games they develop are hitting it big

Print Feature Suzanne Garofalo, Houston Chronicle Daughter of the Water

Print Profile Megan Rodriguez, The Bryan-College Station Eagle Bridget Frank: Facing challenges, pursuing her passion

Print News Mary Huber, Austin American-Statesman The Long March to Healing: One soldier’s recovery after the Fort Hood shooting

Print Magazine Britni McAshan, Texas Medical Center’s Pulse magazine (Houston) Shooting for Gold: An elite athlete sets her sights on the Paralympics

More information on the nomination process, along with past winners, can be found on the Barbara Jordan Media Awards page.

CMS students and parents are invited to an Awards Parade Wednesday morning, May 27, as follows:

6th Grade - 8:00 - 9:00
7th Grade - 9:00 - 10:00
8th Grade - 10:00 - 11:00
 
The route will be the same as the instructional pickup. Drive through a parade of teachers and receive awards at the end.

All students will be receiving an award. All CMS students and parents are invited to the parade to see teachers as the school year ends.

“Now, Neal, I want you to ride the school bus straight home today.  Your dad wants you to start weeding the garden”.  Those were the words of my mother that spring morning in 1944 -  words that eventually were providential.

My mother and father both worked in town.  Sometimes, after school, I would walk the three blocks downtown and just “mess around” until closing time.  I would go into Dad’s office (he was the county clerk) and play with a typewriter.  Then I would go into my mother’s beauty shop and see who was getting their hair fixed and listen to the gossip.

I was in the third grade in San Augustine Grammar School at the time.  On this particular day, a friend, Donald Renfro, asked me to ride with him on his brand-new bicycle downtown after school.  He was persistent, but my mother’s words kept coming back to me, “Ride the school bus straight home today.”  So reluctantly I said, 

“Sorry, Donald, I have to go home after school today.”

When school was over for the day, I boarded the school bus and got out at my home.  I was a “latchkey kid” at the time and did not know it. I began the unpleasant task of weeding the garden.  But I was still thinking about Donald’s new bicycle.  It was a really pretty Schwinn, bright red.  It even had a front fender light and a luggage rack.

My parents came home around five-thirty, and I noticed that they were rather quiet.  Finally, my mother said, “Come here, son, I need to tell you something.”  I could not imagine what news she had to tell me, but I went over and sat down by her at the dining table. She looked at me and said, “I have some bad news for you.  Your friend, Donald, and a Mitchell boy were killed this afternoon. They were run over by a pulpwood truck near downtown. Donald was giving the Mitchell boy a ride on his bicycle. They were both killed.”   

At nine years of age, I was somewhat confused by all this talk about death.  What did it all mean?  Why did it happen? And then it came to me - I could have been on that bicycle instead of Drew Mitchell!  And then it could have been ME down there in the funeral home, except for the fact that I obeyed my mother’s instructions.  “Take the bus straight home today.”  This is when I began to realize the truth to the saying “God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform.”  This should be  a warning to all kids - obey your mother. Whether you like it of not, you should do what your mother tells you. Sometimes, it seems that they receive special revelations from God himself.  I am not one to question things like that.

“MOTHER KNOWS BEST”

By:  Neal Murphy

P.OI. Box 511
259 County road 214
San Augustine, Texas 75972
Email: humptydumpty1940@gmail.com    
936-275-9033
Cell: 936-275-6986

483 words
 

Update Press Release From DPS 5-21-20

The plane crash that occurred yesterday has resulted in the deaths of two Tenaha residents. The pilot is identified as 73-year-old John D. Scull, and the passenger has also been identified as 81-year-old Carolyn Hooker Scull.

Update Press Release From DPS:

SHELBY COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded this afternoon(5-20-20) to a report of a plane crash in Shelby County. The preliminary information indicates at approximately 4:40 p.m., DPS Troopers along with other first responders located the crash site, just south of the Center Municipal Airport.

At this time details surrounding the cause of the crash and the identity of the occupant or occupants is not immediately available. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified to conduct the investigation. Any additional inquiries should be directed to the FAA and/or the NTSB

Original Story:

At approximately 4:40 p.m. on May 20, 2020, there was a reported plane crash that occurred near the Center, Texas airport. The plane crashed in a densely wooded area located on a private property near the airport.

Allegiance Mobile Health & Center Fire Dept.

Center Police Dept.

The Shelby County Sherriff's Office, Center Police Department, Center Fire Department, Allegiance Mobile Health, and East Texas Towing and Storage all responded to the scene and are currently searching the wooded area for the downed aircraft at this time the condition of the pilot and number of occupants remains unknown to us, but once it is released from officials we will have an update.

East Texas Towing & Storage

The parent led PROJECT GRADUATION will be having a drive thru celebration in honor of our Class of 2020 Graduates this Friday, May 22nd from 7pm until 8pm.  There will be a table located in the circle drive at the front of the High School where students will drive thru and pick up a few tokens of appreciation from local donors.  The event will be broadcast live.  Look on our social media pages for the station. 

We are encouraging parents,  teachers and staff, and any supporters of our SENIORS to line the drive as these SENIORS drive thru.  Bring a sign to Congratulate the CHS Class of 2020 or just stand on the side of the drive and wave at them!!  For questions you may message the Project Graduation Committee on Facebook @CHS Project Graduation or on Instagram @chs_936projectgrad
 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Dr. Maggie Leysath, professor of art education at Stephen F. Austin State University, will provide art instruction for students participating in summer programs with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas.

Through virtual programming, Leysath will instruct not only Nacogdoches participants, but also students who participate in Boys and Girls Club summer programs in the Lufkin and Diboll clubs and in other communities served by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas.

BGC clubhouses will begin re-opening on June 1 under established city, county and state social-distancing guidelines for childcare and youth services, according to Steve Davidson, president and CEO for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas. Student participants will have the option of attending in-person clubhouse activities, or participating in virtual activities only.

Art lessons will be scheduled weekly throughout June, and SFA art education students, in cooperation with BGC staff, will plan and provide art instruction during scheduled class times.

“This collaboration is a continuation of the good working relationship the SFA School of Art and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas have developed over the past several months,” Davidson said. “Our after-school art lessons with art education students had to be canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic this spring semester. BGC administration and art education faculty stayed in communication as plans for reopening moved forward.”

The Zoom art lessons provide safe instructional support for BGC staff, and the lessons also offer opportunities for art education students to implement curriculum and instruction in their chosen field of art education, according to Leysath.

“This is a win-win situation,” Leysath said. “We are so happy to be involved with the BGC in this way and to strengthen our relationship with this vital community program.”

For more information about summer programs with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas, visit bgcdet.org. For more information about the School of Art, visit art.sfasu.edu.

ALERT: Crews will apply a sealcoat to SH 7 in Angelina County on Friday, May 22. Work will be from SH 103 West to the Angelina River Bridge at the Nacogdoches County line. Obey all traffic control. Prepare for delays through this work zone or choose alternate routes.

Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen sent a letter directing state agencies and institutions of higher education to each submit a plan identifying savings that will reduce respective general and general revenue related appropriations by five percent for the 2020-2021 biennium. 

In the letter, the leaders also urge state agencies and institutions of higher education to pursue cost-saving strategies that will not affect the state's response to COVID-19 such as forgoing capital expenditures that can be deferred, any avoidable travel expenditures, any administrative expenses that are not mission critical, and keeping unfilled any open positions that are not essential to Texas' COVID-19 response.

"As Texans recover from this pandemic, it is incumbent that state government continues to maintain mission critical services without placing a greater burden on taxpayers," reads the letter. "We are confident that Texas will get back to work and continue leading the nation in job growth, economic innovation, and business creation. However, it will take months until we know the true extent of the economic ramifications of COVID-19, and how combating this virus will impact state finances. To prepare for this economic shock, we must take action today to ensure that the state can continue providing the essential government services that Texans expect."

Given the importance of the state’s response to COVID-19 and the continuity of critical government functions, the following are excluded from the five percent reduction:

• Appropriations to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Military Department; and the Texas Department of Public Safety;
• Funding for debt service requirements and bond authorizations;
• Current law requirements for the Foundation School Program and school safety;
• Funding for Child Protective Services;
• Benefits and eligibility levels in Medicaid programs, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the foster care program, the adoption subsidies program, the permanency care assistance program, and services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities;
• Funding for behavioral health service programs;
• Appropriations for Correctional Security Operations and Correctional Managed Health Care at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice;
• Appropriations to Health Related Institutions and Community Colleges; and
• Employer Contributions to the Teacher Retirement System and Employees Retirement System funds and to Social Security.
•  

Read the letter.

The City of Timpson is currently seeking candidates to fill up to 2 full-time positions in the Public Works Dept.

A complete job description and application can be found at the City’s website:  www.cityoftimpson.com/employment or pick up an application at Timpson City Hall, 456 Jacob St. Timpson, TX 75975.

Closing Date:  Applications accepted until position is filled.

The City of Timpson is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Sabine County Beekeepers will meet for our monthly meeting on Monday June 1st at 6:30PM. We meet every 1st Monday of the month at 6:30PM at the Sabine County Chamber of Commerce, on the square, downtown Hemphill. We welcome the public to come out and join us. We have no dues, or officers. This is for anyone interested in becoming a new beekeeper or an already experienced beekeeper. For more info, call James at (409)625-4787. 

COVID-19 Cases as reported to us by DSHS:

183 Cumulative cases
-52 recovered
-5 deaths
=126 ACTIVE CASES

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                AGES:             DEATHS:  
75935…132                1-20…..9              
75974…18                  21-40....57
75975…14                41-60…69                3
75973…11                   61-80…35                2
75954…8                81-100...8
                    Unknown...5
 

1 The Joaquin ISD School Board met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in the Joaquin Boardroom with the following members present:  Chrisco Bragg, Thomas Harvey, Brandon Neal, Jeff Cater, Jacob Kay, Ronnie Belrose, Jeff Hamilton

Board members absent:  

Guest(s) Present: 
     
Joaquin ISD Employee(s) Present:  Ryan Fuller, Superintendent, Joel Bumback, Director of     Finance
   
     Chrisco Bragg, President, called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.

2 The invocation was led by Chrisco Bragg, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America by Brandon Neal, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag was led by Jeff Cater.

3 Reorganize the Board- Election of:
      a.  Board President
The floor was open for Board President nominations. Chrisco Bragg was nominated by Jeff Hamilton. No other nominations were made, nominations were closed. A vote was taken and the results were unanimous for Chrisco Bragg.
      b.  Vice-President
The floor was open for Vice President nominations. Ronnie Belrose was nominated by Chrisco Bragg. No other nominations were made, nominations were closed. A vote was taken and the results were unanimous for Ronnie Belrose.
      c.  Secretary
The floor was open for Secretary nominations.  Jeff Cater was nominated by Brandon Neal. No other nominations were made, nominations were closed. A vote was taken and the results for unanimous for Ronnie Belrose. 

4 Audience Participation – None

5 Report and Information items:

5.1     Recognize Tam Hearnsberger for her service on the Board of Trustees
5.2  Review Monthly Financial Report- Joel Bumback, Director of Finance
5.3  2020 Preliminary Property Values

6 Agenda Items for discussion, consideration, and possible action:

6.1     It was moved by Ronnie Belrose, and seconded by Jeff Hamilton, to approve the minutes from the previous month’s meeting.  Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion.  It carried unanimously.

6.2     It was moved by Brandon Neal, and seconded by Jacob Kay, to approve payment of a $50 stipend to all teachers for the months of April and May for a total of $100 to help offset cost of personal use of cell phones and internet services.  Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion.  It carried unanimously.

6.3    It was moved by Jeff Hamilton, and seconded by Thomas Harvey, to approve TEA Missed School Days Waiver for Covid-19.  Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion.  It carried unanimously.

6.4    No Action Taken.

6.5    It was moved by Thomas Harvey, and seconded by Jeff Cater, to approve Resolution conveying property held by Joaquin ISD, Trustee to Shelby County.  Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion.  It carried unanimously.

7 The board entered closed session in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.074 at 6:51 p.m. on May 18, 2020.

551.074 Appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal   of a public officer or employee or to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee

    7.1        Resignations, hiring’s, and contracts
    7.2        Hire At-Will Employees for 2020-2021 School Year 

 The board entered open session in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act at 7:21 p.m. on May 18, 2020.  Agenda Items for discussion, consideration, and possible action:

8.1       It was moved by Jeff Cater, and seconded by Ronnie Belrose, to accept the resignation of Bree Bearden.  Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion.  It carried unanimously.

8.2       It was moved by Thomas Harvey, and seconded by Jeff Hamilton, to hire the At-Will Employees for 2020-2021 School Year. (see attached list)

9 Chrisco Bragg, Board President, asked for items to be placed on the next board agenda.   
          
10 Designation of date and time of next meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Joaquin ISD: 
Special Meeting June 4, 2020 5:00 p.m.

Regular Meeting June 15, 2020 6:00 p.m.

11 With no further business on the agenda the meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m. 
 

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 228

Nacogdoches County 241

Shelby County 176

Panola County 162

San Augustine County 26

This is Tyler Herndon from Center Texas. National Director Jason Mitchell is presenting him a plaque for earning a Dixie Youth National Scholarship. The National Scholarship is for $2000. Tyler plans on attending Texas A&M University. Dixie Youth Baseball awarded 100 National Scholarships in 2020. Also, Texas Dixie Youth Baseball awarded 10 State Scholarships for $1000. 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Young local writers who want to attend this summer’s free Nacogdoches/Stephen F. Austin State University Barrio Writers workshop need to complete the application CLICK HERE by Memorial Day. 

Because of COVID-19, this summer’s workshop will be held via Zoom and limited to 20 participants who meet the following requirements:

want to publish their own writings
want to attend college
are between the ages of 13 and 21
can access Zoom and Google Classroom via the internet
can attend virtual workshops from noon to 1 p.m. on June 1, 3, 5, 8, 10 and 12
and want to write two pieces in any style (poetry, short story, essay, hip-hop, spoken word).
 

The workshop will culminate in a live reading at 6:30 p.m. June 12 on Zoom.

“We continue to be amazed by the work our local youth produce during the weeklong workshop,” said Dr. Lauren Burrow, associate professor of secondary education. “We hold these workshops because we believe in our local youth and want to support them as they develop their voices and grow into adulthood.”

As a chapter of the national Barrio Writers organization, the Nacogdoches/SFA program has hosted 30 East Texas students for this free workshop every summer since 2015 to help build their skills in reading, grammar, creative writing, critical thinking and freedom of expression through cultural arts.

Four writing advisors from SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education will lead the students through the workshop: Burrow; Dr. Heather Olson Beal, professor of secondary education; Dr. Chrissy Cross, associate professor of secondary education; and Dr. Amber Wagnon, assistant professor of secondary education.

Founded by author Sarah Rafael Garcia in 2009, Barrio Writers is designed to empower the teenage community while establishing a self-sufficient educational program that represents community pride, perseverance and endless possibilities for following generations.

For more information, email sfabarriowriters@gmail.com or follow the Barrio Writers Facebook page for updates.

Governor Greg Abbott responded to a letter from members of the Texas Democratic Congressional Delegation regarding tax burdens on Texans. In his letter, the Governor voices his support of lessening the tax burden on Texans but clarifies that local governments—not the State of Texas—set the property tax rates. The Governor disagreed with the members' support of raising taxes in times of economic prosperity.

"Property owners shouldn’t be saddled with rising property taxes while dealing with a pandemic," said Governor Abbott. "As a result, local governments, who set property tax rates, should find ways to reduce the tax burden on Texans. Whether we're facing times of challenge or times of prosperity—raising taxes on the people of Texas is never the answer."

In his letter, the Governor also urged the members to help pass legislation that protects business owners, healthcare facilities and employees, and first responders from being held liable for COVID-19 exposure claims when they adhere to relevant public health guidelines and make good faith efforts to limit the risk of exposure and infection.

We Need You!  Please help spread the word about this very important lifesaving blood drive.

San Augustine Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, May 27

10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Located at 100 Courthouse Square.

Please call the San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce 936-275-3610 or go to www.giveblood.org sponsor code 7506 to sign up.  Sign-ups in advance are very important to prevent long wait times for the donors.

Free T-Shirt to all who donate! Bonus T-Shirt as a "Thank You" for donating

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Brandi Emanis

Executive Director

San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce
611 W. Columbia St, San Augustine, TX 75972   *  936-275-3610  *  www.sanaugustinetx.com
Reminder: It is time for membership renewal.

This is a reminder that our final virtual Skywarn class this season will be held tomorrow, May 20th, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. CDT on GoToWebinar. Please register for the class before it starts at the link below, and please spread the word. 

GoToWebinar - May 20th at 10:00 a.m.  

Chris Nuttall will be providing training on how to identify severe weather and report it to the National Weather Service in Shreveport.  Please make sure to register at: Final Spring Class -

Skywarn Spotter Training

In order to become an official Skywarn Spotter and get a certificate, you must register for this talk and follow the instructions during the talk. 

Spanish Skywarn - May 21st at 6:00 p.m.

We will host our first ever Skywarn in Spanish on Thursday, May 21st at 6:00 p.m. on Facebook Live.  Please share this with anyone you know that speaks Spanish.  This class can be watched on Facebook.  

For any questions related to this training session, please contact NWS Shreveport Skywarn Focal Point, Chris Nuttall@noaa.gov, and NWS Shreveport Warning Coordination Meteorologist Charles.Woodrum@noaa.gov.

Thanks,

NWS Shreveport

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Jordan Stanford, a sophomore agricultural development major at Stephen F. Austin State University, was recently selected as one of 14 university students from across the U.S. to serve as a 2020-21 National Teach Ag ambassador.

“I have always felt called to agricultural education,” Stanford said. “To help others find their calling in this amazing career is something I look forward to as a part of this program.”

Stanford serves as a student representative on the Teach Ag Texas Committee. The national ambassadors begin training this summer and will later be tasked with engaging students visiting the Teach Ag booth at the 93^rd National FFA Convention this October in Indianapolis, Indiana. They also will host similar booths and workshops in their own states to promote the need for high-quality, diverse agriculture teachers.

The National Teach Ag Ambassador Program was developed in an effort to address the current, nationwide high demand for agriculture teachers in the U.S. This need is the result of retirements, current program growth, new programs opening, as well as current teachers leaving the profession to explore other career opportunities.

“I am excited for Jordan, and I know she will make a great contribution in recruiting future agriculture teachers in Texas,” said Dr. Candis Carraway, assistant professor of agriculture at SFA. “We know the training she receives through this program will enable her to make a bigger impact in our state.”

The National Teach Ag Campaign is an initiative of the National Council for Agricultural Education, led by the National Association of Agricultural Educators. Funding for the National Teach Ag Campaign is provided by the CHS Foundation, Corteva Agriscience, Growth Energy and BASF as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. For more information about the campaign, visit http://www.naae.org/teachag.

San Augustine Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, May 27

10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Located at 100 Courthouse Square.

Please call or text Connie at 936-553-4403 or email cweaver@giveblood.org  or go to www.giveblood.org sponsor code 7506 to sign up.  

Sign ups in advance are very important to prevent long wait times for the donors.

LUFKIN – A railroad crossing in Shelby County will be closed Wednesday, May 20^th, as crews work to repair and upgrade the road base.

The Union Pacific Railroad crossing on FM 2787 will be closed through the day as concrete and limestone are placed in both lanes on the south side of the tracks. Traffic control will be set near the crossing. Motorists should plan to detour around the work zone on FM 139 or choose alternate routes.

Once work is completed, motorists can expect continued maintenance work in the area for several weeks. A pilot car will in place to guide traffic through the work zones. Motorists should remain alert for signage, workers and moving equipment near this work zone. Obey all traffic control in place and prepare for delays.

For more information on road conditions and closures statewide, visit drivetexas.org. For more information on this project and others in the Lufkin District, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

Panola College proudly announces the names of those students named to the President’s and Dean’s Lists for the spring 2020 semester.

To qualify for the President’s List, students must complete the semester with a GPA between 3.8 and 4.0 with a minimum of 12 semester credit hours. Only courses applying toward an associate degree or certificate are included in the computation.

The President’s List is as follows:

Matthew Abshire, Rayne, La

Chad Adams, Carthage

Austin Akridge, Center

Diana Alvarado, Tenaha

Alaina Arceneaux, Carthage

Kaden Arvello, Center

Joshua Bartolacci, Coppell

Jordan Baze, Carthage

James Beasley, Marshall

Baylea Bishop, Carthage

Mya Boyd, Beckville

Taylor Bragg, Shelbyville

Randy Broadway, Center

Austin Buchanan, Carthage

Jalee Campbell, Center

Madison Christopher, Nacogdoches

Colby Coleson, Beckville

Camden Cordray, Center

Kaylee Cox, Mount Enterprise

Jeremy Dean, Beckville

Dallas Dennis, Timpson

Zakeri Dingler, Garrison

Kristina Dodge, Carthage

Ijeoma Dunumba, Carthage

Jobeth Eddings, Marquez

Lucy Eke, Carthage

Somali Fletcher, Marshall

Alan Flores, Tenaha

Kaytlin Ford, Pineland

Abigail Garcia, Carthage

Jonica Glaze, Center

Garrett Golliher, Stoutland, Mo

Luz Gomez, Center

Justin Gonzales, Point

Brittany Gregory, Milam

Krysta Hammock, Carthage

Rhiannon Harber, Marshall

Jenny Harvey, Center

Dylan Heim, Pasadena

Esther Hernandez, Carthage

Ariday Hernandez, Tenaha

Elizabeth Hernandez, Tenaha

Cheyenne Howard, Joaquin

David Howard, Joaquin

Samantha Hudson, Carthage

Maria Idjilov, Chisinau,

McKenzie Ingram, Beckville

Quindon Jefferson-Bowers, Marshall

Hannah Johnson, Carthage

Payton Jones, Beckville

Promise Keshinro, Ikorodu,

Jacob Lambright, Marshall

Jakayla Lilly, Marshall

Micah Lorenzi, Harleton

Katelyn Martinez, Tenaha

Chad McRae, Henderson

Brenda Mendez, Waskom

Abigail Mendez, Center

Miguel Mendoza, Tenaha

Taylor Mills, Carthage

Melissa Mills, Shelbyville

Jaqueline Morales-Aviles, Center

Edwin Morin, Center

Jamie Nutt, Carthage

Madison Oney, Marshall

Sarah Owens, Mount Enterprise

Easton Parrish, La Vernia

Isaac Patterson, Nacogdoches

Tam Phan, Houston

Nathan Pinkston, Timpson

Roselyn Postell, Center

Ashton Powell, Decatur

Brea Rettelle, DeBerry

Alexis Risinger, Shelbyville

Grant Rogers, Groves

Dominick Shortridge, Beckville

Landry Sloan, Harleton

Leticia Spinozzi Lyria, Marshall

Tanzi Stafford, Gonzales

Abbie Suggs, Kirbyville

Paris Thompson, Fayetteville, Ga

Shelby Thompson, DeBerry

Rosalba Valdez, Tenaha

Luke Vazquez, Keatchie, La

Isaiah Velasquez, Rusk

Karen Verdin, Henderson

Braydon Warr, Henderson

Destini Whitehead, Joaquin

Brittany Whitsett, Carthage

Tray Wilkerson, Joaquin

Hannah Williams, Gary

Anaicia Zamora, Center

Zachary Zea, Rusk

To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must complete the semester with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.79 with a minimum of 12 semester credit hours. Only courses applying toward an associate degree or certificate are included in the computation.

The Dean’s List is as follows:

Shellie Adams, Waskom

Lisseth Amaya Benitez, Tenaha

Kayce Armstrong, Carthage

Gabriela Arroyo, Marshall

Samantha Ashley, Marshall

Amber Bragg, San Augustine

Colleen Bridges, Long Branch

Kassidy Brooks, Marshall

Trent Bryant, Jasper

Maisie Burns, Joaquin

Emily Busher, Tatum

Loren Caserta, Beckville

Jesus Castillo, Marshall

Grayson Coltharp, Allen

India Cooper, Overton

Nash Coultas, Carthage

David Critzer, Carthage

Jackson Dannelley, Colmesneil

Keri Davidson, Tatum

Lauren Davis, Waskom

Andrew Diaz, Hallsville

McKenzie Dimery, College Station

Eric Dominguez, Jewett

Reyna Duarte, Center

Chase Dunn, Spring

Barbara Dyke, Carthage

Samantha Espinosa, Center

Kashton Etheredge, Marshall

Bryce Farmer, Carthage

Brandon Fountain, Beckville

Shamry George, Joaquin

Ryan Golden, Center

Zackary Gonzalez, Carthage

Jadyn Gould, Lufkin

Austin Graham, Emory

Morgan Grigsby, Marshall

Emily Hannah, Nacogdoches

Alyssa Harris, Beckville

Ruben Hernandez, Tenaha

Hunter Horton, Beckville

Mackenzie Hulett, Jefferson

Michelle Jackson, Center

David Jacobs, Center

Mollie Johnson, Henderson

Ann Johnston, Tenaha

Clayton Jones, San Augustine

Angel Kammer, Kennard

Erielle Kawaja, Joaquin

Tucker King, Waskom

Destiney Kingston, Gary

Haley Leblanc, Center

Raphael John Leblanc, Shawinigan,

Lindsay Ledbetter, Diana

Lindsey Leslie, Hallsville

Trey Lindsay, Beckville

Kasen Lucas, Center

Gavin Machado, Houston

Katherine Mackenzie, Grand Prairie

Maria Mejia, Mount Enterprise

Viridiana Montes De Oca, Carthage

Britney Morris, Marshall

Abbie Muckelroy, Center

Monica Olalde, Center

Alyssa Oliver, Mount Enterprise

Marlene Ovide, Longview

Todd Page, Carthage

Mally-Catherine, Parker, Stonewall

Abigail Parrish, Nacogdoches

Alexander Patterson, Carthage

Kaylin Patty, Wake Village

Amanda Pierce, Beckville

Esmeralda Ramos, Center

Madelyn Ramsey, Timpson

Alayna Rash, Center

Baylee Reed, Carthage

Laura Retana, Carthage

Courtney Rhodes, Center

Caehlen Roberts, Carthage

Pedro Rodriguez, Waskom

Ana Rodriguez, Joaquin

Jakyra Ross, Center

Edward Scharnberg, Shelbyville

Christopher Scroggins, Hemphill

April Servin, Carthage

Kyle Smith, Henderson

Michael Soisson, Brookeland

Lily Stone, DeBerry

Mary Straughan, Loranger, La

Peyton Swearingen, Center

Zachary Thomas, Marshall

Jason Tillman, Beckville

Jose Torres, Tenaha

Chimmuanya Uwakwe, Lagos,

Andres Valenzuela, Carthage

Kristen Wallace, Carthage

Jaren Whitton, Etoile

Kaci Williams, Carthage

Jada Williams, Center

Sarah Yarborough, Timpson

Terra Yates, Timpson

Jennifer Zuniga, Marshall

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Students from Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Geology recently achieved the department’s highest overall performance score in a decade on a national standardized assessment designed to test core knowledge and retention.

