Free popsicles at the Shelby Savings Bank branch in Center, Texas located at 111 Selma Street.

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 5th day of August, 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 and pay weekly expenses.

2.    Public comments on Agenda item.

3.    Approve current payroll.

4.    Discuss and possibly take action on a request from the Center Police Department for use of the County owned shooting range.

5.    Discuss and possibly allocate funds from the County’s CARES Act Fund to the Shelby County School Districts to help them prepare and combat Covid-19.

6.    Discuss and possibly decide how to dispose of the old JP building located behind the County Jail.

7.    Discuss the request from the Probation Community Service Department regarding additional fencing for the Community Service buildings.

8.    Discuss and consider reappointing Mr. John Howard for a two year term as a board member of the Burke Board of Trustees representing Shelby County.

9.    Tax Assessor-Collector, Debora Riley to submit 2020 calculated rates.

10.    Approve the Sheriff and Constable Fees for FY 2021.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

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

12.    Reopen public meeting.

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

14.    Adjourn.
 

Teenagers today don’t know much about pay telephones.  They have telephones in their room at home, and cell phones to take with them everywhere they go.  They are never without the means of communicating with their friends.  It was not that way when I was in college in the mid 1950s.  Dial phones were relatively new, and a cell phone was just something in the mind of the writer of Dick Tracy.  The pay telephone was about the only means of communicating with friends, family, and significant others during my stint in a boarding house near the campus of Stephen F. Austin State College in Nacogdoches, Texas.

I never did like dormitory life, so I always lived in a boarding house.  The one I liked was a large, two story home located on the corner of Wettermark and Pecan streets.  It contained six large bedrooms, one large community bathroom, and one pay telephone on the wall in the upstairs hall.  This telephone was our only means of contact with the outside world.

As I recall, the phone had slots for a nickel, dime, and a quarter.  Local calls were a nickel per call.  When the phone rang, even in the middle of the night, there was a stampede of hairy-legged boys racing to answer it.  Who knew, it could have been a call from their girl friend.

Things went along nicely for a while, until a genius student figured out that he could take a nickel, put it in the entrance of the slot, and put a certain “spin” on the coin which then made it register as a quarter.  So, many long distance calls were made using nickels only.  After a couple of months of this, the telephone company got wise.  For reasons I could never figure out, one day they took the square coin receptacle out of the phone, but left the phone in working order.

What a bonanza this presented to the residents.  One could take a quarter, put it in the slot, and then catch it with your other hand as it came out, and use the same coin over and over.  

We were calling all over the country with a quarter.  There were several call-in radio shows in Chicago and Los Angeles which we would call to dedicate songs to our girl friends, with the same quarter.  We were really having a ball with that pay telephone.  Apparently none of us ever had a pang of conscience, or felt any remorse for the phone company, we were too busy defrauding Ma Bell.

One day, I came home from classes and noticed that the pay phone was no longer on the wall.  Only a couple of wires protruding from a hole where the phone once was greeted us.  The telephone company had finally figured out that they were losing money big time on this phone and removed the object of our misdeeds.  No longer could I call home, or call my girl friend, or receive calls.  Isolation from the rest of the world was our punishment. Truly you do reap what you sow.  Wouldn’t a cell phone have come in handy, if only they had been invented in 1955?

“THE  PAY  TELEPHONE”

BY: Neal Murphy

PO Box 511
San Augustine, Texas 75972
936-275-9033
Cell: 936-275-6986
Email: humptydumpty1940@gmail.com

539 words
 
 

DSHS reported 9 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new recoveries.

78 ACTIVE CASES 

279 Recovered

14 Deaths

371 Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...43

75974...13

75975..11

75973...6

75954...5

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935…254                                                  1-20....36

75974...43                                                   21-40....122

75975…31                                                  41-60.…114         4

75973…23                                                  61-80.…61           4

75954…20                                                  81-100....31         6

                                                                 Unknown...           7

LUFKIN – A virtual public hearing is scheduled Tuesday, July 28, beginning at 10 am to discuss the development of the 2021 Unified Transportation Program. A virtual public meeting was also held on July 7. The 2021 UTP could be considered for adoption at the August TxDOT Commission meeting in Austin.

The full 2021 UTP document can be viewed here: https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/unified-transportation-program.html. The public can join the meeting by clicking the link and also submit a comment form online. 

The UTP is TxDOT’s 10-year plan to guide transportation development for future construction projects and related activities. The UTP is an important part of guiding project development, but is not a budget or a guarantee that projects will be built.

“While future development of Interstate 69 is unquestionably a priority in East Texas, the Lufkin District must still balance all of its transportation needs. The UTP helps us to do that,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “We want the public to always be involved in the planning process and this virtual event gives everyone that opportunity.”

Projects listed in Fiscal Year 2021-2024 estimated let date range include:

• US 59, Angelina County: Upgrade between FM 2021 and SL 287

• US 59, Polk County: Construction of the Corrigan Relief Route

• US 59, San Jacinto County: Upgrade between FM 2914 and Liberty County Line

•  SH 105, San Jacinto County: Widen from two to four lanes between Montgomery County Line to Montgomery County Line

•  US 259, Rusk County Line: Add continuous two-way left turn lane between SH 204 and Rusk County Line

• US 96, Shelby County: Construct passing lanes between Center and San Augustine County

• US 96, Sabine County: Widen from two to four lanes between Pineland and Spur 414

Projects listed in the Fiscal Year 2025 to 2030 estimated let date range include:

• US 69, Angelina County: Add continuous two-way left turn lane between FM 326N to 3 miles south of FM 326N 

• US 59/US 259 North Interchange, Nacogdoches County: Upgrade to interstate standards (Future I-69)

• US 59, San Jacinto County: Upgrade to interstate standards (Future I-69) between Shepherd and the Trinity River

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is extending flexibilities to Medicaid and CHIP recipients and providers through October 23rd, 2020, as the state continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. These flexibilities will minimize face-to-face interactions and ensure continuity of care for clients during the COVID-19 response.

"The State of Texas is working to ensure continuity of care for CHIP and Medicaid recipients as we respond to COVID-19," said Governor Abbott. "The flexibilities the state is providing will protect access to important care and resources that many Texans rely on for their health and safety."

"To protect their health and safety, it’s critical we ensure Medicaid and CHIP clients continue to have access to the services they need in the most effective and safe manner during the COVID-19 public health emergency," said State Medicaid Director Stephanie Stephens.

Many services are being provided to clients using telemedicine and telehealth including medical, behavioral health, case management, professional and specialized therapy services, and certain components of Texas Health Steps medical check-ups.

Flexibilities extended through October 23rd, 2020, include:

Appeals and fair hearings: Extends timelines for clients to request an appeal fair hearing and allows clients to request an appeal verbally.

Face-to-face requirements: Suspends face-to-face service coordination, case management visits, and utilization review home visits for Medicaid clients. All managed care plans must use telehealth for service coordination and service planning to ensure clients are receiving needed services.

Provider enrollment requirements: Suspends requirements that out-of-state providers be licensed in the state where they are providing services when they are licensed in another state; and allows licensed providers to render services outside of their state of enrollment.

Assessments: Extends certain assessments and service plans.

Telemedicine and telehealth: Allows certain services to be delivered remotely.

More information on Medicaid and CHIP flexibilities can be found here. Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.

Your response matters.

Health clinics. Fire departments. Schools. Even roads and highways. The census can shape many different aspects of your community.

Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year.

The results determine how many seats in Congress each state gets.

It's mandated by the U.S. Constitution in Article 1, Section 2: The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790.

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will provide approximately $185 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of August as the state continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size.

"By extending this emergency SNAP funding, the State of Texas is helping to ensure families can continue to put food on the table," said Governor Abbott. "I remain grateful to our partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their ongoing support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic."

"The additional SNAP benefits will help Texans purchase foods that provide nutrition to their families," said Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter. "Continuing these allotments is an important component of our continued response to COVID-19."

More than 961,000 SNAP households will see the additional amount on their Lone Star Card by August 15. The emergency August allotments are in addition to the $835 million in benefits previously provided to Texans between April and July.

Administered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.4 million eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas.

Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.

Timpson ISD has scheduled a substitute orientation/training for  Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at 9 am at the Timpson ISD Event Center. If you have never been a substitute at the district, you will need to fill out an application. The application may be obtained prior to the training date at the Central office.  An applicant who has never substituted for a school district must be fingerprinted with a criminal background check done before being placed on the sub list.  When the applicant has completed training, their information is uploaded to TEA and they will receive an email giving them information about getting their fingerprinting scheduled.  

The fee for the fingerprinting is the responsibility of the applicant.  Those who were on the substitute list from last year should receive forms for recertifying for the new school year prior to training.  If you happen to not receive your forms in the mail, there will be forms available at the training. The training is required each year for those who are recurring substitutes or new applicants. Social distancing will be observed at the training and face covering is requested. Timpson ISD appreciates our substitutes for their faithfulness to help our students.  If you have questions, you may call Sherri Strahan at 936/254-2463 Ext. 4100 or email at sstrahan@timpsonisd.com.     

Beginning Monday, August 3, 2020, The Unique Boutique will be opened Monday – Friday from 9-4 and will be accepting donations.  While inside the store, customers are asked to keep 6 feet apart from each other and always wear a face mask.  You can take your donations to the loading dock.  Please remember that all donated items must be in good shape and not broken or torn.  Only donate items during hours of operation so they can be properly handled. 

The store is not a dumping site for unusable items.  Anyone caught on camera dumping outside the hours of operation will be fined.  Thank you for your support and patience throughout this process.  We look forward to seeing you in the store!  Questions?  Call us at 936-591-8190.  God Bless.  

Center High School

Meet the Teacher 

Junior and Senior Schedule Pick up        

Monday, August 17,  9-12 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Sophomore Schedule Pick-up            

Tuesday, August 18,  9-12 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Freshman Schedule Pick-up            

Wednesday, August 19,  9-12 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

The format of CHS Meet the Teacher will look differently this year from the past.  Sophomore through Seniors are invited to come to the school on the above days and times to get a copy of their schedule.  Freshmen are invited to come on Wednesday.  Due to the unusual circumstances we are experiencing, we will not be hosting Fish Camp for our Freshmen.  In place of this, we will have a member of the National Honor Society available to walk any student interested around the building and show them their class locations and other key areas on campus.  All safety measures must be in place during these tours to safeguard everyone involved.  

Specifically, all students will be required to do the following:

Check in at the front office

Have temperature checked

Fill out Covid-19 screening form

Limit of 2 guests per student

All guests must wear a mask

Maintain social distancing 

Center Middle School 

Meet the Teacher

Dates and Times:

6th Grade -- August, 17th 12:00-4:00

7th Grade -- August, 18th 12:00-4:00

8th Grade -- August, 19th 12:00-4:00

Design:

The design of CMS Meet the Teacher will be different this year. Instead of one date and limited time, each grade level will have times specified for students and parents to come and visit with their teacher and walk through their schedule.

Please join us on the dates specified any time during the 4 hour window to meet your child’s teachers and tour the campus.

If you have children in multiple grade levels you may visit all teachers in one visit. You will not have to come on separate days unless you prefer to.

Requirements:

All visitors will be required to:

Check in at the front office.

Have temperature checked 

Fill out Covid 19 screening form.

Limit of two guests per student.

All guests need to wear a mask.

Maintain social distancing.

Center Elementary 

School Meet the Teacher 

We can’t wait to see students in our building! 

3rd Grade        Friday, August 14th 

4th & 5th Grade      Monday, August 17th 

In effort to limit exposure and maintain distancing guidelines, each student will receive a 15 minute window in order to meet their teacher and drop off supplies. Families will receive a letter with their child’s scheduled time the week before Meet the Teacher. 

Please be advised: 

Everyone entering the building will complete a health screener and have their temperature checked. Temperatures over 100 degrees fahrenheit will not be permitted to enter. Only one family member per student is permitted.  Face masks/coverings are required. 

F.L. Moffett Primary School 

Meet the Teacher 

We can’t wait to see students in our building! 

Pre K-3, Pre K-4, Kinder -- Friday, August 14th 

1st & 2nd -- Monday, August 17th 

In effort to limit exposure and maintain distancing guidelines, each student will receive a 15 minute window in order to meet their teacher and drop off supplies. Families will receive a letter with their child’s scheduled time the week before Meet the Teacher. 

Please be advised: 

Everyone entering the building will complete a health screener and have their temperature checked. Temperatures over 100 degrees fahrenheit will not be permitted to enter. Only one family member per student is permitted.  Face masks/coverings are required. 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Registration is underway for fall classes in the Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music.

The fall roster for youth includes lessons in piano, violin, cello, viola, voice, Music Theory Adventures and Piney Woods Youth Orchestra, among many others. Lessons may be available for other instruments upon request. Lessons begin Aug. 17. Music Prep also offers programs for adults in piano and strings.

As the world continues to struggle with the economic and emotional effects of a worldwide pandemic, music remains one of the best coping mechanisms for stress and uncertainty, according to Alba Madrid, the new director of Music Prep who took over the division in June.

“We understand that music provides an outlet to express a wide range of emotions which ultimately helps to enrich our lives in a number of ways,” Madrid said. “Children have the need to connect now more than ever, and what better way to connect with others than through music. I have witnessed firsthand, through my many years of teaching, the healthy relationships our students have with their friends in their music community. They share the same passion, interests and values.”

Because of the economic effects of COVID-19, lower tuition fees for private lessons and other programs will be offered this fall. Scholarships are available to students based on need and commitment.

“We are working to expand our scholarship funds through grants, donations and sponsorships to help families that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic,” Madrid said. Deadline to apply for a scholarship is Aug. 15.

Madrid said appropriate Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety protocols, including wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing and following sanitizing procedures, will be followed. Students, parents and teachers will have the flexibility to decide on lesson format: face to face, virtual or a hybrid structure.

A new String Project will be piloted in the spring. The nine public school districts with in Nacogdoches County and some surrounding districts will be invited to participate. String Project students will have the opportunity to learn to play a stringed instrument at a low tuition cost as part of an after school activity. The project will be grant and community funded.

Registration for private and group instruction can be completed online at sfamusicprep.com or by calling (936) 468-1291. Prices range from $20 to $180 per month, depending on frequency, type of lesson and lesson length.

The Music Prep House is located at 3028 Raguet St. Office hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Madrid can also be reached via email at madrida@sfasu.edu or musicprep@sfasu.edu. Parents can also find program information on Facebook and Instagram.

DSHS reported 4 new COVID-19 cases. 

I contacted DSHS about the discrepancy in the total number of confirmed cases that has been reported to us and the total number of reported cases posted on the DSHS web site for Shelby County. 

DSHS reported back to me that they had failed to report 12 cases to me over the course of the past 2 weeks. In addition, one case had been reported to us twice with 2 different addresses and one case was discovered to be a Nacogdoches County resident.

The following numbers reflect all of these changes.

82 ACTIVE CASES 

266 Recovered

14 Deaths

362 Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...48

75974...14

75975...8

75973...6

75954...6

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935…249                                                   1-20....35

75974...42                                                    21-40....117

75975…28                                                   41-60.…113         4

75973…23                                                   61-80.…60           4

75954…20                                                   81-100....30         6

                                                                  Unknown...           7

Center Middle School is excited to announce that we will be offering Principles of Agricultural to our 8th grade students for the upcoming school year. This class is a prerequisite class for any student that plans on taking Agricultural classes in high school. Examples of these classes would include Welding, Small Animal Management, Vet Med, and Floral Design. 

Course Description:

Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources is a course designed to enhance the understanding of the agricultural industry.  This hands-on, interactive introductory course provides students with opportunities to learn basic knowledge and skills in many facets of the Agriculture industry: plant and animal systems, food production, mechanical systems, entrepreneurship, leadership, and environmental sciences.

Additionally, students will learn about the FFA Organization and opportunities for supervised agriculture work experiences and FFA participation. This course serves as a high school CTE credit. 

Some advantages of taking this class in middle school:

You will receive high school credit

By taking this course in middle school you will be able to go further in your area of specialization and possibly receive certifications in those areas.

If you are interested in taking this course please call the middle school main office at 936-598-5619. These classes will fill up quickly. We will assign students on a first come first serve basis.

Thank you,

Jake Henson

Principal Center Middle School 

Charles C. Matthews Foundation establishes scholarship at Panola College to support future educators

In anticipation of the partnership between Panola College and the University of Texas in Tyler (UT Tyler), the Charles C. Matthews Foundation has established the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Teaching Scholarship. The scholarship is intended to support students at Panola College who are enrolled in the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) program. There were almost 100 students majoring in the AAT program this past spring.

Panola College is partnering with UT Tyler to bring their Early Childhood – Grade 6 bachelor program to the Panola College campus in Carthage beginning the spring 2021 semester. This partnership is intended for students who are completing the AAT program at Panola College to continue their education towards a bachelor’s degree through UT Tyler more conveniently on the Panola College campus.

Individuals seeking to obtain the BSIS degree through UT-Tyler and Panola College must:

·            Be enrolled in the AAT degree program at Panola College at the time they apply to UT Tyler;

·            Apply to UT Tyler through ApplyTexas; and

·            Meet the formal criteria to be admitted into the UT Tyler’s EC-6 teacher preparation program.

“We believe that the scholarship established by the Charles C. Matthews Foundation is an excellent way to begin this partnership with UT Tyler to Panola College,” said Dr. Greg Powell, Panola College President. “Educators are a valuable and essential part of our community and we appreciate the Foundation’s generosity in supporting future educators for generations to come.”

The Charles C. Matthews Foundation Teaching Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student enrolled in the associate of arts teaching program at Panola College with a preference going to a student who intends to continue into a baccalaureate teaching program.

Photo: (L to R) Richard Ballenger, Robert Underwood, David Bush, Vern Reeder, and Jim Payne

NACOGDOCHES,TX (July 29, 2020): On July 17, 2020 around 6:15 p.m. the Nacogdoches Police Department received a call for assistance involving an adult male that was severely injured at a residence in the 1400 block of North St. One of our officers was the first on scene.

The officer went into the residence and found the victim with a severe upper leg laceration lying on the floor in need of immediate medical attention. Our officer went into life saving mode and began using medical supplies he carried on him to slow the bleeding down. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital and was expected to make a full recovery. Officers later determined the laceration was from a residential glass window. 

Tiger Football is BACK!!!

Season Tickets set to go on sale Tuesday, August 4

Our Tigers are getting ready to get back into action for the 2020 season and are on a mission!  With that TISD is making preparations to open sales of season tickets starting next Tuesday, August 4 at High Noon!!

The UIL has issued guidelines for schools to enforce in order to host home sporting events this season.  Among those are stadium capacity limits of 50% and enforcement of the Governor’s mask order.  Also, TISD will be requiring that fans observe all social distancing guidelines while attending. 

Raymond Jackson Stadium has a Home bleacher seating capacity of approximately 750 fans at 100%. 

By adding seating at the daycare porch, by adding bleachers to the North end zone for our band, and by adding standing room only space on the Northwest slope, we have estimated that we should be able to accommodate seating for roughly 900 home fans at 100% capacity.  Because of social distancing guidelines the upper concourse cannot be used for SRO (even though it has often held 100 extra fans at certain games) and will be blocked off by our screens. 

With all that said, we will be able to make available to fans approximately 350 tickets to attend home games for Tiger Football this year (we have to count employees, band, and cheer as part of our 50% capacity).  However, our “chair back season ticket” seats are going to be LIMITED!!  Previous reservations for those seats will NOT APPLY.  We have to eliminate rows and seats to provide distancing for patrons and as those tickets are sold, we will lose the availability of seats adjacent to those purchased.  Once our allotment is sold, they are gone and fans will have to purchase General Admission seats. 

So here’s how we are going to do it: 

1)       All tickets will go on sale next Tuesday, August 4 at 12 noon sharp in the TISD High School Foyer. 

a.      Chair backs will be sold on a first come, first serve basis for $30 for the season which includes a parking pass in the main HS lot. 

b.      LIMIT TO 4 SEATS PER PERSON

i.      Must be purchased in person

 ii.      NO PHONE CALLS …… NO EXCEPTIONS….

2)      There will be no available seats in the Press box….

3)      Fans may purchase General Admission season tickets for $20

4)      While there are still parking spaces available, fans may also purchase a HS lot parking pass for $10 for the season. 

5)      Individual “at the gate” game tickets may be limited…. The only way to guarantee your seat is to buy the season ticket while they’re available.

·         Fans should also note that this season and the schedule could fluctuate as the public health situation dictates.  District 11-2A will be meeting later this week to finalize scheduling and individual game gate prices. 

·         Fans should also note that road game seat availability could be very limited as well.  Once we have more information, we will pass it along. 

Tribute by Judge Allison Harbison 

I would like to recognize Judge Margie Anderson for her selfless service to her community and county.  She has had many titles during her life but I’ve always called her Miss Margie.  When her husband, Billy Anderson began his tenure as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3 on January 1, 1987, his right hand man was Miss Margie.

They worked side by side for years administrating justice in Precinct 3. When Judge Billy Anderson passed away in August of 2004, the most natural transition for that office was to have Miss Margie continue as the judge. Judge Margie Anderson assumed the office of Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3 on September 3, 2004 and has worked tirelessly up until her retirement on Friday, July 31, 2020.  

 Judge Anderson’s respect for the law and the citizens of Shelby County is an example that we should all strive to follow.  The contributions that she made to Shelby County will be hard to match.  Her dedication to her job is beyond words.  When you mention a Judge in the Joaquin area, people automatically assume you mean Judge Anderson.  She has been a most conscientious, fair and impartial judge for the citizens of Precinct #3.  She has a heart of gold and a gavel of righteous equality.  If you did wrong, you were subject to the law.  But if you just messed up, she definitely knew the difference.  

She has spent countless hours working out of her home to conduct the duties of JP, calls in the middle of the night to go out and see the unthinkable; as well as years of weekend mornings spent at the City and County jails for arraignments.  She never hesitated to step up and take on extra duties when other precincts had no JP or had a JP out for illness or other reasons.  And she did a large portion of this when she was well into her 70s and 80s.  How many of us would be willing to learn how to use a computer and a complicated reporting program in our golden years?  This strong, amazing lady has never shied away from anything!  

I think she would be the first to tell you that she could not have been such an effective magistrate without the help of her loving son, Charles Ray.  He has certainly been her sidekick for many years.   She will be sorely missed around the county offices where Judge Anderson has been a mentor and role model to all. So it is with joyful tears that I say Happy Retirement Miss Margie! Thank you for your leadership, your friendship, and your public service. Your integrity, work ethic, and legacy of excellence will  forever be remembered and treasured by the citizens of Shelby County.  

DSHS reported 6 new COVID-19 cases.

68 ACTIVE CASES

266 Recovered

14 Deaths

348 Cumulative cases

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...39

75974...13

75975...7

75973...3

75954...6

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS: 

75935…240                                                    1-20....33

75974...41                                                   21-40....112

75975…27                                                    41-60.…110         4

75973…20                                                    61-80.…57           4

75954…20                                                    81-100....30        6

                                                                   Unknown...          6

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The global COVID-19 pandemic continues to greatly impact the hospitality industry, from shuttering restaurants and entertainment venues to limiting travel abroad and canceling internships for college students pursuing hospitality degrees.

But with the help of a country club in Arkansas and an event planning business in South Carolina, four seniors in Stephen F. Austin State University’s hospitality administration program completed their internships. They also had a lot of fun this summer serving others and building their confidence for their future careers.

Kelly Allen of Atlanta, Texas, Kamrin Sprott of Livingston and Arlene Turcios of Tyler honed their culinary and operations skills at The Country Club of Little Rock, while Dallas Norfleet of Georgetown, Texas, helped plan birthday parties, proposals and weddings at Stunning and Brilliant Events in Myrtle Beach. All four earned credits for their hospitality administration internship course at SFA.

“I am proud of Arlene, Dallas, Kamrin and Kelly for taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world, hands-on settings during this time of uncertainty for the industry,” said Dr. Mary Olle, associate professor of hospitality administration in SFA’s School of Human Sciences.

Most of SFA’s hospitality administration students complete their internships during the summer at destinations all over the country and abroad, according to Olle.

“Unfortunately, COVID-19 resulted in most of our students’ internships being canceled,” she said.

Those students had the option of completing a virtual internship that featured live Zoom sessions with industry professionals, webinars with industry leaders, and professional skill development training with SFA’s Center for Career and Professional Development.

Though their original internship plans were canceled, Allen, Sprott and Turcios didn’t have to go the virtual route.