The group score of 12 graduating seniors was in the 94th percentile on the Area Concentration Achievement Test in Geology, testing in four content areas – historical geology, mineralogy, petrology and physical geology. These scores demonstrate to potential employers the students’ foundation of knowledge and job preparedness.

“SFA geology majors performed well in all content areas,” said Dr. Liane Stevens, assistant professor of geology. “Our graduates are well-prepared to start careers in any of the diverse disciplines in today’s geosciences field.”

The department employs faculty with expertise in geochemistry, petrology, petroleum geology, structural geology and paleontology, ensuring students have access to a wealth of knowledge in a variety of emphases. Through a diverse selection of courses and undergraduate research opportunities, students acquire a varied skill set and are prepared for a range of fields.

Senior geology student Andrew Henry said his performance on the exam was due in large part to the faculty’s commitment to student success.

“The department really strives to ensure each and every student is prepared for the professional world,” Henry said. “They do this by challenging us to think like geologists and focus on learning concepts, not just the memorization of words.”

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 226

Nacogdoches County 239

Shelby County 176

Panola County 162

San Augustine County 26

COVID-19 Cases as reported to us by DSHS:

176 Cumulative cases
43 recovered
5 deaths

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                AGES:             DEATHS:  
75935…129            1-20…..7               
75974…17              21-40....52
75975…13              41-60…69                3
75973…10              61-80…35                2
75954…7                81-100...8
                             Unknown...5

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

On May 11, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the San Augustine Rural Public Water System, #2030007, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

San Augustine Rural Water has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of May 18, 2020.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office:
220 West Columbia Street
 San Augustine, Texas.

936-288-0489
or
Charles Sharp 936-201-5001.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

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

Excelsior ISD will have a final packet drop off on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 from 9:00am to 2:00pm. We will also be collecting Chromebooks and chargers at that time. Library books and yearbook money can be turned in as well. 

We will also have students' personal belongings bagged and ready to be picked up. When you drive up in front of the school, please remain in your vehicle. A staff member will bring your child's bagged personal belongings to you and will collect the items that you are returning.

If you cannot make it during that time, please call 936-598-5866 between 9-12 Monday - Wednesday to make other arrangements. 

The Angelina Health District has confirmed 4 more positive cases in San Augustine County. This brings our total to 26 total positives since this pandemic began. I will try to get more numbers tomorrow to share, such as, total tested, negative tests, still quarantined etc...

Governor Abbott announced today that effective immediately, daycares as well as massage, tattoo and piercing parlors may reopen with some limitations in place. This Friday, May 22nd, restaurants can increase their capacity to 50 % capacity. Bars, bowling alleys, bingo halls, rodeos, skating rinks and Aquariums can reopen at 25% capacity. All have certain limitations in place.

While we need our businesses open, please still use the now, well known , safety measures. For the very “ high risk” folks, I urge you to be careful in getting out and around groups.

Take care and God Bless,

Jeff Boyd

San Augustine County Judge

Governor Greg Abbott announced the second phase of the State of Texas' ongoing plan to safely and strategically open Texas while minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Under Phase II, restaurants may increase their occupancy to 50% and additional services and activities that remained closed under Phase I may open with restricted occupancy levels and minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Additionally, the Governor announced that public schools in Texas have the option to provide in-person summer school so long as they follow social distancing practices and health protocols laid out by DSHS. These classes may begin as soon as June 1st.

"Today, tomorrow, and every day going forward is one step closer to medical discoveries that can treat and protect people from COVID-19—but until that day comes, our focus is keeping Texans safe while restoring their ability to get back to work, open their businesses, pay their bills, and put food on their tables," said Governor Abbott. "By continuing to use safe practices, we are slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting our most vulnerable. Now more than ever, we need to work together as one Texas. I ask all Texans to continue heeding the guidance of our state and federal medical experts and do their part to protect public health. If we all unite in our resolve, we will overcome this challenge."

Via Executive Order, the following services and activities may open under Phase II.

• Child Care Centers (May 18)
• Massage and Personal-Care Centers (May 18)
• Youth Clubs (May 18)
• Rodeo and Equestrian Events (May 22)
• Bowling Alleys, Bingo Halls, Simulcast Racing, and Skating Rinks (May 22)
• Bars (May 22)
• Aquariums and Natural Caverns (May 22)
• Zoos (May 29)
• Day Youth Camps (May 31)
• Overnight Youth Camps (May 31)
• Youth Sports (May 31)
• Certain professional sports without in-person spectators (May 31)

All sporting and camp activities are required to adhere by special safety standards, and minimum standard health protocols have been established for all newly-announced opened services and activities. Businesses located in office buildings may also open but must limit their occupancy to the greater of 10 employees or 25% of their workforce.

Additionally, restaurants may expand their occupancy to 50% beginning May 22. Bars—including wine tasting rooms, craft breweries, and similar businesses—may open at 25% occupancy but like restaurants, these occupancy limits do not apply to outdoor areas that maintain safe distancing among parties.

Opened services and activities under Phase II are subject to certain occupancy limits and health and safety protocols. For details and a full list of guidelines, openings, and relevant dates, visit www.gov.texas.gov/opentexas.

Certain counties experiencing surges in COVID-19 cases will have their beginning date of Phase II delayed until May 29. These counties include El Paso, Randall, Potter, Moore, and Deaf Smith. Surge Response Teams are actively working in these areas to increase testing, maintain hospital capacity, and ensure that COVID-19 is contained and mitigated.

During his remarks, the Governor also presented information on the state's hospitalization and positivity rates—two metrics the Governor and his team of medical experts have used to inform the state's ongoing plan to safely and strategically open. Details on these metrics can be found in presentation slides, Hospitalizations Chart and Positivity Rate Chart.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Finishing spring semester 2020 studies, which have been online, in the midst of a worldwide pandemic would be stressful for any college student. But imagine yourself as a fine arts student who had chosen this academic year to study abroad.

Separated from family, friends and familiar surroundings, students involved in an ongoing exchange between Stephen F. Austin State University and Rose Bruford College in the United Kingdom have an added set of challenges that comes with being thousands of miles from support systems at home amid overwhelming fear of the unknown.

The relationship between SFA and Rose Bruford, the leading professional theatre school in the university sector in England, extends more than 25 years. SFA theatre students who spend a year at Rose Bruford have the opportunity to study in Sidcup, Kent, which is just outside of London, Spain, Estonia, Prague and other parts of Europe. Similarly, Rose Bruford students who come to SFA can fulfill American Theatre Arts program requirements here.

Alli Beck, senior theatre major from Nacogdoches, and Dustin Barnes, senior theatre major from Needville, are in London completing their last few courses at Rose Bruford. Beck describes the past few months as “a whirlwind” amid the worldwide COVID-19 crisis.

“My studies at Rose Bruford are continuing, but they are the least of my worries during all of this,” she said. “It’s been really hard to motivate myself to be invested in the modules left to finish in the midst of this uncertainty.”

Barnes describes these past few months as “lonely, more than anything.”

“It’s hard to go from going to the college every day and being able to see friends, to rarely seeing, let alone interacting with, another person,” he said. “Most days I can keep myself busy by finding online resources that help me continue to learn about things I’m interested in. But some days, I just lie in bed and watch Netflix or Disney Plus.”

The United Kingdom government began its lockdown on March 23, but due to Barnes’ own health conditions, his doctors had already told him to stay home the week before.

“So I’ve been at home for about eight weeks now,” he said. “This fell in line with Rose Bruford’s Easter break, so, luckily, the faculty and staff here had about a month to prepare and make the switch to online where possible.”

From about December to February, Beck was on break and free from classes. In February, her coursework sent her to the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague to do an Erasmus (EuRopean Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) program and study at DAMU (Academy of Performing Arts) until May. But after only a month of being there, the pandemic forced her to return to England.

“My roommates in London all went back home and I was left alone, so a friend is letting me live with them and their family for the remainder of my stay,” she said. “I’m currently still finishing an Erasmus Project from Prague as well as starting a design module at Rose Bruford. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to spend my time learning more about my personal interests when I’m not ‘in class.’”

Rose Bruford theatre student Ruth Saunders, who had begun her studies at SFA only in January, returned home immediately following spring break as a result of the pandemic. Arriving in Texas on Jan. 6, Saunders said she met “amazing people” who helped her move in and navigate the campus. In the two months that followed, she enjoyed exploring a new culture, meeting new people and taking theatre courses at SFA.

“We got to midterms, and I was so excited to continue the semester while looking forward to spring break,” Saunders said. “I went away on a trip to Eagle Rock Loop and enjoyed every minute.”

Then, everything changed.

“My 21st birthday was the 15th of March, and then I was on a plane home on the 16th of March,” she said. “While a complete shock, I was so thankful to my friends who helped me to get packed up and were so understanding. After a week or so, I figured out how best to work from the U.K. while juggling work from Bruford, too.”

Beck said she’s concerned she won’t be able to return home when she is ready, or that something will happen to her family while she is so far away. She is challenged by “knowing, once I do come back home, it won’t be the same place anymore, and I will no longer be able to enjoy all the things I’ve missed over this year.”

“My greatest fear has been around my flight home,” Barnes said. “The airline I am using is only giving updates about a month in advance for flights, so I won’t get any information on whether or not my flight home will be on schedule for another month or so. At the moment, I’m finishing up my finals at Bruford, and then I plan to fly back home to Texas in July to take online classes for Summer II at SFA so I can have an easier last semester before I graduate in December.”

Upon returning to the U.K. and juggling the demands of online classes, Saunders has found it difficult to stay in contact with her new SFA friends. “Working online was difficult, but that wasn't the hardest thing,” she said. “I was so challenged in not seeing my friends who I had spent the last two months getting to know.” She hopes to return to Texas in the next year or two.

Like most of the world today, Beck isn’t sure what the future holds for her academically and professionally.

“Our directing project, which was supposed to be over at the end of June, is now possibly being pushed into July or August, if we can meet in person by then,” she said. “I’ll either be coming home in June or August based on this decision. Until then, I’ll be spending my days reading, listening to podcasts, exercising and studying.”

Amid all the challenges and uncertainties, the students said there are some valuable lessons to be learned. Saunders said she cherishes the short time she was at SFA, the new friends she met and what she learned about theatre in different parts of the world … “seeing how the same industry can look so similar, yet be different.”

 “For me, the most valuable lesson has been to make the most of each day you’re able to go to class, be with friends and family, or even take a trip to the store,” Barnes said, “because you never know when all of that may just go away.”

“I’ve acquired a whole new perspective on society, the government and the lengths – or lack thereof – that humans will go to keep each other safe,” Beck said. “This experience has been one of personal growth.”

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 224

Nacogdoches County 238

Shelby County 176

Panola County 162

San Augustine County 22

The Joaquin ISD feeding program pick up day will be changed to Tuesday for next week (05/26/20) due to the holiday on Monday.  For the month of June, the feeding program will continue to operate on the regularly scheduled pick up day - every Monday from 10:30 - 11:30 am. 
Submitted by: Judy Strong, Joaquin ISD Food Service Director

Off-season girl athletes and all other girls who still need to pick up personal belongings from athletics can pick up their things TOMORROW, Tuesday, May 19 from 9:00-3:00.

Joaquin High School Awards Click Here:

Joaquin Junior High Awards Click Here:

Thursday, May 21, 2020 – 10:00 until 2:00

8th grade students and their parents or guardians are invited to come to the Jr. High to pick up their 8th grade certificate and get a photo. Please come one at a time to the Jr. High office to pick up your certificate. We ask that you practice social distancing while in the area, and remain in your vehicle until it is your turn. Only one student and their parents at a time in the office area, or photo area. Thank you for helping us remain safe!

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 222

Nacogdoches County 238

Shelby County 175

Panola County 162

San Augustine County 22

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) today announced that local fire departments in Texas are partnering with local public health authorities to provide testing in nursing homes throughout the state.

This partnership has been developed and is being implemented through an ongoing collaboration between TDEM, the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and the Texas Department of State Health Services. Costs associated with providing these tests are eligible for federal reimbursement. 

"This partnership builds upon our efforts to expand COVID-19 testing in the Lone Star State, especially among our most vulnerable Texans," said Governor Abbott. "I thank our local fire departments for continuing to serve their fellow Texans throughout the COVID-19 response.

By serving their communities in this new capacity, we will continue to contain the spread of this virus and protect the health and safety of all Texans."

Governor Greg Abbott released a statement and detailed the ongoing containment plan for the COVID-19 outbreak in Amarillo that is reporting over 700 positive cases today. On Monday, May 4th, Governor Abbott deployed a Surge Response Team (SRT) to Amarillo consisting of Medical Incident Support Team personnel from the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF) and 70 members of the Texas National Guard. These teams conducted a site survey of high risk areas to begin testing employees in meat packing facilities. Today, Texas is seeing the results of those tests and will continue to see these results in targeted areas over the next two weeks.

In addition to the SRT, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), BCFS Health and Human Services, and local officials are all responding to the outbreak. Plants with widespread outbreaks have temporarily shut down for thorough disinfection. Individuals with a positive test who cannot otherwise isolate are offered area hotels, and DSHS is maintaining an alternate care site for patients that do not require hospitalization. Furthermore, the Governor is sending an additional allotment of remdesivir to the Amarillo area.

"As Texas continues ramping up its testing capabilities, there will be an increase in positive cases as the state targets the most high-risk areas: nursing homes, meat packing plants and jails," said Governor Abbott. "That is exactly why I established Surge Response Teams. By immediately deploying resources and supplies to these high risk areas, we will identify the positive cases, isolate the individuals and ensure any outbreak is quickly contained, which is the strategy being deployed in Amarillo."

Amarillo Region Healthcare Capability:

516 hospital beds available
236 surge beds available
110 ventilators available, with the ability to move more to the region.

These actions follow the Governor’s May 2nd deployment of mobile testing teams to provide free COVID-19 testing for Amarillo and surrounding communities. Since their inception, these mobile test collection teams, supported by TDEM, Texas Military Department, DSHS, and the EMTF, have tested over 34,500 Texans in 212 counties across the state.

Unfortunately due to the coronavirus and for the safety of all VFW Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will be unable hold a formal Memorial Day Program this year.  

VFW and Auxiliary members will be at the Veteran’s Memorial on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Courthouse, Center, Texas on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020, at noon to raise the flags to full staff and sound taps in honor of those who have died in the service of our country during a time of war.  Citizens are cordially invited to join us at that time.  Social distancing applies.

A protest was held on May 16, 2020, in Center, Texas at the Tyson Foods processing plant, by PeTA. 

The animal rights organization PeTA blames the Tyson Foods plant located in Center, Texas for the spread of the Coronavirus in Shelby County. 

PeTA Volunteer & Event Organizer Dani Alexander - Photo by Justin Mott

PeTA Volunteer and Event Organizer Dani Alexander said, "this slaughterhouse poses a threat not only to the animals that they kill but also to their own workers by remaining open."

We also reached out to Tyson Foods in Center and have yet to receive a statement.

PeTA protester 

For more photos click here:

Earlier today May 16, 2020, there was a wreck that occurred near the intersection of HWY 7 East and Loop 500 in Center, Texas. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Center Fire Department and Center Police Department all responded to the scene.

Photo by David Jacobs

Photo by David Jacobs

Photo by David Jacobs

The West Hamilton Cemetery Homecoming has been canceled because of concerns about the Coronavirus. For more information call Kevin Jacobs at: 936-275-2193.

Donations can be mailed to 4562 County RD 2798, Shelbyville, TX 75973.

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 225

Nacogdoches County 227

Shelby County 167

Panola County 155

San Augustine County 22

Shelby County Outreach Ministries will be closing ALL programs for the week of May 18 – May 22 with the exception of the Helping Hands Outreach Center. Helping Hands will be open only on Friday, May 22 from 10-2 in order to help clients. The senior citizens that are currently being served through our senior programs have received extra meals that will cover them through the next 2 weeks. They will also receive calls to confirm that they are safe, and all is going well.

If you are scheduled to receive an emergency food box during this week, please come to the Helping Hands Outreach Center on Friday, May 22nd to receive it between the hours of 10-2.  

Our lobby is closed to the public. Food Boxes are distributed by Drive-Thru ONLY. Please be prepared to open your trunk of the car and stay in your vehicle. Keep windows rolled up and show ID through the glass. For information, please call us at 936-598-4990.  

Thank you.  

According to a PETA representative, the animal rights organization, PETA plans to hold a protest against the Center Tyson Foods Plant on Saturday, May 16, 2020, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of Shelbyville Street and Industrial Cove in Center, Texas. The group will have a person dressed as the Grim Reaper holding a scythe.

CENTER, TEXAS – May 13, 2020 - A COVID-19 drive-thru testing site is opening Friday, May 15, 2020 in the Walmart parking lot located at 765 Hurst St., Center, TX 75935. The site is supported by Walmart, eTrueNorth and state and local officials to test anyone who meets CDC and state and local guidelines on who should be tested, including first responders, health care providers and others with symptoms of COVID-19 and those in high risk groups without symptoms.

Those interested in being tested need to visit:

www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com to see if eligible for testing and to make an appointment.
“Walmart is part of the community, and we are proud to help support the expansion of COVID-19 testing in Shelby County during this unprecedented time,” said Laurie Smalling Letts, Walmart Public Affairs Director for Texas. “We are grateful to our associates who keep our stores running, our pharmacists who support these testing sites, and to eTrueNorth and local officials as we work together to open the site and help our community.”

Details on the COVID-19 testing site:

• Beginning Friday, May 15, 2020, the site will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays weekly
• 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., weather permitting. Appointments must be made through eTrueNorth’s
online portal at www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com, which will screen individuals to ensure they meet CDC eligibility for testing.
• For questions regarding testing, call 800-635-8611.
• Those being tested will need to wear a mask and stay in their cars for verification of eligibility criteria, ID check and self-administered test. For the safety of all those on-site, the test site is not available to those who walk up.
• The site will use a self-administered nasal swab test that will allow those being tested to swab their own nose onsite while in their vehicles, observed by a trained medical volunteer to ensure the sample is taken correctly, and then dropped in the sealed sample into a container on their way out of the drive-through site.
• eTrueNorth will handle processing test samples and communicating results to those tested and applicable Departments of Health.
• The site will be staffed by Walmart healthcare professionals
• Please note, testing is not available inside Walmart stores.
• While individuals who are tested are awaiting results, please follow CDC guidelines and take steps to help prevent the virus from spreading to people in your home and community.
For everyone’s safety and for the privacy of those being tested, media should not attempt to enter the testing site and stay in the designated media area.

Media Contact: Ryan Trimble (on behalf of Walmart)
469-855-3944

ryan@allynmedia.com
 

Texas Blueberry Festival coloring event launches May 20

NACOGDOCHES, TX - Blueberry fans in Nacogdoches and around the world are invited to join the Blueberry Color Splash that will launch on Wednesday, May 20.

“The coloring event is a fun opportunity for our blueberry fans to celebrate the spirit of the Texas Blueberry Festival,” said festival chairman Grace Handler. “Anyone can participate, anywhere, using any coloring techniques with paint or markers or coloring crayons or pastels or pencils. It’s up to each blueberry artist to decide how to create a personal Blueberry Color Splash!”

The idea came from Neal Slaten, owner of Tipton Ford, the Texas Blueberry Festival’s presenting sponsor. “At a time while we are staying home more than usual and social distancing, I thought we should offer something fun with the festival theme that could entertain children and adults,” Slaten said. “Coloring a page featuring the art for the 31^st Annual Texas Blueberry Festival is a perfect individual activity or something families can do together.”

Hard copies of the Blueberry Color Splash coloring page will be available for pick up in Nacogdoches in the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce lobby at 2516 North St., the Charles Bright Visitor Center at 200 E. Main St. and at Tipton Ford, 1115 North St. The coloring page will also be available online, ready for downloading and printing, at www.TexasBlueberryFestival.com.

“Once they’ve colored it up, we want them to show it off,” Handler said. The coloring pages can be displayed in windows at homes and businesses. Slaten has offered to display the finished works of art at Tipton Ford. In addition, participants can snap a picture of their color splash pages and post on their social media sites with #TBF2020.

More exciting news will be announced soon with involvement from The Daily Sentinel. Check www.TexasBlueberryFestival.com for updates or call the chamber of commerce at 936-560-5533.

Thursday, May 21, 2020 – 10:00 until 2:00

8th grade students and their parents or guardians are invited to come to the Jr. High to pick up their 8th grade certificate and get a photo. Please come one at a time to the Jr. High office to pick up your certificate. We ask that you practice social distancing while in the area, and remain in your vehicle until it is your turn. Only one student and their parents at a time in the office area, or photo area. Thank you for helping us remain safe!
 

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 20th day of May, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room on the 2nd floor of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1.    Approve and pay weekly expenses.

2.    Public comments on Agenda item.

3.    Review and approve FY2020 Budget Line Item Transfers.

4.    Discuss and accept bid for the Shelby County Courthouse roof.

5.    Discuss and possibly take action on rental proposal on rugs/cleaning supplies for the JP.1 office.

6.    Accept Auction bid for the Shelby General Hospital property.

7.    Adjourn.

Submitted by: Terri Gray, Joaquin JH/HS Principal

Shelby Freeman is the 2019-2020 Joaquin Jr. High 8th grade Valedictorian. Shelby is the daughter of Jason and Amanda Freeman. Congratulations, Shelby!  

Hollie Hamilton is the 2019-2020 Joaquin Jr. High 8th Grade Salutatorian. Hollie is the daughter of Jeff and Alicia Hamilton. Congratulations, Hollie! 

Joaquin Awards Click Here:

Governor Greg Abbott today announced the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received more than $3 million in federal funding to provide shelter and services to survivors of family and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal funding will support the 78 HHSC-funded local family violence centers that provide survivors with immediate shelter, supportive services, and access to community-based programs. These funds are made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and will be administered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families. 

"As we respond to COVID-19, the Lone Star State remains committed to supporting survivors of domestic and family violence and keeping Texans safe," said Governor Abbott. "I thank our federal partners at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for administering this funding to the state of Texas, and I am grateful to the organizations within HHSC's Family Violence Program that continue to provide Texans with these crucial services."

"The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenging obstacles and uncertainty for many survivors of family violence across the state," said Dee Budgewater, HHS deputy executive commissioner for Health, Developmental and Independence Services. "This grant is a significant investment that will connect vulnerable Texans to critical services, shelter, and move them toward a life free of violence."

This new funding will provide direct support to 78 HHSC-funded local family violence centers working with survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant will also support a wide range of supportive services that are instrumental in helping survivors become self-sufficient. These services include temporary 24-hour shelter, counseling, mobile advocacy, telehealth, peer support, rental assistance, and relocation expenses. The funding also assists family violence centers to cover the costs of providing remote services to those in need.

The HHSC Family Violence Program promotes self-sufficiency, safety and long-term independence of adult and child victims of family violence and victims of teen dating violence. Through a network of service providers, the program provides emergency shelter and supportive services to victims and their children, educates the public and provides training and prevention support to various organizations across Texas. In 2019, 71,637 clients were served through by the Family Violence Program.

For more information, visit the Family Violence Program webpage. Texas residents can dial 2-1-1 to learn about HHSC programs and services.

Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation extending his Disaster Declaration for all Texas counties in response to COVID-19. Originally issued on March 13 and extended on April 12, the Disaster Declaration provides the state a number of resources to effectively serve Texans as the Lone Star State continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

"As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, our top priority remains the health and safety of all Texans," said Governor Abbott. "By extending the disaster declaration, we are ensuring that Texas has the resources and capabilities in place to safely and strategically open the state while containing the spread of this virus. As we move forward in our response, I urge all Texans to continue following the health and safety guidelines laid out by the CDC and Texas’ team of medical experts."

Governor Greg Abbott has waived license renewal late fees that accrued between March 13 and June 15, 2020 for occupational licenses issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This waiver applies to licenses associated with a variety of occupations such as barbers, cosmetologists, electricians, speech-language pathologists, and dyslexia therapists.

"This waiver removes financial barriers that could prevent Texans from getting back to work as we safely and strategically open the economy," said Governor Abbott. "The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges for the Texas workforce, and we are committed to restoring these hardworking Texans' livelihoods while protecting public health."

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas National Guard has activated Facilities Disinfection Teams to support Texans in nursing homes and to help limit the spread of COVID-19. These Facilities Disinfection Teams, formed in coordination with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), provide a major boost to protecting Texans and limiting the spread of COVID-19. Six teams have already been mobilized to facilities across the state with more coming online.  

"The Texas National Guard plays a crucial role in our ongoing response to COVID-19, and I am grateful for their work to address the unique challenges our nursing homes face during this pandemic," said Governor Abbott. "The training these Guardsmen have received will equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to provide this crucial assistance to these facilities." 

"The Texas National Guard readily accepts this newest mission assignment," said Major General Tracy Norris. "We take our charge of protecting all Texans, especially our most vulnerable populations, extremely seriously. Our service members have proactively trained for this mission alongside the Health and Human Services Commission and other partner agencies. We stand ready to continue to serve both here at home and abroad in the war fight."

These Facilities Disinfection Teams consist of Guardsmen from Joint Task Force 176, and each team is equipped with unique supplies such as advanced personal protective equipment, ionized sprayers, and vital oxide. The teams received training from the Texas Military Department 6th Civil Support Team, who specialize in man-made and natural disaster assessment and rapid response in hazardous environments.  

The Texas National Guard is currently supporting the fight against COVID-19 in Texas by providing personal protective equipment manufacturing support, food bank support, mobile COVID-19 testing, and points of distribution for essential items.

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) today announced that the federal government has extended seven community-based testing sites in Texas through June 30, 2020. These federally-supported, state-managed, and locally-executed sites include El Paso (1), Dallas (2), Houston (2), and Harris County (2). 

"Our federal partners play a crucial role in rapidly expanding COVID-19 testing in Texas," said Governor Abbott. "I thank our federal partners for extending the operations of these community-based testing sites and remain committed to our ongoing collaboration as we mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities." 