David Sumpter, senior food and beverage manager for The Country Club of Little Rock, is part of the team that coordinates the club’s internship program. The team usually recruits 12 to 15 interns from India, Jamaica and the Philippines to create a cultural experience for international interns who learn management and leadership skills to use in their careers when they return home. They gain general knowledge of the club, including its banquet and events operations.

But the pandemic prevented these interns from leaving their home countries this summer. It also greatly reduced the club’s banquet and events operations.

“We had to drastically change our summer internships due to COVID-19,” Sumpter said.

The focus of the internship shifted to the club’s pickup and to-go operations, the pool and snack bar areas, and cost controls and inventory procedures. Intern recruitment also changed.

“We reached out to local universities for the first time and received a huge response,” Sumpter said.

Olle heard Sumpter’s call and notified Allen, Sprott and Turcios, who learned in May that their summer internships at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming had been canceled due to COVID-19.

“It was really late in the game to be looking for a new internship,” Sprott said.

Turcios had been looking forward to summer in Wyoming.

“I was excited for the Yellowstone internship because exploring nature is a favorite hobby of mine, and to live and work in the world’s first national park sounded like a dream,” she said. “But I understood the circumstances and why they had to withdraw my internship offer.”

Allen added, “Yellowstone was going to be a risky situation. The employees are housed in dorm-style living, so it would have been nearly impossible to separate us if there was a COVID outbreak among the staff.”

The three were preparing to replace their in-person Yellowstone internships with the hospitality administration program’s virtual internship when Olle told them about the late-breaking openings at The Country Club of Little Rock. All three jumped at the opportunity, and after some Zoom interviews, they secured their summer in Arkansas at one of the oldest country clubs west of the Mississippi River.

Sumpter was glad to have the help.

“Arlene, Kamrin and Kelly stepped in and became part of our family,” he said.

Allen and Turcios, who both selected the culinary focus area within SFA’s hospitality administration program, worked with the country club’s executive chef to learn all aspects of the kitchen, food production and cost controls.

Sprott, whose focus is travel and tourism, learned the to-go/pickup operations in the front-of-the-house department and the pool’s snack bar areas. She also helped plan some small banquet events.

“All three were key in the planning and execution of our Fourth of July celebration,” Sumpter said. “We were truly blessed to have partnered with SFA and cannot give enough accolades to Arlene, Kamrin and Kelly for the work they did and for ensuring our club was successful during these challenging times.” 

Norfleet, whose hospitality administration program focus is meeting and planning, secured her internship in December 2019, way before summer, because she really wanted to work in South Carolina. While growing up in Central Texas, Norfleet liked to look at pictures from her parents’ college days at Clemson University. The red brick and pine trees of that campus ultimately led her to SFA. She hopes to live in South Carolina one day.

COVID-19 didn’t cancel her internship, but the pandemic did delay Norfleet’s travel to South Carolina and affected the usually very busy summer season at Stunning and Brilliant Events, a franchise known for planning extravagant weddings and parties booked two years in advance.

During a normal summer, the Stunning and Brilliant Events team in Myrtle Beach plans 20 to 30 weddings. This summer, they’ve been able to hold four weddings and six proposals and elopements.

“A lot of weddings were rescheduled or became elopements,” Norfleet said. “One big wedding was outside, and everyone wore masks. We also threw an indoor/outdoor birthday party where masks were mandatory.”

Despite the impact of COVID-19, Norfleet learned a lot from her experience and was most proud of the trust she gained in her manager, Sara McCall, who at 33 has already built a popular event planning franchise.

“One of my greatest successes with this internship is the trust Sara and the company have in me now,” Norfleet said. “My experience here has made me more comfortable to express my opinions.”

McCall relied on Norfleet to handle social media for Stunning and Brilliant Events during the summer.

“Dallas has been wonderful,” she said. “She created multiple documents to help future interns with blogging, design and social media help.”

Norfleet has picked up some tips for her own personal events she’s planning, like her 21st birthday party.

“At midnight, you need to bring out some treats like truffle fries or Big Macs,” she said. “At the wedding for the son of the Waffle House CEO, guests were served waffles and hash browns at midnight.”

Though the four SFA seniors served different roles during their summer internships, they all were drawn to the hospitality field because of their desire to help and serve others.

Sprott and Norfleet’s need to help others initially put them on a medical professional track with majors in nursing and nutrition, respectively. But when that didn’t work out, they both found their way to the hospitality administration program and immediately felt at ease.

“I’m a creative and outgoing person, so this major was a better fit for me,” Norfleet said.

Sprott credits SFA’s hospitality administration instructors with her “great experience” in the program.

“I was welcomed with open arms and lots of excitement from the hospitality professors,” she said. “I knew I was where I was supposed to be.”

Sprott added, “They ensure your success not only in the classroom but also the professional world. They go the extra mile to prepare you and give you the necessary tools and confidence you need to succeed.”

For Turcios and Allen, the internship has helped them gain trust in themselves.

“My biggest challenge during the internship was learning to trust my own judgment,” Turcios said. “I want to open my own restaurant and be my own executive chef one day, so I need to gain that confidence — that trust in my gut in all decisions I make.”

At the beginning of her internship, Allen said she found herself relying too much on Turcios while they worked together in the kitchen at the country club.

“When we went to work in our own areas, I was nervous to be left alone at first,” Allen said. “But I found I was capable of doing what was asked of me. I learned I didn’t need Arlene’s affirmation to make sure I was doing something right. I needed to trust in my own ability and knowledge instead.”

The two culinary students said their biggest success during their internships was similar to Norfleet’s: the trust they gained from their managers.

When Turcios’ managers tried some of her suggestions to better organize the kitchen, Turcios’ confidence grew from seeing her ideas put into action.

“I still don’t know the answer to every question thrown at me yet, but this internship helped me see how much I’ve progressed since entering SFA,” Turcios said.

Allen also was honored by how much trust her managers at the country club showed her.

“They trusted us with all that goes on behind the scenes,” she said. “I loved that the managers understood we were there to learn and experience as much as we could.”

Allen felt “valued and seen” when she was asked to sit in on meetings like a job interview in the kitchen during which the interviewee was presenting five dishes.

The four seniors advise those considering a career in hospitality to keep their minds open to all the possibilities.

“Even though you have a focus, you’re going to learn every single aspect of hospitality in the hospitality administration program,” Norfleet said. “Embrace that because you will make important connections in all those areas, and they determine how far you get in this world. I really see why it all pays off now. You can do so many things with this degree.”

Turcios agrees. “There are so many different places and so many different people who make up the hospitality industry, and that makes for an endless array of job opportunities when looking for a career after graduation.”

For more information on SFA’s hospitality administration program, contact Olle at ollemary@sfasu.edu.

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

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

Tiger Family!!!!

Tiger Football is BACK!!!

Season Tickets set to go on sale Tuesday, August 4

Our Tigers are getting ready to get back into action for the 2020 season and are on a mission! With that TISD is making preparations to open sales of season tickets starting next Tuesday, August 4 at High Noon!!

The UIL has issued guidelines for schools to enforce in order to host home sporting events this season. Among those are stadium capacity limits of 50% and enforcement of the Governor’s mask order. Also, TISD will be requiring that fans observe all social distancing guidelines while attending.

Raymond Jackson Stadium has a Home bleacher seating capacity of approximately 750 fans at 100%. By adding seating at the day care porch, by adding bleachers to the North endzone for our band, and by adding standing room only space on the Northwest slope, we have estimated that we should be able to accommodate seating for roughly 900 home fans at 100% capacity. Because of social distancing guidelines the upper concourse cannot be used for SRO (even though it has often held 100 extra fans at certain games) and will be blocked off by our screens.

With all that said, we will be able to make available to fans approximately 350 tickets to attend home games for Tiger Football this year (we have to count employees, band, and cheer as part of our 50% capacity). However, our “chair back season ticket” seats are going to be LIMITED!! Previous reservations for those seats will NOT APPLY. We have to eliminate rows and seats to provide distancing for patrons and as those tickets are sold, we will lose the availability of seats adjacent to those purchased. Once our allotment is sold, they are gone and fans will have to purchase General Admission seats.

So here’s how we are going to do it:

1) All tickets will go on sale next Tuesday, August 4 at 12 noon sharp in the TISD High School Foyer.

-- Chair backs will be sold on a first come, first serve basis for $30 for the season which includes a parking pass in the main HS lot.

-- LIMIT TO 4 SEATS PER PERSON
--- Must be purchased in person
--- NO PHONE CALLS …… NO EXCEPTIONS….

2) There will be no available seats in the Press box….

3) Fans may purchase General Admission season tickets for $20

4) While there are still parking spaces available, fans may also purchase a HS lot parking pass for $10 for the season.

5) Individual “at the gate” game tickets may be limited…. The only way to guarantee your seat is to buy the season ticket while they’re available.

• Fans should also note that this season and the schedule could fluctuate as the public health situation dictates. District 11-2A will be meeting later this week to finalize scheduling and individual game gate prices.
• Fans should also note that road game seat availability could be very limited as well. Once we have more information, we will pass it along.

Check out our NEW products!

Tenaha ISD Sportswear Store.

Just hold the Ctrl down and click on the link. https://tenahatigers.itemorder.com

Adult and youth sizes available.

Reminder: Tenaha Together Committee continues to support our community and needs the communities support as well.

A few of the things that have been done since the organization of the Tenaha Together Committee includes lights and tree for the square, banners around town,  and the beautiful brick signs entering the town.

Please, if you can make a donation to continue projects like these, send it to: Tenaha Together  c/o Scott Tyner - P. O. Box 318, Tenaha, Texas 75974

Tri-County Community Action, Inc. will hold a regular scheduled Board Meeting & Public Hearing via phone conference on Monday, August 3, 2020. 

For more information call Yolanda Neal at (936) 598-6315 Ext: 200.
 

Governor Greg Abbott announced Cecile Young as the new Executive Commissioner for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Young previously served in various roles at HHSC, including Acting Executive Commissioner, Chief Deputy Executive Commissioner, and as the Chief of Staff. 

"Cecile is a dedicated public servant who brings a tremendous amount of experience working in state government and at HHSC," said Governor Abbott. "HHSC plays a vital role in our response to COVID-19, and Cecile will provide immediate leadership to help solve the health care challenges facing our state during this pandemic. I look forward to working with Cecile to ensure that HHSC continues to improve the health and safety of all Texans."

Cecile Young of Austin has more than 30 years of experience in state government. She previously served in various roles at HHSC, including Acting Executive Commissioner, Chief Deputy Executive Commissioner, and as the Chief of Staff. Prior to her service at HHSC, she served in several positions for former Governors Bill Clements, George W. Bush, and Rick Perry, and as the Director of the Medical Support Initiatives for the Office of the Attorney General. Young received a Bachelor of Science in Textile Technology and Management from Texas Tech University.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Two separate virtual programs will allow Stephen F. Austin State University students and their parents to experience firsthand the academic rigors and student engagement that make the Lumberjack experience unique among institutions of higher education.

The two programs, Virtual Saturday and the Lumberjack Family Experience, will provide parents the opportunity to engage in informative livestream sessions with campus faculty and staff and have their questions answered about SFA’s programs and instruction.

“The objective of our virtual programs is not only to provide parents a deeper look into their own students’ experiences in the classroom and on campus, but also to provide an outlet for parents to get the answers they need as we approach the fall semester,” said Erma Nieto Brecht, SFA’s executive director of enrollment management. “We want parents to understand that, regardless if courses are delivered face-to-face or through distance-learning, their students will still be receiving the quality SFA experience they expect, no matter how they choose to build their schedule. And there is no better way to understand that than to experience it firsthand.”

Virtual Saturday

Free to any interested party, Virtual Saturday is intended to give parents and their students an immersive look at a livestream classroom setting. The 50-minute Zoom session will mirror that of an actual full Zoom class.

“We know parents have a lot of questions, and we think the best way to show them what their child’s class will be like is to let them join one,” said Dr. Joyce Johnston, associate dean in the College of Liberal and Applied Arts and the director of SFA’s Division of Multidisciplinary Programs. “We want to emphasize that however faculty members deliver their classes, students’ educational experiences are second to none. Their faculty members are supported by an outstanding team in the Center for Teaching and Learning who provide us training, innovation and technological support to help ensure high-quality distance education for all Lumberjacks.”

Those interested in participating may choose from among six 50-minute Zoom classes conducted by faculty members from each of SFA’s six colleges.

“Our hope is for family members to come away with a greater understanding of how much our faculty members care about our students,” Johnston said. “We hope they experience what their students will — that distance learning can be dynamic, engaging, innovative and enjoyable. Our faculty and our CTL constantly work to improve the students’ experience in the classroom, even the virtual one. Parents who choose to send their child to SFA can rest assured that faculty members will connect with and support all students.”
 

Understanding not everyone may possess the necessary technology to attend, Virtual Saturday classes will be recorded and posted online at a future date.

Seven Virtual Saturday sessions will be held Saturday, Aug. 1 — three at 10 a.m., three at 11 a.m. and one at noon.

To register for a Virtual Saturday session, visit sfasu.edu/info-for/parents/virtual-saturday.

Lumberjack Family Experience

Hosted by SFA’s Office of Orientation and Transition Programs, the Lumberjack Family Experience offers parents several opportunities to connect with campus representatives from the comfort of their own home.

The Lumberjack Family Experience focuses on three main areas: student engagement, safety and academics. It is designed to allow parents and students to learn about the entire university experience.
 

Parents, guardians and family members of an incoming student for fall 2020 are invited to attend. During the event, university representatives will provide information and answer questions regarding the upcoming in-person Jack Camp Orientation, and there also will be a mock virtual classroom experience.

The Lumberjack Family Experience is scheduled for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5.

To register, visit sfasu.edu/orientation/first-year.

Please make your appointment today!  You can help save lives and get free Blue Bell!

Just click on the link of the date you would like to give and make your appointment, it is that simple, or you can call Brandi at the Chamber at 936-275-3610 and she will make your appointment for you.

Don’t miss your chance to save lives!

Schedule your appointment today by clicking the underlined link. Thank you in advance.

San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, 08/04/2020 (10:00 am - 02:30 pm)
611 W. Columbia
San Augustine County Chamber of Com. - Donor Coach
San Augustine, TX 75972

San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce
Monday, 08/10/2020 (11:00 am - 03:30 pm)
611 W. Columbia
San Augustine County Chamber of Com. - Donor Coach
San Augustine, TX 75972

San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, 08/18/2020 (10:00 am - 02:30 pm)
100 Courthouse Square
inside
San Augustine, TX 75972

APPOINTMENTS ONLY

AUSTIN – Beginning Monday, July 27, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will electronically post to its website COVID-19 case counts and deaths by facility name for state supported living centers, state hospitals, and state-licensed nursing and assisted living facilities.

“HHSC has a legal and ethical obligation to protect the private health information of everyone we serve, both in the private facilities we regulate and those we operate,” said HHS Executive Commissioner Phil Wilson. “We appreciate the guidance from the Attorney General of Texas, which allows us to release this additional data while maintaining important personal privacy protections.” 

Data on COVID-19 case counts and deaths will be updated on the HHSC website daily on weekdays, no later than 3 p.m. CT.

Data for the state-operated SSLCs and state hospitals will reflect confirmed cases as of the previous business day.

Because nursing facilities and assisted living facilities self-report data to HHSC, staff must review and correct any clerical or reporting errors to ensure data integrity. To accommodate time for this review, data posted on these facilities will reflect counts two weeks prior to the date of posting.

The daily case count postings can be found here.

DSHS reported 6 new COVID-19 cases and 3 recoveries.

62 ACTIVE CASES 

266 Recovered

14 Deaths

342 Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIPCODE:

75935...34

75974...13

75975...6

75973...3

75954...6

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIPCODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935…235                                                  1-20....32

75974...41                                                   21-40....110

75975…26                                                    41-60.…108         4

75973…20                                                    61-80.…57           4

75954…20                                                    81-100....30         6

                                                                   Unknown...           5

To all Center high school girl athletes in high school, grades 9-12: The first Lady Roughrider volleyball practice will be Monday, August 3rd and will go from 8:00 AM-11:00 AM.

Everyone who is interested needs to meet at the high school gym at 7:45. Bring your own water bottle and shoes.

If you have any questions please contact Coach Lee Lusk by email lee.lusk@centerisd.org.
 

Click here for pictures:

Reminder: The survey will close at midnight on Wednesday, July 29th.  

Parent Survey Information

In English / En Español

CISD Parents/Guardians,

In an effort to plan for and meet the State of Texas and TEA guidelines for the start of school, CISD is asking all parents/guardians to complete the 20-21 Instructional Choice Survey. This survey allows you to choose the instructional delivery method (In-Person or VIrtual) for your child(ren). We ask that a survey be completed for EACH child and not just for the whole family as we understand circumstances may necessitate different choices for different students. Also, we ask that only the parent/guardian completes the survey.

This survey will remain open through Wednesday, July 29, 2020. After the survey closes, students for whom a choice was not made will be assigned to start the school year with in-person instruction. If for any reason, you would like to change your choice, please contact the office at your child's school not later than August 7, 2020 deadline. Please remember when choosing the virtual instructional model that you must ensure that you will provide adequate internet service and a device that meets the requirements for your student to complete lessons that include video streaming, video conferencing, and document sharing, downloading, and uploading using Google Suite.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPvIeyWPlXo82_VBYSOj5_jDOSNozttXWKmOdLeKWItIfCgg/viewform

Padres / Guardianes de CISD,

En un esfuerzo por planificar y cumplir con las pautas del Estado de Texas y TEA para el comienzo de la escuela, CISD está pidiendo a todos los padres / tutores que completen la Encuesta de elección de instrucción 20-21. Esta encuesta le permite elegir el método de entrega de instrucción (en persona o virtual) para su (s) hijo (as). Pedimos que se complete una encuesta para CADA niño(a) y no para toda la familia, ya que entendemos que las circunstancias pueden requerir diferentes opciones para diferentes estudiantes. Además, pedimos que solo el padre / tutor complete la encuesta.

Esta encuesta permanecerá abierta hasta el Miércoles, 29 de Julio del 2020. Una vez que se cierre la encuesta, los estudiantes para quienes no se tomó una decisión serán asignados para comenzar el año escolar con instrucción en persona. Si por algún motivo desea cambiar su elección, comuníquese con la oficina de la escuela de su hijo(a) a más tardar el 7 de Agosto del 2020, fecha límite. Al elegir el modelo de instrucción virtual, recuerde que debe asegurarse de proporcionar un servicio de Internet adecuado y un dispositivo (computadora) que cumpla con los requisitos para que su estudiante complete las lecciones que incluyen transmisión de video, videoconferencia e intercambio, descarga y carga de documentos mediante Google Suite.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwgY0OPw7FfdyEXHzqworLKRoG6hp930JeXXLdC1lkmwcrag/viewform

DSHS reported 11 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend.

59 ACTIVE CASES

263 Recovered

14 Deaths

336 Cumulative cases

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIPCODE:

75935...31

75974...12

75975...6

75973...4

75954...6

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIPCODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS: 

75935…231                                                  1-20....30

75974…39                                                    21-40....106

75975…26                                                    41-60.…108         4

75973…20                                                    61-80.…57           4

75954…20                                                    81-100....30        6

                                                                   Unknown...          5

NHS Candidates

Eligible candidates should have received a letter in the mail. Please fill out the online application by using the Google form link included in the letter. Deadline for applications is August 13. Dues can be paid at CHS beginning August 10.

Questions can be directed via email to Susan.Penick@centerisd.org
 

Free. Come one.  Come alll !!  Next Saturday. August 1st.  10.30  a.m. in the morning, at the Windham Civic Center. 

Center Noon Lions club social distancing magic show.  With a real magician doing magic tricks. Then, Dr Rainbow , the balloon man will be doing balloon tricks.  The Fire truck will be there to climb on and explore. And other activities. Again. No charge to attendees.  Donations will be accepted   

Snacks provided   

Sponsored And Presented by the Center Noon  Lions  ???? Club and local businesses. 
Any business wanting to donate and receive recognition at this event ,contact Dr Clayton Paul Windham at 936 598 2923

Students arriving at school will enter into the cafeteria and get their breakfast and go to their
assigned classroom. Staffs’ temperature will be taken when they arrive. Teachers and aides will
enter the second door, students will enter the first door. Teachers and Aides will monitor the
spacing of students as they enter the building and monitor students in the hall to make sure they
are going to where they are supposed to be. Kindergarten will remain in the cafeteria to eat
breakfast. PreK will go to their assigned classroom until they go to the cafeteria for breakfast. All
class and hallway procedures will be enforced during breakfast. Trash cans will be placed in the
halls for students to throw away trash. Teachers will be in charge of their classes and will
enforce all procedures. Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom by themselves. Any
student who is sick when arriving (throwing up, running a fever, coughing, congestion, listless,
and/or any socially accepted signs of sickness) will be sent to the nurse and parents will be
called to pick up the student. Students should not be medicated to be sent to school, except for
doctor prescribed medication.
Parents will not be allowed to enter the school, except at the office to see Mrs. Searcy or the
principal. Parents that are picking up sick students will let the office know and the student will be
brought to the office. Parents will not be allowed to eat breakfast or lunch with students. All
parent/teacher conferences will be held at the principals’ office. If possible try to handle issues
over the phone or email, if not call and set up a meeting ( it may take a little while to get
scheduled due to the situation). If money is needed to be paid to the cafeteria, parents will
leave an envelope with the money at the office and it will be given to the cafeteria.
Restroom breaks will be on a schedule by class and grade, no students will leave the classroom
on their own. Teachers will take class to the restroom and ensure that only 2 students are in the
restroom at a time, students are social distancing in the hall, and following restroom procedures
at all times. Restroom schedule will not have 2 classes scheduled at the same time.
If a student is feeling sick, teachers will send the student to the hallway and contact the nurse,
office, or principal immediately. Nurse, office, or principal will come to the class and take the
student to an appropriate location. We do not want sick students roaming the hall.
Teachers will be given spray bottles with disinfectant and rag to clean all surfaces when leaving
a room, changing stations, or contact between students and/or students.
Masks will be worn when in close contact with people like the hallway to change classes, go to
PE, lunch, recess, computer lab, reading lab, math lab, dyslexia lab, or breakfast( just a few
examples). Masks are to be worn at all times in the hallway. Social distancing will be practiced
every time it is possible. I’m searching for face shields for teachers to wear. They can stay on all
the time if teachers want and they will at least be able to have facial contact with students.
Pre-K and Kindergarten will eat lunch everyday in the cafeteria. Each class will sit at their own
table. 1st grade will eat in the cafeteria on Mondays, 2nd grade on Tuesdays, 3rd grade on

Wednesdays, 4th grade on Thursdays, and 5th grade on Fridays. On days they don’t eat in the
cafeteria, they will eat in their classroom. All class and hallway procedures will be enforced
during lunch. Trash cans will be placed in the halls for students to throw away trash. Teachers
will be in charge of their classes ( in the class and the cafeteria) and will enforce all procedures.
Once a student leaves the cafeteria they can not return. Teachers will contact the office or
principal to retrieve items left in the cafeteria. Teacher will check the cafeteria before leaving to
ensure nothing is left.
Grades Pre-K through 5th will be self-contained this year to reduce the contact of teachers and
other students. Grades and classes will maintain social distance.
While in the cafeteria, the person in charge of the students need to make sure the students are
maintaining the correct social distance and remaining in their assigned area.
PE needs to be outside when weather allows.Social distancing needs to be enforced by
teachers. We have the football field and the track that we can use. Two classes per grade will
go to PE with one staying in. We will rotate that class everyday. Every grade will do this.
Recess can use the football field if not being used by PE. Social distancing needs to be
enforced by teachers. Teachers will carry radios to recess or make sure they have their phones
to make sure that they can be reached. Teachers do not send students to get the radioes. They will call
the office and we will get them to you.
Water fountains will be turned off. Students will be able to bring water bottles from home. They
are not allowed to share them with other students for any reasons. Teachers will ensure that
water bottles are not being shared.
Teachers will leave their classroom doors open and window open( slightly) to allow fresh air to
flow into the classroom. The AC will stay on, at least to late fall. Teachers preference.
During parent pick up we will have the students spaced out on the sidewalk. We will use radios to
coordinate sending students to their cars.
Discipline issues will not be tolerated. Teachers and administration do not have time to handle
noncompliance issues. Teachers will be informed to send students to the office as soon as they
become a disciplinary issue. Students who display disciplinary issues will be placed in remote
learning status.

The Tenaha City Council will meet in a Regular City Council Meeting on Monday, July 27, 2020 at 5:30 pm, Tenaha, Texas.  The following items are on the agenda for appropriate action:
Due to health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), this meeting will be open to the public by telephone conference only. The public may attend the teleconference by dialing 712-432-3900 Conference # 232047.