At around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, there was a three-vehicle wreck in Center, Texas in the vicinity of Cora Street near Johnny's Liquor Store. The Center Fire Department and Center Police Department both responded to the scene to perform traffic control.

Center PD - Photo by David Jacobs

The vehicle was towed away by Hughes Wrecker Service, Sand Hill Wrecker Service, and East Texas Towing and Storage all responded to the scene of the accident. The Center Police Department was questioned regarding the accident, but Center Broadcasting Company received no response.

Hughes Wrecker Service towing vehicle - Photo by David Jacobs

The identity of the drivers and further details are unknown at this time.

Crashed truck - Photo by David Jacobs

Information from the DPS

SHELBY COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a one-vehicle crash yesterday afternoon 5-13-20 involving a utility vehicle on FM 1490, about six miles west of Center.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 5:45 p.m., a 2019 Polaris Ranger utility vehicle was traveling west when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn on the roadway.

The driver is identified as 15-year-old Alana Parker from Timpson. Parker was transported to a Center hospital and later transported by medical helicopter to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport for treatment. She was pronounced deceased a short time after she arrived at the hospital.

A passenger riding with Parker was also injured and transported to a Center hospital by private vehicle.

No additional information is available at this time.

CENTER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Center Intermediate will have a packet drop off on Monday, May 18th from 8:00-12:30. We will also be collecting Chromebooks and chargers at that time. Library books and fundraiser money can be turned in as well.  Drop off will be in front of the CIS gym. If you cannot make it during that time, there are two tubs located outside of our office where you can drop off completed work at your earliest convenience. 

*Work for the week of May 18th-22nd can be picked up Monday during drop off or accessed on our website. 

CENTER HIGH SCHOOL

CHS Final Instructional Drop-Off, Chromebook and Library Book  return

CHS has scheduled the following days for Instructional Drop-Off, returning Chromebooks, chargers and library books.  Drop-Off will be in the teacher’s parking lot. This will be the last instructional drop-off for the school year.

Monday, May 18th

9th Grade        8:00-9:00

10th Grade     9:00-10:00

Tuesday, May 19th

11th Grade     8:00-9:00

12th Grade     9:00-10:00

Please remain in your vehicles and be sure that the student’s and teacher’s names are on all assignments.

If you are unable to come at the suggested times you can come by the front office from 1:00-5:00 on both days, tubs will be available for you to turn in any packets and/or library books.  Please call the office at 936-598-6173 if you are returning a Chromebook and someone will come out to pick it up.  Also, if you have any personal items you need to collect you will need to call to set up a time to pick them up.

Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe.

Mrs.Miller

Mr. Small

Mr. Harrison

Both Center High School and Middle School design and print yearbooks with Balfour, whose publishing warehouse is based in Dallas. Because of the coronavirus, manufacturing has been halted, but it will reopen on May 18.

Once the warehouse begins working, the CMS book will print. The warehouse prints for hundreds of schools in several states, so this may take weeks. When the books are received by the middle school, students who have purchased books will be contacted for pickup. 

The CHS yearbook staff opted to keep the book longer than usual to include coronavirus coverage and a glimpse at the socially distanced graduation. When the book is complete, it will be sent for printing. The book should be available at the end of the summer or early in the fall. Once received, students who ordered books will be contacted. 

There is a limited number of books still available at CHS. If you would like to order a book, please email Sydney Brookshire at sydney.brookshire@centerisd.org 

F.L. Moffett parents may drop off completed student work packets on Monday, May 18 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the parent pick up line in front of the school.  We will also have any supplies your child may have had at school, if you have not already picked those up.  Please let us know.  Make sure the student's name and teacher are written on the packets you are returning.  All completed packets are due by May 18th in order for your child to receive credit.  Please share this information with all FLM parents! 

Los padres de los estudiantes de F.L. Moffett pueden entregar paquetes completados por estudiantes el lunes 18 de mayo de 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. en la línea en donde se forman para recoger a los estudiantes después de la escuela.  También tendremos los útiles que su hijo(a) haya dejado en la escuela si aún no los ha recogido.  Por favor avísenos.  Por favor asegúrese que el nombre del estudiante y la maestra estén escritos en todos los paquetes que esté entregando.  Todos los paquetes completados deben ser entregados a más tardar el 18 de mayo para que su hijo(a) pueda recibir crédito.  Por favor comparta esta información con todos los padres de FLM!

My wife, Clara, is a typical type "A" personality. She is impulsive and compulsive. One of her compulsions is making up our beds.  Sometimes I feel that she thinks that God should have added an eleventh commandment – "Thou shalt not have any unmade beds in Thine household."

Over the years, and on a few occasions, she has made up our bed with me still in it, trying to get a few more winks of sleep.  Still other times she has made up her side of the bed only, then promptly tidies up the covers when I get up for the day.

This compulsion had a part in an incident which occurred on Mother's Day Sunday way back in 1968.  Our family was living in our modest home in Bellaire, Texas at the time. Doug was around seven, and our daughter approximately ten years old. They slept in the same bedroom on a pair of twin beds.

On this particular Sunday morning, Clara had to coax the kids out of bed, and then promptly made up both twin beds. I do not recall the details of what made our son mad, but he acted out his anger by purposely messing up the covers on both the beds.  To Clara, this was the most egregious of actions.

I took over the punishment department at this time.  I grabbed my wooden paddle and ordered Doug to make up both beds.  I watched as he struggled to accomplish the task in his own seven-year old manner.  When he was through, I tore the covers back again on both beds, and ordered him to make them up again.  This was repeated several times.  Finally, I felt a little sorry for him and allowed him to cease his punishment.  I do not recall that Doug ever repeated his actions again.  

After this incident, we had a pleasant and enjoyable Mother's Day Sunday. I was relieved that I did not have to place my wooden paddle into action on this occasion.

My son has told me several times over the years that he was quite thankful for that wooden paddle. Only occasionally did I have to apply the board of knowledge to the seat of learning. It seemed to have worked. (take that Dr. Spock and Dr. Phil)!

Both our children are now grown and with their own families, and I am not aware if they inherited their mother's desire to keep neat and tidy bed covers. As for my house we still have the best-kept beds in town, thanks to Clara's compulsion. My next article might expose her number twelve commandment, "Thou shall not leave any dirty dishes in Thine sink overnight."

"MAKING UP THE BEDS"

BY: Neal Murphy
PO Box 511
San Augustine, TX 75972
936-275-9033    cell 936-275-6986
 Email: humptydumpty1940@gmail.com

                           453 words                        
 

Panola College proudly announces the spring 2020 honor graduates. These students have maintained a high grade point average (GPA) while completing their academic studies at Panola College.

View the full list below:

Summa Cum Laude (3.90-4.00)

Mitchell Brown Fountain, Center

Abigail Garcia, Carthage

Kaitlynn Renee George, Sulphur Springs

Justin Alejandro Gonzales, Point

Tristin Hughes, Brookeland

Miguel Mendoza, Tenaha

Magna Cum Laude (3.75-3.89)

Kaden Richard Arvello, Center

Daniel Quetzala Castillo, Garrison

Nash Joseph Coultas, Carthage

Ashlee Marie Downing, Garrison

Alan Flores, Tenaha

Esther Hernandez, Carthage

Katelyn Rae Martinez, Tenaha

Taylor Mills, Carthage

Railey Breanne Oates, Lufkin

Elizabeth Nicole Offer, Bethany, La

Alyssa Joy Oliver, Mount Enterprise

Toree Meshell Scott, Athens

Dominick Shortridge, Beckville

Cum Laude (3.50-3.74)

Jonathan Quincy Ariza, Center

Nathaniel Lee Bergeron, Tenaha

Christopher Blackmon, Carthage

Lani Rene Blohm, Marshall

Laiton Parker Braddock, Timpson

Amber Bragg, San Augustine

Taylor DeAnne Bragg, Shelbyville

Demetre Dominique Brewster, Marshall

Brooke Nicole Brown, Marshall

Jessica DeAnne Burns, Marshall

Abbey Elizabeth Bybel, White Oak

Keith A. Coleman, Carthage

Misty Nicole Coleman, Beckville

Jeremy Wayne Dean, Beckville

Lucy Okimodimome Eke, Carthage

Luz Herendira Gomez, Center

Cheryl Grubbs, Longview

Jenny Harvey, Center

Amber Jones, Mount Enterprise

Clayton Trent Jones, San Augustine

Milagros Aide Lune, Joaquin

Martha Diana Moreno, Marshall

Abigail Christine Parrish, Nacogdoches

Kamryn Nicole Powell, Diana

Karla S. Raines, Beckville

Lizbeth A. Salgado, Marshall

Christopher Scroggins, Hemphill

Cameron Scott Stansbury, Groves

Mary Morgan Straughan, Loranger, La

Andi Tomplaint, Sour Lake

Ashlee Brooke Williams, Chandler

Hailey Anne Woodworth, DeBerry

F.L. Moffett parents may drop off completed student work packets on Monday, May 18 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the parent pick up line in front of the school.  We will also have any supplies your child may have had at school, if you have not already picked those up.  Please let us know.  Make sure the student's name and teacher are written on the packets you are returning.  All completed packets are due by May 18th in order for your child to receive credit.  Please share this information with all FLM parents!

Los padres de los estudiantes de F.L. Moffett pueden entregar paquetes completados por estudiantes el lunes 18 de mayo de 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. en la línea en donde se forman para recoger a los estudiantes después de la escuela.  También tendremos los útiles que su hijo(a) haya dejado en la escuela si aún no los ha recogido.  Por favor avísenos.  Por favor asegúrese que el nombre del estudiante y la maestra estén escritos en todos los paquetes que esté entregando.  Todos los paquetes completados deben ser entregados a más tardar el 18 de mayo para que su hijo(a) pueda recibir crédito.  Por favor comparta esta información con todos los padres de FLM!  

Video by Walter Bounds

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 223

Nacogdoches County 224

Shelby County 163

Panola County 149

San Augustine County 22

Lumberjacks in SFA Rusche College of Business will soon benefit from a new partnership with Mustang Cat

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Stephen F. Austin State University Rusche College of Business recently secured a corporate partnership with Mustang Machinery Company, Ltd., a company that sells and rents construction equipment and engines and operates under the name Mustang Cat.   

The partnership allows Mustang Cat the opportunity for exclusive access to branding and recruiting possibilities within the College of Business. It also provides students within the college a platform to increase their network while pursuing job and internship opportunities. Details of the partnership include corporate branding, signage, class visits, student prospecting for jobs and internships, and more. Dr. Timothy Bisping, dean of the College of Business, said partnerships like the one with Mustang Cat provide another avenue for students to succeed.

“Partnering with Mustang Cat allows more opportunities for our students to expand their professional skills and explore career options,” Bisping said. “Our goal is to provide a real-world business environment for our students, grow programs, and continue to offer as many opportunities for our students as possible. Corporate partnerships, like the one we have with Mustang Cat, allow us to do this.” 

Austin Propes, parts manager of Mustang Cat, feels confident in the partnership.

“Mustang Cat employs many talented alumni from SFA and being involved with the university helps with our ongoing recruiting efforts,” Propes said. “As a family owned local company, supporting a local university like SFA is something Mustang Cat is happy to do and very proud of.”

Mustang Cat joins Hajoca, Kohl’s and Fastenal on the list of College of Business corporate partners. For more information, contact Bisping at (936) 468-3101 or bispingto@sfasu.edu.

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center ISD will be held May 14, 2020, beginning at 12:00 PM in the Center Independent School District Administration Boardroom 107 PR 605 Center, TX 75935. Due to health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), this meeting will be conducted by videoconference. At least a quorum of the Board will be participating by videoconference in accordance with the provisions of Sections 551.125 or 551.127 of the Texas Government Code that have not be suspended by order of theGovernor. Members of the public may access open session portion of this meeting at:

https://youtu.be/XEJITIWPeio Public comments related to this meeting will be handled as follows: Public comments may be submitted by phone by leaving a voice mail at (936) 598-1627 until 11:00 a.m. The audio comments will be played for the members of the Board or transcribed and read verbatim to the Board at the public comment section of the agenda. A modified version of the public comment regulation consistent with the Attorney General's guidance will remain in effect until the Governor's order on the suspension of certain portions of the Texas Open Meetings Act is lifted or modified. Members of the public who desire to address the Board regarding an item on this agenda must comply with the registration procedures and modified regulation available on the District's website under "Modified Public Comment Regulation". For more information about public comments, see policy BED. The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be taken are listed below. Items do not have to be taken in the same order as shown on this meeting notice. 1. Call Meeting to Order and Establish a Quorum 2. Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance 3. Public Comments/Audience Participation 4. Consent Agenda 4. 1. Minutes 4. 2. Tax Office Report 4. 3. Monthly Financial Statement 4. 4. Payment Approval 4. 5. Investment Report 4. 6. Overnight Student Activity Trips 4. 7. Amendments to the Budget 4. 8. Consideration and Approval to Certify the Superintendent, Dr. Brian Morris, to the Region 7 Regional Advisory Committee 2020-2021 5. CISD Operations Update Presenter: Arnie Kelley 6. Discussion and Consideration to Approve Guaranteed Maximum Price for Middle School Addition Presenter: Arnie Kelley 7. Discussion and Consideration to Approve the 2019-2020 Instructional Materials Inventory Requirement Waiver 8. Discussion and Consideration to Approve the 2019-2020 ASVAB Waiver 9. Consideration and Approval to Delegate Contractual Authority to the Superintendent until September 1, 2020 10. Closed Session 10. 1. District Employees and Officers: Texas Gov't Code 551.074 10. 1. 1. Resignation/Retirement of Personnel 10. 1. 2. Employment of Personnel 10. 1. 3. Extended Emergency Sick Leave 10. 2. Real Property: Texas Gov't Code §551.071, §551.072 and §551.129 11. Open Session 11. 1. District Employees and Officers: Texas Gov't Code 551.074 11. 1. 1. Resignation/Retirement of Personnel 11. 1. 2. Employment of Personnel 11. 1. 3. Extended Emergency Sick Leave 11. 2. Real Property: Texas Gov't Code §551.071, §551.072 and §551.129 12. Adjournment

In light of the tragic loss of a member of the Center High School student body, counselors will be available to meet with students on Thursday, May 14^th and Friday, May 15^th from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  When arriving at school the student should call the main number, 936-598-6173, to be escorted into the building.  Questions regarding support services may be directed to 936-598-6173.

The Roughrider Radio Team misses covering the games of the Roughriders this spring and are especially sad for the senior athletes who have missed their "final at-bat." 

As a tribute to senior softball players, the Radio Team will present "The Bottom of the 7th," a single half-inning of softball as it might have been.  It will feature "an amazing comeback performance" by the Roughriders, led by the team's seniors.  It will include play-by-play action as well as a postgame show.

Join us as we honor our senior athletes this Friday night at 8:20--the military time equivalent to 20:20.  Stephen Shires and Chris Watlington join the voice of Rider Baseball Jason Locke for the call as the ladies take on Carthage.  Find it at KQBB 100.5 fm.

First Baptist Church Center Sunday Morning Worship Services RESUME this Sunday at 10:15am! May 17th, 2020 — Worship with in the Sanctuary or online. What a thrill it is to officially announce that we are re-opening our doors for worship this Sunday at 10:15am.

We will not have Sunday school. Children will attend worship with parents with social distancing requirements. No childcare will be provided. We are encouraging all to wear face masks to protect those around us and practice social distancing by keeping a minimum of 6 feet distance between each other. If you or someone you love is in a high-risk category, we encourage you to stay home and continue to worship online with us.

• We will maintain social distancing between family groups. • There will be no form of children activities or nursery provided. Parents will be asked to keep their children with them. • We will use offering boxes located at the back and front of the auditorium. • Please feel free to wear a mask and/or gloves you bring from home. • We are asking those over 65 to consider watching from home. We will respect your decision, whatever it is. • Please respect others and do not attend if you are not feeling well, have a fever or underlying health issues. We want this to be a safe place for all. • One final word. The service will continue to be broadcast on our Facebook live page and website. So please do whatever is safe and comfortable for you and yours. We will respect your choice. We look forward to seeing those of you who choose to come and worship with us this Sunday! We invite you to join us at the following links and stations. http://fbccenter.org/live-video-stream And https://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistcenter/ RADIO: KQBB 100.5FM Suddenlink Cable Channel All other activities are postponed. FURTHER UPDATES WILL BE BY FACEBOOK, EMAIL, TEXT, AND AT WWW.FBCCENTER.ORG

This is a reminder that virtual Skywarn classes will be held today, May 14th, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. CDT on GoToWebinar. Please register for the class before it starts at the link below, and please spread the word. 

GoToWebinar - May 14th at 6:00 p.m.  

Davyon Hill will be providing training on how to identify severe weather and report it to the National Weather Service in Shreveport.  Please make sure to register at: NWS Shreveport - Skywarn Spotter Training

In order to become an official Skywarn Spotter and get a certificate, you must register for this talk and follow the instructions during the talk. 

Can't Attend Tonight?  One More Chance...

If you cannot attend tonight and are still interested in taking Skywarn Spotter training, we will offer one more opportunity this season for online training on May 20th at 10:00 a.m.  You can register for this training at: Final Spring Class - Skywarn Spotter Training

For any questions related to this training session, please contact NWS Shreveport Skywarn Focal Point, Chris Nuttall@noaa.gov, and NWS Shreveport Warning Coordination

Meteorologist Charles.Woodrum@noaa.gov.

Notice is hereby given that on the 18th day of May 2020 the Board of Trustees of the Joaquin School District will hold a regular meeting at 6:00 p.m., at the Administration building, Joaquin, Texas.

The subjects to be discussed are listed on the agenda attached to and made a part of this Notice. If, during the course of the meeting covered by this Notice, the Board of Trustees should determine that a closed session of the Board of Trustees is required, then such closed
session as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Section 551.001 et seq., Texas Education Code, will be held by the School Board at the date, may conveniently meet in such closed session concerning any and all purposes permitted.

AGENDA FOR May 18, 2020
1. Roll call, establishment of quorum, call to order – Joaquin ISD may have member(s) via video conference call – Texas
Government Code Section 551.127 (See Attached Code)
2. Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance
3. Reorganize the Board – Election of:
a. President
b. Vice-President
c. Secretary
4. Audience Participation – In accordance with Joaquin ISD Policy BED Local no presentation shall exceed five
minutes. Delegations of more than five persons shall appoint one person to present their views before the Board.
5. Report/Information items:
 5.1 Recognize Tam Hearnsberger for her service on the Board of Trustees
 5.2 Review Monthly Financial Report – Joel Bumback, Director of Finance
 5.3 2020 Preliminary Property Values
6. Agenda Items for consideration and possible action:
6.1 Minutes from previous month’s meeting
 6.2 Approve payment of a $50 stipend to all teachers for the months of April and May for a total of $100 to help offset cost
of personal use of cell phones and internet services
 6.3 Approve TEA Missed School Days Waiver for Covid-19
 6.4 Approve amendment to grading policy for 2019-2020 due to Covid-19
 6.5 Approve Resolution conveying property held by Joaquin ISD, Trustee to Shelby County

7. Enter Closed Session
7.1 Enter closed session under Texas Government Codes §551.071, §551.074, §551.127, §551.129 (See Attached Code)
7.1.1 Resignations, hiring and Contracts
1. Resignations and Retirements
 7.1.2 Hire At-Will Employees for 2020-2021 School Year
8. Return to Open Session - Agenda Items for consideration and possible action:
 8.1 Consideration and Board Action, if any, authorize:
 8.1.1 Resignations & Retirements
8.1.2 Hire At-Will Employees for 2020-2021 School Year
9. Recommendations for items to be placed on agenda for next Board meeting
10. Designation of date and time of next meetings: Special Meeting: June 4, 2020 - 6:00pm, Regular Meeting: June 15, 2020 - 6:00pm
11. Adjournment

Center Elementary School Personal Item PIck Up Schedule

Monday, May 18, 2019

8:00-9:30  Second GRADE

9:30-11:00 First GRADE

11:00-12:30  Third GRADE

 We will pass out personal bagged items by teacher and take any last minute packet drop offs. We will line cars like parent pick up and call your name and student name and we will deliver bagged items to cars (gloves required).  

*IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE GRADE LEVEL STUDENTS, CONTACT THE TEACHERS SO YOU ONLY HAVE TO COME ONCE.  

*Everyone will be expected to wear a mask and gloves. 

-------------- 

Center Middle School Instructional Delivery and Drop Off Plan for Monday, May 18; Tuesday, May 19th; and Wednesday, May 20th

Center Middle School will have 3 separate days for Instructional Drop-Off.

We are going to have grade levels come in on seperate days because of the amount of materials that will need to be dropped off:

** If you have students in multiple grade levels you do not have to make multiple trips. Just pick one of the drop off times and drop off all materials at that time.

6th Grade:

  Monday, May 18th 

Morning     8:00-10:00

Afternoon  4:30-5:30

7th Grade:

  Tuesday, May 19th

Morning     8:00-10:00

Afternoon  4:30-5:30

8th Grade:

  Wednesday, May 20th

Morning     8:00-10:00

Afternoon  4:30-5:30

Please drop off ALL completed work at this time. 

• We will utilize the same delivery lines as used on March 23rd. If dropping off a band instrument please go to the bandhall first.

• You will not need to leave your car for Drop Off. Please remain in your car at all times.

• Please have all of your student’s work labeled with their names.

• If you borrowed a Chromebook, you will turn it in at this time. Be sure to bring the charger back with the Chromebook.

• Other items you will need to turn in at this time if you still have them:

  • Calculators

  • Library books

  • Candy Bar fundraiser money (labeled in an envelope or ziplock baggie)

As always, if you have any questions please email me at jake.henson@centerisd.org

WASHINGTON – An engineer has been charged in the Eastern District of Texas with allegedly filing bank loan applications fraudulently seeking more than $10 million dollars in forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Shashank Rai, 30, of Beaumont, Texas, allegedly sought millions of dollars in forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA from two different banks by claiming to have 250 employees earning wages when, in fact, no employees worked for his purported business.

Rai is charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with violations of wire fraud, bank fraud, false statements to a financial institution, and false statements to the SBA.

“As alleged, Rai fraudulently pursued millions of dollars in loans intended for legitimate small businesses suffering the economic hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “The department and our law enforcement partners will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect critical CARES Act relief programs from fraud and abuse.”

“The behavior in this case was very brazen,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown of the Eastern District of Texas.  “Those who submit these applications for loans or other assistance need to understand that there are people checking on the representations made, and those representations are made under oath and subject to the penalties of perjury.  Federal agencies are watching for fraud, and people who lie and try to cheat the system are going to be caught and prosecuted.”

“To support small and community banks, the Federal Home Loan Banks can accept Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans as collateral when making loans to their members,” said Richard Parker, Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations for the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General.  “The Office of Inspector General is proud to work with our partners in law enforcement to prevent, detect, and deter attempts to perpetrate fraud in the Federal Home Loan Bank System and steal the assistance intended for small business owners and employees under this important part of the CARES Act.”

“Today’s charges hold the defendant responsible for his actions to swindle money out of a federal program intended to help those in need during a pandemic crisis,” said Inspector General Jay N. Lerner of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG).  “When an individual cheats the Paycheck Protection Program out of money, it deprives hard-working Americans and deserving small businesses.  The FDIC OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate financial crimes in order to preserve the integrity of the nation’s banking sector.”

“SBA OIG and its law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate fraud in the Paycheck Protection Program,” said SBA Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware.  “The nation’s small businesses are counting on this program, and we will safeguard it to maintain the public trust.  I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”

“While the government is trying to help out small businesses, scammers are out there trying to help themselves,” said Inspector in Charge Delany De Leon-Colon of the Criminal Investigations Group.  “Postal Inspectors are proud to work alongside the Department of Justice and our other law enforcement partners to identify and investigate anyone who capitalizes on this pandemic to commit fraud. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting small business owners, and the American public, from those who seek to do financial harm.”

According to court documents unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Beaumont, Rai allegedly made two fraudulent claims to two different lenders for seek loans guaranteed by the SBA for COVID-19 relief through the PPP.  In the application submitted to the first lender, Rai allegedly sought $10 million in PPP loan proceeds by fraudulently claiming to have 250 employees with an average monthly payroll of $4 million.  In the second application, Rai allegedly sought approximately $3 million in PPP loan proceeds by fraudulently claiming to have 250 employees with an average monthly payroll of approximately $1.2 million.

According to court documents, the Texas Workforce Commission provided information to investigators of having no records of employee wages having been paid in 2020 by Rai or his purported business, Rai Family LLC.  In addition, the Texas Comptroller’s Office of Public Accounts reported to investigators that Rai Family LLC reported no revenues for the fourth quarter of 2019 or the first quarter of 2020.

According to court documents, materials recovered from the trash outside of Rai’s residence included handwritten notes that appear to reflect an investment strategy for the $3 million, which is the amount of money that Rai allegedly sought from the second lender.

The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP.  In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.

The PPP allows qualifying small-businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1 percent.  PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.  The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within eight weeks of receipt and use at least 75 percent of the forgiven amount for payroll.

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Assistant Chief L. Rush Atkinson and Trial Attorney Lou Manzo of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Coan for the Eastern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

The Justice Department acknowledges and thanks the FHFA Office of Inspector General, FDIC Office of Inspector General, SBA Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their efforts investigating this mater.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Foundation grants support schools and teachers in 27 states

MONROE, La., May 14, 2020 – This pandemic has changed the way we are educating our children. Teachers across the country have been challenged to find new ways to reach and teach their students and technology is the key. To support innovative learning and educational opportunities, CenturyLink is awarding $500,000 to fund 114 technology-focused projects as part of the CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation’s 2019-20 Teachers and Technology grant program.

“Our goal with these grants is to help teachers expose students to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts through the use of innovative equipment and projects,” said Stephanie Calhoun, CenturyLink vice president of talent management. “Our teachers and students have faced so many challenges this spring with closures and adapting to distance and online classes. These CenturyLink grants will help teachers reach and teach. It helps them bring useful technology into everyday learning.” 