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) 248-3841 until 5:00 p.m. The audio comments will be played for the members of the Council or transcribed and read verbatim to the Council 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.

1.    Call to Order:
2.    Roll Call: To establish a quorum. 
3.    Invocation:
4.    Pledge: United States Pledge
5.    Citizens Input: (See Above statement on Public Comments)
6.    Election Items:
a.    Appoint Mayor Pro-Tem to perform mayor’s duties during the mayor’s incapacity or absence. The mayor pro-tem is selected by majority vote of the council from among its own membership. The mayor pro-tem is for two years.  The mayor pro-tem retains the right to vote on all matters before the council (and not just to break a tie) while performing duties of mayor (Local Government Code Section 22.38 and 23.027)
7.    Department Head Reports:
a.    Public Works Report
b.    Municipal Court Report
c.    Police Department Report
d.    City Secretary Report
e.    Fire Department Report
8.    Consent Agenda:  Items included under the Consent Agenda require little or no deliberation by the Council.  Approval of the Consent Agenda authorizes the City Secretary to proceed with the conclusion of each item as reflected in the Minutes of this meeting. 
a.    Consider Scheduling a Budget Workshop for the 2020/2021 FY to be held on Monday August 17, 2020 at 5:30 pm. 
b.    Consider Scheduling an Employee Handbook Workshop to be held on Monday August 10, 2020 at 5:30 pm. 
c.    Consider Scheduling a Newly Elected Official Orientation Workshop for Monday August 3, 2020 at 5:30 pm. 
d.    Scheduling Next Month’s meeting for Monday August 24, 2020 at 5:30 pm. 
e.    Consider approval of the Minutes from the Regular Meeting held on June 22, 2020
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (9-12)
9.    Discuss and take action: Consider approving an increase in the Mayor Pro-Tem’s utility discount for serving as Alderman and Mayor Pro-Tem. 
10.    Discuss and take action:  Discuss and consider designating an administration service provider for the 2020 Community Development-MIT Program application and project implementation administered through the Texas General Land Office.
11.    Discuss and take action: Consider approval of the Financial Statements for the month of June 2020.
12.    Discuss and take action: Renting the Community Room(s) at the City Hall. 
Enter Executive Session: Section 551.074 Personnel Matters section 551.071 Consultation with Attorney Regarding pending Litigation.
13.    Public Works Roland Britain’s Annual Evaluation.  (Employee Handbook 7.13)
14.    Consultation with Attorney. 
Return to Open Meeting
16.    Discuss action: Regarding item 13 and 14.
17.     Council Items: Reports by the members of the City Council on matters not on the agenda will be made at this time.  
18.     Adjourn.

The Council reserves the right to retire into executive session concerning any of the items listed on this agenda whenever it is considered necessary and is legally justified under the Open Meetings Act. 
 

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 29nd day of July, 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 and pay weekly expenses.

2.    Public comments on Agenda item.

3.    Appoint a Courthouse Security Officer.

4.    Approve bond for Melba Rodgers Justice of the Peace Pct. 3.

5.    Consider and take action on the Resolution and Agreement accepting the grant awarded to the County by the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund Grant Program administered by the Texas Department of Transportation pursuant to Chapter 256 of the Texas Transportation Code.

6.    Discuss and possibly decide how to dispose of the old JP building located behind the County Jail.

7.    Recognize Justice of the Peace, Margie Anderson for her many years of service to Precinct 3 and Shelby County.

8.    Adjourn.

Springhill – On Thursday, July 23, 2020, shortly after 7:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a crash on Interstate 20 just west of Springhill.  This crash ultimately claimed the life of a 5-year-old child.

The initial investigation revealed a 2005 Hyundai SUV, driven by 31-year-old Daniel Carpenter of Downsville, was traveling west on I-20.  For reasons still under investigation, Carpenter failed to stop and struck the rear of another vehicle that was stopped due to traffic congestion. 

Carpenter and a passenger in the vehicle, 5-year-old Michael Carpenter, were unrestrained at the time of the crash and taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.  On Saturday, July 25, 2020 Michael Carpenter succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital.

Child safety seats and booster seats, when used properly, save lives. They offer the best protection for children in the event of a crash. During the past 30 years, nearly 9,000 lives have been saved by the use of child restraints according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is important caregivers ensure children are properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt – every trip, every time.

Every Louisiana State Police troop is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a child safety seat “Inspection Station”.  Troop G Troopers/technicians are available seven days a week to inspect car seats.  Appointments can be made by calling 318.741.7411.  Please take advantage of these free services to ensure the safety of your child.

The crash remains under investigation.

In 2020, Troop G has investigated 13 fatal crashes resulting in 13 deaths. 

The City Council of Joaquin will meet in special session Wednesday, July 29, 2020

10 a.m. at The Joaquin City Hall located at 124 North Preston, Joaquin, Texas  via facebook live at

Here

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. Call to order, establish quorum & welcome guest.
2. Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Open Forum.
4. Discussion and Council action on subsidy for Cheer Tyme and R&M Cleaners.
5. Discussion & Council action on City owned building located on Steve Hughes Drive.
6. Closing Statements.
7. Adjournment. 

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 29th day of July 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 and pay weekly expenses.

2.    Public comments on Agenda item.

3.    Appoint a Courthouse Security Officer.

4.    Approve bond for Melba Rodgers Justice of the Peace Pct. 3.

5.    Consider and take action on the Resolution and Agreement accepting the grant awarded to the County by the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund Grant Program administered by the Texas Department of Transportation pursuant to Chapter 256 of the Texas Transportation Code.

6.    Discuss and possibly decide how to dispose of the old JP building located behind the County Jail.

7.    Recognize Justice of the Peace, Margie Anderson for her many years of service to Precinct 3 and Shelby County.

8.    Adjourn.

We invite everyone to join us and give a big welcome to our newest business at 12 noon, Saturday, August 1st. Be a part of a growing community!

Timpson has a new business in town that serves Hot Wings and fries. They also have a specialty of Wings and Waffles along with other choices. They are located at 582 North First Street right off HWY 59 in an easy location to visit. Charleston Johnson the owner has already proved he has the best HOT WINGS around. Your invited to dine in or take out while enjoying what this new business in Timpson brings to the table, both inside in the air conditioning restaurant or to your table at home.

Sincerely,

Paul Smith 

The Unique Boutique will be open all week, Monday – Friday, from 9-4, beginning July 27, 2020.

Everyone MUST wear a face mask.  We are asking customers to please practice social distancing and keep 6 feet away from each other while shopping.  Customers must stand on tape at the register while checking out.  

We ask that all customers please use hand sanitizer available inside the store.  Please be considerate of others and our staff as we continue to do our part in keeping everyone safe during this pandemic.  With safety being a priority, we are currently not accepting donations and we will notify the public when that time comes.  Thank you for your understanding.  

Center Broadcasting Company met with Tenaha ISD Superintendent Scott Tyner about the school district's plans regarding COVID-19.

Center ISD is providing the following Notice of Mitigation of COVID-19 as per the State of Texas and TEA Public Health Guidance for parents/guardians and the general public. This guidance addresses the following: all on campus and virtual instruction; administrative activities by teachers, staff, or students that occur on school campuses or virtually; all non-UIL extracurricular sports and activities; any other activities that teachers, staff, or students must complete that cannot be accomplished virtually; and visits by parents/guardians and the general public, including all after-school providers and other programs that operate in conjunction with CISD.

To Read the Full Plan Click Here:

DSHS reported 1 new COVID-19 case.

48 ACTIVE CASES 

263 Recovered

14 Deaths

325 Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...28

75974...10

75975...3

75973...3

75954...4

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935…228                                                  1-20....29

75974…37                                                    21-40....103

75975…23                                                    41-60.…102        4

75973…19                                                    61-80.…56          4

75954…18                                                    81-100....30        6

                                                                   Unknown...          5

To all Center Girl and Boy High School students 9-12: The first Roughrider Cross Country practice will be Monday August 3rd and will last from 7:00-8:30 am. 

Everyone interested should meet at the football fieldhouse for a short meeting before practice begins. Be sure and bring your own water bottle, running shoes, and towel.  

If you have any questions please contact Coach Boone by email: douglas.boone@centerisd.org or by cell: 936-635-7164.

Webster Parish – On July 23, 2020, shortly before 9:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 528 near Goodwill Road. This crash claimed the life of 51-year-old Billy Cobb of Leesville.     

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2005 Toyota pickup truck, driven by Cobb, was traveling west on Louisiana Highway 528. For reasons still under investigation, Cobb lost control of his vehicle and traveled off the highway. Once leaving the highway, Cobb’s vehicle began to overturn before striking a tree.

Cobb, who was properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the crash scene. Impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash. A toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.  

Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently.  Alcohol, prescription medications, and other drugs have many negative effects on the body that can impair driving skills.  These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver.  Not doing so can have deadly consequences.

In 2020, Troop G has investigated 12 fatal crashes resulting in 12 deaths.

---Updated Information---

The driver, 28-year-old Andrew Blaine Hightower, involved in the crash on US 96
on July 22, has been found unharmed and in contact with his family.
__________________________________________________________________
SHELBY COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating a report of a one-vehicle crash that occurred on the evening of July 22, 2020 on US 96, about two miles south of Center.

The preliminary crash information indicates at approximately 5:15 p.m., a 2005 Mini Cooper passenger car was traveling south when—for unknown reasons—the vehicle traveled off the roadway to the right and struck a culvert. The vehicle then struck several trees and overturned.

The driver—who Troopers believe is 28-year-old Andrew Blaine Hightower from Denton—was not located at the scene of the crash. Investigators have learned from family members that he was traveling from Fort Worth to Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Hightower is listed as an overdue motorist, and law enforcement agencies in Southeast Texas have been made aware that he has not arrived at his destination. Anyone with information on Hightower’s whereabouts is asked to contact local law enforcement or Lufkin DPS Communications at 936-699-7340.

Hightower is described as a white male who is approximately 5’6” tall and weighs about 137 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes.

This crash remains under investigation.

CISD has made the decision to allow only those students enrolled in the brick and mortar system to be involved in extracurricular activities. During our discussion, it was determined that logistically it is better for these students to be in our brick and mortar buildings. 

There will be no virtual Pre-K 3 or Pre-K 4. 

Please review the links below for information from UIL and the American Academy of Pediatrics:

https://www.uiltexas.org/policy/covid-19/2020-2021-uil-covid-19-risk-mitigation-guidelines 

https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/ 

SHELBY COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating a report of a one-vehicle crash that occurred yesterday evening 7-22-20 on US 96, about two miles south of Center.

The preliminary crash information indicates at approximately 5:15 p.m., a 2005 Mini Cooper passenger car was traveling south when—for unknown reasons—the vehicle traveled off the roadway to the right and struck a culvert. The vehicle then struck several trees and overturned.

The driver—who Troopers believe is 28-year-old Andrew Blaine Hightower from Denton—was not located at the scene of the crash. Investigators have learned from family members that he was traveling from Fort Worth to Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Hightower is listed as an overdue motorist, and law enforcement agencies in Southeast Texas have been made aware that he has not arrived at his destination. Anyone with information on Hightower’s whereabouts is asked to contact local law enforcement or Lufkin DPS Communications at 936-699-7340.

Hightower is described as a white male who is approximately 5’6” tall and weighs about 137 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes.

This crash remains under investigation.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Keeping the safety of their fellow students in mind when the campus opens this fall, five interior design seniors at Stephen F. Austin State University spent the summer working as interns for SFA’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness to collect data on classrooms and design safe learning environments for their classmates.

On June 8, Miriam Amador of Lufkin, April Cooper of Huntington, Osiel Mireles and Cristel Perez of Houston, and Brooke Ward of Dallas were tasked with taking measurements, inventorying and photographing all furniture and technological equipment, and documenting elements ranging from electrical outlets to floor, baseboard, wall and ceiling materials for nearly 400 rooms across campus, including auditoriums, gyms and laboratories.

“They had to assess every space that can possibly be used to teach a class,” said Sally Ann Swearingen, associate professor and internship coordinator for the interior design program at SFA.

The students are working through all their data to create floor plans for each SFA building to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines by the first week of August. They’re also compiling spreadsheets with information to help faculty members know how many students are allowed in each learning space and how to arrange the furniture and technology in those spaces to meet physical distancing requirements.

The students’ finished floor plans, along with their proposed physical distancing furniture plans and occupant loads for each room and lab, will be posted on the Office of Institutional Effectiveness website. All faculty and staff will have full access to this site.

“This will be a great resource many people will be able to utilize even after the pandemic ends,” Swearingen said. “Everybody will have access to it, so faculty and staff, department chairs and deans will all know how each classroom should look.”

In return for their efforts, the interior design seniors are receiving a small stipend and credit for their interior design internship course.

Swearingen directed the students to approach this assignment as if they were completing a job for an interior design client.

“I believe in looking at a job to see how you can make others’ lives better,” Swearingen said. “This is a great way to illustrate to these students how to be resourceful and utilize their creative skills to assist their firm or client.”

The client for this project is John Calahan, director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness at SFA.

“This has been a great group of students to work with,” Calahan said. “Their efforts are critical to the safe opening of the university in the fall. The data, analysis and plans they’ve developed set a new standard for information management regarding our academic spaces and will inform future decisions for the university.”

All five students have different strengths that contribute to the team, Cooper said.

“We have five different perspectives, so we’ve been able to eliminate any gaps in our COVID plan,” she said. “We were able to correct each other and prevent each other from missing something.”

One of the first needed strengths was proficiency in the Microsoft Teams application, which Amador provided. She helped team members use the tool to connect with each other and exchange large quantities of data, including photos of every piece of furniture and technological equipment encountered in each classroom. She also used the app to ensure her teammates uploaded complete information.

“Using Teams was key because we’re not all in the same location and we’re not online at the same time,” Amador said.

Amador and Ward led efforts to take the physical measurements of each room.

“We noted every door, every small nook, all the windows and electrical outlets,” Ward said. “We made sure electrical plans were accurate for the electrical team to come in later and create Zoom rooms.”

Cooper assessed the furniture in each room to help determine how it should be arranged and occupied for proper physical distancing among students in the fall.

Amador, Cooper and Ward uploaded digital copies of their measurements, drawings and notes in Microsoft Teams so Mireles and Perez could use computer-aided design software called AutoCAD to merge the information into floor plans for each room.

“We made the plans really simple to understand, even for someone who doesn’t know how to read floor plans,” Mireles said.

The interior design seniors have had to juggle jobs, other classes and commutes from out of town to complete this assignment. Cooper commutes from Huntington, Mireles commutes from Houston and Perez contributes remotely from Houston, where she’s working and taking two other courses.

Though the students knew each other from their junior year classes, this opportunity gave them the chance to learn from each other.

“It was great being able to work as a team even when we can’t be physically together,” Perez said. “That’s the challenge of COVID.”

Mireles and Perez transferred to SFA through the university’s interior design partnership with Houston Community College. They used Zoom to attend classes from Houston even before the pandemic.

“When we were in the Zoom classes, we all would see each other, but Cristel and I never would communicate with April or Brooke or Miriam,” Mireles said. “But this fall, I’ll feel comfortable texting them if I need help and vice versa.”

Swearingen said learning how to work with team members who have different schedules and live in different locations is good preparation for when these students graduate and begin working for global firms with offices in a variety of time zones.

“There are so many firms that have an office in London and another in Houston and another in New York,” she said. “We’re training them that this is how you work together.”

Swearingen added, “This group of students has done really well to brainstorm, talk among each other and work through issues and double-check each other. It takes a team effort.”

Perez said team members have been able to exchange different tips and tricks they picked up on their respective campuses.

“Osiel and I learned AutoCAD tricks from our HCC professors, while April, Brooke and Miriam had their own tricks from SFA professors,” Perez said. “We’ve picked the best of both worlds to apply in future projects.”

This internship also gives the interior design seniors experience — the ability to create COVID-19 plans for offices and workspaces — that more businesses will need as employees return to work during the pandemic.

“At the beginning, I just considered this a regular internship, but now, toward the end of it, I’m very proud of us,” Mireles said. “I feel like this is special for us because it reflects what’s going on in the real world. We can show potential employers our portfolio and tell them how we put our COVID plan together, and I think they’re going to be really impressed.”

The seniors said their fellow students should feel safer knowing SFA is meticulously following CDC guidelines while making preparations for the fall.

“We know what’s going on; we’re seeing it with our own eyes. We've been working many hours a week for the past two months to complete the project,” Ward said.

Perez added, “And we’re students, so other students know we care because we’re also attending classes here. We want to make it safe not just for us but for others, too.”

For more information on SFA’s reopening plans, visit HERE.

Center football ticket sales originally scheduled for Monday, July 27, have been postponed until further notice. Information regarding ticket sales will be released in the following weeks. 

I suppose than anyone can get addicted to anything.  People get addicted to alcohol, drugs, shopping, and all kinds of other things.  My addiction happens to be to popcorn.

It started at an early age.  My parents used to pop corn in a deep skillet with a lid.  They usually put a bit of butter in with the oil and shake the skillet until the corn was all popped, except for a few “old maids”.  I got addicted to that wonderfully tasting corn which has lasted a lifetime.

Fast-forward to around 1955 when my wife and I were courting and we see the popcorn addiction coming into play.  It turned out that Clara’s family loved popcorn as well, and popped it very frequently.  So, I was courting another addict which came out whenever we attended a movie.

Clara’s friend, Bessie Alford, owned and operated the movie in Hemphill.  She would always let us in the movie for free, but had to pay for any treats once inside.  I soon learned that one bag of popcorn was not enough.  Clara would need two bags at a minimum.  Luckily for me they cost only 15 cents a bag during that time.  Her love of popcorn became a private joke between us.  In fact, for her wedding gift I gave her an electric popcorn popper.  In the years since then we have worn out numerous other poppers.

Our love of popcorn prompted us to purchase a popcorn business while living in North Carolina in the early 1980s.  I purchased fifty unique small popcorn machines and placed them in businesses within a twenty-five mile radius.  I also furnished flavoring to put on top of the popcorn, such as taco, green onion, cheddar cheese, and jalapeño.  I ran my route of businesses twice per month, collected the money and re-supplied the retailer with more  popcorn and flavoring.  It was a great sideline business.

When our first child was born in 1959, we would feed her popcorn.  Of course we would pinch off a piece of white corn and give it to her.  She loved it.  Her name for popcorn was ‘knock knock”.  Naturally she became an addict, too.  When our son was born we introduced him to popcorn at an early age.  Even today when we all get together several bags of popcorn adorn the card table when we play forty-two.

It seems that popcorn has been around in one form or another for many years.  It is said that Native Americans invented, or discovered, popcorn around 3,600 BC in the area now known as New Mexico.  The Indians reportedly taught the early explorers about growing and popping the corn.  Today three states claim the title “Popcorn Capital Of The World”, those being Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois.  In fact, popcorn is the official state snack food in Illinois.  So, they seem to know a good thing when they see it.

Most homes today no longer pop corn the old fashioned way, over the stove in a deep skillet.  With the invention of the microwave oven and popcorn in a bag it is a very fast and tasty snack food. I still feel the old way produced the best popcorn one could eat.  But, that’s just me - an addict stuck back in the 1950s.

“THE  ADDICTION”

BY:  NEAL  MURPHY

259 County Road 214
PO Box 511
San Augustine, TX 75972
936-275-9033
Cell: 936-275-6986
Email: humptydumpty1940@gmail.com

554 Words
 

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the State of Texas will allocate an additional $118 million in federal funding to support higher education in Texas, including $93 million to help students continue or restart their progress toward earning a post-secondary credential or degree.

The funding announced today follows the $57 million that Governor Abbott and legislative leaders recently allocated to offset potential cuts to state financial aid programs. This combined investment to post-secondary students and institutions, totaling $175 million, comes from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed into law by President Trump.

"One of the best ways to accelerate our economic recovery is to make strategic investments in our future workforce," said Governor Abbott. "These federal funds will provide targeted assistance to keep students enrolled or help them re-enroll in higher education so they can pursue new professional and economic opportunities for themselves and their families. By investing in our students and institutions, we will make our workforce and our economy even stronger."

The funding announced today includes:

• $46.5 million in targeted financial aid for upskilling and reskilling displaced workers in high-demand fields, including workers who have earned some college credit but no credential, allowing new paths into the workforce with higher earning potential.
• $46.5 million in emergency student support so students whose families have been severely financially impacted by COVID-19 can stay enrolled in higher education.
• $15 million for strategic education and workforce data infrastructure to provide timely, actionable intelligence to students, institutions, employers, and policymakers; scale and expand existing technologies and tools that support college and career advising; and help students stay on track to earn high-value credentials.
• $10 million to improve the quality of online learning by strengthening distance education course offerings and bolstering institutions’ capabilities to use data to support student success. This will include funds to develop Open Educational Resource course materials that significantly reduce costs to students.
•  

"In today’s economy, we know jobs increasingly follow skills," said Commissioner of Texas Higher Education Harrison Keller. "These strategic investments in our students and institutions will keep more students on track to enter the workforce with the credentials and education that tomorrow’s economy will demand. I applaud Governor Abbott for his leadership and the collaborative work of Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Speaker Bonnen, and the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Finance, Appropriations, and House and Senate Higher Education Committees for their commitment to Texas students and higher education."

"This $118 million in federal funds is a strategic investment in Texas’ higher ed students and our future workforce.  It comes at a critical time and will pay big dividends as we move forward on a full economic recovery," said Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

"Equipping Texas’ higher education students with the resources they need to continue toward earning their degree or credentials is one of the most important tools we have in returning our economy to its former heights," said Speaker Dennis Bonnen. "These strategic investments in the future success of our students will go a long way in making our economy and workforce more resilient in the future, and I am proud to join other state leaders in announcing this vital effort."

"We cannot allow COVID-19 to disrupt higher education and slow down the growth of a skilled work force, which this economy needs to get back on track. By providing financial support and investing in a virtual infrastructure, we are helping students overcome the challenges caused by this pandemic and achieve their goals," said Senator Jane Nelson.

"Education is the great equalizer and allows for anyone to achieve their dreams. We know the value of a post secondary credential and these actions by the Governor represent a smart investment in the future of our state. This pandemic has created real barriers for many seeking to advance themselves through higher education, but these investments will help reduce those barriers and allow for the hardest hit populations to continue their education," said Senator Juan Hinojosa.

"It is important to invest in our current workforce and future. These funds will aid our students and workers that are being impacted by COVID-19," said Representative Oscar Longoria.

"Our past has proven that investing in the education of our students, our future workforce, is paramount to ensuring the stability and strength of Texas’ economy through a downturn. I’m thankful that Governor Abbott recognizes the importance of this investment and am proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure this necessary funding," said Representative Giovanni Capriglione.

Company Selects Southeast Travis County For New Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Plant

Governor Greg Abbott issued the following statement after Tesla announced the construction of Gigafactory Texas in southeast Travis County—an electric vehicle manufacturing facility that will create at least 5,000 new jobs and generate over $1 billion in capital investment. 

"Tesla is one of the most exciting and innovative companies in the world, and we are proud to welcome its team to the State of Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas has the best workforce in the nation and we’ve built an economic environment that allows companies like Tesla to innovate and succeed. Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas will keep the Texas economy the strongest in the nation and will create thousands of jobs for hard-working Texans. I look forward to the tremendous benefits that Tesla's investment will bring to Central Texas and to the entire state."

On June 25, 1950, the North Korean Army began an offensive to invade South Korea that resulted in the capture of the republic’s capital, Seoul, within four days. The United States, the United Kingdom and other members of the United Nations moved to actively defend South Korea – an effort that would last until July 27, 1953, when negotiations concluded and fighting finally ended.

To commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Korean War, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will hold a remembrance program at the Veterans Memorial on Monday, July 27, 9:30 a.m. that will include the playing of Taps in honor of those who died in the service of their country during the Korean War and those who served and have since passed. 

The public is invited.  Masks and social distancing required.  Call post QM Larry Hume, 936-332-0349 for more information.
 

DSHS reported 2 new COVID-19 cases and 4 new recoveries

43 ACTIVE CASES 

263 Recovered

14 Deaths

320 Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...25

75974...8

75975...3

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CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935…225                                                  1-20....29

75974…35                                                    21-40....102

75975…23                                                    41-60.…100        4

75973…19                                                    61-80.…54          4

75954…18                                                    81-100....30        6

                                                                   Unknown...          5

July 22, 2020

Dear Shelbyville ISD Students, Parents, and Staff:

We hope this letter finds all of you safe and healthy at this time.  Shelbyville ISD's Administration, Board of Trustees, faculty and staff have struggled with the overwhelming issue as to how do we get back to as normal of a school day as possible for our students, while also keeping our students and staff healthy and as safe as possible.  Unfortunately, any scenario that involves people coming together face-to-face carries some level of risk.  Our goal is to be able to offer traditional school while minimizing the health concerns.  For now, Shelbyville ISD has decided to implement a school calendar that has staff returning to school on August 10^th and students beginning school on August 17^th.  Realizing that some families may not want to send their child(ren) back to school under the current climate, a Home Learning option will be offered to allow some parents to work with their child(ren) at home as their students follow an alternate online virtual curriculum for the 2020-21 school year.

INSTRUCTION

Shelbyville ISD students will have two options to attend school for the 2021 school year:  Option 1 Face-to-Face instruction (traditional) at school or Option 2 At-Home Learning (staying home and utilizing an alternate curriculum).   The instructional plan parents choose for their child(ren) will be implemented for the entire six-weeks grading period.  No changes can be made until the grading period ends.  For parents desiring to keep their child(ren) at home under Option 2 At-Home Learning, you must complete the Instructional Method Survey that was released on July 20, 2020 by August 3, 2020 (please do not confuse this survey with a similar survey that was released on June 30^th). 

If events force our school district to shut down for an extended period of time during the school year, Shelbyville ISD will switch to a remote learning delivery system for our traditional students.  Chromebooks have been issued to all Shelbyville ISD teachers.  If needed, students may request to check out a Chromebook or other computing device from their school principal.

Families opting to stay home from school (Option 2) will follow a Remote Asynchronous Instructional Plan (instruction that does not require having the instructor and student engaged at the same time).  The At-Home Learning student will be expected to engage in learning for a minimum of 3 hours a day (grades K-5) 4 hours a day (grades 6-12) and assignments will be expected to be turned in on an ongoing basis (like traditional classroom lessons).  Please note that this option will be more academically rigorous than what was experienced by many during the most recent school closures due to COVID-19.  A SISD staff member will communicate with the student on an ongoing basis.  For most classes, the At-Home Learning core subject area curriculum offered by Shelbyville ISD will be the Texas Home Learning 3.0 developed by the Texas Education Agency.  In addition, materials from instructional packets and other sources may be utilized.  Although the Texas Home Learning 3.0 curriculum and Shelbyville ISD's traditional classroom curriculum both follow the same teaching-learning goals and standards, the two are not identical and there will be possible differences in what is learned by the students in terms of how, when, and at what level of comprehension.  Some elective courses may not be available under the At-Home Learning option.  For all students opting for Option 2 Virtual Instruction the following is required:  (1) broadband internet access; (2) a digital device (i.e. laptop) to use for a minimum of 3-4 hours each day; (3) printer capabilities as needed; (4) the student must participate in all required coursework and virtual lessons; (5) the student must participate in any additional activities required by the instructor (i.e. tutorial); (6) all work must be submitted in a timely basis; and (7) the student may have to come to school for proctored exams or special assignments.

HEALTH PROCEDURES

For students and staff returning to Shelbyville ISD campuses, numerous health and safety measures are being implemented for the 2020-21 school year.  Current guidelines require all staff and age-appropriate students (designated by Shelbyville ISD as students grades 6-12) to wear face coverings while at school.  Other measures to maximize the health and safety of our students and staff include:

• All staff will wear face shields and/or masks while working around others.
• All students in grades 6-12 will wear face coverings while at school.  This measure may be adjusted if it is determined by the appropriate  health authorities that the potential for viral spread has been contained.
• Students in grades Prek-5 will not be required to wear a face covering at this time, but will have the option to wear one if they choose.
• The district will issue all students a face covering (students may use their own face covering from home).
• Social distancing will be implemented whenever possible.  Larger gatherings of staff and students will be limited as much as possible.
• Staff and students will be trained on COVID-19 and other disease prevention measures, including proper hand washing and sanitation.
• All staff members will self-screen, including temperature checks each morning.
• Students will be asked to self-screen on a daily basis to help monitor possible at-risk symptoms that may occur.
• Electronic walk-through temperature scanners will screen individuals entering each campus.
• Classroom teachers will have an infrared non-contact thermometer to utilize for additional temperature checks as needed.
• Each campus will be cleaned and disinfected before staff and students arrive each morning.  Classrooms will be cleaned multiple times a day. 
• New electronic cleaning misters will be utilized by maintenance staff to clean and disinfect facilities.
• Hand sanitizer stations will be at entrance/exits of each building.  Hand sanitizer will also be provided in each classroom and other rooms when feasible.
• Signage promoting social distancing, hygiene, and other COVID-19 related precautions will be posted throughout the district.
• When possible, classroom windows will be open to allow outside air to circulate.
• Classroom desk shields may be installed in some classrooms.
• Two additional school nurses have been recently hired to allow each campus to have a campus nurse.  Shelbyville ISD's three-person nursing team will work together to coordinate efforts to promote the best possible health practices for students and staff at each campus building.
• Visitors will be restricted from entering school grounds during the school day.  Approved visitors will be required to wear a face covering and pass a temperature screening before entering a school facility.

SECURITY

• The guard booth will continue to be manned throughout the school day.
• Additional security doors, cameras, and locks have been installed at each campus to increase the security capabilities of each building.

FOOD SERVICE

• All food service personnel will utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including gloves and face coverings while performing duties, and will continue to be trained in best practices regarding health and hygiene.
• Cafeteria and serving areas will be cleaned on an ongoing basis.
• To ensure the safety of students and staff, no outside food deliveries will be accepted.  Moreover, no visitors will be allowed in the cafeteria for breakfast or lunch.

• Some school lunch times have been adjusted to lower the number of students in the cafeteria at one time.
• Cafeteria tables will be spread out and seating reconfigured to promote social distancing as much as possible.

TRANSPORTATION

Families are encouraged to transport their children to and from school if possible.  The pandemic presents unique challenges related to bus transportation, included the limited ability to distance students from one another.

• Bus routes have been reconfigured and an additional bus purchased to limit the number of students riding each bus on a daily basis.
• All students riding the bus will be required to wear face coverings while on the bus. 
• When possible, windows will be open to allow outside air to circulate in the bus.
• Students will be assigned to a seating chart on buses and distancing will be promoted as much as space limits allow.
• Students may only ride in their assigned seat on their designated route on a daily basis.  Students requiring a different bus route for extenuating circumstances must have the second seat/route approved during bus pre-registration.
• All students will use hand sanitizer (located at the bus entrance) before going to their seats.
• Bus drivers will wear face coverings at all times during a bus route.
• All buses will be sanitized before each route.
• Students are expected to comply with all bus riding guidelines at all times.

EXTRACURRICULARS

• Extracurricular activities including athletics and band will be conducted following UIL guidelines.
• Non-UIL extracurricular activities will also follow COVID-19 related guidelines issued by UIL.
• Staff and students will be trained on COVID-19 and other disease prevention measures.  Proper hand sanitation and disease prevention methods will be emphasized after each activity.

Your patience and understanding are much appreciated during these unprecedented times.  We hope this letter answers some of your most pressing questions about the start of school.  Plans are subject to change based on how events unfold.  Please contact Amber Swearengen, COVID-19 Coordinator, your child's campus principal, or refer to the Shelbyville ISD webpage www.shelbyville.k12.tx.us to access the 2020-2021 Return to Learning Instruction Plan and/or the 2020-2021 Covid-19 Health and Safety Plan if you have any questions.  Additional information will soon be provided about back-to-school activities including bus rider pre-registration, school registration, and Meet the Teacher.  Thanks again and we look forward to working with you and your child(ren) for the upcoming school year...DRAGON PRIDE!

Respectfully yours,

Ray West

Superintendent         

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — A station completely free of seven major food allergens is one of several new features in an extensive, ongoing renovation to Stephen F. Austin State University’s Baker Pattillo Student Center dining hall.

Other major features include a dedicated “plant-forward” produce station to replace the former salad bar, a redesigned bakery allowing for confectionary pickup orders, a meat carvery station that will focus on lean meats, and the implementation of various physical distancing and health safety measures.

Construction began in April and is scheduled to be complete before the start of the fall semester.

“Because there are millions of people with food allergies, we knew we needed to better serve our students by having a more inclusive concept in the dining hall,” explained Carrie Charley, SFA’s director of auxiliary services. “In a commercial kitchen, it is nearly impossible to prevent cross-contamination. At this new allergen-aware station, all ingredients are kept separate from other dining hall menu items from the moment they arrive on the student center’s back dock until the moment the dish is served.”

The innovative meals offered through the station will be free of seven of the eight most common food allergens: milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, soy, wheat and shellfish. The eighth allergen, finfish, was kept to provide sufficient protein variety, Charley said.

“For the past several years, we’ve been tracking how many students have dietary restrictions, and that number has increased,” said Jill Hamilton, an Aramark senior specialist registered dietitian. “The allergen awareness station was added to make it easier for those with restrictions to identify offerings. Even if someone doesn’t have an allergy, I think they will still enjoy the station.”

While some dietary restrictions are based on a diner’s personal preferences, food allergies are not, and exposure to certain food products can be potentially dangerous to students with those allergies. Allergen-aware staff members will prepare dishes using dedicated kitchenware and utensils that have been thoroughly washed and sanitized between uses.

SFA has, for years, utilized allergen and nutritional information cards, which are placed near each dish at dining hall stations. The new dedicated station is the next step toward ensuring increased levels of student health awareness and dietary flexibility.

While universities nationwide are expanding their allergen-aware accommodations, SFA “might be one of the first to also use this new space as a teaching kitchen,” Charley said. “Once we are able to safely do so, we hope to host teaching tutorials and cooking competitions from this space in the evenings and during special events. We have special seating designed around the area that is movable and customizable for small groups.”

The concept of plant-forward offerings, which emphasizes “healthy plants at the center of the plate with a proportionally small quantity of animal protein,” Hamilton explained, is not a new one. SFA began adding plant-forward dishes two years ago, including such offerings as lentil “meat” loaf, grilled veggie skewers and cauliflower wings.

Several other stations in the dining hall also offer plant-forward dishes, but the newly revamped and expanded plant-forward produce station will provide a dedicated space for and expansion of these offerings. It also provides more flexible and diverse options for vegan and vegetarian diets, although every station also includes a vegan dish.

“I am super excited about the new produce station,” Charley said. “According to Dataessential, nearly 40% of Americans say they are eating less red meat and are seeking more vegetables. This trend is called ‘plant forward,’ putting plants (fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, beans) at the center of your plate. This renovation bursts open the doors to new possibilities for dining on our campus with a fresh perspective, fresh ingredients and a bright new landscape to enjoy meals together.”

Aside from expanding food options, the student center dining hall renovation also has updated food service procedures and modernized seating and dining aesthetics.

“The entrance to the dining hall has been expanded by 16 feet and provides a more open view into the entire facility,” Charley said. “There are three self-check-in stations and also pre-packaged to-go meals available.”

With the outbreak of COVID-19, additional safety and distancing measures were added to the renovation project, including the design of 25%, 50% and 75% capacity seating plans by architects Tipton Associates, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“With those plans, we will be able to adjust as needed before it is time to load the furniture in,” Charley said. “Most of the crowd control and occupancy management will be handled by the dining team, with the cooperation of our guests. The new check-in stations are self-swipe, and the dining team will serve food rather than having self-service, keeping things as contactless as possible. We now also have outdoor seating available facing the beautiful view down Vista Drive.”

Visual cues will be implemented throughout the hall to keep diners at a safe distance from each other. Sneeze guards have been a standard fixture in all dining halls, but extra guards were added to fill gaps.

“Face masks are required to be worn while in line and walking from station to station,” Charley added. “You also will see staff members in masks and frequently cleaning throughout the day. You might see that a station is temporarily closed during 15-minute intervals for deep cleaning and utensil replacement.”

For more information on fall 2020 dining options and updates, visit the “Dining” section on sfasu.edu/fall2020.

Cutline: A digital rendering of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Baker Pattillo Student Center dining hall renovation project provides a glimpse of the facility’s modernized look. The project is scheduled to be complete before the start of the fall semester and includes plans for social distancing and increased student safety.

Center Athletic Physicals

Physicals for Center Roughrider Athletes entering the 7th grade or new incoming transfers to the district are available Monday, July 27th starting at 7:30am in the High School gym. The cost is $15 and the physicals are being done by Aurora Concepts Family Medical Practice.

** Parents will need to fill out and sign the first page of the attached form which is the medical history section. The doctor will fill out the physical portion. Please bring the completed form on Monday. Forms will be available on Monday if you are unable to print the online version.

Details for Center Roughrider Football Practices

VARSITY AND JV
Week of August 3rd       8am-11am
Week of August 10th     8am-11am
Week of August 17th     3pm-6pm

9th Graders
Week of August 3rd       8am-10am
Week of August 10th     8am-10am
Week of August 17th     3pm-5pm
7am Report when school starts *** Mon Aug 24th is the first day of school & we will practice

8th Graders
*Tue Aug 25th is the first day of practice
We will be finished by 4:15pm each day

7th Graders
*Tue Aug 25th is the first day of practice
7am Report when school starts

***ALL 7TH GRADERS NEED PHYSICALS!!!!!****

Questions:

Coach Ponder
940-704-5300

The Center ISD has once again given Center Broadcasting Company the authority to be the radio voice of all Center Roughrider Football for the 2020 season. Games will air on KDET-AM 930, and also be streamed on the company’s website, cbc-radio.com, or the Tune In Radio app, just search “KDET”.

The season will kick-off at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28 when the Riders travel to Tatum. 

Rob Payne & Chris Watlington return for their 28th season to head-up the Roughrider Radio Team describing the action.

“We’re thrilled to be able to broadcast Rider Football again this season,” said Center Broadcasting Administrator Lori Alvis. “We appreciate the Center ISD Administration, School Board, and coaching staff for allowing the radio station the right to carry all games.”

Rider Football coverage each week will begin at 7:30 p.m.Tuesday nights with The Coach Scott Ponder Show, hosted by Don Wall on 100.5 KQBB-FM. The segment will also stream at cbc-radio.com, or the Tune In Radio app, search “KQBB”. Show begins, Aug. 25.

Mrs. Alvis added if any businesses would like to be a sponsor of the Coach Ponder show or game broadcasts, to please contact Center Broadcasting, 936-598-3304. 

TYLER, Texas – A 38-year-old Carthage, Texas, man has been sentenced to federal prison for  firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.

On Jan. 22, 2020, a jury found Timothy Earl Brown guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm  and ammunition  following a two-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle.  Brown was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison today by Judge Kernodle.

According to information presented in court, on Oct. 14, 2016, law enforcement responded to a report of a prowler at a rural residence in Panola County.  There, officers observed Brown in the wooded area near the home, carrying a rifle.  Brown was later discovered to be also armed with a revolver.  Brown was convicted in Panola County in 2000 for theft, in 2000 for escape, and in 2011, for sexual assault.  As a felon, Brown is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.  Brown was also previously convicted in the Eastern District of Texas for being a felon in possession of a firearm in 2004.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.  Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence; deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition, and body armor; and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

This case was investigated by the Panola County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jim Noble and Alan Jackson.

The following guidance related to UIL activities, based on the public health situation as we understand it today, applies to the 2020-2021 school year. This guidance is effective August 1, 2020. Changes to the public health situation may necessitate changes to this guidance.

Given the varying numbers of COVID-19 cases across different areas of the state, and the vast geographic area in the state of Texas, UIL is presenting modifications for the 2020-21 school year that reflect the situation at this time. UIL will continue to work with state officials and monitor CDC and other federal guidance to determine any potential modifications that may become necessary. Schools should be prepared for the possibility of interruptions in contest schedules. District Executive Committees should work and plan to accommodate, as best possible, for these interruptions.  

These guidelines are in addition to guidance issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and intended to be implemented along with TEA guidance, which applies to academic and extracurricular non-UIL activities. The information below includes a requirement for schools to develop a plan for mitigating risk of COVID-19 spread during UIL activities. Schools should take their local context into account and follow all state requirements when considering UIL activities.

It is recommended that each school identify a staff member or group of staff members to serve as compliance officer(s) to oversee effective use of these protocols. Schools must follow all requirements of state authorities in addition to the requirements below.

Face Coverings- Executive Order GA-29

Executive Order GA-29, regarding face coverings, applies to all UIL activities effective July 3, 2020. This includes the 2020-2021 school year. As the public health situation changes, and/or if subsequent Executive Orders are issued by Governor Greg Abbott, these guidelines may be further modified.

1. For the purposes of this document, face coverings include non-medical grade disposable face masks, cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth), or full-face shields to protect eyes, nose, and mouth.  Face shields may be superior to cloth face coverings in many circumstances, given improved ability to see mouth movements and improved air circulation.
2. All employees, parents, visitors and students ten years of age or older must wear face coverings or face shields upon entry to an area where UIL activities are being conducted and when not actively practicing or playing in the contest, unless an exception listed below applies.
3. The face coverings requirements do not apply to a school in a county that meets the requirements of paragraph 11 of Executive Order GA-29, unless the local school system chooses to implement these requirements locally. Even in these circumstances, the wearing of face coverings or face shields is strongly encouraged.

Exceptions to the wearing of face coverings or face shields include:

• Any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering;
• While a person is consuming food or drink;
• While the person is in a swimming pool, lake, or similar body of water.
• When a congregating group of persons maintains at least 6 feet of social distancing; or
• Any other reason or circumstance indicated under Executive Order GA-29.

General Operational Guidelines

REQUIRED OF ALL SCHOOLS:
TEA requires all school systems to develop a plan for mitigating COVID-19 spread in schools. UIL guidelines require schools to include UIL activities for the 2020-2021 school year as part of this plan and carefully plan for mitigating risk of spread as students and staff participate in them. Schools must post these plans on the homepage of the school website or other easily accessible area of the school website. These plans do not require UIL or TEA approval.

   Required Screening

   Required Screening before attending or participating in activities:

If staff have not been screened by the school for purposes of participating in instructional activities, schools must implement these screening protocols before allowing staff to participate in UIL activities.

1. Schools must require staff to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before participating in UIL activities or entering areas where UIL activities are being conducted. Symptoms are listed at the end of this document. The self-screening should include staff taking their own temperature. Staff must report to the school if they themselves have COVID-19 symptoms or are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, they must remain off campus and away from areas where UIL activities are being conducted until they meet the criteria for re-entry as noted below. Additionally, they must report to the school if they have had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, as defined at the end of this document, and, if so, must remain off campus and away from areas where UIL activities are being conducted until the 14-day incubation period has passed. Close contact is defined in this document below.
2. Parents must ensure they do not send a student to participate in UIL activities if the student has COVID-19 symptoms (as listed in this document) or is lab-confirmed with COVID-19 until the below conditions for re-entry are met. School systems may consider screening students for COVID-19 as well. Screening is accomplished by asking questions by phone or other electronic methods and/or in person. The screening questions should also be asked of a student’s parent if that parent will be dropping off or picking up their student from inside areas where UIL activities are being conducted.
3. Before visitors are allowed access to areas where UIL activities are being conducted, school systems must screen all visitors to determine if they themselves have COVID-19 symptoms (as listed in this document) or are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and if so, they must remain off campus and away from areas where UIL activities are being conducted until they meet the criteria for re-entry as noted below. Additionally, school systems must screen to determine if visitors have had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and if so they must remain off campus and away from areas where UIL activities are being conducted until the 14-day incubation period has passed. When practical, screening questions could be supplemented with temperature checks of adults.
4. Schools are permitted to prevent any individual who fails the screening criteria from being admitted into school facilities or sites where UIL activities are being conducted until they meet the criteria for re-entry as described below. Any individual for whom screening cannot be confirmed should be presumed symptomatic until confirmed otherwise.

Individuals Confirmed or Suspected with COVID-19

1. Any individuals who themselves either: (a) are lab-confirmed to have COVID-19; or (b) experience the symptoms of COVID-19 (listed below) must stay at home throughout the infection period, and cannot return to campus until the school system screens the individual to determine any of the below conditions for campus re-entry have been met:

• In the case of an individual who was diagnosed with COVID-19, the individual may return to school when all three of the following criteria are met:
  • at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
  • the individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
  • at least ten days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
• In the case of an individual who has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and who is not evaluated by a medical professional or tested for COVID-19, such individual is assumed to have COVID-19, and the individual may not return to the campus until the individual has completed the same three-step set of criteria listed above.
• If the individual has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and wants to return to school before completing the above stay at home period, the individual must either (a) obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis or (b) receive two separate confirmations at least 24 hours apart that they are free of COVID-19 via acute infection tests at an approved COVID-19 testing location found at https://tdem.texas.gov/covid-19/.

Identifying Possible COVID-19 Cases on Campus

• Schools must immediately separate any student who shows COVID-19 symptoms while at school until the student can be picked up by a parent or guardian. 
• Schools should clean the areas used by the individual who shows COVID-19 symptoms while at school (student, teacher, or staff) as soon as is feasible.
• Students who report feeling feverish should be given an immediate temperature check to determine if they are symptomatic for COVID-19.

This document refers to “close contact” with an individual who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. Close contact is determined by an appropriate public health agency. For clarity, close contact is defined as:

• being directly exposed to infectious secretions (e.g., being coughed on while not wearing a mask or face shield); or
• being within 6 feet for a cumulative duration of 15 minutes, while not wearing a mask or face shield;

if either occurred at any time in the last 14 days at the same time the infected individual was infectious. 

Individuals are presumed infectious at least two days prior to symptom onset or, in the case of asymptomatic individuals who are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, two days prior to the confirming lab test. 

Required Actions if Individuals with Lab-Confirmed Cases Have Been in a School or in an Area Where UIL Activities Are being Conducted

1. If an individual who has been in areas where UIL activities have been conducted is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19, the school must notify its local health department, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including confidentiality requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
2. Schools must close off areas that are heavily used by the individual with the lab-confirmed case (student, teacher, or staff) until the non-porous surfaces in those areas can be disinfected, unless more than 3 days have already passed since that person was on campus.
3. Consistent with school notification requirements for other communicable diseases, and consistent with legal confidentiality requirements, schools must notify all teachers, staff, and families of all students in a school if a lab-confirmed COVID-19 case is identified among students, teachers or staff who participate in any UIL activities.

COVID-19 Symptoms

In evaluating whether an individual has symptoms consistent with COVID-19, consider the following questions:

Have they recently begun experiencing any of the following in a way that is not normal for them?

• Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
• Loss of taste or smell
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Shaking or exaggerated shivering
• Significant muscle pain or ache
• Diarrhea

Screening Questionnaire Information

1. When asking individuals if they have symptoms for COVID-19, school systems must only require the individual to provide a “Yes” or “No” to the overall statement that they are symptomatic for COVID-19, as opposed to asking the individual for specific symptom confirmation.  School systems are not entitled to collect information during screening on the specific health information of an individual beyond that they are symptomatic.
2. Once it is determined that individuals who responded “Yes” to either of these questions have met the criteria for re-entry, school systems must destroy those individuals’ responses. 

Performance Areas, Band Halls, Locker Rooms and Other Congregate Settings

1. Schools should make hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, soap and water, or similar disinfectant readily available in these areas.
2. All congregate areas should be regularly and frequently cleaned and disinfected including all frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, lockers, and restrooms.
3. Any equipment that will be kept in student lockers and/or in these areas should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected each day prior to students accessing these areas. Schools should develop a plan for managing the storage, cleaning and disinfecting, and redistribution of student equipment.
4. Schools should consider identifying staff to monitor locker rooms and other areas where students may congregate to ensure effective use of school protocols. When possible, schools should open windows and/or doors or otherwise work to improve air flow by allowing outside air to circulate in these areas.
5. Schools must require staff and students to wear face coverings while inside locker rooms, meeting rooms, training rooms, band halls and other areas where students may congregate other than shower facilities.
6. As part of their overall plan, schools should develop a plan for mitigating risk of spreading COVID-19 when disinfecting, cleaning, and laundering items such as towels, practice clothes, and uniforms. This plan should include protocols for redistributing these items to students. Involved staff should be trained specifically on these protocols.

Practice and Rehearsal Activities

In addition to the above general guidelines and rules in the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules and UIL manuals and handbooks, the following applies to practice activities during the 2020-2021 school year.

1. All surfaces in practice areas should be thoroughly disinfected throughout and at the end of each day.
2. Any equipment should be regularly disinfected before, during, and after practice sessions.
3. Schools may provide food, water or other drinks. If they provide these items, schools should do so in a manner that ensures students are not sharing these items.