Once states deem it safe for children to return to school, it will be important to have the right technology in place for them to learn again in the classroom. Grants funded through the 2019-20 program will be distributed to schools in the fall to provide a range of equipment including robotics, drones, virtual reality mechanisms, laptops, microscopes and more. View a complete list of the 2019-20 CenturyLink Teachers and Technology Grants awarded - www.centurylink.com/teachersandtechnology

Shawn Tolley, a music and dance teacher at Stevens Elementary in Spokane, Wash. is a past grant recipient. He used the funding to purchase color sensors so his students could make original music and 3-D printers to create dioramas for narrative story telling. “Our CenturyLink grant allowed us to engage students in a whole new way”, stated Tolley. “They were able to take their most imaginative ideas and turn them into fantastic creations they would never have thought possible before.”

The Teachers and Technology program, which has distributed more than $11 million since its inception, awards grants of up to $5,000 per project to schools in CenturyLink’s local service and corporate locations in support of projects submitted by pre-K through 12th grade teachers to innovatively implement technology in their classrooms. 

Key Facts

•    Across the United States, more than 300 grant applications were submitted to the
grants program and 114 were awarded based on the impact they will have on students in the classroom and the overall innovation of the project

•    The CenturyLink Teachers and Technology grant program, which began in 2008, has awarded more than $11 million to technology-based learning projects to date.

•    CenturyLink service is neither required nor considered in the review of applications.
 

History

On May 17, 2005, the Tenaha Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the creation of the Tenaha Tiger Hall of Honor in order to recognize those individuals that have distinguished themselves as past or current educators, alumni, or supporters of the Tenaha school system.  

Either a brunch or meal is served at some point during the day and a plaque is presented to honoree (s) and a very distinguished plaque with their picture is placed in the high school foyer.

All Hall of Honor inductees and their immediate families are presented to the community on the football field prior to the Tiger Homecoming Game or other game time if that happens to be the case.  Six complimentary tickets are provided, and a designated seating area is provided.

Rules:

Inductees:  Four Categories
A.    Alumni
B.    Athletes
C.    Educators
D.    Supporters

Inductees may be nominated five years after graduation or have given five years of service to Tenaha ISD.

Class of 2020:  1-2 Honorees nominated by at least 3 TISD Alumni as chosen by the Hall of Honor Committee and approved by the Tenaha Independent School District’s Board of Trustees.

Selection Committee:  Five person committee (2 rotating board members with annual terms and 3 resident Alumni Members)

The 16th annual induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the TISD Cafetorium unless a situation occurs to prevent our convening.  All inductees will be introduced to the community during a pre-game ceremony prior to the game between the Tenaha Tigers and the West Sabine Tigers at a time yet to be determined. 
    
Timeline:

June 15, 2020            Nomination forms available
August 3, 2020        Deadline for submitting nominations to Tenaha ISD
August 18, 2020        Selections announced
October 10, 2020        Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony 
                
Nominations to the Hall of Honor must be made by former Tenaha High School Alumni.
 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – A Stephen F. Austin State University art student and a recipient of the Ed and Gwen Cole Dean’s Award in Art has been accepted into a highly competitive Master of Fine Arts program at Texas Tech University, where she has also been awarded several scholarships.

Madeline Castillo, art major from League City who recently earned a B.F.A. with a concentration in metals-jewelry and a second concentration in sculpture, will pursue an M.F.A. in metalsmithing with a second emphasis in sculpture at Texas Tech, from which she received the Diversity Graduate Recruitment Fellowship, Helen Jones Foundation Scholarship, TTU School of Art scholarship and a teaching assistantship.

“I am extremely excited and grateful to have received such a great scholarship from TTU,” Castillo said.

“Madeline was our top candidate in jewelry design and metalsmithing at Texas Tech University,” said Robly A. Glover, professor of jewelry design and metalsmithing at TTU. “Based on her portfolio and interview, we were able to put together a significant fellowship and assistantship package of support for her.”

Through the TTU Graduate School, Castillo was one of the first students to receive a travel and research scholarship, Glover added. “This will help Madeline expand her research efforts and support her development of a nationally competitive M.F.A. portfolio,” he said. “Madeline is an intelligent and personable student who impressed everyone who met her. We look forward to working with her in the fall of 2020.”

Castillo said her time studying art at SFA helped prepare her for this next chapter of her education.

“I am immensely grateful to the wonderful professors at SFA,” she said. “Their guidance, patience and enthusiasm for teaching have allowed me to develop the skills I need to feel confident as an artist going forward after graduation. The bonds I made with my mentors and peers led me to grow, not just as an artist, but as a person. I want to thank my professors at SFA for all that they have done for me. Their constant support and belief in me always inspired me to do my best. I will always remember their lessons and continue doing my very best at TTU.”

In the future, Castillo hopes to apply to artist residencies to further develop her concepts and learn from new environments.

“Ultimately, I want to be in a position where I can teach others,” she said.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Winners of Stephen F. Austin State University’s 2020 Graduate Research Conference were recently announced after organizers restructured the annual event as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

“COVID-19 brought an immediate halt to our university’s classes on campus as well as all events, including our annual Graduate Research Conference,” said Dr. Pauline Sampson, dean of the Office of Research and Graduate Studies. “Our great committee jumped into action to change the format from a face-to-face to virtual conference.

“Because one of the conference’s main purposes is to prepare graduate students to present at other professional conferences after they graduate, we did not want them to lose the chance to showcase their work and also be able to include it on their résumés.”

Nineteen research posters and 15 research papers were selected for virtual presentation. They were chosen by members of the Graduate Research Committee, which comprised Dr. Sarah Savoy, associate professor of psychology; Dr. Linda Levitt, professor of communication; Dr. Perky Beisel, professor of history; Dr. Frantisek Majs, assistant professor of agriculture; Dr. Todd Whitehead, associate professor of kinesiology and health science; Dr. Alexandra Van Kley, professor of biology; Amanda Breitbach, assistant professor or art; Dr. Robyn Whitehead, assistant professor of kinesiology and health science; Dr. Leslie Cecil, professor of anthropology; Brooke Ashley, graduate student representative; and Sampson.

Best Poster was awarded to Liam Wolff for his research titled “Assessing Occupancy and Detection of Bachman’s Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis) in East Texas.” Wolff is a graduate student in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, and his advisor is Dr. Christopher M. Schalk, assistant professor of forestry.

Best Paper was awarded to Sarah Whitfield for her research titled “Synthesis and Characterization of CO Releasing Bipyridine Palladium Flavonolate Complexes: Potential Anticancer Agents.” She was a graduate student in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and Dr. Xiaozhen Han, assistant professor of chemistry, was her advisor.

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 221

Nacogdoches County 211

Shelby County 158

Panola County 149

San Augustine County 22

Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen sent a letter to Congressional Leaders asking them to support liability protections for Texas employers. In the letter, the three state leaders urge Congress to support the inclusion of legal protections in the next phase of federal coronavirus relief legislation that would protect business owners, healthcare facilities and employees, and first responders from being held liable for COVID-19 exposure claims when they adhere to relevant public health guidelines and make good faith efforts to limit the risk of exposure and infection.

"Facing record unemployment and an unprecedented financial crisis, we must take immediate and swift action to protect our state’s job creators and our healthcare industry from crippling litigation that would certainly delay the full recovery of our economy," reads the letter. "Federal action is the swiftest course to provide liability protections, and we ask for your leadership and support for such measures in the next phase of COVID-19 recovery legislation. Because many Texas businesses and healthcare providers operate in multiple states or have multi-state supply chains, the United States Congress is uniquely positioned to deliver the appropriate nation-wide solution."

View the letter from Governor Abbott. Lt. Governor Patrick, and Speaker Bonnen.

Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to test 100% of residents and staff in Texas nursing homes. The Governor instructed HHSC, TDEM, and DSHS to develop and implement a plan based on the guidance of Vice President Mike Pence and Doctor Deborah Birx. 

"The State of Texas is working to rapidly expand our testing capacity—especially among vulnerable populations in Texas nursing homes," said Governor Abbott. "This important collaboration among HHSC, TDEM, and DSHS will ensure that any potential clusters of COVID-19 cases in nursing homes are quickly detected and contained."

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission  (HHSC) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide more than $1 billion in food benefits through the federal Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program to families with children who have temporarily lost access to free or discounted school meals due to COVID-19-related school closures.

P-EBT provides a one-time benefit of $285 per child, which can be used in the same way as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits to pay for groceries. P-EBT will be administered through a coordinated effort by the HHSC, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and Texas Education Agency.

"I thank the U.S. Department of Agriculture for providing these emergency benefits to Texas families, and for the swift action of our state agencies to administer these benefits across the state," said Governor Abbott. "This program will expand access to healthy and nutritious food for families and children in need as the state continues to respond to COVID-19." 

"Families across our state have had to rapidly adjust to the impacts of this pandemic and we’re thankful to our many state and federal partners who were able to work together for our fellow Texans," said HHS Executive Commissioner Phil Wilson. "These emergency benefits will provide additional assistance to those families on free and reduced-price meal plans, giving greater access to nutritious food for children most in need."

"Despite this crisis, the one thing that never changes is that children need to eat," said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, "And the Texas Department of Agriculture has been working hard with our federal, state and community partners to make sure no child goes hungry because of this pandemic. Not only will these benefits give these kids and their families a little help with the food bill, I hope it gives them a little hope in a dark time."

More than three million children in Texas are certified to receive free or reduced-price meals at school during the 2019-2020 school year. Households with school children who received SNAP food benefits for the month of March or were recipients of free or reduced-price meals at school before the statewide school closure are eligible for P-EBT benefits. Families who were certified for the free or reduced-price school meals program after in-person instruction at schools ended due to COVID-19 are also eligible to receive the benefit.

Families with children aged 5 to 18 who received SNAP food benefits for the month of March, when school campuses first closed, will automatically receive P-EBT on their current Lone Star Card by May 22.

Families who have children certified for free or reduced-price meals during the 2019-20 school year but did not receive SNAP benefits for the month of March will need to apply. Families with children who received meals at no cost to them because their schools are defined as Community Eligibility Provision or Provision II schools also need to apply. Those families will receive a notification from their school district by May 31 which will include eligibility information and how to access the application. The application will be open from June 1 to June 30, and applications will be processed in the order they are received. After completing the application, eligible families will receive benefits on a new Texas P-EBT card in the mail.

Visit hhs.texas.gov/pebt to learn more.

About the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of families in need, so they can purchase healthy food and move toward self-sufficiency. In Texas, SNAP benefits are put onto the Lone Star Card (EBT card), which can be used just like a credit card at any store that accepts SNAP. Texas Health and Human Services administers the federal program throughout the state. 

About the School Meal Programs

The federally funded School Meal Programs include the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The School Meal Programs serve over 5 million meals a day to Texas children in school and residential child care institutions. The School Meal Programs serve nutritious, low-cost or free meals to students in public and non-profit private schools in Texas. Meals must meet federal nutrition guidelines. The Texas Department of Agriculture administers SBP and NSLP in Texas. 

Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation extending his Disaster Declaration for all Texas counties in response to COVID-19. Originally issued on March 13 and extended on April 12, the Disaster Declaration provides the state a number of resources to effectively serve Texans as the Lone Star State continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

"As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, our top priority remains the health and safety of all Texans," said Governor Abbott. "By extending the disaster declaration, we are ensuring that Texas has the resources and capabilities in place to safely and strategically open the state while containing the spread of this virus. As we move forward in our response, I urge all Texans to continue following the health and safety guidelines laid out by the CDC and Texas’ team of medical experts."

The PWPS will not be holding their regular monthly meeting, due to Covid 19 and social distancing. Hopefully, things will be better in time for June meeting, but in the meantime there will be a monthly challenge "Itsy-Bitsy".  These are photographs submitted by members only,  for voting and critique. Anyone can enjoy looking at the challenge photographs by viewing our flickr page, CLICK HERE:

Anyone interested in meetings, (and there will be more meetings!) or memberships, contact Billie F. Jones, 936-591-2426 or billiejones602@gmail.com

1 The Joaquin ISD School Board met tonight in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in the Joaquin Boardroom with the following members present: Chrisco Bragg, Thomas Harvey, Brandon Neal, Jeff Cater, Tam Hearnsberger (phone), Ronnie Belrose, Jeff Hamilton Board members absent: None Guest(s) Present: Jeff Bresee Joaquin ISD Employee(s) Present: Ryan Fuller, Superintendent, Joel Bumback Chrisco Bragg, President, called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. 2 The invocation was led by Chrisco Bragg, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America by Jeff Hamilton, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag was led by Ronnie Belrose. 3 Audience Participation – None 4 Report and Information items: 4.1 Monthly Financial Report 5 Agenda Items for discussion, consideration, and possible action: 5.1 It was moved by Ronnie Belrose, and seconded by Brandon Neal, to approve the minutes from the previous month’s meeting. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously. 5.2 It was moved by Jeff Hamilton, and seconded by Thomas Harvey, to approve request for proposals for school buses from Rush Bus Center (attached) and purchases over $50,000. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously. 5.3 It was moved by Tam Hearnsberger, and seconded by Brandon Neal, to approve TEA staff development minutes waiver for 2020-2021. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously. 5.4 It was moved by Ronnie Belrose, and seconded by Tam Hearnsberger, to approve TEA instructional continuity attestation for 2019-20. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously. 5.5 It was moved by Ronnie Belrose, and seconded by Thomas Harvey, to approve proposal from TechLine for stadium lighting project. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously. 5.6 It was moved by Brandon Neal, and seconded by Jeff Hamilton, to approve 2019- 2020 budget amendments (attached). Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously. 5.7 It was moved by Tam Hearnsberger, and seconded by Thomas Harvey, to approve TEA educator appraisal waiver for 2019-2020. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously. 5.8 It was moved by Jeff Hamilton, and seconded by Brandon Neal, to approve TEA CPR waiver to meet Senior CPR Instruction Requirements for 2019-2020. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously. 6 The board entered closed session in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.074 at 6:44 p.m. on April 29, 2020. 551.074 Appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee or to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee 6.1.1 Resignations, hiring and Contracts 1. Resignations and Retirements 6.1.2 Teacher and Counselors Contracts 1. Extension or termination of Probationary contracts 1. 1st year probationary contracts to 2nd year 2. 2nd year probationary contracts to 3rd year 3. 3rd year probationary contracts to 4th year 4. 4th year probationary to Term Contract 2. Term Contracts 7 The board entered open session in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act at 7:07 p.m. on April 29, 2020. Agenda Items for discussion, consideration, and possible action: 7.1.1 It was moved by Ronnie Belrose, and seconded by Brandon Neal, to accept the resignation of Anne Marie Patrick. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously. 7.1.2 It was moved by Tam Hearnsberger, and seconded by Jeff Cater, to approve probationary contracts and term contracts for the attached list of employees subject to assignment for the 2020-2021 school year.

Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously. 8 Chrisco Bragg, Board President, asked for items to be placed on the next board agenda. 9 Designation of date and time of next meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Joaquin ISD. May 18, 2020 - 6:00 p.m. 10 With no further business on the agenda the meeting was adjourned at 7:14 pm.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The winning artist in the 2020 Texas National Competition and Exhibition at Stephen F. Austin State University is Boerne artist Victoria Gonzales.

The announcement was made recently on the SFA School of Art website, which also features a short walk-through video of this year’s exhibition in The Cole Art Center @ the Old Opera House, SFA’s historic downtown art gallery. Annette Lawrence, professor of studio art in the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas, judged the entries with the assistance of a video.

“Our juror for this year’s Texas National has taken a slightly different approach in making awards,” said John Handley, director of SFA galleries. “Rather than choosing individual works of art, she chose instead to make the awards to individual artists who have pieces in the exhibition – a nice switch, I think. So please welcome the virtual awards video posted on our website.”

Second-place artist was Chelsie Murfee of Nixa, Missouri, and third place went to Linda Reymore of Stuart, Florida. Honorable mention awards were presented to Mick Burson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Amy Broderick of Jupiter, Florida; and Richard Parker of Pasadena, California.

The video can be accessed on Facebook at SFA Art Galleries & Cole Art Center and at art.sfasu.edu. A different artist is featured periodically on Facebook, showcasing their images, titles, medium and the artist statement, if provided. A brief video of Lawrence announcing the winners is also featured on the Facebook page.

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 215

Nacogdoches County 211

Shelby County 152

Panola County 144

San Augustine County 21

In Timpson, Texas a new business Beans and Ice had its Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting on May 12, 2020. Business Owner, William Dee Daniel gave a small speech following the opening.

For more photos click here:

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Human Sciences is now offering a Bachelor of Science in construction management.

A partnership among SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, College of Sciences and Mathematics, James I. Perkins College of Education and Rusche College of Business, the construction management program began in fall 2019.

The degree’s courses focus on management and design skills, as well as the knowledge of business, sustainability, building construction and safety codes necessary to succeed in this field. They also prepare students to take the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Associate exam.

“This degree provides students with a broad-based knowledge of the construction industry combined with a solid general education and extensive training in business management,” said Sally Ann Swearingen, associate professor of construction management and interior design in SFA’s School of Human Sciences. “Students pursuing this degree also examine the regulations, planning, design, theory and methods used in the construction field.”

The 120-hour, four-year degree plan includes a six-hour internship and teaches students how to coordinate and supervise workers, handle unexpected issues and delays, work with customers, and select personnel and subcontractors for specific tasks to meet demanding deadlines.

Students also learn about the construction methods and technologies they need to interpret contracts and technical drawings and discuss them with architects, engineers and building owners. In addition, they study how to write proposals, budgets and plans and how to document progress.

Swearingen said the school is working to make 90% of the degree’s courses available online within two years along with creating on-campus minisessions for labs. SFA also is creating an external board for the program that will include representatives from major construction companies.

Salary estimates for this industry range from $60,000 to $90,000 based on residential to heavy construction.

“The job outlook for this field is good because of the growing population and the new residences, retail outlets, schools and office buildings that go along with that,” Swearingen said. “The need to improve the nation's infrastructure of roads, bridges and sewer pipe systems and to make buildings more energy efficient also makes this a great career choice.”

The appraisal district office will begin the process of opening their doors to the public beginning Monday, May 18, 2020 with regular business hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

We will be limiting the number of people allowed at a time to allow for social distancing.  We encourage you to call our office first and make an appointment.

We want to thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us keep everyone safe.
 

Congratulation to 19-year-old Angel Pineda a 2019 graduate of Center High School who chose to join the United States Marines. His family and friends held him a parade and send off at Center High School on Saturday, May 10, 2020. Angel was also an employee at Center Broadcasting Company and we wish him safety in his choice to serve in the United States Military. Photos by Justin Mott & Aurora Nugent. 

Angel Pineda and his friends from the car club

Angel Pineda & his family

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 215

Nacogdoches County 211

Shelby County 152

Panola County 142

San Augustine County 21

Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to test 100% of residents and staff in Texas nursing homes. The Governor instructed HHSC, TDEM, and DSHS to develop and implement a plan based on the guidance of Vice President Mike Pence and Doctor Deborah Birx. 

"The State of Texas is working to rapidly expand our testing capacity—especially among vulnerable populations in Texas nursing homes," said Governor Abbott. "This important collaboration among HHSC, TDEM, and DSHS will ensure that any potential clusters of COVID-19 cases in nursing homes are quickly detected and contained."

Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Senate Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson, Vice Chair Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, and House Appropriations Committee Chair Giovanni Capriglione and Vice Chair Oscar Longoria sent a letter to city and county leaders announcing $5.06 billion in funding available to local governments in Texas through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Of this $5.06 billion, the U.S. Department of Treasury has directly sent over $3.2 billion to the 6 cities and 12 counties in Texas with a population greater than 500,000. The remaining $1.85 billion will be available to other cities and counties throughout the state. Funding will go towards reimbursement of direct expenses incurred by cities and counties due to COVID-19.

The 242 counties, and the cities within those counties, that did not receive direct allocations from the Treasury are eligible to apply to the state for a $55 per capita allocation from the $1.85 billion. Upon execution of a grant agreement, governments will be able to immediately draw down 20% to their allocation. After those jurisdictions provide documentation on the initial funding, they will then be able to access the remainder of their allocation on a reimbursement basis. The unallocated funds will be reserved for local expenses as future outbreaks and the long-term impacts of COVID-19 are better known. In the letter, the leaders encourage cities and counties to work together to address expenses that cross jurisdictional lines.

"All Texans expect government to work in a unified fashion to address this unprecedented situation, and we will continue to do so," reads the letter. "Thank you again for your work on behalf of your residents. These are tremendously difficult times for all Texans. Please know that the elected representatives in your state government are working continuously to protect the health and safety of this state, mitigate the economic ramifications of COVID-19, and build a path towards recovery."

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) will administer the reimbursement process and will partner with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to provide individual assistance to each city and county throughout the process. Information on how to apply for funding, as well as guidance about eligible uses, can be found at the following website: www.tdem.texas.gov/crf. 

Read the letter to city and county leaders in Texas.

Shreveport – On May 11, 2020, shortly before 2:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G began assisting Shreveport Police Department in dispersing large crowds of people suspected of participating in “street racing” activities in various locations.  As Troopers arrived at the Fair Grounds and were assisting SPD, a pursuit ensued which ended in a fatal crash.       

The initial investigation revealed Troopers attempted a traffic stop on a 2016 Chrysler 300 for reckless operation.  The vehicle was being driven by 19-year-old Lakendrick O’Neal and was also occupied by five additional passengers, ranging in ages 16 to 20 years old.  O’Neal refused to stop leading to a pursuit on multiple city streets.  While fleeing at a high rate of speed on Louisiana Highway 511 near Meriwether Road, O’Neal failed to negotiate a right hand curve and lost control of his vehicle.  The vehicle traveled off the roadway and struck a tree. 

O’Neal, whose restraint usage is unknown, sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.  The five other occupants, whose restraint usages are also unknown, were transported to local hospitals with moderate to serious injuries.  A toxicology sample was obtained and will be submitted for analysis.  This crash remains under investigation. 

In 2020, Troop G has investigated six fatal crashes resulting in six deaths. 

(Longview, Texas)—LeTourneau University Belcher Center has cancelled all events through the end of July 2020 due to the many unknowns involved in reopening performing art centers throughout Texas following the coronavirus pandemic.

Two dance recitals planned for late June have been cancelled; and the concert “Yesterday and Today: The Beatles Interactive Experience” July 18 has been rescheduled for next year on April 23, 2021.

Refunds will be issued for the Yesterday and Today event ticket holders since this show will now be part of the 2020-2021 season to be announced in June. 

“Careful consideration and caution required us to make this decision,” said Belcher Center Senior Director Cody Bowen.  “We are disappointed we were unable to host these events in June and July but are excited about the new season ahead. We look forward to all the wonderful local and national talent that will be back on the Belcher Center stage soon.

“Watch the Belcher Center website, like us on Facebook, or sign up for our emails as we announce season 14 in June,” Bowen said. “It is going to be one of the best seasons yet!”

LeTourneau University is the Christian polytechnic university in the nation where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global community. LETU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of disciplines online and at LETU’s 196-acre residential campus in Longview, Texas, located 120 miles east of Dallas and 60 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana. For additional information, visit www.letu.edu.

Effective May 11, 2020
Until further notice

Due to lightening damage at 2 booster stations, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required San Augustine Rural Public Water System PWS #2030007 to notify all customers who were formerly Bland Lake customers on CR 114, FM 1279, FM 3230, Hwy 96 N, FM 711 and Hwy 147 N to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands / face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc).  Children, Seniors and Persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.

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

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

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

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

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

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — COVID-19 has affected people in all aspects of their lives — socially, professionally and, for some, nutritionally. Thankfully, Nacogdoches Helping Other People Eat, the largest food pantry in East Texas, is receiving assistance from many community members in helping feed the hungry during this uncertain time, including Lizette Rojas, a Stephen F. Austin State University social work student and intern.

Following Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s stay-at-home order and the closure of many businesses, HOPE has seen an 88% increase from this time last year in those asking for food assistance.

“The Nacogdoches community is extremely giving, particularly during times of a crisis,” said Wilma Cordova, SFA professor of social work and member of the HOPE pantry’s board of directors. “Many people are in a situation where they need food or may need help in the near future. Social workers adhere to a code of ethics, and Lizette has demonstrated those values by mobilizing a community in a time of need. Her ability to coordinate services and donations has made a difference for the food pantry.”

Although Rojas returned to her home in Fort Worth when SFA’s campus closed in March due to the pandemic, she’s still helping the food pantry and its clients.

“I call clients to ensure they have food to tide them over,” Rojas said. “I also contact area grocers to organize the collection of boxes the pantry uses to package food for distribution. What others may see as simple tasks can be much more. A phone call or cardboard box can make a difference in how many people we can feed in a given week.”

Rojas also mobilizes volunteers to help ensure the pantry is stocked and remains open.

“Lizette’s ability to be extremely organized and create order in a chaotic situation has impressed me throughout this pandemic,” Cordova said. “Nacogdoches is a unique community in that you must be able to network and do it well. Lizette came into an agency that was already well-respected, and she has worked very hard to bring it to a level that is now even more visible and appreciated.

Rojas said she has spent the majority of her internship closely working with individuals and families in need of food or financial assistance. Some of the areas she’s helped to address include working to stop family violence, closing the health-care gap, harnessing technology for social good and ending economic inequality.

“Those who receive services from HOPE come from all walks of life, and their priority is the need for food, but sometimes they need more. Some clients may need referrals to housing, employment, medical or transportation services, and some may just want someone to listen and offer them the motivation to continue along their paths.”

As the pandemic’s effects continue, Rojas said she is determined to stay focused on making a difference — from SFA’s campus or elsewhere. “Although I’m not physically in Nacogdoches, I’m there in spirit,” Rojas said. “It’s important to me to continue my work helping my East Texas community.”

For more information about Nacogdoches HOPE, visit www.nacogdocheshope.com.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The winning artist in the 2020 Texas National Competition and Exhibition at Stephen F. Austin State University is Boerne artist Victoria Gonzales.

The announcement was made recently on the SFA School of Art website, which also features a short walk-through video of this year’s exhibition in The Cole Art Center @ the Old Opera House, SFA’s historic downtown art gallery. Annette Lawrence, professor of studio art in the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas, judged the entries with the assistance of a video.

“Our juror for this year’s Texas National has taken a slightly different approach in making awards,” said John Handley, director of SFA galleries. “Rather than choosing individual works of art, she chose instead to make the awards to individual artists who have pieces in the exhibition – a nice switch, I think. So please welcome the virtual awards video posted on our website.”

Second-place artist was Chelsie Murfee of Nixa, Missouri, and third place went to Linda Reymore of Stuart, Florida. Honorable mention awards were presented to Mick Burson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Amy Broderick of Jupiter, Florida; and Richard Parker of Pasadena, California.