Game, Contest, and Event Management

In addition to the above guidelines and rules in the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules and UIL manuals and handbooks, the following applies to games, scrimmages, and events:

  Teams and Participants

1. If the school is planning to offer transportation for students, schools should follow TEA guidance related to such transportation.
2. Teams and participants are required to wear face coverings as described in Executive Order GA-29.
3. The host site should designate a cleaned and disinfected area for teams to unload and load buses separate from fans, spectators, and other individuals not essential to the team or group.
4. Visiting team /group locker rooms should be cleaned and sanitized by the host site before the visiting team arrives. Visiting teams/groups are responsible for cleaning and disinfecting equipment once it is unloaded. Schools should limit access to these facilities to only students and staff essential for the game, contest, or event.
5. Before each game, contest, or event, schools should follow the screening protocols described above to screen all staff members, contractors, volunteers, sports officials, contest judges, and any individuals otherwise involved in working the event. These individuals should also self-screen as described in these screening protocols.
6. Fan and spectator areas including bleachers, stands, walkways, and other spectator areas should be at least six feet from team /group areas such as team benches or performance areas. Where distancing is not feasible, other methods should be utilized to slow the spread of COVID-19, such as face coverings, implementing engineered controls such as physical barriers, or other risk mitigation efforts the school deems appropriate.
7. As previously indicated, water or other drinks and/or food may be provided. Schools or host sites should consider doing so in a manner that ensures students are not sharing these items.
8. Other areas used by participants, such as press box areas, should be cleaned and disinfected prior to and after use. Sites should develop plans for providing access to these areas that limit or remove potential contact between participants and non-participants.
9. The host site should provide sports and contest officials an area to enter and exit separate from fans when possible. Officials should be provided a dressing and meeting area, if applicable, that has been cleaned and disinfected prior to their arrival.
10. Pregame or pre-event meetings between teams and/or sports and contest officials should be planned to allow appropriate distancing between individuals.
11. Pregame and post-game gestures of sportsmanship should be conducted between teams and sports and contest officials in ways planned to help reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19.
12. All participants should be provided with entry and exit plans for contest areas that maintain separation from non-participants and fans. Individuals not essential to the team or group should not be given access to contest areas, performance areas, courts, or fields at all before, during, or after contests and events.

  Student Groups not directly involved in the game or contest

Student groups such as marching bands, cheerleaders, drill teams, and other groups approved by the school district may attend and perform at games or contests in which they are not competing. Schools should consider limiting the number of participants to those essential to the performance.

1. These student groups should remain separate from the game or contest participants at all times. These student groups should avoid mixing with fans or non-group members throughout the game or contest.
2. Student groups are required to wear face coverings as described in Executive Order GA-29.
3. Schools should consider limiting the number of students and staff given access to the playing areas and ensure protocols for entering and exiting the playing areas are in place.
4. Fans and spectators should be located to provide at least 10 feet of distance from bands playing wind instruments from the stands.
5. These students should maintain appropriate distancing from game or contest participants at all times, including when on the sideline.

  Spectators, Audiences, Fans and Media

Schools may allow spectators to attend games, contests, or events within a maximum 50% capacity limitation, provided that appropriate spacing between spectators is maintained according to the protocol, and according to the following:

1. Schools and/or host sites should post visible signs and/or messaging stating any individuals who are confirmed to have, suspected of having, are experiencing symptoms of, or have been in close contact with an individual who has been confirmed to have COVID-19 should not enter the facility.
2. Spectators, audiences, fans and media are required to wear face coverings as described in Executive Order GA-29.
3. Sites are encouraged to utilize remote ticketing options to help manage capacity limitations within a maximum 50% occupancy. Paper tickets and programming should be minimized to help avoid transferable materials.
4. If possible, set reserved times for entry to avoid mass arrivals.
5. Groups should maintain at least six feet of distance from other groups at all times, including the process of admission and seating. A group is defined as no more than 10 people including the members of the household and those persons who traveled together to the facility.
6. Schools should not allow seating in consecutive rows, and should block off seating to maintain a minimum six feet of distance between groups.
7. Pathways for spectator ingress and egress should be clearly marked and unobstructed.
8. Schools should provide hand sanitizing stations and/or hand washing stations at entrances and inside the facility.
9. Seating, hand rails, and other common surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected prior to each game or contest.
10. Press Box seating should include social distancing of at least six feet between individuals when possible.
11. Schools should limit access to working media providing coverage of the event to ensure protocols are followed.
12. Post-game interviews should be conducted while wearing face coverings and maintaining at least six feet of distance between the interviewer and individual being interviewed.

  Concession Stands and Food Service

For games, contests, and events that will include concession stands or other food service, the following guidelines apply:

1. Staff, contractors, and volunteers involved in food service are required to wear face coverings as described in Executive Order GA-29.
2. Sites should avoid leaving condiments, silverware, flatware, glassware, or other traditional table top items on unoccupied tables or at the counter. Sites should only provide condiments or flatware upon request, and in single use, individually wrapped items.
3. Regularly clean and disinfect the food service counters and areas. Clean and disinfect dining areas (tables, etc.) after each patron departs.
4. Limit contact between the individuals involved in food service and patrons as much as possible. Have employees, contractors, and volunteers follow proper food-handling protocols.
5. Before each game, schools should follow the screening protocols described above to screen staff, contractors, and volunteers who will be involved in food service prior to events. These individuals should also self-screen as described in these screening protocols.

Joaquin Elementary Registration
Monday, July 27 - Thursday, July 30
between 8 am and 3 pm

We are going to offer two ways of non-contact enrollment:

1.  Hard copies of Enrollment Packets will be on a table in front of the elementary school on the above dates and times.  Drive up and pick up one packet per each student you will be enrolling.  Return the entire Enrollment Packet to the box provided in front of the elementary as soon as you complete it.  You may scan it in, and email it to lduck@joaquinisd.net (Lindsey Duck).
2.  Email Lindsey Duck at lduck@joaquinisd.net and request an Enrollment Packet.  She will email you a packet to complete and email back to her.

The packet will include a form for the parent to choose campus or remote for delivery method for instruction.  All enrolled students PK-5 will be issued a Chromebook, and all instruction will be provided through Google Classroom, whether student is on campus or remote.  Lessons and grading will be the same with either choice.

If you choose campus, your child will be given the device on day one, and he/she will be taught how to log into Google Classroom to get the instruction, complete assignments, and return assignments.  If your child happens to miss a day (or days) from campus, he/she can log in from home and be counted present each day he/she contacts the teacher and/or submits work.  The student (possibly parent) just needs to make contact with the teacher that day to be counted present.  If for some reason, during a six weeks, a parent decides to pull their child and switch to remote instruction, they can’t enroll back to campus class until the first day of the next six weeks.

If you select remote, you will be contacted on how to get the Chromebook, and how to set your child up for instruction.  You can only change that decision and return to the campus classroom at the beginning of the next six weeks period.  Your child will need to complete and submit some work or contact the teacher to be counted present each day.

Joaquin Elementary staff is working hard to prepare for this transition to this online platform.  We are committed to continue providing a quality education.

In a time of crisis, leaders are challenged with making decisions in turbulent, unfamiliar circumstances, knowing that one decision can make for either successful advancements or crippling setbacks. 
 
“COVID-19 has introduced uncertainty in all aspects of our lives. Our businesses are struggling and our national situation has placed our workforce under stress. Effective leadership in business during this crisis is essential to support employees and to see our businesses through this unprecedented year,” said Larissa Philpot, President and CEO of Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation. “NEDCO and the Nacogdoches County Chamber are inviting all business and organization leaders to the Leadership in Times of Crisis webinar.”

The Leadership in Times of Crisis webinar is part of the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation and Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Business Development Series. The webinar begins at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22 and is sponsored by Piney Woods Apartment Association. There is no charge to attend and online registration is available or contact the chamber of commerce at 936-560-5533.

We are having a” Social Distancing County Prayer Meeting” on the square at 8:30 tomorrow morning. I invited all our County Preachers of the Gospel to gather together and pray. Several Pastors will offer short prayers. Everyone is invited. Dress cool and casual.

We are all in this together,

Jeff Boyd

San Augustine County Judge

2020 Season Football Ticket Sales

If you wish to re-claim your season tickets for the 2020 Rider Football
Season, they will go on sale at the High School Athletic Office
beginning, Monday, July 27th, 2020. The Athletic Office will be open
for reserve seat ticket sales Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m.

IF YOU HAVE NOT PICKED UP YOUR SEASON TICKETS BY FRIDAY,
AUGUST 14TH AT 4:00 P.M., THEY WILL BE RELEASED TO THE
PUBLIC. PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE YOUR TICKETS
PICKED UP BEFORE THE DEADLINE.

If you have any questions OR are relinquishing your season tickets,
please call the Athletic Office @ 936 - 598 - 6173.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2020, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for Leather and Lace Western Boutique in Center, Texas. The ceremony was hosted by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. The owner Tonya Martin gave a speech. Leather and Lace Western Boutique is located at 110 Logansport Street.   

Click here for more photos:

Priority Family Healthcare, one of the newest members of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, is having a new member Ribbon Cutting on Monday, July 27th, 2020 at 10:00am.  The public is invited to join the celebration.

Carriston Hendricks, a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, will be the healthcare provider.  She will see patients in the clinic as well as in the nursing home.  Dr. Chandra and a Lufkin physician will be overseeing the clinic.  It is exciting to have another healthcare provider in our community.

Join the Chamber Ambassadors in welcoming Carriston as a new Chamber member.

Priority Family Healthcare is located at 1749 Southview Circle in Dr. Chandra’s building.

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

The Shelbyville ISD Instructional Method Survey should be completed by parents for each student at Shelbyville ISD.  Parents must reply through the survey or by calling the school no later than Monday, August 3, 2020, if they are committing to At-Home Learning for their child(ren).  This commitment must be for a full grading period. 

Click link for the survey https://forms.gle/vHNkTm5WixvkVEhS6 or check the school district webpage at www.shelbyville.k12.tx.us.  Even if you are not interested in At-Home Learning at this time for your student, please complete the survey as it gives the district much needed information to help plan for the 2020-21 school year. 

Thank you for helping us to make plans to better serve our students for the coming school year.  Dragon Proud!

DSHS reported 5 new COVID-19 cases and 1 new recovery.

45 ACTIVE CASES

259 Recovered

14 Deaths

318 Cumulative cases

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...26

75974...9

75975...2

75973...4

75954...4

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS: 

75935…224                                                  1-20....29

75974…35                                                    21-40....101

75975…22                                                    41-60.…100         4

75973…19                                                    61-80.…53           4

75954…18                                                    81-100....30        6

                                                                   Unknown...          5

Joaquin ISD students will begin school on Monday, August 10. 2020.  Please use the following link to access the Joaquin ISD COVID-19 Instructional Plan, the Joaquin ISD COVID-19 Public Health & Safety Plan as well as the academic calendar for the 2020-2021 school year.

Link: http://www.joaquinisd.net/page/article/189 . We are looking forward to a great start to the new school year.   

New Member Ribbon Cutting

Planned for Leather and Lace Western Boutique

Leather and Lace Western Boutique and Home Decor, one of the newest members of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, is having a new member Ribbon Cutting tomorrow, Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 11:00am.  The public is invited to join the celebration.

Tonya Martin, owner of Leather and Lace Western Boutique, has a fun selection of Western Wear clothing and accessories.  She also has a large selection of crosses and wall art.

Join the Chamber Ambassadors in welcoming Tonya as a new business owner and Chamber member.

Leather and Lace Western Boutique is located at 110 Logansport Street in the old Dazzle Me Pink and Blue building.

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

Governor Abbott announced that the U.S. Department of Defense has sent five U.S. Navy teams to four locations in South and Southwest Texas to help combat the spread of COVID-19. Beginning today, one U.S. Navy Acute Care Team will provide support at the Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen and four U.S. Navy Rural Rapid Response Teams will support hospitals in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Rio Grande City. These teams consist of medical and support professionals which are being deployed to help meet medical needs in hospitals throughout the state.

"The support from our federal partners is crucial in our work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities throughout Texas," said Governor Abbott. "I am grateful for this ongoing partnership with the Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy, and the State of Texas will continue to utilize every resource available to protect public health and keep Texans in every community safe." 

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 today announced that the State of Texas will allocate $200 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the purchase of eLearning devices and home internet solutions to enable remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic for Texas students that lack connectivity.

With this funding, the TEA will purchase and distribute devices, hotspots, routers, and more based on specific needs identified by local education agencies (LEAs). The funding would be used to establish a reimbursement program with a matching fund component tied to locally controlled Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) or LEA local funding. This funding is in addition to a previously announced distribution of up to $400 million of CRF to reimburse districts for COVID expenses incurred during the 2019-2020 school year. This funding will also establish a reimbursement program for devices and home internet costs incurred by LEAs from May 21st through September 1st. 

"As school districts delay the start of in-person instruction for the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19, it is essential that we work to provide Texas students with the devices they need to connect and communicate online for classroom instruction," said Governor Abbott. "As we continue to combat COVID-19 in Texas, we are committed to providing reliable and effective solutions that will help students academically succeed while protecting public health."

"While getting our students back to school is our top priority, many local districts are also developing a variety of virtual learning plans to ensure that students do not lose valuable learning time as we continue to fight COVID-19. This funding is an essential step in closing the digital gap for students by making access to technology available to every child who needs it," said Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

"The onset of COVID-19 has yielded unprecedented educational challenges in the State of Texas, and the embrace of new technologies and virtual learning methods will be instrumental in our effort to provide quality instructional continuity for all students. This funding will go a long way to close existing technology gaps and improve connectivity statewide, and in doing so, our students will be equipped with the tools needed for success in the upcoming school year," said Speaker Dennis Bonnen.

"Virtual learning works when students have access to the proper wi-fi and electronic devices. These funds help bridge the digital divide and prevent students who lack access to technology from falling behind," said Senator Jane Nelson.

"No child should ever be denied the ability to achieve his/her dreams simply because he/she does not have technological devices or internet access. Education is the great equalizer and while that will look different in the near term, a move to distance learning to protect students and teachers can only be effective for all learners if they all are able to actively learn and participate. Today's actions by the Governor and TEA will move us toward this goal of ensuring every child has equal access to the tools and resources necessary to achieve a high-quality education," said Senator Juan Hinojosa.

"So many of our students across Texas will be starting the school year by continuing their remote education. With all of the challenges that remote learning presents, having adequate access to a computer and reliable internet shouldn’t be one of them.  I’m proud to have worked with Governor Abbott, my legislative colleagues, and Commissioner Mike Morath to secure the needed funds to begin the process of bridging this digital divide," said Representative Giovanni Capriglione.

"Our public education system is facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. Operation Connectivity ensures all Texas students have the resources needed to connect and learn online," said Representative Oscar Longoria. 

Center ISD is providing the following Notice of Mitigation of COVID-19 as per the State of Texas and TEA Public Health Guidance for parents/guardians and the general public. This guidance addresses the following: all on campus and virtual instruction; administrative activities by teachers, staff, or students that occur on school campuses or virtually; all non-UIL extracurricular sports and activities; any other activities that teachers, staff, or students must complete that cannot be accomplished virtually; and visits by parents/guardians and the general public, including all after-school providers and other programs that operate in conjunction with CISD.

Read more click here:

ALERT: A heavy truck load has shifted on US 96 in Center in Shelby County. Crews have set up traffic control at SH 87 at US 96. Motorists should choose alternate routes until this scene is clear. Prepare for possible delays and stay alert for large equipment clearing the scene.

The water on N.E.W. WSC no longer requires boiling.

On July 15, 2020, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the N.E.W. Water Supply, #2030034, 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.

N.E.W. Water Supply has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes. We have also provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of July 20, 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. 
 

In the age of the internet, genealogical research is much easier than it used to be. Birth, death, marriage, military service, and census records frequently can be found online. But not always. Research roadblocks sometimes happen and in Texas, that often requires a visit to the County Clerk's Office. Nacogdoches attorney Judy Wells specializes in establishing the ownership of mineral rights in Texas and is familiar with the process. She shared some useful tips on doing research at a County Clerk's office with the Timpson Area Genealogical and Heritage Society at their July meeting last Wednesday.

“Once when I was searching the records in a County Clerk's office I found the volume I was looking for high on the top of a bookshelf. So I climbed up the ladder and pulled the book off the shelf, sending a cloud of dust into my face, which gave me respiratory problems for about two weeks,” Wells related. Genealogical research has physical hazards as well as emotional ones, so be prepared.

In Texas, the County Clerk is the clerk for the county courts, and the Commisioner's Court, as well as the recorder of all real property instruments in the county. They are responsible for county elections, maintaining vital statistics, issuing marriage licenses, and filing assumed name certificates. They can also administer oaths and affirmations, and take affidavits and depositions. Among the other documents County Clerks record are will probate decrees, adoptions, powers of attorney, prenuptial agreements, abstracts of judgment, patents, and homestead liens, any one of which might be of great value to a genealogical researcher. Finding them might be a different story, Wells shared.

“Why is it so hard to search old county records”? asked Wells. “Because in the old days, the County Clerk was charged with keeping these records but they could use any filing system they chose,” she replied. “Sometimes the clerk kept a separate book for each type of record, so that oil and gas records might be in one book, deeds of trust in another, and  foreclosure records in another. The county might have fifteen different books of records. There is also the possibility that someone in the clerk's office became confused and recorded the instrument in the wrong book,” she revealed. “Most County Clerk's Office records are like a maze. Usually there is an index. Start there. Knowing what you are looking for is in Volume 12 is good but there might be several Volume 12s. What are you going to do? You have to ask for help. How do you get someone to help you? Bribe them with treats!” she laughed. “ Cookies and pizza are good choices. So are popcorn and kolaches. I like to take some of my home-made jalapeno salsa and chips” she said.  “You have to charm them.”

Sometimes the researcher encounters a roadblock at the courthouse itself. The statement “Oh, that was before the courthouse burned and we lost all the records” can bring tears to a researcher's eyes. “Most of the courthouses in East Texas have burned at least once. Some have burned several times. Shelby County's courthouse burned on June 1, 1882,” Wells shared.

 The Timpson Area Genealogical and Heritage Society meets at 2PM on the third Wednesday of each month in the Meeting Room of the Timpson Public Library, located on the corner of Austin and Bremond Streets in Timpson. The public is invited. The TAGHS Genealogy Library is located inside the Timpson Public Library but is currently closed due to Covid-19. 

Joaquin city meetings.

Joaquin City Council meeting click here:

Joaquin Economic Development Corporation meeting click here:

Joaquin Public Safety Corporation meeting click here:

Shelbyville ISD will be offering an additional transfer request period for students (K-12) who missed the earlier transfer request deadline for the 2020-21 school year. The deadline to turn in paperwork for a transfer request will be Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.  Transfer paperwork may be picked up from Debbie Gilchrist at the Shelbyville ISD Superintendent’s Office.
 

A Special Called Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center ISD will be held July 20, 2020, beginning at 10:00 AM in the Center Independent School District Administration Boardroom 107 PR 605 Center, TX 75935.

Click here for the agenda:

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Despite being in the midst of global change, Stephen F. Austin State University has announced significant enrollment increases in both of its summer semesters.

“SFA’s summer enrollment increases are a testament to a number of exciting things,” said Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president. “First and foremost, it’s an indication that now more than ever, people understand the value and importance of pursuing higher education. It also reaffirms our campus community’s excitement of and investment in our new Lumberjack Education Assistance Program, which was approved by the Board of Regents in April, and that our swift work to expand flexible learning options allowed students to take classes from anywhere, regardless of their situation.”

According to data collected through SFA’s Office of Institutional Research, summer I experienced an 8.8% increase in student enrollment, jumping from 3,741 in 2019 to 4,071 in 2020, or a difference of 330 students. Undergraduate headcount comprises the main difference, jumping 13% from last year’s summer I semester.

Summer II headcount is up by 10%, jumping from 3,109 in 2019 to 3,422 in 2020, or a difference of 313 students. Undergraduate and graduate headcount totals both increased for summer II, with undergraduate increasing by 10% and graduate by 11%.

“Expanding our flexible learning options has clearly resonated with students who still seek to learn in a rapidly changing world,” said Gordon. “Also, it is exciting that many SFA employees and their family members are taking advantage of LEAP because this helps promote our Strategic Plan’s goal by attracting and supporting high-quality faculty and staff.”

For summer I, the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture reported the highest overall percentage increase at 48%, or an addition of 93 students. Summer I credit hours also increased by 7.8% overall, with the largest volume credit hour increase in undergraduate sciences and mathematics.

For summer II, the College of Sciences and Mathematics reported the highest overall headcount increase at 41%, or an addition of 169 students. Summer II credit hours increased by approximately 10%, with the largest volume credit hour increase in undergraduate sciences and mathematics.

For additional enrollment data, visit sfasu.edu/ir.

Tri-County Harvest for Homes will have a Produce Drop on
Wednesday, July 22  at 9 am

Parking lot near Old Sombero's  Restaurant please do not block any business.

for more information call 936-598-6315 ext 501

Thank you

DSHS reported 4 new COVID-19 cases and 4 new recoveries over the weekend.

41 ACTIVE CASES

258 Recovered

14 Deaths

313 Cumulative cases

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...25

75974...8

75975...2

75973...4

75954...2

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS: 

75935…222                                                  1-20....29

75974…34                                                    21-40....99

75975…22                                                    41-60.…98         4

75973…19                                                    61-80.…52         4

75954…16                                                    81-100....30      6

                                                                    Unknown...       5

LUFKIN – Motorists can expect a northbound shoulder closure to begin Monday, July 20, on US 59 as part of the Diboll Relief Route construction project.

The closure is needed to safely remove trees from the project site adjacent to the roadway. The northbound shoulder closure will be located near the DPS weigh station south of Diboll. Signage and traffic control will be in place to alert northbound motorists. Motorists should stay alert for moving equipment, trucks and workers near the lanes of traffic and obey all traffic control in place.

“This is the first work we have seen adjacent to US 59 since beginning the Diboll Relief Route project,” said Rhonda Oaks, Lufkin District public information officer. “Motorists should be prepared for possible delays during this time. It is very important to stay alert through this heavily traveled area.”

Crews have worked for several weeks to clear wooded areas along the path of the relief route, remove stumps and perform dirt work on both the south and north ends of the project. Other work has included preparing topsoil for salvaging, logging operations and surveying and layout of the new highway’s right of way. Perimeter fencing is being set near Lumberjack Drive and in coming days crews will begin setting temporary crossings. Crews continue to construct header banks and are scheduled to begin drill shafts near Mockingbird Lane.

Work began in April on the $140.1 million construction project that will include grading, structures, concrete pavement and freeway signage. The 8-mile project is set for completion in five years. Sacyr Engineering and Infrastructures, a global company headquartered in Spain, is serving as contractor for the project that is located from FM 2108 to 1.1 mile south of White Oak Creek. The Relief Route is designed and will be constructed to meet interstate standards for possible designation as I 69.

Shelby County Outreach Ministries wants to remind everyone that we are currently distributing emergency food boxes on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10-2.  It is still Drive-Thru only.  Vehicle windows must remain up.  During COVID-19, our policy states that employees cannot open vehicle doors or place food box inside the cab of the vehicle.  Clients are asked to open their trunks prior to the food box being placed inside.  We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we are doing our best to keep our employees and clients safe during these trying times.  For more information, call 936-598-4990. 

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 22nd day of July, 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 and pay weekly expenses.

2.    Public comments on Agenda item.

3.    Approve current payroll.

4.    Review and approve FY2020 Budget Line Item Transfers

5.    Discuss and possibly approve the Site Lease Agreements with EIP Holdings II, LLC for radio communications for Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Road and Bridge Department, Adult Probation Department, and all Volunteer Fire Departments in the amount of $17,700.00 per year.

6.    Discuss and take action to retain or remove local optional fees from Chapter 502 of the Transportation Code for the Calendar year 2021.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
7.    An Executive Session will also be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, hearing complaints against personnel, or to deliberate the appointed, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee. The closed session is authorized by Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.074.

8.    Reopen public meeting.

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

10.    Adjourn.
 

The San Augustine ISD has once again given Center Broadcasting Company the authority to be the radio voice of all San Augustine Wolves’ Football for the 2020 season. Games will air on 92.5 KXXE-FM in San Augustine, and also be streamed on the company’s website, cbc-radio.com, or the Tune In Radio app, just search “KXXE”.

The season will kick-off at 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28 when the Wolfpack hosts Wests Sabine at Wolf Stadium. 