The video can be accessed on Facebook at SFA Art Galleries & Cole Art Center and at art.sfasu.edu. A different artist is featured periodically, showcasing their images, titles, medium and the artist statement, if provided.

For more information, call (936) 468-1131.

COVID-19 Cases as reported to us by DSHS as of 5/11/2020:

154 Cumulative cases
32 recovered
2 deaths

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIPCODE:                    AGES:          DEATHS:  
75935…110                1-20…..6                
75974…16                  21-40....45
75975…13                  41-60…61                1
75973…9                    61-80…32                1
75954…6                    81-100...7
                                 Unknown...3

Shelbyville ISD End-of-the Year Information 

As we enter the last weeks of the 2019-20 school year, Shelbyville ISD would like to share the following information:

INSTRUCTION
On Monday, May 18th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., parents should drive to their student’s campus to drop off all completed work from the final instructional packet (and any other completed work from previous packets).  Please remain in your vehicle at all times.  Instructional packets may also be dropped off at the designated drop booth located near the lower entrance gate.   Students, please remember to write your name on all of your returned work.

STUDENT PERSONAL ITEMS FROM SCHOOL AND ATHLETICS
All students’ personal items from their classrooms and campus lockers will be returned by school personnel when final instructional packets are dropped off at each campus, on Monday, May 18th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Junior high student-athletes may pick up personal belongings from athletics on Monday, May 18th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the same time they pick up personal belongs from their campus.  Please let school personnel know that you need your belongings from athletics in addition to your campus belongings. 

High school student-athletes may pick up personal items from their athletic lockers on Tuesday, May 19th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Please check in with the coaches at the fieldhouse to access your athletics locker.

GRADUATION
Unfortunately, Shelbyville High School’s traditional high school graduation ceremony will not be held as scheduled on May 22nd due to COVID-19 concerns.  However, Shelbyville High School seniors are participating in an alternate/virtual graduation that will be broadcast online on graduation day, Friday, May 22nd.  Please check Shelbyville ISD’s district website at www.shelbyville.k12.tx.us for a link to the virtual graduation.  Also, Shelbyville ISD plans on hosting a more traditional graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 at later this summer, when it is determined the COVID-19 situation is safer in our county.  Congratulations to the Dragon Class of 2020…We are proud of you!

STUDENT TRANSFER APPLICATIONS
Student transfer applications are due June 1st.  To obtain an application, please call Debbie Gilchrist at 936-598-2641 or email at debbieg@shelbyville.k12.tx.us . 

ENROLLMENT AND WITHDRAWAL DURING COVID-19 CLOSURE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
If you need assistance, please contact your child’s teacher or his/her campus principal or secretary by email.  Also, parents of students who are moving in and out of our school district should enroll or withdraw their student as needed by contacting his/her principal or campus secretary at one of the following email addresses:  

S. W. CARTER ELEMENTARY:  Mike Furlow mikef@shelbyville.k12.tx.us  Evelyn Foster evelynf@shelbyville.k12.tx.us MIDDLE SCHOOL:  Thomas Swearengen thomass@shelbyville.k12.tx.us  Lisa Eaves lisae@shelbyville.k12.tx.us
HIGH SCHOOL:  Mario Osby marioo@shelbyville.k12.tx.us  Teresa Johnson teresaj@shelbyville.k12.tx.us  

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION:  Contact at sisddragon@gmail.com or call 936-598-2641 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

DRAGON PRIDE

Words cannot express the gratitude and pride we share with our Dragon students, parents, family members, friends, teachers, and school staff for the extraordinary efforts shown during these trying months.  It is clear that working remotely from home does not come close to the effectiveness of students and teachers engaging in daily face-to-face interaction in a classroom.  Nonetheless, all of you have made the best of a terrible situation and have worked diligently to make sure the teaching-learning process has been preserved.  On behalf of the Shelbyville Board of Trustees and Administration, thank you for going above and beyond to make sure our students are being taken care of during this extremely challenging situation.  We look forward to the time when we can return to school and be together again.  Please keep yourself and your loved ones safe…DRAGON PRIDE!
 

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 215

Nacogdoches County 206

Panola County 142

Shelby County 152

San Augustine County 21

May 11, 2020 Local Updates

COVID-19 NUMBERS: The following contains updated positive case numbers for COVID-19 locally and state wide. You can find the information below and more data via the LDH website updated at 12pm noon each day at the following website: http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/...

STATE TOTAL CASES/DEATHS:
May 01: 28,711 cases (+710 in 24 hrs) +65 deaths
May 02: 29,140 cases (+429 in 24 hrs) +23 deaths
May 03: 29,340 cases (+200 in 24 hrs) +19 deaths
May 04: 29,673 cases (+333 in 24 hrs) +22 deaths
May 05: 29,996 cases (+323 in 24 hrs) +51 deaths
May 06: 30,399 cases (+403 in 24 hrs) +52 deaths
May 07: 30,652 cases (+253 in 24 hrs) +41 deaths
May 08: 30,855 cases (+203 in 24 hrs) +19 deaths
May 09: 31,417 cases (+562 in 24 hrs) +40 deaths
May 10: 31,600 cases (+183 in 24 hrs) +19 deaths
May 11: 31,815 cases (+215 in 24 hrs) +29 deaths
Total State Deaths to Date: 2,242
Total Presumed Recovered: 22,608 cases (+2,292)

STATE HOSPITAL BED / VENTILATOR USE:
Patients in Hospitals: 1,310 (-14 in 24 hrs)
Patients on Ventilators: 157 (-4 in 24 hrs)

STATE CASES/DEATHS BY AGE GROUP:
18 & Under: 485 cases / 2 deaths (+0 deaths)
Ages 19-29: 3,771 cases / 8 deaths (+0 deaths)
Ages 30-39: 5,049 cases / 40 deaths (+0 deaths)
Ages 40-49: 5,403 cases / 82 deaths (+2 deaths)
Ages 50-59: 5,995 cases / 193 deaths (+0 deaths)
Ages 60-69: 5,242 cases / 408 deaths (+7 deaths)
Ages 70+: 5,870 cases / 1,506 deaths (+20 deaths)

DESOTO PARISH TOTAL CASES/DEATHS:
May 01: 194 cases (+4 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 02: 198 cases (+4 in 24 hrs) +1 death
May 03: 198 cases (+0 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 04: 202 cases (+3 in 24 hrs) +1 death
May 05: 202 cases (+0 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 06: 205 cases (+3 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 07: 207 cases (+2 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 08: 208 cases (+1 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 09: 213 cases (+5 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 10: 214 cases (+1 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 11: 215 cases (+1 in 24 hrs) +1 death
Total Parish Deaths to Date: 14

DESOTO CITY/TOWN TOTAL CASES:
*The following numbers were most recently updated: May 09, 2020 and are not provided on a daily basis.
FRIERSON: 12 cases
GLOSTER: 10 cases
GRAND CANE: 15 cases
KEATCHIE: 6 cases
LOGANSPORT: 20 cases
MANSFIELD: 106 cases
PELICAN: 10 cases
STONEWALL: 26 cases

STATE DEATHS BY UNDERLYING CONDITIONS:
53% - Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
33% - Diabetes
18% - Cardiac Disease
18% - Chronic Kidney Disease
17% Obesity
11% Congestive Heart Failure
11% Pulmonary
7% Cancer
7% Neurological
4% Asthma

Details on numbers for surrounding parishes can be found at the website listed above. Stay safe, practice social distancing, and please continue to adhere to the Stay At Home order issued by our State Governor.

Huxley Hands will continue to offer food boxes throughout the month of May on an individual basis. We will not have a regular food distribution. If you are in need of a food box, please text 936-572-3463 and we will schedule a time for a no contact pick up. 

Center High School Class of 2020, 

The time to celebrate you and your accomplishments has come. The District, as a whole, is supremely proud of each and every one of you. It has been a complete honor and privilege to watch your progress from adolescence to young adulthood. We are extremely excited to commemorate you on a journey well traveled. 

Graduation Plan

Center ISD plans to hold an outdoor ceremony at 7 p.m. Monday, June 1 at Roughrider Stadium. 

Due to the current health crisis, this graduation comes with mandated restrictions. Students will be given FIVE tickets for family members to attend. Families need to arrive at the stadium together with their tickets.  Families will be grouped together with 6ft between them and the next family for social distancing measures. 

Before entry, family members will be screened for health concerns. On the field, students will be spaced with proper social distancing measures as well.  More details will be posted on the Center ISD website soon following this announcement. 

All guidelines will be followed from the Texas Education Agency's posted guidelines on their page. You can find these guidelines at: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/health-safety-discipline/covid/coronavirus-covid-19-support-and-guidance This information will also be posted on the district's website. 

Again, congratulations to Center High School's class of 2020!

The TIMPSON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE invites everyone for Grand opening and ribbon cutting for new business in Timpson Texas. There will be plenty of room for social distancing while practicing safety precautions. Let’s work towards getting to our new normal and being able to enjoy the good things in life.

Timpson and our community welcome a new business, Beans & Ice is a Gourmet Coffee shop that sells hot, cold, and frozen coffees, shaved ice, baked goodies, and protein/fruit smoothies. They will offer you the best coffee around with hand roasted coffee beans, combined with traditional flavorings and toppings. Beans & Ice story is unique because, all of the profits from this business goes back into mission work to help the less fortunate around the world. Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to come out Tuesday 5/12/2020 at 10 AM, for a ribbon cutting and to welcome the Grand Opening of this new business in Timpson. Beans & Ice is located 588 N. 1st Street.

Operated by Rebecca Daniel

Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and Dallas Independent School District (DISD) launched Operation Connectivity, a statewide initiative to deliver internet connectivity and device solutions for school districts, families, and students in Texas. Operation Connectivity was originally started in Dallas to address the the lack of high speed internet and/or home laptops for many DISD students which caused an interruption to their learning, as education in the classroom transitioned to at-home digital instruction due to COVID-19. This initiative now aims to provide internet connectivity to hundreds of thousands of students statewide.

"As Texas students continue their education at home through virtual instruction, it is essential that we provide them with the resources they need to connect and communicate online," said Governor Abbott. "I applaud Dr. Hinojosa and DISD for developing this innovative initiative for Dallas schools, and look forward to expanding Operation Connectivity statewide so that we can implement reliable and effective solutions that will close the digital divide for students across the Lone Star State."

"We are grateful for the work of Dr. Hinojosa and his leadership on this necessary undertaking in Dallas and are delighted to be working with the Governor to take this effort statewide. With students learning remotely for the time being, it’s more important than ever for all our students to be able to access academic content at home. In order for that to happen, all students in Texas need access to computers and/or tablets, and internet outside of the classroom. Operation Connectivity is providing the right solutions to this big challenge," said TEA Commissioner Mike Morath.

The statewide implementation of this initiative will be led by the Operation Connectivity Task Force. DISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa and TEA Commissioner Morath will serve as co-chairs of the task force. Senator Larry Taylor, Chairman of the Committee on Education in the Texas Senate, and Representative Dan Huberty, Chairman of the Public Education Committee in the Texas House, will serve as members of the task force.

The task force members will also include representatives from the following entities:

Office of the Governor
Local Education Agencies
U.S. Department of Education
Federal Communications Commission
EducationSuperHighway
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Department of Information Resources
Texas Computer Education Association 
Chief Technology Officer Council of Texas

The Operation Connectivity Task Force will gather critical information to determine which children in the state do not have internet access and/or home devices, document best practices, identify and secure technology solutions for broadband and devices, develop actionable playbooks for districts across the state, identify funding needs and help secure resources, demonstrate “lighthouse” examples, including at DISD, and push for federal and state-level policies that connect more students learning at home to available technology resources.

The task force will convene as a full group every month to review progress and resolve roadblocks, which will help to ensure the overall effort stays on-track. Working teams that support the larger task force will meet on a more regular basis to move forward on achieving milestones. A group of representatives from the Office of the Governor, TEA, and DISD—along with others—will be in regular communication to ensure rapid progress on this initiative.

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has applied for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Category B assistance funding to provide financial support to Texas' network of food banks. If approved, this funding will provide nearly $70 million for Texas' network of 21 food banks and will allow food banks to work with their supply chain networks to shore up supplies and provide more nutritional support to those in need. 

"This funding is crucial to helping ensure our network of food banks can continue to provide food to Texans in need," said Governor Abbott. "Our food banks have tirelessly served their fellow Texans throughout the COVID-19 response, and this pandemic has led to a quick depletion of supplies and resources for these organizations.

The State of Texas is committed to giving these organizations supplemental support during these challenging times so they can continue providing resources to those in need. I thank TDEM for working closely with FEMA to apply for these funds, and remain grateful to the staff and volunteers of our food banks here in the Lone Star State. These selfless and hardworking Texans represent the very best of our great state."

Notice is hereby given that a Regular meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 13th day of May, 2020 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 April 1, 2020 Special meeting, April 8, 2020 Regular meeting, April 15, 2020 Special meeting, April 22, 2020 Special meeting, April 29, 2020 Special meeting of the Shelby County Commissioner’s Court.

2.    Approve and pay weekly expenses.

3.    Approve current payroll.

4.    Approve Officers Report.

5.    Public Comments on Agenda item.

6.     Discuss and possibly approve cement donation from Donna Vergo to Pct. 3.

7.    Approve and record Road Reports for Commissioner Precincts.

8.    Discuss and possibly take action on rental proposal on Ruggs/cleaning supplies for the JP.1 office.

9.    Presentations on Shelby County Courthouse roof.

10.    Open sealed bids on the roof project of the Shelby County Courthouse. 

11.    Adjourn.

Huxley Hands will continue to offer food boxes throughout the month of May on an individual basis. We will not have a regular food distribution. If you are in need of a food box, please text 936-572-3463 and we will schedule a time for a no contact pick up.

LUFKIN – In a virtual meeting last week, Texas Transportation Commissioners approved more than $245.5 million for new construction projects throughout the state, with $1.9 million approved for a new construction project in the Lufkin District.

The project was approved for Houston County and is designed to replace five off-system bridges on County Road 4025. Stateline Construction, LLC, Quitman TX, will serve as contractor for the project. Work will include the replacements of bridges at Box Creek, Gail Creek Tributary Bridge 1, Gail Creek Bridges 2 and 3, and Gail Creek Relief Bridge 4. There has been no timeline for completion established.

Motorists should prepare to take alternate routes or prepare for delays as this work begins. Stay alert and obey all signage and traffic control in the area.

For more information about projects and closures statewide, visit drivetexas.org. 

ANGELINA COUNTY – At approximately 8:30 p.m. this evening, a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper suffered non-life threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle on State Highway 94, just west of Lufkin. 

The preliminary information indicates the Trooper was outside of his marked patrol vehicle— with emergency lights activated—attempting to stop a motorist for an offense. The vehicle that struck the Trooper had reportedly reduced its speed before the collision occurred. 

The driver, whose identity is not immediately available at this time, stopped at the scene of the crash until first responders arrived. 

An ambulance transported the Trooper to CHI St. Luke’s Hospital in Lufkin. 

This is an ongoing investigation, and further information is not available for release. 

### 

(Longview, Texas)—LeTourneau University Summer Camps that were scheduled for June 2020 have been cancelled due to an abundance of caution regarding the current coronavirus pandemic.

Refunds of all the registration fees will be completed during the month of May, being credited back to the credit cards used to register for camps.  Patience is requested during this time as it may take a while to process these refunds. 

“We want to say thank you to all the parents and grandparents for trusting LeTourneau with your kids!” said Kaylee Salser, administrator of summer camps. “We care for their safety and want to make sure we are able to provide a safe environment for every child to attend camps.  We look forward to celebrating BIG with your amazing kids in 2021 Summer Camps.”

For questions, call (903) 233-3093 or send an email to KayleeSalser@letu.edu.

Most other events on campus for June, and some for July, have also been canceled. Sports camps will be decided later, as July nears.

LeTourneau University is the Christian polytechnic university in the nation where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global community. LETU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of disciplines online and at LETU’s 196-acre residential campus in Longview, Texas, located 120 miles east of Dallas and 60 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana. For additional information, visit www.letu.edu.

Governor Greg Abbott and the OneStar Foundation announced the Texas COVID Relief Fund, which will provide critical funding and resources to organizations across the state working on the ground to support the economic recovery of local communities. Funds raised will be distributed through grants focused on the areas of community and economic development, healthcare, and education. Funds will also be used to support local priorities and organizations serving the unmet needs of vulnerable populations and underserved communities.

"There is nothing more powerful than Texans helping Texans, and the Texas COVID Relief Fund is another way we can come together to support those in need and help our communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Governor Abbott. "I thank the OneStar Foundation and their partners for their commitment to helping Texans through these trying times. By coming together and supporting one another, we will overcome this challenge." 

"Communities across Texas are stepping up to meet the needs of everyday Texans in heroic ways,” said Chris Bugbee, President and CEO of OneStar Foundation.  “We are grateful for Governor Abbott’s leadership in providing the Texas COVID Relief Fund as a resource to embolden efforts across the state to meet the needs of our neighbors impacted by the pandemic.”

For more information on the Texas COVID Relief Fund or to make a donation, visit the OneStar Foundation website. 

OneStar Foundation was created to support the State of Texas by strengthening the nonprofit sector, encouraging civic engagement through service and volunteering, promoting innovative strategies to address local issues and facilitating public-private partnerships to expand the reach of nonprofits. During times of disaster, OneStar Foundation is designated by the Governor to raise and distribute funds to eligible organizations working on the ground to support the economic recovery of Texas communities devastated by disasters.

Governor Greg Abbott modified his executive orders related to COVID-19 to eliminate confinement as a punishment for violating these orders. These modifications are being applied retroactively. 

“Throwing Texans in jail who have had their businesses shut down through no fault of their own is nonsensical, and I will not allow it to happen,” said Governor Abbott. “That is why I am modifying my executive orders to ensure confinement is not a punishment for violating an order. This order is retroactive to April 2nd, supersedes local orders and if correctly applied should free Shelley Luther. It may also ensure that other Texans like Ana Isabel Castro-Garcia and Brenda Stephanie Mata who were arrested in Laredo, should not be subject to confinement. As some county judges advocate for releasing hardened criminals from jail to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is absurd to have these business owners take their place.”

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana, in addition to information from county officials. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 207

Nacogdoches County 202

Panola County 139

Shelby County 147

San Augustine County 21

On Monday, May 11th Center Middle School will have a personal belonging pick up for all PE classes and Girls Athletics. The time for pick will be from 3:00-5:00 pm. If you plan to pick up personal items please drive to the east side of the campus and drive through the gate next to the gym. You will be met by one of the coaches and they will retrieve your child's items. Please stay in your car unless otherwise directed.

In 1937 my father, Cecil, decided to get into county politics.  For reasons known only to him, he filed for the position of County Clerk of  San Augustine County, Texas.  He had no experience in politics, nor any other office work.  He had been a painter and paperhanger contractor, working with his father, Felix, and younger brother, Marvin.

My father ran on the motto, “Give a Young Man a Chance”.  The current county clerk had been in office for several terms and was much older than my father who was 32 years old at this time.

My guess as to why he entered politics is that he was about to starve to death in his contracting business.  He apparently felt that he had nothing to lose by tossing his hat in the political ring.  His plan was simple – meet and talk to as many people in the county as possible.

My father’s automobile was not all that dependable, so he walked as often as he drove.  San Augustine County is rather large, so when he was a long way from his home, he would spend the night with friendly farmers.  Although my father was rather shy, he had a nice smile and was very friendly to all he met.

Election Day finally came, and to my father’s surprise and elation, he came in second in a field of five candidates.  He was in a run-off election with Mr. Fred Fisher, the current county clerk.  In September, 1937, my father won the run-off election by 451 votes.  On January 1, 1938 he took over an office that had two female employees, and hardly any office equipment, save for a few old Underwood and Royal typewriters.

During most of my father’s career as the county clerk, he made a rather small salary which was dependable, unlike the contracting business which was irregular and undependable.  By that time my mother, Alice, had established herself as a beautician working in a local beauty shop. Their combined income was enough to get them by, and to save a little for those “rainy days” ahead.

One needs to remember that in those days there were no Xerox machines, no Fax machines, or computers.  All documents to be filed with the county clerk were hand typed by employees on very old typewriters.  Copies of deeds, or other documents, were typed by an employee and certified as a true copy by my father.  The books used to keep the records were very large, and required special book holders to keep them upright.  The pages could be removed so as to be placed in a typewriter and added to as additional documents were filed.

My father was very helpful to the citizens of the county.  He assisted them in filling out government forms, and all kinds of other documents, not because it was a part of his job, but because he wanted to help them.  I can remember his complaining about the federal government forms – they were usually too wide, or too long, or otherwise did not fit in the old typewriters in his office.

Dad was elected to the County Clerk’s office over and over again, usually by large numbers.  He was elected for eight two-year terms, and seven four-year terms.  Finally, in 1977, when he was around 72 years of age, he decided to retire from the office.  He had two more years left on his term, but encouraged the County Commissioners to appoint his nephew, Larry Woods, to fill out the remainder of his term, which they did.

I asked Dad once why he decided to retire, undefeated, before his term ended.  He explained that he sat down and calculated his Social Security income, in addition to his county retirement, and discovered it was costing him $50.00 each month to work.  It is difficult to argue with such reasoning.

Dad retired, and began his painting and paperhanging career again, though somewhat limited due to his age.  In October of 1991 he died of congestive heart failure at the age of 84.  He still holds the record for the longest tenured County Clerk in San Augustine County history. Apparently I did not inherit his desire to be involved in politics.
 

“THE CANDIDATE”

BY: NEAL MURPHY

P.O. BOX 511
SAN AUGUSTINE, TEXAS 75972
936-275-9033
Cell 936-275-6986

698 WORDS

Drum Major auditions were held virtually during the week of May 4-8. The following gentlemen were selected to lead the 2020 – 2021 Timpson High School Bear Band:

Head Drum Major is Carter Ramsey.

Carter will be a junior and plays the tuba/percussion. He is the son of James & Summer Ramsey. His grandparents are Larry & Kathy Ramsey and Wayne & Teresa Murdick. His great grandparents are Bobby & Iris Bailey and Jackie Ramsey.

Assistant Drum Major is Jayden Windham.

Jayden will be a sophomore and plays the tuba. He is the son of Michael and Sarah Windham. His grandparents are Eileen Randall, Tim & Sabrina Randall, and David & Rebecca Windham.

Twirler tryouts were held on March 13^th in the Timpson Gymnasium. The following ladies were selected for the 2020 – 2021 Middle School (MS) and High School (HS) majorette lines:  Chloe Nix (MS), Remi Newman (MS), Bella Alford (HS), Lexie Billingsley (HS), Kaitlyn Crockett (HS), Giselle Manzano (HS), Mackenzie Parks (HS), Kallie Solomon (HS), and Mckenley Wynn (HS).

Head Twirler is Kaitlyn Crockett.

Kaitlyn will be a sophomore french horn/trumpet player and is the daughter of Michelle Crockett and Paul Barnes. Her grandparents are Mary Hinojosa, Tony Hinojosa, Jennifer Hinojosa, and Suzzane Crockett.

Congratulations to all students, and good luck in the 2020 – 2021 season.

ATTENTION ALL BEAR BAND MEMBERS: Instrument returns for summer repairs and maintenance for all Timpson ISD bands will be on Friday, May 15 from 11am – 1pm.  You must remain in your car during the return process. If you would like to schedule another time to return instruments, please leave a message on the band hall phone (936)558-4209 and a director will contact you.

Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison and Shelby County Office of Emergency Management would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the following businesses and entities that so generously gave of their time and resources during the mobile drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinics. 

Your willingness to help out reminds us again of how thankful we are to be serving this community. 

• First United Pentecostal Church-Bro & Mrs. Andy Wilson

• Texas Farm Bureau-David Hailey

• Texas Department of Public Safety

• McDonald’s

• Pizza Hut

• Shelby County Cookers

• Munchies-Phil Hennigan

We would also like to thank all the local media outlets for getting the word out on such short notice to promote the clinics. 

CBC Radio

East Texas Press

Shelby County Today

The Light and Champion

Payne's Community News

Panola College had to cancel its 85^th Commencement, which was planned for Thursday, May 7, because of COVID-19 and the social distancing rules in place. Spring Commencement recognizes 359 degree and certificate candidates.

“Under normal circumstances, we would see over 220 of those candidates walk across the stage to receive their diplomas with friends and family in the audience,” said Greg Powell, Panola College President. “While we can’t hold the ceremony this spring, we want to honor these students for their hard work and their success during difficult times.”

At the conclusion of the semester, the list of honor graduates will be released and published. Those students are being highlighted in posts on the Panola College Instagram site.

The 2020 Spring graduates include:

First Name, Last Name, City, St

Chad Adams, Carthage

Shellie Adams, Waskom

Tommy Adams, Carthage

Lanee Adkins, Longview

Klayton Adkison, Carthage

Leslie Ady, Nacogdoches

Austin Akridge, Center

Mauricio Alejaldre-Robles, Carthage

Jade Allen, Longview

Macalan Amick, Tatum

Latoya Anderson, Mount Enterprise

London Andrews, Beckville

Juan Apolonio, Center

Hislander Arellano, Carthage

Jonathan Ariza, Center

Kayce Armstrong, Carthage

Rachael Arnold, Shreveport, La

Gabriela Arroyo, Marshall

Kaden Arvello, Center

Savanna Ashley, Harleton

Daryna Bachkarova, Mogilev,

Tara Ballard, Nacogdoches

Jamie Barrett, Marshall

Jose Barrueta, Center

Bailey Barton, Timpson

Rachel Baugher, Tatum

Yolanda Baxter, Nacogdoches

Corey Bearden, Shelbyville

Danielle Beck, Lufkin

Brylee Behrens, Timpson

Latrice Bell, Shreveport, La

Nathaniel Bergeron, Tenaha

Ashlynd Berns, Carthage

Christian Berry, Timpson

Hayden Bixby, Tatum

Makayla Blackburn, Longview

Christopher Blackmon, Carthage

Lani Blohm, Marshall

Bradley Boatman, Garrison

Laiton Braddock, Timpson

Amber Bragg, San Augustine

Taylor Bragg, Shelbyville

Angelica Bravo Rivera, Waskom

Samuel Brazzel, Joaquin

Demetre Brewster, Marshall

Jaxon Brittain, Center

Brooke Brown, Marshall

Denecia Brown, Carthage

Kamari Brown, Tallahassee, Fl

Krystal Brown, San Augustine

Krystle Brown, Tyler

Madison Brown, Center

Meosha Brown, Carthage

Quanterrius Brown, Carthage

Lindsey Bryan, San Augustine

Jose Bueno, Center

Kaide Bullock, Carthage

Jessica Burns, Marshall

Maisie Burns, Joaquin

Sarai Burran, Carthage

Kimberly Cadena, Longview

Tikia Caldwell, Nacogdoches

Ashley Camp, Center

Jalee Campbell, Center

Kacie Caserta, Beckville

Chelbi Cates, Nacogdoches

Travis Chapman, Woodville

Elizabeth Chavez-Gomez, Center

Madison Christopher, Nacogdoches

Brianna Clamp, Garrison

Jessica Coats, Henderson

Bryce Cockrell, Center

Tiara Colbert, Texarkana

Keith Coleman, Carthage

Misty Coleman, Beckville

Christopher Coley, Plano

Christian Connell, Waskom

Jacob Cook, Garrison

Christy Corliss, Carthage

Jacob Corpus, Timpson

Nash Coultas, Carthage

Kaleb Crafts, Joaquin

Bethany Crowe, Kennard

Baylee Daehn, Sulphur Springs

Laporsia Davis, Longview

Laronica Davis, Marshall

Madison Davis, Carthage

Maison Davis, Kilgore

Jeremy Dean, Beckville

William Denison, Waskom

Mckenzie Dimery, College Station

Zakeri Dingler, Garrison

Britnie Dixon, Beckville

Cole Dixon, Gary

Ashlee Downing, Garrison

Jermaine Drewey, Houston

Collin Durham, Tyler

Amber Dyson, Carthage

Shelton Earl, Timpson

Amy Early, Marshall

Alricka Edwards, Shreveport, La

Dawson Eells, Hemphill

Lucy Eke, Carthage

Minerva Elizondo, Henderson

Max Emanis, Shelbyville

Yolanda Escobedo, Marshall

Samantha Espinosa, Center

Amanda Evans, Tenaha

Ashley Evans, Carthage

Martha Fajardo, Harleton

Alicja Falkowska, Kosow Lacki,

Bryce Farmer, Carthage

Lacey Felder, Center

Charles Felix, Carthage

Darbie Fenton, Mcallen

Cheyenne Finley, Cushing

Victoria Fischer, Carthage

Melissa Flakes, Lufkin

Kenaiya Fleets, Deberry

Alan Flores, Tenaha

Francisco Flores, Timpson

Kaytlin Ford, Pineland

Mitchell Fountain, Center

Abigail Garcia, Carthage

Pedroangel Garcia, Carthage

Abel Garduno, Gary

Melissa Garth, Hallsville

Hunter Gates, Joaquin

Allena George, Carthage

Kaitlynn George, Sulphur Springs

Lashaunda George, Carthage

Shamry George, Joaquin

Kesiah Giles, Tenaha

Daniel Gillis, Center

Ryan Golden, Center

Garrett Golliher, Stoutland, Mo

Luz Gomez, Center

Justin Gonzales, Point

Carlos Gonzalez Hernandez, Center

Savannah Green, Center

Brittany Gregory, Milam

Chavis Gregory, Center

Kaci Griffin, Center

Sydnee Griffin, Carthage

Morgan Grigsby, Marshall

Cheryl Grubbs, Longview

Sharmetria Hall, Carthage

Krysta Hammock, Carthage

Emily Hannah, Nacogdoches

Candace Harkness, Nacogdoches

Maggie, Harkness, Center

Chase Harper, Deberry

Antawon Harris, Tenaha

Rayvene Harris, Longview

Timothy Harsh, Carthage

Laci Hartley, Beckville

Jenny Harvey, Center

Kristina Head, Deberry

Elizabeth,Hernandez, Tenaha

Esther Hernandez, Carthage

Hernan Hernandez, Tenaha

Monica Hernandez, Marshall

Jamarian Hill, Center

Hampton Holcomb, Carthage

Joyia Holden, Shreveport, La

Casey Holladay, Marshall

Michael Hooten, Kilgore

Sarah Howard, Shreveport, La

Constance Hudson, Hallsville

Tristin Hughes, Brookeland

Andre Hunter, Joaquin

Jaydon Jacks, Carthage

Kelsea Jackson, Karnack

Tomika Jackson, Longview

Quindon Jefferson-Bowers, Marshall

Hannah Johnson, Carthage

Kacia Johnson, Kilgore

Keith Johnson, Carthage

Markita Johnson, Marshall

Victoria Johnson, Garrison

Amber Jones, Mount Enterprise

Clayton Jones, San Augustine

Hannah Jones, Timpson

Kayla Jordan, Keatchie, La

Melissa Jordan, Henderson

Edgar Juarez, Carthage

Angel Kammer, Kennard

Donnell Keggler, Timpson

Bryan Kelley, Center

Jerrel Kelly, Sumter, Sc

Levi Kerlick, Carthage

Zachary Kruebbe, Carthage

Devon Lampley, Tenaha

Trevor Lampley, Tenaha

Johnathan Landreneaux, Carthage

Raul Lara, Center

Keri Leadon, Henderson

Haley Leblanc, Center

Erica Lee, Center

Lindsey Leslie, Hallsville

Trey Lindsay, Beckville

Holly Lopez, Marshall

Jessica Luna, Joaquin

Milagros Luna, Joaquin

Marissa Macias, Center

Katherine Mackenzie, Grand Prairie

Laura Malone, Lufkin

Alison Maloney, Marshall

Penny Mann, Marshall

Jillian Martin, Gary

Erasmo Martinez, Timpson

Jacob Martinez, Tenaha

Katelyn Martinez, Tenaha

Wilmer Martinez, Deberry

Erin McCracken, Marshall

Tamiko McGee, Center

Ashley, McGriff, Jefferson

Valerie McLaughlin, Carthage

Katelynn McWhorter, Marshall

Jolene Meisinger, Ore City

Maria Mejia, Mount Enterprise

Abigail Mendez, Center

Brenda Mendez, Waskom

Jose Mendoza, Tenaha

Miguel Mendoza, Tenaha

Kinsley Middlebrooks, Tyler

Varshey Miles, Marshall

Christian Miller, Carthage

Taylor Mills, Carthage

Briana Montalvo, Marshall

Desiree Moon, Longview

Chuck Moore, Carthage

Rachel Moore, Marshall

Paola Morales, Center

Martha Moreno, Marshall

Britney Morris, Marshall

Zachary Mosier, Beckville

Briley Murray, Nacogdoches

Maria Navarro, Center

Kenna Naylor, Carthage

Lorrie Neal, Tatum

Derrick Noel, Carthage

Keiler Norman, Carthage

Mckayla North, Deberry

Chailey Norton, Mount Enterprise

Eder Nunez, Center

Railey Oates, Lufkin

Armond,Odom, Gary

Elizabeth Offer, Bethany, La

Monica Olalde, Center

Alyssa Oliver, Mount Enterprise

Mariela Oviedo, Marshall

Meagan Owens, Center

Tatiana Page, Nacogdoches

Mally-Catherine, Parker, Stonewall, La

Abigail Parrish, Nacogdoches

Tanner Partee, Marshall

Shikella Patton, Center

Tachala,Pauley, Longview

Kelyn Pennie, Grand Prairie

Billie Phillips, Carthage

Torey Phillips, Avinger

Tiffani-Amber, Pinson, Carthage

Jacob Pleasant, Nacogdoches

Dustin Pledger, Timpson

Kamryn Powell, Diana

Rachel Powell, Center

Tavanna Prince, Mesquite

Jeremy Puckett, Shreveport, La

Dylan Puffer, Carthage

Daniel Quetzala, Garrison

Karla Raines, Beckville

Kellymar Ramirez, Caracas

Lauren Ramsey, Logansport, La

Tanner Ransom, Gary

Caniya,Reed, Tenaha

Patience Reese, Longview

Shonnyvelle Regalado, Brooklyn, Ny

Xander Reid, Henderson

Courtney Rhodes, Center

Cayla Risinger, Center

Stormie Rivers, Marshall

Caehlen Roberts, Carthage

Kenisha Rodgers, Dallas

Ana Rodriguez, Joaquin

Jennifer Rodriguez, Gary

Yadira Rojas, San Augustine

Taylor Roth, Timpson

Zachary Runnels, Center

Lizbeth Salgado, Marshall

Gaybrielle Salone, Carthage

Paulina Samford, Carthage

Daniela Sandiego, Center

Emily Sanford, Hallsville

Selena Santamaria, Tenaha

Toree Scott, Athens

Christopher Scroggins, Hemphill

Nicholas Sewell, Dallas

Joe Shanley, Marshall

Dominick Shortridge, Beckville

Payton Sirmans, Marshall

Sarah Slade, Scottsville

Allison Smith, Carthage

De'asha Smith, Shreveport, La

Jessica Smith, Mount Enterprise

Kisma Smith, Marshall

Kyle Smith, Henderson

Lionette Smith, Carthage

Kalli Sonmor, Center

Ryan Stamps, Timpson

Cameron Stansbury, Groves

Jeffrey Stephens, Carthage

Tyler Stokes, Garrison

Tori Stoute, Deberry

Mary Straughan, Loranger, La

Victor Tapia, Waskom

Haley Taylor, Joaquin

Hannah Taylor, Carthage

Brittney Thomas, Joaquin

Zachary Thomas, Marshall

Abbey Thompson, White Oak

Ciera Thompson, Jefferson

Shelby Thompson, Deberry

Jason Tillman, Beckville

Andi Tomplait, Sour Lake

Jose Torres, Tenaha

Brandon Tyler, Nacogdoches

Rosalba Valdez, Tenaha

Cesar Valles, Carthage

Kalie Vaughn, Center

Karen Verdin, Henderson

Collin Vickers, Joaquin

Sandra Wade, Longview

William Wall, Nacogdoches

Alexus Wallace, Timpson

Kayla Wallace, Marshall

Kristen Wallace, Carthage

Rebecca Weatherford, Henderson

Madison Weems, Carthage

Brittany Whitsett, Carthage

Jaren Whitton, Etoile

Ashley Wilke, Mount Enterprise

Tray Wilkerson, Joaquin

Doris Willess, Center

Ashlee Williams, Chandler

Demetric Williams, Carthage

Hannah Williams, Gary

Jada Williams, Center

Bailey Williford, Carthage

Andrew Wilson, Center

Hannah Wink, Carthage

Allyson Woodworth, Deberry

Hailey Woodworth, Deberry

Ashlynn Wynn, Deberry

Sarah Yarborough, Timpson

Sascha Young, San Augustine

Anaicia Zamora, Center

Crystal Zepher, Waskom

Catalina Zoyoquila, Mount Enterprise

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana, in addition to information from county officials. Here are the COVID-19 counts.  

DeSoto Parish 207

Nacogdoches County 202

Panola County 139

Shelby County 147

San Augustine County 21

WASHINGTON – Several health centers in East Texas were awarded a total of $2,749,198 in another round of federal grants to help expand the range of testing and testing-related activities with respect to the novel coronavirus, U.S. Senator John Cornyn announced today. The funding, which was appropriated by Congress last month, comes through the Department of Health and Human Services. You can read more about these grants here.

“In order to most effectively combat the spread of this dangerous virus in Texas, our health centers must be equipped to test for COVID-19 efficiently,” said Sen. Cornyn.  “I’m thankful to the Trump Administration for further expanding access to testing in East Texas.”

It is with great pleasure that Joaquin High School announces this year’s Salutatorian, Abigail Grace Hooper.  Abigail is the daughter of Jody and Whitney Hooper.  After high school she plans to attend Texas A&M  University to pursue her career goals.  Congratulations Abigail!  

It is with great pleasure that Joaquin High School announces this year’s Valedictorian, Elizabeth Araiza.  Elizabeth is the daughter of Jose Angel Araiza and Victoria Araiza.  After high school she plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University to pursue her career goals.  Congratulations Elizabeth!

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Classrooms at the Stephen F. Austin State University Charter School are frozen in time. Incomplete drawings and books with marked pages rest in students’ cubbies.

“When we said goodbye for spring break, my students and I didn’t get a chance to savor the moment because we thought we would be right back,” said Alyssa Landreneaux, a fifth-grade teacher at the school.

Since March 16, the Monday after spring break in Nacogdoches, SFA Charter School’s 250 students in kindergarten through fifth grade have been sheltering in place at home with their families due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a teacher, your instinct is to be in the classroom learning with students each and every day,” said Madison Taylor, a first-grade teacher at the school. “The loss of this time together is hard to grasp, not just for the loss of in-person academic learning but also for the time and relationships between students.” 

Lysa Hagan, principal and chief executive officer of the charter school, said the empty hallways and classrooms in the Janice A. Pattillo Early Childhood Research Center initially made her sad.

“Then it came to me that I knew exactly where to find everyone; the children and teachers were just in a different place,” she said. “I simply opened Seesaw, and there they all were laughing, talking and learning with one another.”

When schools around the state closed, the more than 30 SFA Charter School teachers sprang into action to provide high-quality online instruction through a remote learning platform called Seesaw.

Teachers use this platform to post videos of themselves teaching lessons and giving instructions for student work. In return, students can record themselves completing their work verbally or submit written answers. Then teachers assess student work and provide feedback to each student all within the same online area.

“Although all the teachers are using the Seesaw platform, each class is unique,” said Natalie Cardenas, SFA Charter School academic coordinator. “We are still able to assess each student’s needs, differentiate lessons for them and continue with the curriculum we have always used.”

Landreneaux said SFA Charter School teachers in the upper grade levels were already familiar with Seesaw and guided the other teachers in transitioning online. In the span of a few faculty meetings, expectations for learning were set, and a tentative curriculum calendar was established. In just days, many classrooms were up and running, and students were logging in and enjoying the lessons.

“Teacher instruction and learner response have been amazing!” Hagan said. “When everything else seemed uncertain in our world, school was the normal our students could count on.”

Following Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards, the teachers prioritized math and reading lessons and integrated science, writing and social studies curriculum throughout those lessons. Also, just as they would in their physical classrooms, teachers responded to individual student needs by modifying lessons and providing extensions. 

“Our exceptional teachers are so grounded in our constructivist philosophy of learning that the how and what to teach were not even a discussion,” Hagan said. “We simply had to support one another to make the curriculum fit into the online platforms we had available. The instruction teachers are providing online is exactly like what the children experience in the face-to-face classroom.”

SFA students working toward teaching certificates also have successfully participated in the charter school’s online instruction.

“Our teacher candidates are still providing TEKS-based lessons following the same structure as when they were live in the classroom. They teach, assess and reteach just like before,” Hagan said.

Physical education, art and music lessons are posted each week to promote physical and creative growth, and students can choose which day of the week they want to complete these. 

“Some teachers post fun how-to videos, such as how to catch a mudbug at the creek or bake a coconut meringue pie,” Landreneaux added. “Our goal is to have 100% student participation schoolwide, so teachers are working hard to keep the learning engaging.”

Students have taken advantage of the online platform to respond to their lessons in new ways.

“The creativity students are able to express through the different modes of communication on Seesaw have allowed for their thoughts to shine,” Taylor said. “The option to type, write, voice record or even video themselves has opened up a line of communication for students to express their thoughts on the learning in an interactive and engaging way.”

Landreneaux believes teachers will continue to use Seesaw even after the school reopens to provide more opportunities for differentiation, small group learning and at-home enrichment now that families are familiar with the platform.

In addition to Seesaw, charter school teachers are using their workshop approach via Zoom to continue fostering classroom communities and help students maintain their relationships with each other through real-time instruction. Zoom activities include book groups, small-group specific skill instruction, whole-group community meetings and large blocks of independent work time during which teachers give individual students feedback.

“Seeing the joy that lights up students’ faces when they see a classmate on the screen or begin to understand something more clearly through a small group lesson is something that every teacher is living for in our time online,” Taylor said. 

Without the leadership of SFA Charter School administrators and her fellow teachers, Taylor said her online lessons would not be as successful.

“Something that is so amazing about the SFA Charter School family is that we are just that, a family — a family who works together, supports each other and encourages each member,” Taylor said. 

Students’ parents and caregivers are a big part of the charter school family, too. They have been the teachers’ biggest allies throughout the online learning transition, according to Taylor.

“They are truly a partner in this process. Their support and involvement in the online lessons and activities have played a huge role in the learning of their children,” she said. “Not only are they an outstanding component of at-home learning, but the support and words of encouragement they have expressed for their teachers are appreciated more than they know.”

Landreneaux said the parents are working just as hard as the teachers. “They’re asking questions and making suggestions for improvement.”

Hagan added, “Our parents had to be the information technology department for a while. As students became more fluent with the learning technology, I think parent anxiety tremendously decreased.”

She said a grandmother of two charter school students shares her home-schooling experiences through Instagram posts.

“The learning appears to be exceptional under her watch,” Hagan said. “I am certain this is going on in many homes.”

Though this new online teaching and learning format has been successful in many ways, it still presents challenges, Cardenas said.

Some SFA Charter School families do not have internet access, so they must pick up a packet of materials every Monday when they return the student’s work from the previous week.

“Determining which children have access to technology and which need a paper packet for the week has been one obstacle,” Cardenas said.

So far, less than 5% of the students have needed or chosen the packets, and they receive real-time feedback from their teachers through phone calls.

Accountability also has been a challenge.

“Holding students and families accountable in a time like this is difficult,” Cardenas said. “Every family has a different situation, and expecting them to fulfill their own everyday needs and assist with their child’s lessons can be tough. Parents are doing their best.”

Despite these challenges, charter school teachers have been able to gather the data needed to provide progress reports for each child. 

As the end of the school year draws closer, Landreneaux’s biggest concern is that her fifth-grade students won’t get to experience the customary charter school send-offs before they head into middle school.

“There will be no fifth-grade talent show or celebratory pool party,” she said. “I won’t get the chance to read one more book to them on the rug or hug them as they walk across the stage in our traditional graduation ceremony. Virtual learning just can’t replace these personal moments.”

The charter school is hoping to provide some closure to the 2019-20 academic school year by holding two graduation vehicle parades — one for the kindergarteners and one for the fifth graders — featuring mortarboards and tassels. These parades will celebrate students’ achievements on the last day of school in the ECRC parking lot. 

Taylor also feels the loss of in-person moments, but she, Cardenas, Hagan, Landreneaux and the rest of the SFA Charter School family are making the best of the current situation and looking toward the future. 

“Children are resilient, and they are learners,” Taylor said. “I know with the hard work of our teachers, the support from families and the love of learning from Junior Jacks, we will start out next year just as positively as we leave this one.”

Cutline: A student at the Stephen F. Austin State University Charter School views an online lesson via the Seesaw remote learning platform while at home after schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers at the school have worked hard to ensure high-quality instruction and opportunites for students to help maintain relationships with each other through online lessons and community building.

As the spring semester comes to a unique end at Panola College, the College is already making plans to carefully resume face-to-face instruction on August 19. 

“The health and safety of Panola College students, faculty, and staff is always our first priority,” said Dr. Greg Powell, Panola College president. “We want our students to enjoy the full college experience including face-to-face classes, sports, fine art events, and living on-campus. Our re-opening committee is working hard on ways to do this safely.”

Panola College plans to reopen all locations to the public on June 15th following social distancing guidelines. The College will remain working remotely on Fridays throughout the summer to allow for deep cleaning each week. Most courses this summer will be held strictly online with the exception of a few courses that require hands-on experiences, such as cosmetology.

Cosmetology services will remain closed to the public throughout the summer and all summer camps have been canceled including Kids College and athletic camps. Financial aid and student advising appointments are still encouraged to take place by phone and email whenever possible.
“Despite our plan to return to normal operations this fall, no one knows how the pandemic will progress through summer and into the fall, but our committee is preparing plans for multiple scenarios,” stated Dr. Powell

“We know that being flexible will be important as the situation continues to evolve. It is our intention to balance a safe and healthy campus while maintaining a great college experience for our students. We miss the energy our students bring to Panola College and look forward to its return this fall.”

The College will be reviewing the spring semester transition to online instruction and how the process could be improved in the future. Instructors will receive additional distance learning training and will be prepared to move online should another outbreak occur this fall.

Additional safety measures listed below will be put in place to help the College reopening:
•    Face-to-face classes size will be smaller and more courses will be in a hybrid format this fall.
•    Hand sanitizing and disinfectant wipe stations are being placed in high traffic areas throughout all buildings.
•    Plexi glass shields are being installed between students and staff at many locations.
•    Students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus are encouraged to wear a face mask per CDC guidelines. 
•    Campus signage is being placed around campus to promote CDC guidelines, including wearing a mask, social distancing, washing your hands, and covering your cough.
•    A hygiene package will be given to all students, faculty, and staff which will include a face mask, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes at the beginning of the fall semester.
•    Faculty and staff will be asked to complete a health screening.
•    The entire college will be sanitizing on a nightly basis.
•    Protocols are also being put into place should a student or employee test positive for COVID-19. 

Safety precautions and protocols will be further developed and refined over the summer as the College closely monitors the situation and will follow the guidance from federal, state, and local health officials. More information may be found at https://www.panola.edu/public-relations/coronavirus.
 

The Shelby County Appraisal District will mail appraisal notices on May 15^th. Your city, county, school district and other local taxing units will use the appraisal district’s value to set your 2020 property tax rates.

Under Texas law, county appraisal districts are required to notify property owners about changes in their property’s value. The notice contains important information about the property’s location, its ownership and property tax exemptions that have been applied to the property.  It will also include an estimate of the taxes by local taxing units if your property value increased in the last year.

In the past, the appraisal district has mailed notices to all property owners.  This year, as the law requires, they will only mail a notice if there is an increase of value of $500 or more and to anyone who has filed a rendition for either real or business personal property.  If you do not receive a notice, you may go to the appraisal district’s website at shelbycad.com and search the appraisal district records for your property.  The current year’s appraised values will be posted on May 15^th.

Property owners who disagree with the appraised value of their property, the exemptions or any other action by the appraisal district have the right to appeal to the Shelby County Appraisal Review Board (ARB) even if they do not receive an appraisal notice. The ARB is an independent panel of citizens responsible for hearing and settling property owner protests. The notice of appraised value includes instructions on how and when to file a protest, a protest form, and the Comptroller’s Property Taxpayer Remedies of which will also be available on the appraisal district’s website.  The deadline for filing a protest with the ARB is June 15^th.

The Comptroller’s publication, Property Taxpayer Remedies, explains in detail how to protest your property appraisal, what issues the ARB can consider and what to expect during a protest hearing. The publication also discusses the option of taking your case to district court, the State Office of Administrative Hearings or binding arbitration if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your ARB hearing.

Property Taxpayer Remedies is available on the Shelby County Appraisal District’s website at shelbycad.com or by calling (936) 598-6171.  The publication is also available on the Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance Division’s website at

comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/.

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana, in addition to information from San Augustine Judge Jeff Boyd here are the updated COVID-19 counts.

DeSoto Parish 205

Nacogdoches County 189

Panola County 136

Shelby County 147

San Augustine County 21

Shelby County Office of Emergency Management was notified by Texas Dept. of State Health Services (DSHS) on May 5th of 3 more positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 and on May 6^th DSHS reported 13 more positive cases bringing the total cumulative case count for Shelby County to 147.

Also on May 5^th, DSHS reported 4 cases recovered and on May 6^th, 7 more cases were reported as recovered bringing the total of recovered cases to 31.

The number of cumulative cases include all confirmed cases, recovered cases, and deaths.

Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages:

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                AGES:          DEATHS: 

75935…104                              1-20…..6               

75974…16                              21-40....44

75975…13                              41-60…58                1

75973…9                                61-80…31                1

75954…5                                81-100...5

                                             Unknown...3

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received $5.8 million in federal funding to provide crisis counseling services to Texans who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Immediate Services Crisis Counseling and Training Program. 

"I thank our partners at FEMA for providing this important funding to help Texans across the state," said Governor Abbott. "As Texas continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working to provide Texans with access to the mental and emotional support resources they need." 

The grant allows 31 local mental health and behavioral health authorities (LMHAs/LBHAs) to connect Texans to short-term crisis counseling services that include reducing stress and providing emotional support, assisting survivors in reviewing their disaster recovery options, promoting the use or development of healthy coping strategies, connecting survivors with appropriate people and agencies that can help them, and referrals to other disaster recovery programs.

LMHA/LBHAs also collaborate with schools, shelters, nursing homes, emergency responders, healthcare providers, as well as local, state, and federal partners to reach those in need. Crisis counseling teams will work with individuals, groups, and organizations to provide educational materials, information, crisis counseling services, and referrals to local resources to assist individual needs. The grant is expected to help more than 260,000 people across the state.

For additional resources visit the Mental Health & Substance Use Resources web page. Texas residents can dial 2-1-1 to learn about programs and services.

Governor Greg Abbott and the OneStar Foundation announced the Texas COVID Relief Fund, which will provide critical funding and resources to organizations across the state working on the ground to support the economic recovery of local communities. Funds raised will be distributed through grants focused on the areas of community and economic development, healthcare, and education. Funds will also be used to support local priorities and organizations serving the unmet needs of vulnerable populations and underserved communities.

"There is nothing more powerful than Texans helping Texans, and the Texas COVID Relief Fund is another way we can come together to support those in need and help our communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Governor Abbott. "I thank the OneStar Foundation and their partners for their commitment to helping Texans through these trying times. By coming together and supporting one another, we will overcome this challenge." 

"Communities across Texas are stepping up to meet the needs of everyday Texans in heroic ways,” said Chris Bugbee, President and CEO of OneStar Foundation.  “We are grateful for Governor Abbott’s leadership in providing the Texas COVID Relief Fund as a resource to embolden efforts across the state to meet the needs of our neighbors impacted by the pandemic.”

For more information on the Texas COVID Relief Fund or to make a donation, visit the OneStar Foundation website. 

OneStar Foundation was created to support the State of Texas by strengthening the nonprofit sector, encouraging civic engagement through service and volunteering, promoting innovative strategies to address local issues and facilitating public-private partnerships to expand the reach of nonprofits. During times of disaster, OneStar Foundation is designated by the Governor to raise and distribute funds to eligible organizations working on the ground to support the economic recovery of Texas communities devastated by disasters.

NACOGDOCHES,TX (May 6, 2020). Around 7:10 p.m. on May 6th 2020 Officers with the Nacogdoches Police Department along with deputies from the Nacogdoches Sheriff's Office and Texas Game Wardens responded to a report of a boating accident on the west side of Lake Nacogdoches involving a 10 year old victim. The victim was transported by EMS to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital and later life flighted to a Fort Worth area hospital.