Tracy Broadway will handle the play-by-play duties again for the upcoming season.
“We’re thrilled to be able to broadcast Wolves Football, both home and away again this season,” said Center Broadcasting Administrator Lori Alvis. “We appreciate the San Augustine ISD Administration, School Board and coaching staff for allowing the radio station the right to carry all games.”
Center Broadcasting has been on-hand to broadcast all Wolves' games through their state semi-final appearances the past two seasons.

Center Broadcasting’s game-day coverage begins 30-minutes prior to kick-off with The Coach Marty Murr Show, hosted by Don Wall. The segment will be a re-broadcast of Tuesday night’s live Don Wall’s Coaches Show at 9 p.m. on KQBB-FM 100.5, streaming at cbc-radio.com, or the Tune In Radio app, search “KQBB”. Show begins, Aug. 25.

Mrs. Alvis added if any businesses would like to be a sponsor of the broadcast, to please contact Center Broadcasting, 936-598-3304.   

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Department of Defense (DOD) will surge resources to the Rio Grande Valley to help combat COVID-19. The DOD will send a U.S. Army Urban Augmentation Medical Task Force (UAMTF) to provide medical and support professionals needed in Rio Grande Valley hospitals.

Additionally, the Texas Division of Emergency Management is coordinating with local officials to identify alternate sites, such as area hotels, and contract medical staff to care for and house patients that are recovering from COVID-19. This will ensure additional hospital capacity in both Cameron and Hidalgo counties.

"As the State of Texas mitigates the spread of COVID-19, we are continuing to work closely with our local and federal partners to identify outbreaks and provide our communities with the resources they need to keep Texans safe," said Governor Abbott. "I am grateful to our federal partners at the Department of Defense for sending these teams to the Valley and working within the community to protect public health and combat this virus. These teams, coupled with our newly established partnership with local hotels, will aid in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure adequate hospital capacity in the Valley."

Additional DOD teams are prepared to support the state and will be announced as teams are assigned.

The Lydia church revival has been postponed until July 26-30.

What Panola College buildings will be open this fall? 

All Panola College buildings will be open regular business hours (Monday - Thursday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm and Friday 7:30 am to 12:30 pm.
 

Will the campus be returning to in-person and residential operations this fall? 

Fall 2020 will be an on-campus semester with as much in-person instruction and residential occupancy as restrictions of space, health, and safety allow. Many of the courses offered will be offered in both in-person and online options to allow students the option that best fits their needs.
 

When will the fall semester take place? 

The dates for the fall semester have not changed and will begin on August 19th. Important dates for the fall 2020 semester may be found online .
 

Will students return to campus after Thanksgiving break? 

After much research and consideration, Panola College determined students will not return to campus after Thanksgiving.  All course instruction will be done virtually after Thanksgiving and final exams will be taken remotely. On-campus housing and food service will remain open for students who wish to return. 
 

Will there be a December 2020 graduation?

Yes. Panola College will stream a virtual commencement ceremony for its December 2020 graduates on December 10. Students will not participate in person but will have the opportunity to have a photograph shown during the ceremony. We are inviting all December graduates to attend a photo session with our campus photographer in a provided cap and gown. Cap and gowns will be disinfected between each student. Pictures will be provided to graduates for free. Graduates will receive dates for photograph sessions when applying for graduation. We hope this photo opportunity, as well as December’s virtual ceremony, will help to make our graduates feel special despite the pandemic.
 

How does the CARES Act funding work?

Panola College received a total of $1,507,332 in April 2020. Half of the amount received, $753,666, was designated for student emergency grants, with the other half for assistance to the College’s COVID-19 related expenses. Based on grant requirements, students were able to apply for funds from April 22 to May 22. As of June 15, 2020, all funding to students had been distributed, and 771 eligible students received emergency aid.

Well, I finally gave in to the urging of all our public officials – I am now wearing a mask out in public.  I resisted for a time as my mind flew back to the 1940s when, as a kid, I watched movies at the Augus theatre of cowboys who sometimes wore masks.  It seemed that every cowboy had a large silk rag around his neck. The ones who robbed banks and stage coaches pulled their rag up over their noses while committing their dastardly deeds.

My mask is dark black.  My wife says it looks good on me, makes me look distinguished. However, one problem with it is that my hot breath fogs my glasses constantly. Another problem with everyone wearing a mask is that I do not recognize them.  I am constantly asking someone, “Is that you under that mask?”

It seems that the use of face masks dates back to around 1897 when two Polish surgeons used them during surgery.  Masks came into use to protect against infectious diseases in the early 20th century. They were used during the Manchurian pneumonic plague outbreak, and more widely used in the 1918 flu epidemic.  In the 1940s, face masks made from cheesecloth were used to protect nurses from tuberculosis.

During the 1918 flu pandemic, streetcar conductors in Seattle refused to admit riders who did not have on face masks. So, now in 2020 the government is requiring the use of the masks by everyone.  Some stores will not let one into their place of business unless masks are worn.  So, history does seem to repeat itself.

I predict that once a vaccine is developed for the Covid-19 virus, the government will require everyone to be vaccinated.  Those so vaccinated will be issued a card which they will carry with them at all times.  In order to enter a store they will have to show their card to be admitted. This is a prelude to the one world government.

I wish my mask had other uses besides protecting against a virus invasion. The cowboy’s kerchief around their necks not only protected them from dirt and dust, a fellow could pull one up over his face to hide his identity.  A cowboy could also use his kerchief to tie down his hat to keep his ears warm on a cold morning.  He could spread it out for a tablecloth at mealtime.  He could use it as a filter for drinking from a stream.  He could use it to clean his revolver, or wipe his face. It could be used to wave to others as a signal, or to carry his grub or firewood.  And if the need arises, he could even use it to blow his nose.  My mask can’t be used for things like that.

So, even though my wearing a mask out in public is a bother, it is hopefully keeping me safe from the virus, and is also protecting those around me. Hopefully this is not the “new normal” that folks are talking about. To me, all this activity is not “normal”.  Stay safe out there.

“WEARING THE MASK”

BY: Neal Murphy

259 CR 214
San Augustine, Texas 75972
936-275-9033
Cell: 936-275-6986
Email: humptydumpty1940@gmail.com

523 words

DSHS reported 6 new COVID-19 cases and 2 new recoveries.

41 ACTIVE CASES 

254 Recovered

14 Deaths

309 Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...25

75974...8

75975...2

75973...4

75954...2

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935…218                                                  1-20....29

75974…34                                                    21-40....97

75975…22                                                    41-60.…98         4

75973…19                                                    61-80.…50         4

75954…16                                                    81-100....30       6

                                                                   Unknown...         5

NACOGDOCHES, Texas ­– Stephen F. Austin State University alumnus Clayton Wolf has been named the chief operating officer of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Wolf, who graduated from SFA with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry with a concentration in forest wildlife management, has a 27-year career with TPWD and previously served as the statewide wildlife division director.

“Any success I have achieved is because of my parents, all the great people around me and SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture,” Wolf said.

In this new position, Wolf will work within the executive office of TPWD as a liaison between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and TPWD staff members, and he  be responsible for the overall operation of the statewide department that manages more than 770,000 acres of wildlife management areas and 600,000 acres of state parks, natural areas and state historic sites.

“Having been with TPWD for many years, I’m confident we can utilize the many success stories within the agency as models to make TPWD even more effective and efficient in delivering our mission,” Wolf said. “Externally, our work must be relevant to all Texans, whether they enjoy wildlife as hunters, anglers, hikers, campers, or they simply enjoy watching wildlife in their backyards and local communities.”

The mission of the TPWD is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. It is a recognized national leader in implementing effective natural resources conservation and outdoor recreational programs.

Due to an electrical problem at Plant 2, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the N.E.W. Water Supply Corporation  PWS  # 2030034 to notify all customers on FM 1751, Hwy 147 South, Chinquapin, and Grapevine Communities. Customers are to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands/ face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc).  Children, seniors and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Due to an electrical problem at Plant 1, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the N.E.W. Water Supply Corporation  PWS  # 2030034 to notify all customers on FM 711, CR 203, CR 205, CR 223, Harmony, Kellyville, Fountain Town and Woodland Acres Communities. Customers are to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands/ face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc).  Children, seniors and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

DSHS reported 3 new COVID-19 cases.

37 ACTIVE CASES 

252 Recovered

14 Deaths

303 Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...24

75974...7

75975...2

75973...3

75954...1

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935…216                                                  1-20....29

75974…33                                                    21-40....94

75975…21                                                    41-60.…95         4

75973…18                                                    61-80.…50         4

75954…15                                                    81-100....30      6

                                                                   Unknown...        5

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary School in Nacogdoches said farewell to its principal, Tom Miller, a Stephen F. Austin State University alumnus (1980 and 1996), this year. But former BQJ assistant principal, Gerald Fonzie, another SFA alumnus (2008 and 2010), has been promoted to the role to continue the school’s legacy of Lumberjack leadership.

Before serving as principal and assistant principal for six years together at BQJ, Miller and Fonzie earned master’s degrees in education, as well as their principal and physical education teacher certifications at SFA. They also connected over playing sports growing up and participating in Lumberjack basketball. Miller was a graduate assistant in basketball at SFA from 1978 to 1980, and Fonzie played for the team from 2005 to 2008.

“SFA definitely played a big role in the relationship we have,” Fonzie said. “It allowed us to connect from an education and athletics point of view.”

Both Miller and Fonzie learned from Miller’s father, Harry, who coached the Lumberjack basketball team from 1978 to 1988. Another former Lumberjack basketball coach, Danny Kaspar, was an assistant to Harry at SFA from 1983 to 1986 before serving as head basketball coach from 2000 to 2013. Kaspar coached Fonzie with a philosophy similar to Harry’s, Fonzie said.

“I do believe Tom’s and my basketball backgrounds played a big part in our success as a team here at BQJ,” Fonzie said. “We instantly had a connection from day one. We both believe in running a very structured system, and I think we can credit that to Tom’s dad.”

Despite their common paths, Miller didn’t meet Fonzie until summer 2014 when he interviewed him for the assistant principal role at BQJ.

“I knew he was the person we needed after that first meeting,” Miller said. “I feel the connection of both of us being men in elementary education, playing basketball and knowing how to work with others was invaluable in making a winning team.”

Miller said they immediately agreed on how to proceed with leadership at BQJ because they both had an ability to sense what needed to be accomplished and how to succeed through working as a team.

“When one of us was engaged in something we could not pull free from, the other one knew right where to pick up automatically,” he said. “We always had a great working relationship and respect for each other.”

With that working relationship established, Miller and Fonzie “built a positive campus culture,” Miller said.

“We created a place where students felt safe, cared for and recognized for learning and where positive behaviors were supported,” Miller said. “This gave students a real desire to want to come to school.”

Through effective communication and activities, Miller and Fonzie ensured that BQJ was inviting for parents and supportive and collaborative for teachers and staff members who wanted to improve their skills in working with and teaching children. 

Fonzie’s biggest challenge as assistant principal was beginning his role at age 26 and proving himself to faculty and staff who had more experience than he did in the education field.

But even at his young age, Fonzie taught Miller some lessons.

“Gerald showed me calm in stressful situations,” Miller said. “I believe he learned this in tight games when time was running out. He had the ability to know what to do under pressure.”

In return, Miller tried to model for Fonzie the importance of being available and responding promptly whenever possible to BQJ stakeholders.

“I had an open-door policy,” Miller said. “I felt it was extremely important to be out walking the halls so teachers and students saw me and knew I was there for them in whatever capacity they needed.” 

Fonzie said he keeps the following advice from Miller in mind during his day-to-day work: “Always support your teachers, but never forget you have 800 students telling you that you’ve promised them a good education.”

As the new BQJ principal, Fonzie has three main goals for the upcoming school year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“Keeping the students and faculty at BQJ safe is my first priority,” he said. “I also want to continue improving the level of instruction on this campus and make BQJ the place to be — a home away from home!”

As a first-year retiree, Miller’s main priorities are playing golf, spending time with his soon-to-be eight grandchildren and helping out at his wife’s store, The Mustard Seed.

Miller said he’ll miss the students, teachers and staff members at BQJ.

“We’ve built a great bond with our teachers and staff over the years, as we worked together to make BQJ a place everyone wants to attend,” he said.  

But Miller knows he’s left BQJ in good hands with Fonzie. “It will continue to be a shining light for the district, as well as the city of Nacogdoches.”

Final Results:

Shelby County Sheriff

Kevin W. Windham 2,022

Newton Johnson Jr. 1,429

County Commissioner Precinct Number 3

Stevie Smith 655

David Cheatwood 581

Justice of the Peace Precinct Number 3

Melba Rodger 507

Darrell Alford 388

United State Senator

Royce West 95

Mary "MJ" Hegar 92

Rail Road Commissioner

Chrysta Castaneda 95

Roberto R. "Beto: Alonzo 90

Early Voting Results:

Shelby County Sheriff

Kevin W. Windham 834

Newton Johnson Jr. 475

County Commissioner Precinct Number 3

Stevie Smith 267

David Cheatwood 220

Justice of the Peace Precinct Number 3

Melba Rodger 179

Darrell Alford 125

United State Senator

Royce West 27

Mary "MJ" Hegar 8

Rail Road Commissioner

Roberto R. "Beto: Alonzo 22

Chrysta Castaneda 13

As the summer continues to pass by, I know many in our community and school family are wondering about the opening of school on August 17. I hope this communication is helpful. Here’s where we are today…. But understand, the situation with Covid-19 is literally changing minute by minute and everything can change in the coming days and weeks.

1) As of today, the plan is to open “in house school” on August 17 on a normal calendar. The Texas Education Agency has announced their intent to allow local districts open with normal school, but several preventative measures will be in place to follow CDC guidelines as much as possible.
2) Parents in Texas will be given the option to send their children to campus for school or opt to keep their children at home in a remote learning environment. The Administration team is going to diligently work with staff over the next month to develop an “asynchronous plan” for remote learning. What that means is an instructional plan where students are required to show instructional progress each day with their teachers through remote assessment and instruction. In essence, coursework and communication will take place in various forms online daily. Campus principals will need to be notified by August 7 of parent's intent to receive remote learning for their children
3) The Administration team is also already working on adjustments to the cleaning schedules and the lunch schedules to create not only effective cleaning schedules, but daily disinfecting of every square inch of the district so when students come onto campus each morning, the district should be completely disinfected.
4) Among measures being put in place are
a. Class period by class period “wipe downs” of furniture.
b. Evaluation of adjustments to the elementary schedule to limit shared contact
c. Alternative food delivery and distancing measures in the cafeteria.

d. Several other day to day operational considerations to limit exposure as much as possible.
5) Fall sports and marching band are currently still on schedule to start take place in a normal setting. That can change at any time. One local concern is there is no such thing as “remote Practice” for athletics or band. So in the coming days as the Instructional plan is written to correlate with the student handbook, decisions will have to be made about the allowance of remote learners to participate in extra-curricular activities without physically attending practices. It is not a question of UIL eligibility as much as it is maintaining the integrity of team concepts and participation without presence.

This communication is clearly short on details. We are working on those on a minute by minute basis. Keep in mind, that everything is fluid and can change at any moment. We are preparing on the basis of the instructions we have at hand in the moment. When things change, we will be sure to inform the public.

We know this is such an unsure time. There are arguments to be made for opening school and against it. It is our belief that the decision to send your children to school is the absolute best way to ensure learning. But, we are not at all blind to the fact that concerns over the health crisis this virus has created are the priority for parents as well. We are here to do the best we can to do what we have to for your children to learn. Stay diligent at home with preventative measures and enjoy the rest of your summer. And, stay tuned to news from us or the Texas Education Agency about changes to the current plan moving forward.

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center ISD will be held July 16, 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 the governor.

Members of the public may access open session portion of this meeting at: HERE.

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. SHAC Annual Report (2019-2020)
5. Consider Awarding Transportation Fuel for 2020-2021 School Year
6. Consideration to Approve the 2020-2021 T-TESS Evaluation Calendar
7. Consideration to Approve Proposal for Multi-Purpose Event Center
8. Review Bond Project and Budget
9. Closed Session
9. 1. Resignation/Retirement of Personnel
9. 2. Employment of Personnel
9. 3. Extended Emergency Sick Leave
10. Open Session
10. 1. Resignation/Retirement of Personnel
10. 2. Employment of Personnel
10. 3. Extended Emergency Sick Leave
11. Adjournment

Update from Jeff Boyd San Augustine County Judge

July 13th COVID-19 update:

San Augustine County’s latest numbers from the Angelina Health District. We have had a total of 130 positive cases and have 15 reported deaths due to the virus.

A bit of good news is that The Health District is reporting us with 75 recovered!! That leaves SA County with approximately 40 active cases. Our three nursing homes are reporting 14 still active cases. That leaves us with 26 active in the County. Hopefully, all these folks are staying in and away from others.

I urge everyone to continue wearing a face covering of some sort when in public as well as social distancing. I’m hoping and praying that we don’t see a big spike coming after the holiday.

Thank you all who are doing your part to contain this virus. Special Thanks to all medical personnel and First Responders.

Please continue to pray for and respect the privacy of those families that are directly affected.

Take care and God bless,

Jeff Boyd

San Augustine County Judge

Governor Greg Abbott announced that Omnicare, a CVS Health company, is partnering with the State of Texas to provide COVID-19 point-of-care testing for assisted living facilities and nursing homes throughout the state. This partnership will provide on-site same-day testing and results for both facility staff and their residents. 

"This partnership with Omnicare and CVS Health will increase COVID-19 testing in our assisted living facilities and nursing homes and help us protect vulnerable Texans from COVID-19," said Governor Abbott. "Our collaboration with public and private entities is crucial to ramping up testing in Texas and mitigating the spread of this virus—especially among our most vulnerable populations." 

"At Omnicare, we are continuously exploring solutions to directly address availability and access to COVID-19 testing for the long-term-care industry," said Jim Love, Omnicare President. "We recognize the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on these critically important healthcare facilities and their highly vulnerable patient population, and we are determined to be part of the solution as demand for testing continues to grow in this sector."

These test sites help enable a goal of processing up to 100,000 tests in the first month alone. Testing in assisted living facilities began yesterday, July 9th. State testing teams completed testing of all nursing home staff and residents in June at the direction of Governor Abbott. Omnicare will begin testing in nursing homes next week.

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the U.S. Department of Defense has activated additional U.S. Army Urban Augmentation Medical Task Forces (UAMTF) to assist the state's efforts to combat COVID-19. At the Governor's request and as part of a whole-of-nation approach, one UAMTF arrived in San Antonio on July 6th, an additional task force arrived in Texas to support the Houston region today, and four UAMTFs, along with a U.S. Navy Acute Care Team and four U.S. Navy Rapid Rural Response teams, will be deployed to additional locations across Texas as identified by ongoing assessments. These teams consist of medical and support professionals which are being deployed to support medical needs in hospitals throughout the state.

"Our ongoing partnership with the federal government is crucial to meeting the medical needs of Texans as we combat COVID-19 in our communities," said Governor Abbott. "Texas is grateful to the U.S. Department of Defense as well as President Trump and Vice President Pence for providing these additional resources and for working alongside our communities to keep Texans safe and mitigate the spread of this virus."

Memory screenings are important for everyone.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is now providing free virtual memory screenings every Monday and Wednesday. 

Using your computer, tablet or smartphone, you can get screened by a trained memory screener in a matter of minutes, without having to leave your home.

Be proactive about your brain health.  Make an appointment for a free virtual memory screening by calling the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at 866-232-8484. That’s 866-232-8484.

Tune in tonight to KQBB 100.F FM to hear the results on the radio. The results will also be published on our website. 

NOTICE OF PRIMARY GENERAL ELECTION, REPUBLICAN PARTY
(A VISO DE ELECCION PRIMARIA GENERAL, PARTIDO REPUBLICAN)

To the registered voters of the County of Shelby, Texas:

(a los votantes registrados del Condado de Shelby, Texas:

Notice is hereby given that the polling places listed below will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., July 14, 2020, for voting in the primary run off election for the Republican Party to nominate Members of Congress, Members of the county, and precinct officers.

(Notifiquese, por las presente, que las casillas electorales sitados abajo se abriran desde las 7:00 a.m hasta las 7:00 p.m. el 14th Julio de 2020 para poder votar en una eleccion primaria general del partido Republican para nombar  los electrores  miembros del Congreso, miembros de la condado y del precinct.)

LOCATION(S) OF POLLING PLACES
(DIRECCION(ES) DE LAS CASILLAS ELECTORALES)

PRECINCT NUMBER/VOTING LOCATION
(PRECINTO NÚMERO/UBICACIÓN DE VOTACIÓN)

Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted each weekday at:
(La votacion adelantada en persona se ilevara a cabo de lunes a vienes en:)

CENTER COMMUNITY HOUSE 423 San Augustine St. Center, Texas 75935
(Centrar Comunidael Casa, 423 Calle San Agustin, Centro, Texas  75935)
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. beginning on June 29, 2020 and ending July 10, 2020.

(Entre las 8:00 de la manana y las 4:30 de la tarde empezando el Jnnio 29, 2020  y terminando el Julio 10, 2020.)

APPLICATION FOR BALLOT BY MAIL SHALL BE MAILED TO:
(Las solicitudes para boletas que se votaran adelantada por correo deberan enviarse a:)

    Jennifer Fountain – SHELBY COUNTY CLERK
    Name of Early Voting Clerk
    (Nombre del Secretario de la Votacion Adelantada)
    P.O. BOX 1987
    Address (Direccion)
    CENTER, TEXAS 75935
    City  (Ciudad)            Zip Code (Zona Postal)

Application for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business on July 2nd, 2020.

(Las solicitudes para boletas que se votaran adelantada por correo deberan recibirse para el fin de las horas de negocio el Julio 2, 2020.)

ISSUED THIS THE 25TH DAY OF JUNE, 2020.
(Emitada este dia 25th Junio, 2020.)

                            LEIGH PORTERFIELD
                            REPUBLICAN CHAIR
                            SHELBY COUNTY, TEXAS
 

NOTICE OF PRIMARY RUN OFF ELECTION, DEMOCRATIC PARTY
(A VISO DE ELECCION PRIMARIA GENERAL, PARTIDO DEMOCRATIC)

To the registered voters of the County of Shelby, Texas:
(a los votantes registrados del Condado de Shelby, Texas:

Notice is hereby given that the polling places listed below will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., July 14, 2020, for voting in the general primary run off election for the Democratic Party to nominate Members of Congress, Members of the Legislature, and state, district, county, and precinct officers.

(Notifiquese, por las presente, que las casillas electorales sitados abajo se abriran desde las 7:00 a.m hasta las 7:00 p.m. el 14th Julio de 2020 para poder votar en una eleccion primaria general del partido Democratic para nombar  los electrores presidenciales, miembros del Congreso, miembros de la Lelistatura, y oficiales del estado, districto, condado y del precinct.)

LOCATION(S) OF POLLING PLACES
(DIRECCION(ES) DE LAS CASILLAS ELECTORALES)

PRECINCT NUMBER/VOTING LOCATION
(PRECINTO NÚMERO/UBICACIÓN DE VOTACIÓN)

1N, 1S,        Church Of Christ        
1SW, 1W, 2     110 Hurst St.                
        Center, Texas 75935                

1 SE, 3        Pineywoods Family Outreach Center    
        255 Haley Dr.                
        Center, Texas 75935

5        First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
        175 Faulkville Road
        Joaquin, TX 75954

4, 6, 7        First Baptist Church-Shelbyville
        5030 SH 87S
        Shelbyville, TX 75973

8        First United Methodist Church Fellowhip Hall
        226 N. George Bowers Dr.
        Tenaha, TX 75974

9N, 9S        American State Bank Annex
        830 N 1st Street W
        Timpson, TX 75975

                                                    
Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted each weekday at:

(La votacion adelantada en persona se ilevara a cabo de lunes a vienes en:)

CENTER COMMUNITY HOUSE 423 San Augustine St. Center, Texas 75935

(Centrar Comunidael Casa, 423 Calle San Agustin, Centro, Texas  75935)

between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. beginning on June 29, 2020 and ending July 10, 2020.

(Entre las 8:00 de la manana y las 4:30 de la tarde empezando el junio 29, 2020  y terminando el Julio 10, 2020.)

APPLICATION FOR BALLOT BY MAIL SHALL BE MAILED TO:
(Las solicitudes para boletas que se votaran adelantada por correo deberan enviarse a:)

    JENNIFER L. FOUNTAIN – SHELBY COUNTY CLERK
    Name of Early Voting Clerk
    (Nombre del Secretario de la Votacion Adelantada)
    P.O. BOX 1987
    Address (Direccion)
    CENTER, TEXAS 75935
    City  (Ciudad)            Zip Code (Zona Postal)

Application for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business on July 2, 2020.

(Las solicitudes para boletas que se votaran adelantada por correo deberan recibirse para el fin de las horas de negocio el Julio 2, 2020.)

ISSUED THIS THE 25TH DAY OF JUNE, 2020.
(Emitada este dia 25th Junio, 2020.)

                            Patsy Handy
                            DEMOCRAT CHAIR
                            SHELBY COUNTY, TEXAS
 

The Piney Woods Photographic Society will be holding their regular monthly meeting Saturday, July 18th, from 9 a.m-12 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 211 Porter St., Center, TX.  Social distancing will be observed and face mask will be required.  

There will be a workshop presented by Lawrence Davis on how to "Print Like a Pro" with information on how to adjust your photos for the best print ever.  The monthly Challenge "Move It" will be about animals in motion, submitted by members for voting and critique.  For more information about memberships or meetings contact Billie F. Jones, 936-591-2426 or billiejones602@gmail.com. Challenge photos can be viewed on PWPS Flckr Page https://www.flickr.com/groups/pineywoodsphotographic/

PWPS is a fun group of people wanting to improve their photography skills or just to share their passions for photography. But we are also considerate of others and will practice social distancing in our meeting for our safety as well as others. 

DSHS reported 6 new COVID-19 cases and 6 more recoveries keeping the active cases at 34.

34 ACTIVE CASES 

252 Recovered

14 Deaths

300 Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...22

75974...6

75975...2

75973...3

75954...1

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935…214                                                 1-20....28

75974…32                                                    21-40....93

75975…21                                                    41-60.…94         4

75973…18                                                    61-80.…50         4

75954…15                                                    81-100....30       6

                                                                   Unknown...         5

Sam Samford Lodge #149 in Center, will have their monthly stated Tuesday evening, 7/14/2020 at 6:30.  We will have light refreshments and practice social distancing.  We hope to see you at our meeting as we continue to practice our craft according to our traditions with in the restrictions that are currently placed upon us.

REVIVAL
@ Lydia MBC
FM 139 in Huxley 
With
Bro. Harold Noble

SUNDAY, July 19 – THURS., July 23
SUNDAY 11am & 6 pm
MONDAY – THURSDAY  7PM

EVERYONE WELCOME

With Special music by 
The Howington’s

Contact: 
Bro. Michael McArthur-Pastor
936-368-2462

DSHS reported 6 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend. DSHS also reported 1more death and 7 additional recoveries were reported also.

34 ACTIVE CASES 

246 Recovered

14 Deaths

288 Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...19

75974...5

75975...2

75973...3

75954...5

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935…210                                                  1-20....27

75974…30                                                    21-40....93

75975…21                                                    41-60.…93         4

75973…18                                                    61-80.…48         4

75954…15                                                    81-100....28       6

                                                                  Unknown...          5

SHELBY COUNTY – On July 11, The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
responded to a one-vehicle crash on County Road 3853, about five and one half
miles southwest of Joaquin.

The preliminary crash information indicates at approximately 9 p.m., a 1975 Jeep
CJ5 was traveling west when the vehicle drove off the roadway to the left where it
struck an embankment before overturning; ejecting the driver and passenger.
The driver is identified as 17-year-old Alfredo Ramirez from Center. Ramirez was
not reportedly injured during the crash.

A passenger with Ramirez is identified as 21-year-old Kailey Agnew from Tenaha.
Agnew was transported to a local hospital and later transported to UT Tyler by
medical helicopter where she was pronounced deceased on July 12.
Ramirez was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested and placed in the
Shelby County Jail for intoxication manslaughter. A blood specimen was obtained
and results are pending.

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

SHELBY COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to
a two vehicle crash on July 9, 2020, on SH 87 at County Road 2135.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 7 p.m., a 2011 Ford
pickup was traveling south. A 2012 Ford pickup reportedly failed to yield right of
way from the stop sign at County Road 2135 and drove into the path of the 2011
Ford.

The driver of the 2011 Ford is identified as 73-year-old Horace Wilburn from San
Augustine. Wilburn and a passenger were transported to a Center hospital for
possible treatment.

The driver of the 2012 Ford is identified as 30-year-old Austin Gregory from
Center. Gregory and a passenger were also transported to a Center hospital for
possible treatment.

No additional information is available at this time.
 

07/13/2020

Notice is hereby given that a special called meeting of the governing body of the City of Tenaha will be held on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 5:30p.m. in the City Hall Council Meeting Room located at 238 N. George Bowers Drive in Tenaha, Texas.  If during the meeting, any discussion on items on the Agenda should be held in executive session, the Council will convene in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code Section 551.101 and Texas Revised Civil Statues.

Order of Business
1.    Call to Order
2.     Roll Call
3.    Welcome Guest/Prayer/Pledge
4.    Closed Session per Texas Government Code Section 551.071, 551.074- Consultation with Attorney. A. Pending Litigation 
5.    Return to Open Session with Results of Closed Session
6.    Council Comments
7.    Adjourn

This notice was posted at 4:00 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2020, and sent to
East Texas Press Inc., Light and Champion, Shelby County Today and KDET.

Amanda Treat
City Secretary 
 

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Omnicare, a CVS Health company, is partnering with the State of Texas to provide COVID-19 point-of-care testing for assisted living facilities and nursing homes throughout the state. This partnership will provide on-site same-day testing and results for both facility staff and their residents. 

"This partnership with Omnicare and CVS Health will increase COVID-19 testing in our assisted living facilities and nursing homes and help us protect vulnerable Texans from COVID-19," said Governor Abbott. "Our collaboration with public and private entities is crucial to ramping up testing in Texas and mitigating the spread of this virus—especially among our most vulnerable populations." 

"At Omnicare, we are continuously exploring solutions to directly address availability and access to COVID-19 testing for the long-term-care industry," said Jim Love, Omnicare President. "We recognize the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on these critically important healthcare facilities and their highly vulnerable patient population, and we are determined to be part of the solution as demand for testing continues to grow in this sector."

These test sites help enable a goal of processing up to 100,000 tests in the first month alone. Testing in assisted living facilities began yesterday, July 9th. State testing teams completed testing of all nursing home staff and residents in June at the direction of Governor Abbott. Omnicare will begin testing in nursing homes next week.

DSHS reported no new COVID-19 cases. Unfortunately, 3 more deaths were reported. DSHS has reported 2 more recoveries.

36 ACTIVE CASES

239 Recovered

13 Deaths

288 Cumulative cases

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...25

75974...3

75975...2

75973...1

75954...5

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS: 

75935…207                                                    1-20....26

75974…28                                                    21-40....92

75975…21                                                    41-60.…89         4

75973…17                                                    61-80.…48         4

75954…15                                                    81-100....28       5

                                                                   Unknown...         5

On July 7, 2020, the Center Police Department responded to a possible Aggravated Assault and Child Abduction which occurred at 173 Arcadia Rd. The Center Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit was assigned the case. 

The adult victim, Enedina Akins, in serious condition was transported to Shelby County Emergency Services and Diagnostic Imaging Center by EMS. She had apparently been severely beaten with a blunt object. Akins’ informed Officers that the father of the child and suspected assailant, identified as Zenas Whitaker of Nacogdoches, had taken her two-year-old daughter when he left. 
 
An Amber Alert was initiated which included the child and abductee’s information. Agencies from around the East Texas area relentlessly searched and followed leads throughout the rest of the day, night and into the following day.

With great assistance from these other agencies, the suspect and child were located in Cherokee County- near Alto. After a brief stand-off, the suspect surrendered the child to authorities and give himself up without further incident.

At this time, the suspect is being held in custody (without bail) for the following charges: 
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Family Violence) (Felony 1)
Aggravated Sexual Assault (Felony 1)

The Center Police Department would like to extend much gratitude to first and foremost, the Center Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit for never giving up, Alto Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Garrison Police Department, Nacogdoches Police Department CID, Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, Texas DPS, Texas Rangers, FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Thanks to the combined efforts and teamwork of surrounding agencies and the Public’s assistance, the missing child was located and returned unharmed within 17 hours of the initial call.
 

ALERT: Crews will apply a fog seal Friday, July 10th through Saturday, July 11th on SH 7 in Shelby County from Mount Herman to US 96. All lanes will be treated and motorists should expect alternating lane closures from 7 am to 7 pm each day. Reduce speed and expect delays. Obey all traffic control in place and stay alert.

JH/HS Registration Dates/Times

August 4th:
Junior High- 9:00-11:00
Juniors and Seniors- 1:00-3:00
 
August 5th:
Sophomores - 9:00-11:00
Freshman- 1:00-3:00
High School students may also pick up their Chromebook at registration.

Before my father, Cecil, entered county politics in 1938, he was a painting and paperhanging contractor.  He worked with his father, Felix, and his younger brother, Marvin.  The trio had worked in most of the early homes in San Augustine, either painting or hanging wallpaper.  Dad recalled several times to me an incident that occurred around 1929, and was amused by it.

It seems that a rather wealthy lady in town had purchased a hot water heater, a new gadget which was becoming popular.  She had a reputation among the artisans of being very difficult to work for, and many avoided her.  However, Dad and his crew were painting the outside of her rather large house on a corner lot.

The plumber arrived with the new water heater and was ready to install it for her.  The lady of the house and the plumber decided on the best place to put this new appliance, and he proceeded to get his saws.  She asked him what he was about to cut.  He explained that he had to vent the heater to the outside, and would have to cut a hole in the roof to do so.

“Oh, no, no, no,” she cried.  “I won’t have a hole cut in my roof!”  The plumber scratched his head, thinking.  He replied, “Ok, then I can vent it out the wall, rather than the roof.”  Problem solved.  “Oh, no.  I don’t want a hole cut in my outside wall either”, she protested.

The plumber began gathering up his tools.  “What are you doing?”, she questioned.  “Well, lady, when you can figure out how I can vent a water heater to the outside without cutting a hole somewhere, just let me know and I will come install it.”  With that, the plumber left.

The painting crew, who had overheard all of it, could hardly paint for laughing so hard.  Dad thinks the problem was finally solved when the plumber placed the vent pipe through a top pane in a window a few days later.  I suppose truly where there is a will, there is a way.  You just have to find it.

“THE  HOT WATER  HEATER”

BY: NEAL  MURPHY

P O BOX 511
107 HEMLOCK STREET
SAN AUGUSNE, TX 75972
936-275-9033
Humptydumpty1940@gmail.com

381 Words
 

Bossier Parish – On July 9, 2020, shortly before 5:45 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating a fatality crash on Oliver Road near Louisiana Highway 157. This crash claimed the life of 20-year-old JTavion Bowman of Doyline.  

The initial investigation revealed a 2014 Toyota Avalon, driven by Bowman, was traveling eastbound on Oliver Road. For reasons still under investigation, Bowman’s vehicle traveled off the roadway and struck a tree. Bowman, whose restraint use is unknown, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, buckling up is the most effective way to protect yourself during a vehicle crash. Failure to take a few seconds to buckle up can have devastating consequences. Louisiana law requires every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained day or night.

In 2020, Troop G Troopers have investigated 11 fatal crashes resulting in 11 deaths.

We extended the right to do interviews with all the Joaquin candidates running for local office.

Part-time warehouse worker needed for The Unique Boutique.  For more information, please call us at 936-598-4990. 

I know that this is not the typical season that we have all become accustom to.  However,  I have been working to maintain some sort of Tournament season for Center Youth Baseball and our City.

It could work out in our favor.  There will not be any District Tournaments in the State.  Any team wanting to play Post Season in the State Tournament will be allowed to play. There could be a possibility each actual tournament will have more teams than usually slotted.  Below is a list of the Tournaments and Dates.  There is a possibility we could start on Friday night with schools starting back so soon.

Dixie Boys 13-14 State Tournament     July 11-16   (12 teams)

Dixie Youth Super Series South Regional  AAA Division I and Division II (9-10yr old)  August 1-3   (22 teams)

Dixie Youth Super Series South Regional Ozone Division I and Division II (11-12yr old)  August 1-3  (15 teams)

Dixie Youth Super Series Championships (7,9, and 11yr old)  August 8-10    (32 teams)

The number of teams could change as we get closer to the tournaments.

Jason Mitchell

Recreation Director

A high-speed chase occurred on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, in Shelby County. Shelby County Constable Roy Cheatwood engaged in the chase of a 2013 Dodge Avenger on U.S. Highway 84. The driver drove on without stopping, the chase continued on multiple county roads, where other law enforcement aided. Law enforcement vehicles collied with the Dodge and it finally came to a stop as it was headed back to Center, Texas.

Constable Roy Cheatwood arrested the driver. The driver was taken to the Shelby County Jail and identified as Rebekah Lyn Taylor 48 of Joaquin who was charged with evading arrest with a motor vehicle, aggravated assault on a peace officer, and reckless driving.

Constable Roy Cheatwood was glad that the outcome was not more violent. Cheatwood said, "It could have been worser."

According to the East Texas Center for the Missing, Zamaya Whitaker has been found.

Zamaya Whitaker has been found!! She is safe and the Amber Alert is being canceled at this time!
The father was located in Alto, Tx by Cherokee County Sheriff's office and is in custody.
Thank you everyone for helping to find her safe!!

Notice is hereby given that on the 13th day of July 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

Click here for the agenda:

Notice is hereby given that on the 13th day of July 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

Click here for the agenda:

DSHS reported 3 new COVID-19 cases and four recoverIes.

40 ACTIVE CASES 

238 Recovered

10 Deaths

288 Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...28

75974...3

75975...2

75973...2

75954...5

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935...207                                                    1-20....26

75974...28                                                    21-40....92

75975...21                                                    41-60....89      4

75973...17                                                    61-80....48      4

75954...15                                                    81-10....28     2

                                                                   Unknown...     5

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Shelbyville Independent School District will be held on Monday, July 13, 2020, beginning at 12:00 p.m., in the Cafetorium of the Shelbyville Independent School District at 343 FM 417 West, Shelbyville, Texas.

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

1.    Call to order
2.    Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3.    Open forum
4.    Consent agenda 
a.    Minutes of the June 8, 2020 meeting of the board
b.    Monthly financial reports
5.    Consider for approval
a.    School Calendar Update
b.    TASB Delegate Assembly
c.    Audit Engagement Letter
d.    Budget Amendments
e.    August Board Meeting and Budget Workshop
6.    Superintendent’s Reports
a.    Articles of Interest
b.    General Updates
7.    Consider Board Member Resignation
8.    Consider Appointment of Board Member
9.    Reorganization of Board of Trustees
1.    Elect president 
2.    Elect vice-president
3.    Elect secretary
10.    Executive Session
a.    Resignations/Employment
b.    Personnel
11.    Open Session
12.    Adjournment
 

First Pentecostal Church of Joaquin will be hosting Anchored Deepening Faith in God Vacation Bible School ages 4 to 12 on July 17 at 6 p.m. and July 18th at 10 p.m.

For more information call 936-572-8233.

ALERT: Crews will fog seal US 59 on Thursday in Nacogdoches County from the grass median to the Angelina county line. Alternating lane closures from 7 am until 7 pm. Stay alert, prepare for possible delays and obey all traffic control near this moving work zone. Motorists should reduce speed in and near the work zone.

DSHS reported no new COVID-19 cases and one recovery.

41 ACTIVE CASES 

234 Recovered

10 Deaths

285 Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE:

75935...31

75974...3

75975...1

75973...2

75954...4

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIP CODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935…207                                                    1-20....25

75974…27                                                    21-40....92

75975…20                                                    41-60.…87        4

75973…17                                                    61-80.…48        4

75954…14                                                     81-10...28       2

                                                                    Unknown...      5

The Center Police have issued an Amber Alet for a missing 2-year-old girl Zamaya Whitaker who was taken from her home allegedly by her father Zena Whitaker who is still at large. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Zenas Whitaker contact the Center Police Department at 936-598-2788.

- source KTRE

ALERT: Crews are monitoring flood waters on SH 87 in Shelby County. Drive with caution and obey all traffic control in place. Visit drivetexas.org for road conditions and closures statewide.

DSHS reported 1 new COVID-19 case.  

42 ACTIVE CASES 

233 Recovered

10 Deaths

285  Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIPCODE:

75935...32

75974...3

75975...1

75973...2

75954...4

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIPCODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935…207                                                    1-20....25

75974…27                                                    21-40....92

75975…20                                                    41-60.…87       4

75973…17                                                    61-80.…48       4

75954…14                                                    81-10...28       2

                                                                   Unknown...      5

We have received reports of flooding in Shelby County.

There is flooding in Shelbyville, Texas near the Shelbyville High School.

There is also flooding in multiple spots on FM 2694.

"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.

Due to precautions related to the COVID-19 response, Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Karen St. Germain has announced that four OMV locations will be closed effective today. During the closure, online OMV services will remain available to the public.  Citizens may also take advantage of available Public Tag Agent locations.

In addition to previously closed offices, OMV locations in Alexandria, Lafayette, Monroe, and Shreveport will remain closed to the public upon the positive testing of an OMV employee. The OMV employee testing positive for COVID-19 served in an administrative role at several locations and did not have interactions with the public.

Customers are urged to continue utilizing the OMV website at www.expresslane.org for available online services such as driver license renewals, identification card renewals, official driving records, and duplicate registrations.  

Customers are also encouraged to check their driver license status by visiting www.expresslane.org regarding flags, blocks, suspensions or disqualifications. If a customer has flags on their record, they must clear those flags prior to obtaining any OMV services.  

The following OMV offices are closed until further notice:
 
 
Alexandria
Arcadia
Bogalusa
Clinton
Crowley
Dequincy
Harvey
Houma
Jonesboro
Lafayette
Lake Charles
Monroe
Oakdale
Shreveport
Tallulah
 

If customers are seeking reinstatements, these will only be provided via phone, mail or a Public Tag Agency.  Those customers seeking reinstatements must use one of the following options:

OMV Call Center:

    225-925-6146 – Option #3

    OMV Mail Center:
    P.O. Box 64886
    Baton Rouge, La.  70896

    Contact your local PTA to ensure they can provide the reinstatement service you need.
    
For an up to date and complete listing of all open OMV locations and PTA offices, please visit our website at https://offices.omv.la.gov/. 

As much as we had hoped July would be a safe time to have our Annual Grill Fest event, in light of the current situation and the Governor’s Executive Order we feel it is best to cancel the event this year. 

It is a top priority of the Chamber of Commerce as it is our event sponsors and members to be prudent and make sure our community stays safe and healthy.

The Chamber of Commerce is also postponing the annual First Responders lunch.  We plan to reschedule the event in August or September.

We encourage everyone to be smart, take appropriate precautions, be considerate of others and follow the guidelines and recommendations set by our local and state leaders.

Timpson ISD Back to School Preferences for Parents –

https://forms.gle/Rgy8BrfKr6hp9E1p8

Just wanted to share this link that we have sent out to all parents via Facebook, school website, the Bear Update and Shelby County Today.  We hope all parents will respond by July 10. This will help us to prepare for the upcoming school year.

DSHS reported 6 new COVID-19 cases and 22 recoveries over the holiday weekend.

41 ACTIVE CASES

233 Recovered

10 Deaths

284 Cumulative cases

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIPCODE:

75935...31

75974...3

75975...1

75973...2

75954...4

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIPCODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS: 

75935…206                                                    1-20....25

75974…27                                                    21-40....92

75975…20                                                    41-60.…87      4

75973…17                                                    61-80.…47      4

75954…14                                                    81-10...28       2

                                                                   Unknown...      5

07/06/2020
August 4th:
Junior High- 9:00-11:00
Juniors and Seniors- 1:00-3:00
 
August 5th:
Sophomores - 9:00-11:00
Freshman- 1:00-3:00
High School students may also pick up their Chromebook at registration.

Shelby County Outreach Ministries will be opening The Unique Boutique with precautions on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 9-4 beginning on Tuesday, July 7th.  At this point, we are still not taking donations.  We will accept donations at a later date, and we will inform the public.  We will allow only 6 customers at a time inside the store.  No children are allowed inside at this time.  Only adults 18 and over.  We will require our customers to wear face masks inside.  

We ask that everyone practice social distancing and remain 6 feet away from each other while shopping.  There will also be hand sanitizer readily available at the front door.  We apologize for the inconvenience, but we are doing our best to keep both our employees and customers safe from the spread of COVID-19.  For more information, you can call The Unique Boutique at 591-8190.  

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will provide approximately $182 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of July as the state continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size.

"The extension of these emergency SNAP benefits helps ensure that Texans can provide nutritious food for their families as the state continues to combat COVID-19," said Governor Abbott. "Securing access to healthy food in our communities is an important part of our response to this pandemic."

"During this pandemic we must ensure those who need it most can continue providing nutritious food for their families and maintain their health," said Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter. "We’ll continue to make sure Texans can access the services they need as this situation evolves."

More than 950,000 SNAP households will see the additional amount on their Lone Star Card by July 11. The emergency July allotments are in addition to the $628 million in benefits previously provided to Texans in April, May and June.

Administered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.4 million eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas.

Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.

Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others. 

"Wearing a face covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways we have to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “We have the ability to keep businesses open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a paycheck, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect one another—and that means wearing a face covering in public spaces. Likewise, large gatherings are a clear contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases. Restricting the size of groups gatherings will strengthen Texas’ ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe. We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. If Texans commit to wearing face coverings in public spaces and follow the best health and safety practices, we can both slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Texas open for business. I urge all Texans to wear a face covering in public, not just for their own health, but for the health of their families, friends, and for all our fellow Texans.”

Additionally, the Governor released a new video message to coincide with his Executive Order, encouraging Texans to do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and keep their communities safe. The video can be downloaded at this link and can also be viewed on YouTube.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Mirroring state and national trends to streamline admission procedures in the wake of the ongoing pandemic, Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Admissions has announced it will begin test-optional admissions for all 2021 terms.

This decision was prompted by the cancellation of SAT and ACT exam administration as testing centers across the state struggle to accommodate test participants due to required social distancing standards.

“High school seniors continue to experience significant restrictions regarding in-person testing opportunities and challenges with virtual testing,” said Erma Nieto Brecht, SFA’s executive director of enrollment management. “Because of this, students hoping to enter SFA in 2021 will not have to worry about having a standardized test score to apply for admission.”

While the test score requirement is lifted for the admission process, students who were able to take the SAT or ACT are encouraged to submit those scores with their ApplyTexas application as they may be needed in the scholarship review process.

“Submission of tests scores will not create any unfair advantage or disadvantage during the admission review for those students who provide them,” Nieto Brecht said. “We still want to encourage students to take an upcoming ACT/SAT test, if possible, or submit an existing test score, as the ACT/SAT may be required and utilized for scholarship review.”

For more information, visit sfasu.edu/freshman.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Residence halls at Stephen F. Austin State University will open to students for the fall 2020 semester but with a sea change of new safety measures that will be continually evaluated as the global pandemic evolves.

Residence Life Department staff members have implemented extreme alterations to traditional housing upkeep in an effort to provide the safest possible college residential experience for returning students this August. These alterations include a wide array of increased sanitation measures at the 11 housing facilities available to students for the fall.

Housing also continues to be offered during the summer term, which has allowed SFA employees to evaluate and update sanitization effectiveness and communication best practices. Residence Life is currently taking applications for summer II housing.

“We are excited to welcome our students back home,” said Shea Roll, assistant director of SFA’s Residence Life. “We are connecting with students through virtual programming and social distancing events. Last week, we had an event with water balloons filled with soap, water and washable paint that the students who are on campus this summer loved! More than ever, community and connection is important to us in our halls.”

Key highlights of the new safety measurements include:

·         Each residence hall will have its own full-time custodial staff members who will clean common restrooms and other high-traffic common areas during the day and at night Monday through Friday. A limited number of full-time custodians will disinfect common restrooms and high-traffic areas and clean where needed on weekends.

·         A full-time staff member is available seven days a week from 4 p.m. to midnight to provide assistance when requested through the University Police Department.

·         Seating will be reduced in all Residence Hall common spaces, and use of community areas like kitchens will be limited.

·         Residence halls are not open to the public. Visitation privileges have been amended to allow no more than two additional people in a room or suite at any given time. In addition, both roommates have to agree to this visitation policy before guests may visit.

·         All student and professional staff members are required to wear masks. Hand sanitizer stations will be set up, and staff member desks have plastic protectors so they may safely answer resident questions.

·         Each hall has a unique 24/7 phone number residents may call if they need anything, from accidentally locking themselves out of their room to reporting signs of illness. They will always have access to a student and professional staff member on call.