During the course of the investigation by the Texas Game Wardens and area Law Enforcement Personnel it was determined that an operator of a  Jet Ski had struck the child near the bank and then fled the scene. Law Enforcement personnel later located the jet ski that was abandoned on the west side of the lake. No arrests have been made at this time.  

This is an ongoing investigation by the Texas Game Wardens.  
 

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana, in addition to information from San Augustine Judge Jeff Boyd here are the updated COVID-19 counts.

DeSoto Parish 202

Nacogdoches County 189

Panola County 136

Shelby County 131

San Augustine County 21

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – For East Texas students who look forward to participating in the Art Academy each summer at Stephen F. Austin State University, news that the current COVID-19 pandemic had forced the academy’s cancellation this year was disappointing.

But, to fill that void, SFA art education students put their talents to work creating art instruction videos that highlight art and cultural and historical art traditions.

Several videos were created immediately following spring break to launch the series of tutorials, and new ones are continuously being added as an alternative to the School of Art’s summer academy. Many of the tutorials require materials that can commonly be found around the house or easily obtained.

To access the art lessons, visit the YouTube channel: SFA Art Education Home Art Lessons.

Academic All-State:

Tyler Herndon - 1st Team Academic All-State Baseball
Zaccharrias Smith - Honorable Mention Academic All-State Baseball.

Roughrider Radio Honors Senior Baseball on KQBB Friday

All high schools everywhere lost their spring seasons in competitive athletics, music, and academics.  Fans, coaches, players, and especially senior players missed out on the thrill that competition brings.

The Roughrider Radio Team missed being a part of the spring as well.  So as a tribute to senior baseball players, the Radio Team will present "The Bottom of the 7th," a single half-inning of baseball as it might have been.  It will feature "an amazing comeback performance" by the Roughriders, led by the team's seniors.  It will include play-by-play action as well as a postgame show.

Join us as we honor our senior athletes this Friday night at 8:20--the military time equivalent to 20:20.  Stephen Shires and Chris Watlington will be on the call along with Coach Alex Davis for Coach Talk and an interview with our player of the game.  Find it at KQBB 100.5 fm.

Next week, same time, we hope to bring another "Bottom of the 7th" featuring our senior softball players.

VFW Post 8904 and the Auxiliary feel it is still not safe for gatherings so we will not have a formal V E Day Program as in past years.  Attached is what we would have handed out with the 65 names of Shelby County Veterans who died in the European Theater.  

According to Joaquin Mayor Bill Baker, the Joaquin Farmers Market will open up beging on May 15th, 2020, and will be open every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. There is elecricity and it is free for all vendors.

For more information contact the City of Joaquin at: 936-269-3021.

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Shelbyville Independent School District will be held on Monday, May 11, 2020, beginning at 12:00 noon, in the Cafetorium of the Shelbyville Independent School District at 5322 St. Hwy 87 South, Shelbyville, Texas.

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

1.    Call to order
2.    Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3.    Open forum
4.    Action Related to Trustee Election 2020
a.    Issue Certificate of Election to Newly Elected Officers
b.    Administer Statement of Elected Officer to Newly Elected Officers
c.    Administer Oath of Office to Newly Elected Officers
d.    Reorganization of Board of Trustees
1.    Elect president 
2.    Elect vice-president
3.    Elect secretary
5.    Consent agenda 
a.    Minutes of the April 14, 2020 meeting of the board
b.    Monthly financial reports
6.    Consider for approval
a.    Board Meeting Times
b.    Transfer and PK Tuition
7.    Principal’s/Director’s Reports
a.    Campus events
b.    Recognition of Staff and/or Students
8.    Superintendent’s Reports
a.    Teacher Appreciation Week
b.    Facilities Update
c.    Articles of Interest
d.    General Updates
9.    Executive Session
a.    Resignations/Employment
b.    Personnel
10.     Adjournment
 

May 6th COVID-19 update:

San Augustine County now has 21 positive cases. The Angelina Health District contacted me late yesterday with this update. 9 of these folks have completed the Quarantine time and have been cleared. We still have 2 (that I’m aware of) in the hospital.

Governor Abbott said yesterday that hair, nail, and tanning salons can reopen Friday May 8th . Each salon should have limits on the number of people and disinfect areas often. Social distancing is required and face covering is recommended. I think most salons will practice smart and safe measures.

Please continue to social distance, use face covering and wash your hands frequently. I’m not as confident as the Governor that the worst is behind us. We still need to help protect each other, especially our family and friends that have health issues or are 65 and older.

Thanks to all the “ essential “ workers who have kept us going. We appreciate you!

Take care and God Bless,

Jeff Boyd

San Augustine County Judge

The Joaquin ISD track will be open for public use as of today (05/06/20). Please make sure to use the COVID-19 social distancing protocol if you choose to use the facility. 

Submitted by: Ryan Fuller, Superintendent, Joaquin ISD

Joaquin ISD Lady Ram athletic equipment drop off/pick up will be in the Joaquin ISD bus lane from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 8th. Please return all uniforms, workout gear and any other Lady Ram issued apparel/equipment at that time. You will also have access to clean out your locker and take any personal items that may have been left at the time of school closure. 

Submitted by: Steven McCann, Joaquin ISD Women's Athletic Director     

Beginning Thursday, May7,  Oncor Electric Delivery and Higher Power Electrical LLC will begin removing existing overhead electric lines that cross US 59 South and the southwest area of SL 224. There will be nine locations of work throughout the day that will result in traffic stops and delays of about 15 minutes at each stop. Work is expected to be completed in one extended work day. This work was originally scheduled last week, but was rescheduled because of demands on Oncor due to weather conditions.

The rolling stops will begin on US 59 South at Old Lufkin Road and work north toward SL 224, continuing around the loop until work is completed. This work is in association with the ongoing TxDOT construction project designed to construct new main lanes of travel along US 59/SL 224.

There will be traffic control provided at each location to assist in stopping traffic so that electric lines can be safely installed or removed. Motorists should prepare for delays and never attempt to drive through or around a work zone or closure.

Panola College will began accepting applications for the CARES Act Student Relief Fund grants on April 27, 2020. These grants will provide direct financial support to students impacted by the coronavirus and COVID-19. The application will remain open until May 22, 2020. Funds will be dispersed after the application has closed and applicants have been verified. This will take place in June 2020. Grant amounts will be determined at that time.

TO APPLY CLICK HERE:

Funded by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the grants will be awarded to students to help cover for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus including technology, housing, utilities, food and other expenses. 

According to the Department of Education, in order to be eligible, students must meet the following requirements: 

Applicants must be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours at Panola College as of March 13, 2020.
Students must be eligible to apply for financial aid through FAFSA. (This excludes international, DACA, and dual credit students.)

Dual credit high school students are not eligible.
Applicants must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.
A valid Social Security number is required.
Must be making satisfactory academic progress.
Male students must be registered with Selective Service.
Documentation of high school completion is required, such as a high school diploma, GED or have proof of completion of high school in an approved home school setting.

The online application is a simple form asking for name, student ID number, and current mailing address. The form includes boxes for applicants to check indicating what financial needs they have that are related to the coronavirus and verify enrollment criteria.

Students will have 30 days to complete and submit the form. Once the applications are verified and grant amounts are determined, the Panola College business office will send the funds directly to the students by debit card, direct deposit or check. Students should indicate their choice of fund delivery by logging into their Campus Connect accounts on the Panola College website.

Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference where announced that he will be issuing an Executive Order to expand openings of certain businesses and activities. The Governor also announced new guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) on graduation ceremonies and the creation of Surge Response Teams to combat any COVID-19 flare ups in Texas. 

"Texas is in a position to continue opening parts of our economy because of the efforts and determination of the people of Texas," said Governor Abbott. "Over the past month, Texans have worked together to contain the spread of COVID-19 by following social distancing practices and staying at home whenever possible. As we move forward, I urge all Texans to continue following these social distancing guidelines and the health standards we have provided. With every Texan doing their part, we will contain COVID-19, we will unleash our entrepreneurs, and we will make it through this challenge together."

The Governor was joined for the press conference by Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) Acting Executive Commissioner Phil Wilson, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, and Adjutant General of Texas Maj. Gen. Tracey Norris.

Per the Governor’s announcement, wedding venues and services required to conduct weddings may immediately open. Weddings held indoors other than at a church, congregation, or house of worship must limit occupancy to 25%. Wedding reception services may also resume, but facilities must limit their occupancy to 25% of the total listed occupancy. These occupancy limits do not apply to the outdoor areas of a wedding reception or to outdoor wedding receptions.

Beginning May 8, cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons and shops, and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade, may open, but all such salons, shops, and establishments must ensure at least six feet of social distancing between operating work stations. Tanning salons may also reopen under the same limitation. Also starting May 8, swimming pools may open subject to certain limitations, including on their occupancy or operating levels.

Beginning May 18, office buildings may open with the greater of five or less individuals or 25% of the total office workforce. These individuals must maintain appropriate social distancing. Gyms, exercise facilities, and exercise classes may also open on May 18, but must operate at 25% occupancy. Locker rooms and shower facilities will remain closed, but restrooms may open. Non-essential manufacturing services may also open on May 18 but facilities must limit their occupancy to 25%.

These newly opened services are subject to recommended minimum standard health protocols outlined by DSHS. These protocols will be available on the Open Texas webpage. 

During the press conference, Chief Kidd and Commissioner Wilson provided details on the newly formed Surge Response Teams. These teams are led by TDEM and HHSC and include representatives from the the Texas Military Department, DSHS, the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force, and BCFS Health and Human Services. Surge Response Teams will serve nursing homes, prisons, packing pants, and other facilities that experience flare ups of COVID-19 by providing personal protective equipment, testing supplies, onsite staffing, and assessment assistance. These teams will also work with local officials to establish health and social distancing standards to contain these flare ups. Several Surge Response Teams have already been deployed to locations across the state. Chief Kidd and Commissioner Wilson's presentation is available here. 

TEA Commissioner Morath also provided new guidance on class of 2020 graduation ceremonies for Texas school districts. The TEA is providing four different pathways for schools to celebrate their graduating seniors, and each district is at liberty to determine if any of these options best serve the needs and desires of their community:

Completely virtual ceremonies that take place entirely online, with the use of videoconference or other technologies.

Hybrid ceremonies, which consist of a compilation of videos of students being recognized in person as they celebrate graduation in small groups.

Vehicle ceremonies, in which students and their families wait in their cars while other graduates are recognized one at time with their families alongside them.

Outdoor in-person ceremonies, which are currently permitted for counties as follows: 
Between May 15 and May 31, an outdoor ceremony may take place in a rural county that has an attestation as described in the Governor’s Report to Open Texas that remains in effect 7 days prior to the ceremony. 

An outdoor ceremony may take place in any Texas county on or after June 1. 
Full details of the TEA's graduation ceremony guidance can be found on the TEA website. 

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received approval for a $3 million emergency grant for Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living. ADRCs are one-stop-shop offering resources for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Texas.

"I am grateful for our continued collaboration with our federal partners to expand access to these crucial resources for older adults and Texans with disabilities," said Governor Abbott. "As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed to ensuring these important aging and disability services are available in communities across the Lone Star State." 

"The clients that Aging and Disability Resource Centers serve are among some of the most vulnerable populations. This emergency grant will ensure they can continue receiving critical services during this time of crisis," said Wayne Salter, Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner. "The extra funding will allow ADRCs to support more people as the demand for services increases amid the COVID-19 outbreak."

ADRCs serve as a key point of access to specialized information, referral, and assistance about private and public community-based long-term services and supports options. Some of the services include transportation to medical appointments, meal delivery, help with housework, daily grooming, and respite care for caregivers. HHSC, which administers all 28 ADRCs in Texas, will distribute the grant money to each of them to help provide those services for more people as well as coordinated assessments, care transitions, and social isolation mitigation.

ADRCs are located throughout Texas and serve every county in the state. More information about them is available here. Texans can also call 855-YES-ADRC (855-937-2372) to learn about programs and services.

Update:

Zachary Driver is in custody.  He was arrested at a residence in Randall street in the city of Nacogdoches.  He is being transported to the Nacogdoches County jail. He was arrested by the Pct. 4 Constable office without incident. 

The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating a wanted fugitive. Zachery Allen Driver is wanted by NCSO for Indecency with a Child a 2nd degree felony. Driver is 20 years of age and is originally from Douglass, Texas. Driver has been known to hang out in several different locations in Nacogdoches County and also has ties in the Melrose Community.

The investigation started in April 2020 when the victim made an outcry of the sexual assault. During an ongoing investigation, Sheriff Investigators established probable cause for a warrant that was obtained for Driver’s arrest on Monday evening May 4, 2020.

Sheriff investigators obtained information that Driver is possibly on the run and is aware of the criminal charges against him. Driver was last seen driving a white half ton four wheel drive GMC pickup truck. Anyone with information on Zachery Driver’s whereabouts is asked to contact dispatch at 936-559-2607 or the Nacogdoches County Crime Stoppers at 936-560-4636.

Center Garden Club is pleased to present the Yard of the Month Award for May 2020 to Mr. Remigio Diaz whose home at 303 Henrietta features not only a wide variety of plantings, artistically-trimmed shrubs and topiaries, and manicured grass but also several pieces of lovely statuary.  Center Garden Club urges everyone to drive by Mr. Diaz’s home and enjoy his delightful landscape composition.

May 05, 2020 Local Updates

COVID-19 NUMBERS: The following contains updated positive case numbers for COVID-19 locally and state wide. You can find the information below and more data via the LDH website updated at 12pm noon each day at the following website: http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/…

STATE TOTAL CASES/DEATHS:

May 01: 28,711 cases (+710 in 24 hrs) +65 deaths
May 02: 29,140 cases (+429 in 24 hrs) +23 deaths
May 03: 29,340 cases (+200 in 24 hrs) +19 deaths
May 04: 29,673 cases (+333 in 24 hrs) +22 deaths
May 05: 29,996 cases (+323 in 24 hrs) +51 deaths
Total State Deaths to Date: 2,042
Total Presumed Recovered: 20,316 cases

STATE HOSPITAL BED / VENTILATOR USE:
Patients in Hospitals: 1,512 (+10 from yesterday)
Patients on Ventilators: 194 (-26 from yesterday)

STATE CASES/DEATHS BY AGE GROUP:
18 & Under: 412 cases / 1 death
Ages 19-29: 3,488 cases / 8 deaths
Ages 30-39: 4,763 cases / 37 deaths
Ages 40-49: 5,128 cases / 78 deaths
Ages 50-59: 5,736 cases / 177 deaths
Ages 60-69: 4,984 cases / 372 deaths
Ages 70+: 5,485 cases / 1,369 deaths

DESOTO PARISH TOTAL CASES/DEATHS:
May 01: 194 cases (+4 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 02: 198 cases (+4 in 24 hrs) +1 death
May 03: 198 cases (+0 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 04: 202 cases (+3 in 24 hrs) +1 death
May 05: 202 cases (+0 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
Total Parish Deaths to Date: 13

DESOTO CITY/TOWN TOTAL CASES:
*The following numbers were most recently updated: May 04, 2020 and are not provided on a daily basis.
FRIERSON: 12 cases
GLOSTER: 9 cases
GRAND CANE: 13 cases
KEATCHIE: 6 cases
LOGANSPORT: 18 cases
MANSFIELD: 97 cases
PELICAN: 10 cases
STONEWALL: 25 cases

STATE DEATHS BY UNDERLYING CONDITIONS:
53% - Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
33% - Diabetes
18% - Cardiac Disease
18% - Chronic Kidney Disease
17% Obesity
11% Congestive Heart Failure
11% Pulmonary
7% Cancer
7% Neurological
4% Asthma

Details on numbers for surrounding parishes can be found at the website listed above. Stay safe, practice social distancing, and please continue to adhere to the Stay At Home order issued by our State Governor.

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana here are the updated COVID-19 counts.

DeSoto Parish 202

Nacogdoches County 187

Panola County 135

Shelby County 131

San Augustine County 19

AUSTIN - Today, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) hosted a virtual open meeting where the commissioners discussed common carrier pipeline and refinery storage capacity, the report produced by the Blue Ribbon Task Force for Oil Economic Recovery, and proration.

In response to Chairman Christian's request at the April 21st Open Meeting, the RRC received reports from 19 refineries and 70 common carrier pipelines regarding their unfilled storage capacity figures. The refineries reported having 18,414,733 barrels capacity remaining and the pipelines reported having 52,770,925 barrels of capacity remaining.

Next, the Blue Ribbon Task Force for Oil Economic Recovery presented their report outlining steps the Railroad Commission of Texas and other government entities could take to provide industry relief during the current oil and gas downturn. The Task Force focused on operations, permitting, timelines, tax policy and deadlines, storage capacity, and pipeline capacity, among other issues, and assembled the attached recommendations for the Commission's consideration.

 You can read the report here.

"I want to thank the task force for their long hours identifying solutions in such a short period of time," said Christian. "This is what makes me proud of Texas: The business community working together to solve problems by developing solutions."

In response to the report and staff recommendations, Chairman Christian offered and passed two orders suspending certain fees and creating an exception to Rule 95 to allow underground oil storage in alternative formations. You can read the orders here.

Prior to the meeting, Christian sent letters to the various agencies and legislative bodies mentioned in the report, encouraging them to review it and determine whether or not they can implement any of the relief outlined.

In an editorial in the Houston Chronicle last week (read that here), Chairman Christian announced he would not vote in favor of government mandated cuts to oil production. During the meeting, he presented a motion to dismiss Pioneer and Parsley Energy's verified complaint to determine reasonable market demand for oil in the State of Texas. The motion passed 2-1.

"Over the past few weeks it has become increasingly obvious to me that we need to restore regulatory certainty to the oil and gas industry and move past the discussion on proration," said Christian. "This motion ensures Texas companies, rather than the government, can decide for themselves what level of production cuts make sense for them to make while they weather the storm of market instability." 

The Joaquin City Council met in a special session on Monday, May 4, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. via videoconference. Present were Mayor William Baker, Council Members Cathy Atkinson, Mike Cummings Jr., and Krystal Raybon. Absent were Jessie Griffith and Frank Cooper. Open Forum – Brandon Neal and Cade Rodgers addressed the council regarding their desire to open the City park.

Motion by Cathy Atkinson, Second by Krystal Raybon to re-open the City park. Motion carried. Motion by Cathy Atkinson, Second by Krystal Raybon to adjourn. Meeting adjourned.

The TIMPSON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE invites everyone for Grand opening and ribbon cutting for new business in Timpson Texas. There will be plenty of room for social distancing while practicing safety precautions. Let’s work towards getting to our new normal and being able to enjoy the good things in life.

Timpson and our community welcome a new business, Beans & Ice is a Gourmet Coffee shop that sells hot, cold, and frozen coffees, shaved ice, baked goodies, and protein/fruit smoothies. They will offer you the best coffee around with hand roasted coffee beans, combined with traditional flavorings and toppings. Beans & Ice story is unique because, all of the profits from this business goes back into mission work to help the less fortunate around the world. Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to come out Tuesday 5/12/2020 at 10 AM, for a ribbon cutting and to welcome the Grand Opening of this new business in Timpson. Beans & Ice is located 588 N. 1st Street.

Operated by Rebecca Daniel

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Kenneth “Ken” Jordan to the Texas Animal Health Commission for a term set to expire on September 6, 2021. Additionally, the Governor appointed Jimmie Ruth Evans and Melanie Johnson, Ed.D., and reappointed Barret J. Klein, Joe Leathers, and Thomas “Tommy” Oates for terms set to expire on September 6, 2025. The commission works to protect and enhance the health of animal populations across the state.

Kenneth “Ken” Jordan of San Saba is the owner and operator of K Jordan Enterprises, Inc., and is the Mayor of San Saba. He is a member of the Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, Livestock Marketing Council, National Finance Credit Corporation of Texas, and San Saba Chamber of Commerce. Jordan received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Texas A&M University.

Jimmie Ruth Evans of San Antonio is a rancher and partner of Wittenburg Ranch. She is a member and past president of the San Antonio Livestock and Rodeo, and the honorary chair of the Young Women’s Leadership Academy. Evans is also a member and past president of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association. Evans received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Texas Tech University.

Melanie Johnson, Ed.D. of Houston is the president and CEO of Collaborative for Children. She previously served as president and CEO of the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science. Prior to this appointment, she served as NASA’s Space Center Houston’s Director of Education. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the HCA Houston Medical Center and the Foundation Board of Texas Southern University, and former member of the Council of the Texas Association of Museums. Johnson received a Bachelor of Arts in International Trade and French from Auburn University, a Master of Hospitality Management from the University of Houston, and a Doctorate of Education from Texas Southern University.

Barret J. Klein of Boerne is owner of Klein Farms and Klein Smoked Meats, LLC. He is a member and former president of the Texas Pork Producers Association, National Spotted Swine Association, Texas Association of Meat Processors, and the Kendall County Economic Development Corporation. He is also a volunteer with Kendall County 4-H, Kendall County FFA, and the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. Klein received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Texas A&M University.

Joe Leathers of Guthrie is the general manager of 6666 Ranch. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, U.S. CattleTrace, Inc., and is a member of the National Ranching Heritage Association. Leathers attended Clarendon College.

Thomas “Tommy” Oates of Huntsville is a rancher and owner of Huntsville Livestock. He currently serves as the president of the Exotic Wildlife Association. Oates attended Sam Houston State University.

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Jennifer A. Habert to the 50th Judicial District Court in Baylor, Cottle, King and Knox Counties for a term set to expire on December 31, 2020, or until her successor shall be duly elected and qualified.

Jennifer A. Habert of Seymour is the District Attorney of the 50th Judicial District in Baylor, Cottle, King and Knox Counties, a position she has held since 2017. Prior to being elected as District Attorney, she served as an assistant district attorney for the 50th Judicial District and as the Baylor County Attorney for over five years. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Texas District and County Attorneys Association, and The Federalist Society. Additionally, she is a board member of Patsy’s House Child Advocacy Center and a member of the Lion’s Club of Seymour. She is a former board member of Baylor County Crime Stoppers, former troop leader for Girl Scouts, member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and a former volunteer for Seymour High School Band Boosters. Habert received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctor degree from Notre Dame Law School.

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana here are the updated COVID-19 counts.

DeSoto Parish 202

Nacogdoches County 174

Panola County 135

Shelby County 131

San Augustine County 19

Shelby County Office of Emergency Management was notified by Texas Dept. of State Health Services (DSHS) on May 4th of 11 more positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 bringing the total cumulative case count for Shelby County to 131.  

Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages:

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                AGES:          DEATHS: 

75935…92                              1-20…..5               

75974…13                              21-40....38

75975…13                              41-60…53                1

75973…8                                61-80…28                1

75954…5                                81-100...4

                                             Unknown...3

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Tina Yturria Buford, Starr Corbin, Karen Harris, Amy Henderson, Karen Manning, Nathali Parker, Rienke Radler, Jinous Rouhani, Catherine Susser, Patsy Wesson, and Laura Koenig Young to the Governor's Commission for Women for terms set to expire on December 31, 2021. Additionally, the Governor has named Harris as chairman and Parker as vice chairman. Governor Abbott is charging this commission with developing a strategy and implementation plan to help make Texas the number one state for women-owned businesses and to address the issue of human trafficking. Housed within the Office of the Governor, the Governor’s Commission for Women specializes in outreach, education, research, and referral services.

Tina Yturria Buford of Harlingen is the Director of Education for the East Foundation, where she is responsible for expanding natural resource education opportunities in South Texas. In addition, she works alongside her family at the H. Yturria Land and Cattle Company which has been recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Family Land Heritage Program for operating continuously for over 100 years. She is the Board President of Texan by Nature, director of the Sand County Foundation, and was appointed by Governor Abbott to the Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board in 2018. She previously served as president of both the Texas Wildlife Association and Texas Wildlife Association Foundation. Buford received a Bachelor of Science in Rangeland Ecology and Management from Texas A&M University and a certificate in Ranch Management from Texas Christian University School of Ranch Management. Tina is married to her husband, Trey, and has two sons, Cisco and William.

Starr Corbin of Georgetown is the Founder and Managing Partner of Corbin Solutions Group, a technology operations and vendor management advisory firm. She began her career in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and is a former technology executive at iHeartMedia. An ardent advocate of servant leadership and bringing more diversity into tech, Starr also writes about the tech industry and how to expand the field for women. She is an alumna of Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Austin. 

Karen Harris of Lakehills has received state appointments from two Texas Governors as the result of community service, public service, and volunteerism. She is a former member of the Health and Human Services Council and the Texas Education Agency Advisory Committee for Academic Achievement Distinction. She has served Texas as a candidate for public office and holds a degree in radiologic science from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Additionally, she is an ordained minister with training in Christian counseling from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and the Therapon Institute. Harris is the founder of Medicine for the Heart Ministries, Inc. and leadership team member for Women Wanting Wisdom Ministries. She is the owner of Proton Mechanical Systems Inc, a medical services small business.

Amy Henderson of Amarillo is a business loan officer with Amarillo National Bank. Henderson is a board member for the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Business Council, a board member of Window On A Wider World and serves on the board for the Texas Panhandle Regional Development. In addition, she is an advisory board member of WT Enterprise Center and a past advisory board member of the WT Small Business Development Center. Henderson served honorably in the United States Air Force as an Information Management Specialist from 1989 – 1993 and supported Operation Desert Shield/Storm. She was one of the 2009 Top Twenty under 40 award recipients by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and was selected as the 2010 Business Woman of the Year by the Amarillo Chamber Women’s Council. Henderson earned an associate degree in accounting from Amarillo College, a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from West Texas A&M University, and a Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University. Amy is married to a firefighter and is a mom of two great kids. 

Karen Manning of Houston is a healthcare professional who volunteers in her community with a focus on women, children, and healthcare issues. She is licensed by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy and the Texas Real Estate Commission. She has served in roles of management at a large retail pharmacy chain and as a mentor to many pharmacy interns. She is a former board member of Project Row House and the Houston Museum of African American Culture and is a current member of the Houston Association of Realtors and Texas Association of Realtors. She currently volunteers for several organizations that serve women and children including the Girls Empowerment Network Conference in Houston, Bellaire Area Mothers of Multiples, and her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha. She received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Texas Southern University.

Nathali Parker of Round Rock is co-owner and CEO of KLP Construction Supply, a heavy civil regular dealer and distributor of construction materials with five stocking locations around Texas. Parker and her sister, Karen Parker Rogers, started KLP in 2012 and focused on the heavy highway and infrastructure industry. Previously, she was a business development executive for VallaManitexan Electric Italian pick and Carry Crane Company. Today, she serves as the Associate Co-Vice Chair for the Austin Chapter of Association of General Contractors – Heavy Civil and Utilities Division, Future Young Leaders Committee Member for the Austin, and DFW AGC Chapters and AGC Workforce Development task force member. Parker has been appointed to the board of the Texas Asphalt Pavement Association, and serves as Chairman for the Associate Division. She also serves on the Education and New Technologies committee of the Texas Asphalt Pavement Association and is an association member of the Austin Contractors and Engineers Association. As a proud letterman Bobcat, Parker graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and an All-Conference Javelin thrower as a member of the Track and Field Team by competing in the heptathlon and open javelin. She is also a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation: her Native American heritage and bloodline.

Rienke Radler of Fort Worth is a community volunteer and philanthropist. Previously, she worked as a physiotherapist in South Africa and the United Kingdom. She serves on the Advisory Council for the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Women’s University. She is also an Administrative Leader at Bible Study Fellowship International. Radler received a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of the Freestate in South Africa.

Jinous Rouhani of Austin is the CEO of Austin Area Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Fertility. Previously, she served as CEO of Medexecs and as CAO for Texas Cardiovascular Consultants. Jinous also served as the Secretary, Vice President, and President of Central Texas Chapter of the Medical Group Management Association where she has been a national member for over 25 years.  She also serves on the St. David’s Healthcare Foundation’s Toast of the Town Committee, as well as serving as a host and mentor to healthcare scholars. Additionally, Rouhani serves as a mentor for the Young Women’s Alliance. Rouhani previously served as an advisor to the Austin Children’s Shelter and the organization Aware, Awake, Alive. She has also served with the Children of Haiti support team. Rouhani received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics and a Master of Business Administration from St. Edward’s University.

Catherine Susser of Corpus Christi is a community volunteer and school board member for the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD).  She is a past president of the board and is now serving as secretary.  She has served as Chief Accountant for CCISD and a Senior Accountant at Price Waterhouse.  She is a “Go Red for Women” member of the American Heart Association of Corpus Christi and is on the board of the Coastal Bend Blood Center. Susser received a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Public Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.

Patsy Wesson of Fort Worth is President and owner of Carriage Square Jewelers, LLC.  where she has designed custom jewelry for over 35 years She is a member of the Jewelers Board of Trade and holds multiple certifications from the Gemological Institute of America.  In addition to creating custom jewelry, Wesson is the founder and director of numerous private businesses. Additionally, she is a former elementary school educator in the state of Texas. Wesson received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, and she is a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America.

Laua Koenig Young of Tyler is President of Sales and Marketing for Brighton Collectibles, Inc.  She is a visionary member of the Women’s Fund of Smith County and a sustainer member for the Junior League of Tyler. Additionally, she is a board member for Cancer Foundation for Life and former board member of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, the East Texas Communities Foundation, and Southern Methodist University (SMU) Alumni Association. Young has been active in many philanthropic and community initiatives throughout Texas. She is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Harvard Club of Dallas. Young received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from SMU and has completed the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation declaring May 3rd to the 9th as Hurricane Preparedness Week in the state of Texas. This proclamation raises awareness about the dangers of hurricanes and the precautions Texans can take as hurricane season approaches. The Governor is asking all Texans to take important steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the danger and destruction that hurricanes can bring to communities, neighborhoods, and local economies.

"As hurricane season approaches, it is vital that Texans take the time to prepare for any devastating and powerful storms that may reach our shores," said Governor Abbott. "There are no substitutes for having emergency supplies and a well-prepared emergency plan to protect yourself, your family, and your property. As we enter this hurricane season, I encourage all Texans to remain mindful of the dangers presented by hurricanes, stay informed about potential threats, and take steps toward preparedness."

Texans can visit the Texas Ready webpage to learn more about the steps they can take now to prepare for hurricane season.

Read the Governor's proclamation. 

 “All first responders and medical personnel can be tested without having ANY symptoms. They need to call the call center or log onto the web site to register for an appointment.”

Drive-Thru COVID 19 Testing Returns to Shelby County

The drive-thru COVID-19 testing site will once again open for Shelby County residents.

These tests site will be open Monday & Tuesday May 4^th & 5^th.  ALL Tests will need to be scheduled in advance and patients will be given appointments for the test.

Please call the call center number 512-883-2400 or visit the web site at https://txcovidtest.org to register.  Again, all testing must be scheduled in advance.

There will be NO costs for the tests at these sites. The test procedure will be a nasal swab.

To be eligible for testing you must have ONE or more symptoms of COVID-19 for testing.

Symptoms include:

•Fever and/or chills

•Sore throat

•Cough (dry or productive)

•Headaches

•Fatigue

•Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea

•Body aches/muscle or joint pain

•Nasal congestion 

•Loss of taste and/or smell

•Shortness of breath

The Texas Dept. of State Health Services, Texas Military Department, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and Texas Medical Task Force have partnered to increase the availability of COVID-19 testing in Texas using these mobile testing site

NHS Cords

Info for Paying for NHS collar & cords

Due to Covid19 restrictions, no visitors can be on campus without masks.  Therefore, we will have to adapt and have an alternate location.

You can pay your $35 cash (exact change please) or check (made out to Center NHS) in a drive-thru fashion on the BACK SIDEWALK (teacher parking lot).  Stay in your car; pull up to the sidewalk and we will take payment and give you a receipt.

Keep the receipt - you’ll need it to pick up the collar and cords.

>>Payment hours will be: <<

        ?       Monday, May 4 from 9-11
        ?       Tuesday, May 5 from 10-12
        ?       Wednesday, May 6 from 9-11

•••No payments taken after Wednesday at 11am and we will not order extras. ••
**You can also choose to borrow a set from a friend/family member that is a recent graduate of CHS. **

If you have questions please contact Susan Penick at 936.590.1265 or email susan.penick@centerisd.org

A letter to the senior class from the principal is attached CLICK HERE:

The City of Center will resume regular Tuesday, bulky waste disposal at the City Yard on Riggs St. on Tuesday, May 5th.  This service is only available each Tuesday from 8 AM until 4 PM for residential customers with City garbage service on their water bill.  Please have your bill available for access into gates or call 598-2541 if you need assistance on site.

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana here are the updated COVID-19 counts.

DeSoto Parish 202

Nacogdoches County 174

Panola County 135

Shelby County 120

San Augustine County 19

May 04, 2020 Local Updates

COVID-19 NUMBERS: The following contains updated positive case numbers for COVID-19 locally and state wide. You can find the information below and more data via the LDH website updated at 12pm noon each day (noted below.) We post this information daily as a courtesy to locally concerned citizens, and we are not tasked with providing specific cases by city/town, personal information, or information on those who have recovered from COVID-19. Such information is organized, protected, and distributed when necessary by Medical Facilities and the Louisiana Department of Health.

http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/…

STATE TOTAL CASES/DEATHS:
April 28: 27,286 cases (+218 in 24 hrs) +61 deaths
April 29: 27,660 cases (+374 in 24 hrs) +44 deaths
April 30: 28,001 cases (+341 in 24 hrs) +60 deaths
May 01: 28,711 cases (+710 in 24 hrs) +65 deaths
May 02: 29,140 cases (+429 in 24 hrs) +23 deaths
May 03: 29,340 cases (+200 in 24 hrs) +19 deaths
May 04: 29,673 cases (+333 in 24 hrs) +22 deaths
Total State Deaths to Date: 1,991
Patients in Hospitals: 1,502(-28 from yesterday)
Patients on Ventilators: 220 (+7 from yesterday)
**20,316 ARE PRESUMED RECOVERED**

DESOTO PARISH TOTAL CASES/DEATHS:
April 28: 189 cases (+2 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
April 29: 191 cases (+2 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
April 30: 190 cases (-1 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 01: 194 cases (+4 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 02: 198 cases (+4 in 24 hrs) +1 death
May 03: 198 cases (+0 in 24 hrs) +0 deaths
May 04: 202 cases (+3 in 24 hrs) +1 death
Total Parish Deaths to Date: 13

Details on numbers for surrounding parishes can be found at the website listed above.

CITY/TOWN TOTAL CASES/DEATHS:

The following information is subject to change and is not provided daily. This is due to how each clinic/hospital reports cases based on city/town based on place of residence or where the tests were performed. As promised, we will continue to provide what we know to the public, but we want to stress that we do not control the accuracy of this information, how it is obtained, organized, or when it is distributed. The following numbers were most recently updated: May 01, 2020

FRIERSON: 12 cases
GLOSTER: 9 cases
GRAND CANE: 11 cases
KEATCHIE: 5 cases
LOGANSPORT: 13 cases
MANSFIELD: 80 cases
PELICAN: 10 cases
STONEWALL: 25 cases

Stay safe, practice social distancing, and please continue to adhere to the Stay At Home order issued by our State Governor. Please see our previous post from today on face mask pickup locations this Thursday and Friday.

LUFKIN – A virtual pre-construction meeting was held Monday that included TxDOT employees, contractors, stakeholders, leaders from Polk and San Jacinto counties and emergency management teams that signaled the beginning of an emergency contract for debris removal.

Work is scheduled to begin Tuesday in Polk County within the cities of Onalaska and Seven Oaks as crews begin removing debris through tornado-damaged areas. Work will begin in Texas Acres subdivision in Onalaska Tuesday and progress through other affected areas.

TOM-MAC Inc., Houston TX, will serve as the debris removal contractor and Neel-Schaffer, Jackson MS, will serve as debris monitoring contractor for the $7 million project.

As this work begins, motorists should remain alert and obey all traffic control set through each work zone. Never enter a work zone and stay alert for workers and moving equipment in the area.

For more information on statewide closures and conditions, visit drivetexas.org. For more information on this project and others in the Lufkin District, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

Shelby County Office of Emergency Management was notified by Texas Dept. of State Health Services (DSHS) on April 30th of 3 more positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 and on May 1^st, 8 more positive cases bringing the total cumulative case count for Shelby County to 120.  

DSHS notified us of 2 more recoveries on May 1st bringing the total recoveries to 20.  Also reported to us on May 1^st was one more death.

Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages:

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                AGES:          DEATHS: 

75935…84                              1-20…..2               

75974…12                              21-40....35

75975…11                              41-60…50                1

75973…8                                61-80…27                1

75954…5                                81-100...3

                                             Unknown...3

The yearly Homecoming for the Campti Methodist Cemetery has been canceled due to the Coronavirus. We still need and gladly accept donations for the upkeep of our cemetery. Please mail donations to Donna Jamison at 579 CR 2010 in Center, Texas 75935.

For more information call:

Mary Hughes Culver 

936-598-8250

The Old Stubblefield Church located in the Stubblefield Community outside of Kennard, Texas has had a homecoming every year since the 1930's.

The homecoming was started in 1934 at then called Stubblefield Church. In WWII the community population declined and in the 1950s regular weekly services were discontinued at the church, however, the descendants of the original members still held a homecoming and have done so each year. Sadly due to the Coronavirus pandemic going on the 2020 homecoming was cancelled.

According to the President of the Church Association Suzanne Steed whose father Mack Steed was a member of the church when it was active, this is the first year that they could not hold the homecoming. The 1st Sunday every May around 30 people descendants of the original members gather for a celebratory homecoming.

Suzanne Steed President of the Association 

Suzanne Steed's family also owns the nearby Cochino Lodge used for weddings and events as such she acts as a caretaker of the old church and keeps up the grounds, even mowing it herself. Other members of the association include Bonnie Lenderman the Secretary and Treasurer, and Music Leaders Dalton Gouthier and Glen Lenderman.

This cancellation is just another example of how the virus has affected our society.

Joaquin Elementary Parents/Guardians: You will need to drop-off the last 5 weeks of completed Student Instruction Packets into drop boxes in front of the elementary on Thursday, May 14 from 7:30 – 11:30 or Friday, May 15 from 7:30 – 11:30. Please drop in appropriate grade level box. DO NOT GET OUT OF VEHICLE. This will be set up to drive by and drop in box.

If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher. Teachers, parents, and students are encouraged to try to communicate by email, phone, app, etc. with their students/parents during this difficult time. Our goal and commitment is to continue to educate our students to the fullest extent possible. Teachers can access materials on Monday, May 18 to grade, enter grades, and get averages. Again, we are waiving the last Benchmarks/Six Weeks Tests. Report cards will be mailed home. Please take precautions, stay away from large crowds and follow proper protocol for everyone’s safety. Sincerely, Sherry Scruggs Joaquin Elementary Principal

The sold-out Panola College Foundation Spring 2020 Designer Purse Bingo has been canceled because of the coronavirus. Because of the uncertainty in the current environment, and to follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, it is with great regret that the Panola College Foundation announces the cancellation of their 2020 Designer Purse Bingo fundraisers.

As the major fundraising event for the Panola College Foundation, Designer Purse Bingo has brought in money to support multiple scholarships and program grants for the College. The loss of this funding will be a hard hit for the College’s scholarship and grant program. Because of the success of this fundraiser in the past, the Foundation has been able to step up a truly serve Panola College students’ needs during this time. The Foundation created a COVID-19 emergency relief fund and has already devoted $30,000 to direct support to our students. Just this month the Foundation has been able to assist almost 75 students with emergency grants. 

“We like to express our sincere thank you to all of our past sponsors and attendees who helped make it possible for the Foundation to provide these emergency relief grants to our students,” said Dr. John Ray, Panola College Foundation Chair.

“We are offering full refunds to our sponsors and ticket holders. We recognize that some of our sponsors are small business owners who may need the refund in this critical time and we want to support our community as they have supported us,” said Jessica Pace, Director of Institutional Advancement. “Although we won’t be able to gather our sold-out crowd of 600 in the Carthage Civic Center, we’re planning a fun mail-out as a “non-event” fundraiser. I’m already hearing from sponsors and individuals who say they want to contribute their Bingo sponsorships and ticket costs as 2020 donations to the Panola College Foundation, so we want to let them know how much we appreciate this gesture of support.”

Pace said refunds will be returned through the original payment method, by credit card or check. Sponsors and ticket purchasers who wish to convert their purchases to a tax-deductible donation to the Panola College Foundation may send a message to Foundation@panola.edu.

“Anyone who has ever attended Panola’s Designer Purse Bingo knows it would be impossible to maintain ‘social distancing’ when we have a packed house at the Carthage Civic Center. The event has always been so much fun and has been an awesome way to support the college and allow our citizens to meet our students who helped out with Bingo. Yes, it’s sad to have to cancel, but we look forward to the day when we can once again gather safely together, celebrate Panola College, and yell ‘BINGO’,” said Pace.
 

We have gotten permission from the university to hold a pick-up plant sale featuring many plants that our students started growing for classes before the shutdown. We know that with life interrupted, many of you want to be gardening, and we are happy that we have the opportunity to help you with that endeavor.

We will host this pick-up plant sale from 12 pm–2 pm Monday May 4 and 12 pm–2 pm Friday May 8.

We have posted pictures of the plants we have for sale on our website along with our availability. On our website https://www.horticultureisawesome.com/plant-sale, you will find an order form. Fill it out for what you want, email it to sfahorticulture@gmail.com, and you will get a confirmation email once your order is filled.

4 packs are $3, a tray of 12 is $32 ($4 discount)

3-inch pots are $2, a tray of 18 is $32 ($4 discount)

Our Plantery team will collect what you want, put it in trays, and place it on the curb near the Plantery greenhouse so that you can pick it up while social distancing. We are not letting anyone inside our greenhouse or headhouse at this time.

Our team members will be on hand to help direct you to your order. They will also be wearing masks and gloves.

***WE ASK THAT WHEN YOU COME TO PAY FOR YOUR PLANTS THAT YOU BRING EXACT CHANGE OR A CHECK.*** We want to limit money changing hands. We will have a box into which you will place your payment.

Governor Greg Abbott released the below statement following a helicopter crash that killed one Houston Police Department officer and left another critically injured.

"The First Lady and I join with the people of Houston in mourning the loss of the Houston Police Department officer who was killed in this tragic accident," said Governor Abbott.

"This terrible loss is a solemn reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers face in the line of duty. Our hearts are with the officer’s loved ones and the entire Houston Police Department during this time, and we pray for a swift and full recovery for the officer who was critically injured in this accident."

Center ISD is now accepting applications for transfer students in grades K-12 for the 2020-2021 school year.

A transfer application may be obtained from the District’s website at www.centerisd.org or calling 598-5642.

The deadline is Thursday, June 18th at 4:00 p.m. for applications to be considered for the 2020-2021 school year.

As everyone is aware, Governor Abbot is starting to reopen the State in phases starting this week. That is good news. But this certainly does mean we are all back to business as usual. Although some types of businesses can open in some capacity, others remain closed. I urge everyone to continue to support our Shelby County local businesses, those open as well as those still closed.

"We Have Your Back Shelby County" tee shirt purchase is a small way to help support our businesses. With a purchase of each shirt, half of the purchase money will stay with your "sponsored" business. Here is how it works. Contact the business you wish to support and complete an order form. You may also contact the Chamber office for an order form if it is difficult getting up with your business. An order form plus instructions is also attached to this Newsletter. The shirts are $25.00 each, payable at the time of order. The supported business keeps $12.50 and the remaining $12.50 will go to Mooney's Emporium where the shirt will be produced. The "We Have Your Back" logo will appear on the left "pocket" of the tee shirt and the sponsored business logo will appear on the back. Wear your shirt with pride.
Back to Work!

Retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls are now open. Most of our local retail shops are open and ready for business. Many restaurants are choosing to continue with drive thru and/or curbside pick up for now. T&R Steaks will reopen the dining room after Mother's Day. The Rio Theater will remain closed. Make sure to check with our local media and business Face Book pages for store hours.

While we slowly get back to a sense of "normalcy", please continue to social distance and be mindful of others. This has been and continues to be a difficult time for all of us. Everyone is making adjustments. I am confident that our community will continue to work together and recover together.

Mark Your Calendar!
Our Spring Events Are Being Rescheduled:

 Grill Fest
Sponsored by Farmers State Bank
June 6th (tentative)
 More information to come

First Responders Lunch
Sponsored by McAdams Propane
July 10th (tentative)
More information to come

Teacher Appreciation Reception
Sponsored by Badders Law Firm
August 26th

Health and Fitness Fair
Sponsored by Cline Family Medicine
October 16th

Downtown Update!
There are alot of good things happening on the downtown square. Southern Lemonade will be moving to the square. Their new building is looking Fantastic!! Love the color. Jennifer and Jessica, welcome to the Square! We can't wait to have your New Location Ribbon Cutting!!

Hissy Fit owners, Susan and Kathryn have been busy painting their store front. Looking good ladies!!

The Streetscape Construction project is moving along! It is so exciting to see it all take shape. It is going to be beautiful.

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana here are the updated COVID-19 counts.

DeSoto Parish 198

Nacogdoches County 172

Panola County 133

Shelby County 117

San Augustine County 19

Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for six Texas counties as a result of severe weather sustained across the Lone Star State last week. The Governor has authorized the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions to aid in response efforts.

“This disaster declaration will help the State of Texas provide local officials with the resources they need to respond to the aftermath of these storms,” said Governor Abbott. “Our hearts continue to be with those who were affected by these destructive storms, and the state is committed to working alongside these communities throughout the recovery process.”

This declaration includes Jasper, Lamar, Newton, Polk, Red River, and San Jacinto counties.

Read Governor Abbott’s full declaration. 

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has issued new guidance to unemployment claimants concerning their eligibility for unemployment benefits should they choose not to return to work at this time due to COVID-19. Under this guidance, Texans can continue to receive unemployment benefits throughout the COVID-19 response if they choose not to return to work for certain reasons as specified by TWC.

"As the Lone Star State begins the process of safely and strategically opening the economy, our top priority is protecting the health and safety of all Texans—especially those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19," said Governor Abbott. "This flexibility in the unemployment benefit process will help ensure that Texans with certain health and safety concerns will not be penalized for choosing not to return to work."

Each unemployment insurance claim is currently evaluated on an individual basis. However, because of the COVID-19 emergency, the following are reasons benefits would be granted if the individual refused suitable work.

Reason for refusal:

• At High Risk: People 65 years or older are at a higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Household member at high risk: People 65 years or older are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Diagnosed with COVID: The individual has tested positive for COVID-19 by a source authorized by the State of Texas and is not recovered.
• Family member with COVID: Anybody in the household has tested positive for COVID-19 by a source authorized by the State of Texas and is not recovered and 14 days have not yet passed.
• Quarantined: Individual is currently in 14-day quarantine due to close contact exposure to COVID-19.
• Child care: Child’s school or daycare closed and no alternatives are available.

Any other situation will be subject to a case by case review by TWC based on individual circumstances.

The drive-thru COVID-19 testing site will once again open for Shelby County residents.

These tests site will be open Monday & Tuesday May 4th & 5th.  ALL Tests will need to be scheduled in advance and patients will be given appointments for the test.

Please call the call center number 512-883-2400 or visit the web site at https://txcovidtest.org to register.  Again, all testing must be scheduled in advance.

There will be NO costs for the tests at these sites. The test procedure will be a nasal swab.

To be eligible for testing you must have ONE or more symptoms of COVID-19 for testing. 

Symptoms include:

•Fever and/or chills

•Sore throat

•Cough (dry or productive)

•Headaches

•Fatigue

•Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea 

•Body aches/muscle or joint pain

•Nasal congestion  

•Loss of taste and/or smell

•Shortness of breath

The Texas Dept. of State Health Services, Texas Military Department, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and Texas Medical Task Force have partnered to increase the availability of COVID-19 testing in Texas using these mobile testing sites.

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana here are the updated COVID-19 counts.

DeSoto Parish 194

Nacogdoches County 160

Shelby County 117

Panola County 172

San Augustine County 19

Shelby County Outreach Ministries will be closing ALL programs for the week of May 4 – May 8 with the exception of the Helping Hands Outreach Center. Helping Hands will be open only on Friday, May 8 from 10-2 in order to help clients. The senior citizens that are currently being served through our senior programs have received extra meals that will cover them through the next 2 weeks. They will also receive calls to confirm that they are safe, and all is going well.

If you are scheduled to receive an emergency food box the first week of May, please come to the Helping Hands Outreach Center on Friday, May 8th to receive it between the hours of 10-2.  Our lobby is closed to the public. Food Boxes are distributed by Drive-Thru ONLY. Please be prepared to open your trunk of the car and stay in your vehicle. Keep windows rolled up and show ID through the glass. For information, please call us at 936-598-4990.  Thank you.  

Center Broadcasting Company met with Coach David Schmitt head basketball coach of the Shelbyville Dragons. Schmitt wrote "It is official. Shelbyville Dragons are 2020 State Basketball Champions along with Martin's Mill, Gruver, and San Saba. There will be a zoom championship presentation along with gold medals and State Trophy. Congrats to the back to back state champions!"

Coach David Schmitt

Center Broadcasting Company meets with Principal Jake Henson at Center Middle School to get an update. - Videos by: Justin Mott. In addition, the school staff also held a drive-by parade for the principal today 5-1-20.

Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Round-Up ! - Registration for PK-4 and Kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2020 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Due to the school closures and social distancing order, registration packets will be available for pick up at the elementary. There will be a box located on the sidewalk with packets labeled Pre-K and Kindergarten. You will have the option of dropping off your packets on May 12, 2020 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. or mailing your packets in.

PK-4 Enrollment:

PK students must be 4 years old as of September 1, 2020. Parents or legal guardians must register students. The following information must be provided for students to be enrolled:

• Certified birth certificate

• Social Security card

• Immunization record

• Proof of residency

• Driver’s License

• Proof of Income (ex. W2)

Proof of residency must include a physical address and utility bill.

Kindergarten Enrollment:

To be eligible for Kindergarten enrollment, students must be 5 years old as of September 1, 2020. Parents or legal guardians must register students. The following information must be provided for students to be enrolled:

• Certified birth certificate

• Social Security card

• Immunization record

• Driver’s License

• Proof of residency

PK students already enrolled in Timpson Elementary do not need to register for Kindergarten. Please notify us if your PK child will be returning for Kindergarten.

If you need more information or have questions, please feel free to contact Staci Searcy, Timpson Elementary Secretary, at 936-558-4400 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

ALERT: Beginning Monday on SH 103 East at the Lake Sam Rayburn Bridge, crews will work on the west end of the bridge with flaggers directing traffic through one lane. Motorists should expect delays. Seal coating operations are also scheduled to begin on SH 103 East next week. Motorists should obey all traffic control in place through these work zones. Visit drivetexas.org for statewide road conditions and closures. #BeSafeDriveSmart

According to the departments of State Health Services for Texas and Lousiana here are the updated COVID-19 counts.

Infected:

DeSoto Parish 190

Nacogdoches County 157

Shelby County 109 

Panola County 172

San Augustine County 16

Fatalities 

DeSoto Parish 11

Shelby County 4

Nacogdoches 7

Panola 3

San Augustine 1

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has issued new guidance to unemployment claimants concerning their eligibility for unemployment benefits should they choose not to return to work at this time due to COVID-19. Under this guidance, Texans can continue to receive unemployment benefits throughout the COVID-19 response if they choose not to return to work for certain reasons as specified by TWC.

"As the Lone Star State begins the process of safely and strategically opening the economy, our top priority is protecting the health and safety of all Texans—especially those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19," said Governor Abbott. "This flexibility in the unemployment benefit process will help ensure that Texans with certain health and safety concerns will not be penalized for choosing not to return to work."

Each unemployment insurance claim is currently evaluated on an individual basis. However, because of the COVID-19 emergency, the following are reasons benefits would be granted if the individual refused suitable work.

Reason for refusal:

At High Risk: People 65 years or older are at a higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
Household member at high risk: People 65 years or older are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.

Diagnosed with COVID: The individual has tested positive for COVID-19 by a source authorized by the State of Texas and is not recovered.

Family member with COVID: Anybody in the household has tested positive for COVID-19 by a source authorized by the State of Texas and is not recovered and 14 days have not yet passed.
Quarantined: Individual is currently in 14-day quarantine due to close contact exposure to COVID-19.

Child care: Child’s school or daycare closed and no alternatives are available.
Any other situation will be subject to a case by case review by TWC based on individual circumstances.