·         Roommate agreements are amended to include questions about physical distancing in the rooms, sharing items, visitors and wearing masks. Residence Life staff members want to ensure students are communicating their needs to each other on day one, so these agreements help set the tone for expectations within their shared space.

·         The university also will offer single bedrooms as they become available to those currently on a waitlist for these rooms.

·         A plan also has been formed for students who might become sick, with an immediate protocol for isolation, testing and contact tracing.

Residence Hall sanitization has increased in frequency and potency. Staff members use a GenEon cleaning and disinfecting system containing a hypochlorous solution, a powerhouse cleaning system SFA makes on site at the rate of five gallons per hour.

“This solution, unlike bleach and harsh disinfectants, is safe and a non-irritant. If it gets on your skin or in your eyes, it does not burn,” explained Frank Ronzello, SFA custodial supervisor III. “Even if it is accidently ingested, it is completely harmless. It requires no PPE. It is 70 to 80 times more efficient at killing microbial pathogens than bleach.”

Hypochlorous acid also is used on food and in food service sanitation, as well as in wound care and eye care products, he added.

“We purchased the hypochlorous acid system two years ago to treat buildings if there was a flu outbreak or any other type of airborne illnesses and to treat areas with mold or mildew issues,” Roll said. “The ability to produce hypochlorous acid is something completely unique to SFA and really shows our commitment to safety. While other universities were busy purchasing hypochlorous acid, we were already producing our own.”

Custodial staff members have been using the cleaning compound in all housing facilities since the outbreak of COVID-19 to treat all high-touch-point areas before and after students come to campus.

“We also have treated every vacant room prior to our custodial employees entering the rooms to perform their summer cleaning and disinfecting,” Roll said. “We also will treat rooms after any camps and summer school and use it to treat all high-point-touch areas when students return in the fall.”

The university also announced it would be lifting the on-campus living requirement that stated incoming freshman or underclassmen with less than 60 credit hours must live in campus residence halls.

Additionally, the contract cancellation deadline was extended to midnight July 12.  Any cancellations received by that time will be refunded.

“We recognize that in this time, students may be more comfortable not living in a residence hall environment, so we want to be as considerate and as flexible as possible,” Roll said.

While prevention and regular cleaning are key, SFA employees have established staunch protocols should a case of COVID-19 be reported on campus.

“We have worked closely with SFA’s Health Services and have a plan for students who might become sick, with an immediate protocol for isolation, testing and contact tracing. We also would deliver meals to their door. A Residence Life staff member would personally call them twice daily to check on how they are doing, and the Health Clinic would hold Zoom appointments,” Roll said. “We offer Zoom counseling services to these students as well, because at no point do we want them to feel disconnected from their SFA community during isolation. The rooms we have set aside have goody bags with Gatorade, snacks and get well notes along with campus resource numbers. Our goal is to make them as comfortable as possible.”

The current move-in calendar for the fall semester is Aug. 13 through 23. Students must sign up for a two-hour move-in slot and are allowed to bring two individuals to help them with the move.

Students can access the move-in sign up through my mySFA Residence Life tab. Move-in sign up will open at noon July 9 and will remain open through Aug. 23. Students must have two emergency contacts listed in Banner prior to signing up, which can be completed through mySFA by selecting “Update Emergency Contact” on the Home tab.

“They also can change their move-in time up to 24 hours before it occurs to allow as much flexibility as possible; however, we are limiting the number of students allowed to sign up per hall, per shift to allow for social distancing,” Roll said. “When they arrive, they will receive a check-in packet with their key, student ID, helpful tips on how to stay safe on campus and instructions on how to complete an online inspection of their room so we can address any concerns they have right away.

“This one-stop move in will allow for flexibility and social distancing beginning as soon as they walk in the door,” she added. “They also will meet their community assistant, who is an upperclassmen mentor living on their floor to help them with whatever they need and to connect them with the SFA community.”

First-year students attending Jack Camp Orientation, which will be held on campus Aug. 16 through 19, will be given priority to pick move-in shifts.

Currently, approximately 3,500 students have committed to living on campus in the fall.

Cutline: J.R. Florez, an employee with Stephen F. Austin State University’s Residence Life Department, mists a room in Steen Hall with a hypochlorous acid, a disinfecting compound the custodial staff says is safer and more effective than bleach. All residence hall rooms have been treated with the disinfectant and will have been treated twice when students return to campus in the fall.

Notice is hereby given that a Regular meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 8th day of July, 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 June 3, 2020 Special meeting, June 10, 2020 Regular meeting, June 17, 2020 Special meeting, June 24, 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.    Adjourn.

NACOGDOCHES,TX (July 2, 2020):  On June 30th 2020 Officers with the Nacogdoches Police Department responded to the 1600 block of Terracewood Lane for a burglary of a residence.  An investigation revealed that a white female driving a black four door car was seen entering into an attached garage of a residence and stealing the residents purse which contained numerous financial instruments and personal property.  The resident had a security camera that caught the crime occurring.

The following day on July 1st 2020 Detectives with the Nacogdoches Police Department Criminal Investigations Division obtained a search warrant for an address on E. Austin St, believed to be the suspects address, and executed the warrant on the same day with the assistance of Investigators with the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office.  Numerous items believed to either be stolen or obtained through fraudulent means from at least 14 victims in the city and county were seized.   A warrant of arrest for Burglary of a Habitation has been issued for Mattie Alabama Emerson Pena  32 years of age from Nacogdoches, Tx. This has turned into a multi agency investigation that is ongoing at this time. Further charges are expected in the coming days.  Attached is a video of the crime that is being released to the public to help in the apprehension of the suspect.   Anyone with information of the suspect’s whereabouts is advised to contact the Nacogdoches Police Department at 936-559-2607 or Nacogdoches Crime Stoppers at 936-560-INFO. 

Also attached are photos of the wanted fugitive and some of the items seized during the execution of the search warrant.

“Boy, *Willie is in a heap of trouble with the boss”, Gary told me when I walked into the funeral home office.  “I sure hope he doesn’t get fired.”

In 1955 I was a 19 year old college student attending Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas.  Since money was hard to come by in those days, I had to work after classes in order to meet expenses.  I had been hired by the Oakley-Metcalf Funeral Home to live on premises and work as a general flunky.  I was paid the awesome sum of $120 per month, plus my room.  Seems very puny money today, but then it was a fairly decent job for a college student.

Oakley-Metcalf owned an emergency ambulance, affectionately known as the “hot shot”, a hearse, and a transfer ambulance.  The transfer ambulance had been converted to hold a cot for non-emergency sick calls.

Besides myself, there was Gary, an older fellow, married, who lived in the apartment above the ambulance garage with his wife, Ruth.  Then there was Willie.  His job at the funeral home was to keep the grounds neat, dig the graves, set up and take down the funeral tent, keep the ambulances washed, and full of gas.  Willie usually attended to these chores very well.

The particular week in question had been a very busy week, with several funeral services.  On this particular day, there was an auto accident several miles out North Street in Nacogdoches.  Skinny Garrison, our boss, jumped into the “hot shot” and headed out to the scene, red lights flashing and the siren blaring in response to the call for help.  While he was still on North Street, the ambulance ran out of gas.

What a revolting development this turned out to be!  He coasted into a service station and yelled for the attendant to put in $2.00 worth of gasoline as fast as possible.  While doing this, his competitor, Cason-Monk Funeral Home, roared by in their emergency ambulance and thus got in the lead.

By the time Skinny Garrison reached the scene, Cason-Monk had already loaded up the deceased driver, and was headed back to the funeral home.  Skinny ended up taking one slightly injured driver to the hospital.  Back in 1955, it was more profitable to conduct a funeral than it was to transport an injured person to the hospital.  Thus, one can see why our boss was so embarrassed, and thus angry at Willie.

“Well, Gary, I feel sorry for Willie.  I hope the boss will remember all the things he has done right over the years”, I opined.

The boss gave Willie a “lecture” about his failure to keep the ambulances full of gas and not to let it happen again.  I think Skinny knew that this incident was an honest mistake and that Willie was a good employee.  So, nothing further was said bout “running out of gas”, and it never happened again while I was there.

•    Name changed to protect the guilty.

“OUT  OF  GAS”

BY:  NEAL  MURPHY
107 Hemlock Street
PO Box 511
San Augustine, TX 75972
Phone: 936-275-9033
Cell: 936-275-6986
Email: humptydumpty1940@gmail.com

529 words
 

Shelby County Outreach Ministries are still serving the community with a few adaptions.  The Helping Hands Outreach Center will be opened Wednesday’s and Friday’s from 10-2 to distribute emergency food boxes.  It is still Drive-Thru only at this time.  Clients are to keep their windows up at all times. 

Beginning Tuesday, July 7th, The Unique Boutique will open to the public on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 9 to 4.  Customers are required to wear face masks, use hand sanitizer, and to maintain a 6-foot distance from others. At this time, we are only letting adults 18 and over inside the store and limiting the number of shoppers. 

Our Senior citizen programs are still providing meals to our clients and calling them to check on them twice a week. 

We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause, but we are still trying to keep both, our employees, and our clients safe during this time.  For further information, please call us at 936-598-4990.  

Please help spread the word about these lifesaving blood drives coming up in the community!

*FREE Covid-19 anti-body testing for
all successful donations.

*This test is authorized
by the FDA only for detecting
the presence of antibodies
against SARS-Co V-2, and
is not intended for diagnosis of COVID-19

This is such a big deal and an amazing service as it allows for our donors to get the benefits to know whether or not they have been exposed to the Virus or have maybe built an immunity for it...plus they will receive a free beach towel.

Life Saving Blood Drive

Sponsored by: 

First Baptist Church

Wednesday, July 22

10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Located inside Family Life Center

301 Mann St. Hemphill TX

Appointment must be made in order to honor the social distancing

To sign up online please

Go to link below

https://tinyurl.com/y958pf2x

The Center Police Department and Gulf Coast Reginal Blood Center want to thank everyone that came and donated blood during our Emergency Blood Drive.  We had a great and wonderful turn out of 33 people. That is a big number to reach during drives and will be a huge impact on those in need. Thank you to everyone that took the time to come out and show your support and help save lives.

DSHS reported no new COVID-19 cases. 

After many requests for updated information from DSHS pertaining to recoveries of COVID-19 in Shelby County, they provided a current list  which included 65 never reported recoveries. The majority of theses 65 were reported to us as new cases in April, May and 2 were reported as new cases in March. The 18 previous “lost to follow” cases are now on the recovered list.  DSHS has informed us they are now using an algorithm to determine recoveries. 

54 ACTIVE CASES 

211 Recovered

10 Deaths

275 Cumulative cases 

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIPCODE:

75935...41

75974...5

75975...2

75973...4

75954...2

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIPCODE:                                                     AGES:             DEATHS:  

75935…201                                                    1-20....21    

75974…27                                                    21-40....90

75975…19                                                    41-60.…85         4

75973…17                                                    61-80.…47         4

75954…11                                                    81-10...27          2

                                                                   Unknown...5

Life Saving Blood Drive

Sponsored by: 

Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Thursday, July 9

10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Donor Coach

Appointment must be made in order to honor the social distancing

To sign up online please

Go to link below

https://tinyurl.com/yaznonq4

&

Shelby Savings Bank

Life Saving Blood Drive
Wednesday, July 15
9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Located on Donor Bus (111 Selma St.  Center, TX)

Appointment must be made in order to honor the social distancing

To sign up online please
visit this link
https://tinyurl.com/ydgufarh
 

*FREE Covid-19 anti-body testing for
all successful donations.

*This test is authorized
by the FDA only for detecting
the presence of antibodies
against SARS-Co V-2, and
is not intended for diagnosis of COVID-19

This is such a big deal and an amazing service as it allows for our donors to get the benefits to know whether or not they have been exposed to the Virus or have maybe built an immunity for it...plus they will receive a free beach towel.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Motorists driving along North Street past the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University will see an extraordinary transformation in the next two years.

Although the rest of campus is slowly opening back up after closing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-awaited renovation and new construction to the Griffith Fine Arts Building is on schedule. Demolition is moving full speed ahead, laying the groundwork for a building project that will make the College of Fine Arts a “window” through which the community may view the university, according to Dr. A.C. “Buddy” Himes, dean of the College of Fine Arts.

“With these new facilities, the College of Fine Arts will be able to fully alleviate concerns for space, grow to its potential in enrollment, be competitive with similar programs in Texas, and fully capitalize upon student markets for new programs,” Himes said. “As much as the college has grown in enrollment over the past decade, I predict an explosion of new enrollment in fine arts in the next decade, notwithstanding the immediate effects of a pandemic.”

SFA Regents approved the expansion and renovation project in 2018, and the architectural design phase began the following spring. Funding was obtained through the issuance of bonds in 2019, and proceeds must be used, in accordance with the bond documents, for construction, renovation and other project-related purposes.

In recent months, the College of Fine Arts dean’s staff has relocated to Miller Science Building, and the School of Theatre has relocated to McKibben Education Building, with the exception of the costume shop, which is also temporarily housed in Miller Science Building. The School of Music’s Sound Recording Technology program, which had been housed in the Griffith building, has also relocated to the McKibben building. The Fine Arts Box Office is now in the Kennedy Auditorium building during the two-year construction project.

More than two decades in the making, the Fine Arts Expansion Initiative will include extensive renovations to the existing Griffith Fine Arts Building and add handicap parking, a patron drop-off zone (off of West College Street) and new construction which will extend the building along North Street nearly to the corner of West College Street. The renovated and expanded state-of-the-art building will include two dance studios, two theatres, an auditorium, recording studio, sound stage, audio and video editing rooms, an art gallery, multiple classrooms, rehearsal facilities, faculty offices and the offices of the dean. The facilities will house the CFA’s sound recording technology, filmmaking, theatre, dance and musical theatre programs.

As a result of the building and Turner Auditorium’s temporary closure during construction, coupled with the onset of the pandemic, the University Series has been significantly curtailed for the 2020-21 season, according to Scott Shattuck, associate dean and director of the series. There may be no performances in the fall, and the spring season will have an event-by-event approach with alternate venues for performances.

“We were already thinking creatively about venues for world-class performances,” Shattuck said, “and now we’re also doing our best to be astute about safe practices for artists and audiences, and about the economic realities of presenting the performing arts in a socially distanced context.

“The ever-changing conditions in which we live have caused us to keep our plans as flexible as possible,” Shattuck added. “Rather than lay out a schedule which may require many changes in the months ahead, we’ll announce individual concerts and shows when we’ve gained confidence that our audience can safely experience them when, where, and how we’ve said they will.”

The Children’s Performing Arts Series has been canceled for the coming year. However, CPAS will have a new and exciting online presence so that teachers may still incorporate the unique children’s series curriculum into lesson plans, according to Diane Peterson, Fine Arts Box Office manager and director of the children’s series.

“Even though teachers and students can’t visit us this school year, we hope cpas.sfasu.edu will be your source for the arts,” Peterson said. “You’ll find materials and links to bring the arts easily and safely into your classrooms.”

As the Griffith building’s new look evolves over the next two years, “we believe the community will be highly impressed with the image fine arts projects for the university,” Himes said.

“This is an exciting time for the College of Fine Arts,” Himes said. “With all the bad news that 2020 has brought, we’re glad the College of Fine Arts is able to move forward in a positive and progressive direction that will continue to focus on providing comprehensive and quality visual and performing arts experiences for the university, our Nacogdoches community and all of East Texas.”

To view design plans and artists renderings, and to stay up-to-date on construction progress, visit finearts.sfasu.edu/expansion.

LUFKIN – Plans are scheduled next week in Nacogdoches County to activate a new traffic signal and reopen the roadway after the completion of a construction project.

The widening construction project on FM 2609/Austin Street in Nacogdoches is near completion this week as final striping and signage are being placed. Plans to activate the newly installed traffic signal at Raguet Street and fully open the roadway to traffic are set for Tuesday, July 7, weather permitting.

The construction project included widening existing pavement with two 11-foot travel lanes and two 14-foot shared use lanes to accommodate both vehicles and bicyclists. Six-foot sidewalks were constructed on both sides of the roadway that include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb ramps. Construction also included the addition of a traffic signal at the intersection of Austin and Raguet streets and new signage.

TxDOT held an Open House in August 2014 and a public hearing in 2015 to gain input on the proposed project as it was being designed. The $2.9 million construction project began in 2019 and the roadway has been closed to through traffic during the construction. The project was designed to enhance safety, increase mobility and alleviate traffic congestion through the area.

“We are proud to announce the reopening of Austin Street. Weather issues slowed us down a bit throughout construction, but we were able to meet this challenge and continue through to completion in as timely a manner as possible,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “We urge motorists to stay alert to the new traffic signal and signage through the area.”

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

In response to over 369 cases of COVID-19 in Nacogdoches County--37 of which have been identified in the past four days, the County and City of Nacogdoches have issued simultaneous proclamations asking citizens over the age of 10 to voluntarily wear face coverings over their

nose and mouth when within 6 feet of others not of their household.

Likewise, businesses are strongly encouraged to adopt voluntary policies regarding the wearing of face coverings for employees and visitors patronizing businesses. Exceptions to this include eating and drinking within food related businesses.

This voluntary compliance goes into effect at 12:00 a.m. on July 1, 2020 and expires when terminated or on July 8, 2020--whichever comes first.

“Governor Abbott issued an executive order on June 3 stating that local governments could not impose fines or criminal penalties on people who don’t wear masks in public,” Mayor Shelley Brophy said. “Although some may view it as an inconvenience or invasion, we ask that everyone come together as a community to keep our citizens safe and our businesses open.”

Emergency management staff has and will continue to distribute information about wearing masks in English and Spanish for local businesses to display, emphasizing the ever-growing importance of face coverings.

Signage for businesses are available for pick up at the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce at 2516 North St and can be downloaded at:

https://www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/1356/Resources-for-Business

Questions regarding the proclamation may be directed to the COVID-19 call center at info@nactx.us or 936-559-2510, 9am-1pm, Monday through Friday. The office will be closed Friday, July 3, 2020.

Testing Details and Increased Testing

“We will continue to reconcile our local numbers to reflect ever-evolving information from DSHS,” County Judge Greg Sowell said. “We have updated testing numbers which show many more tests have been given in the community by private providers and in the past weeks than we

originally estimated.”

Emergency management staff has monitored COVID testing and test results on a daily basis with a particular focus on any increased positive tests as well as hospital, ICU and ventilator capacity in Nacogdoches and the region. Although as of a week ago our moving average was below 3 per

day, we are also keeping in mind that increased testing throughout the county is a significant contributing factor to positive cases.

The water on N.E.W. WSC no longer requires boiling.

On June 22, 2020, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the N.E.W. Water Supply, #2030034, 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.

N.E.W. Water Supply has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes. We have also provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of June 30, 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. 
 

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful with any activity that may cause a spark.

Approximately 90 percent of wildfires are caused by humans and their activities, and Independence Day is one of the top days for reported wildfires.

“We encourage everyone to be cautious with fireworks and outdoor activities this holiday,” said Bruce Woods, Texas A&M Forest Service Mitigation and Prevention Department Head. “Dry conditions can quickly turn an unattended spark into a wildfire.”

Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire officials are advising the public to be aware of the drying conditions returning this week that may contribute to rapidly growing wildfires. Hot and dry weather conditions reduce the moisture content in grass and woody vegetation, which increases the potential for wildfire ignitions. Any ongoing green up from recent rainfalls will likely fade.

“Help our heroes this Fourth of July holiday, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Mitigation and Prevention Department Program Coordinator. “Continue to help our firefighters limit exposure by preventing wildfires and being safe with your outdoor activities. Remember to do your part, and don’t let a wildfire start.” 

To help prevent wildfires, follow these tips:

• Follow local burn regulations and be cautious with outdoor activities that may cause a spark. Check local restrictions regarding fireworks and use caution if you intend to use them this weekend.
• Avoid using fireworks around dry vegetation and always keep a water source nearby.
• Avoid parking and idling in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can get hot enough to ignite the grass under a vehicle.
• Be sure chains and other metal parts aren't dragging from your vehicle- they throw sparks.
• Avoid placing your grill near flammable vegetation or materials, never leave your grill unattended, and ensure coals are completely extinguished when you are done.
• If using firearms, avoid shooting at rocks or metal objects as these can cause sparks, and avoid shooting into dry grass or vegetation. Know your ammunition; tracer and full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition have a high potential to cause sparks.

Visit the Texas A&M Forest Service Wildfire Education & Prevention Facebook page, @wildfireeducation.prevention, or tfsweb.tamu.edu for more information and tips on how to prevent wildfires.

Note: Burn bans and fireworks restrictions are determined by county government. Texas A&M Forest Service does not take a position on the use of fireworks, nor does the agency determine, set or lift restrictions.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Ireland Bramhall of Ennis has been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to serve as student regent for Stephen F. Austin State University during the 2020-21 academic year.

“I love SFA, so to be able to have an impact on the university at a deeper level is something that I’ve wanted since I stepped foot here my first day of freshman year,” said Bramhall, a hospitality administration senior.

The SFA Board of Regents comprises 10 members appointed by the governor, including a non-voting student regent.

“The fact that they have this position says a lot about their interest in student input,” Bramhall said. “To be able to represent the public from the student’s perspective is really unique. I can help make the student body heard in situations where it would be unheard otherwise.”

With a pandemic, unemployment and civil unrest, Bramhall, an advocate for diversity, knows college students may have another turbulent academic year ahead.

“As the university faces issues, I’m looking forward to being there alongside it to try to help everyone feel comfortable,” she said. “This is home for the students for four years, and it’s really important that it’s a place where students feel comfortable and welcome and ultimately excited to be here.”

In addition to her regent role, Bramhall helps recruit prospective students as a School of Human Sciences ambassador and serves as a student director of The Big Event, Nacogdoches County’s largest day of community service. She also participates in SFA Dance Marathon to help raise money for Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health Hospital, which is the Children’s Miracle Network hospital in Tyler.

Bramhall said finding a way to maintain student involvement in activities like these despite the pandemic is an issue she wants to address as a student regent.

“I feel like I have been successful at SFA because of my interactions with others, and I’ve grown as a leader because of my involvement with these groups,” she said. “The pandemic led to the cancellation of many student activities over the spring, and I’m hoping we can find creative ways to get back to pre-pandemic levels of involvement.”

With hopes of earning a master’s degree after graduation and establishing a successful career in travel and tourism, Bramhall has imagined some dream trips of her own.

First would be a day at Walt Disney World, where she completed an internship in spring 2019. The dream part is she and her immediate family would be the only guests.

But her ultimate dream vacation would be a trip to Europe, including her namesake island, with her immediate family and “Taylor Swift. I’ve loved her since second grade.”

Bramhall’s first official duty was attending the board’s special-called meeting June 23.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University recently added eight more certified public managers to the ranks through its nationally accredited certified public manager program, hosted by SFA’s Department of Government.

Since the program’s inception at SFA in 2002, more than 160 working public administrators have completed it to join nearly 2,000 certified public managers in Texas.

The CPM program trains public and nonprofit managers in the ethical values, technical competencies and management skills associated with public service.

Recent graduates are Reggie Cooper, Marshall fire chief; David Craft, Lindale finance director; Sereca Huff-Huggins, Van secretary; Ellie Monteaux, Livingston city secretary and assistant city manager; Laure Morgan, Hemphill city manager; Theresa Bell, Teague city administrator; Kyle Roadcap, Longview water department supervisor; and Brannon Robertson, White Oak patrol lieutenant. The graduates will be recognized during a ceremony at the Texas capitol.

“The nationally accredited program is designed for working professionals seeking to improve their leadership skills and enhance their opportunities for promotion into management positions,” said Dr. Richard Herzog, SFA professor of public administration and CPM program director.

According to Herzog, the CPM curriculum comprises seven courses or tracks designed to help build working public administrators’ skills in managing real-world public management challenges. The program entails 175 contact hours of management training and education. Topics covered include personnel administration, managing for quality, public financing and budgeting, productivity and program evaluation, and information systems for managers.

In addition to completing the coursework, each participant is expected to complete an applied research practicum and capstone research paper. Herzog said the research papers would be considered for future publication in the online journal Certified Public Manager Applied Research, which is published and hosted by SFA’s Steen Library.

More information about SFA’s CPM program and registration for future sessions is available at sfasu.edu/academics/colleges/liberal-applied-arts/government/academics/certified-public-manager.

DSHS reported 1 new COVID-19 case.

119 ACTIVE CASES

146 Recovered

10 Deaths

275 Cumulative cases

**DSHS also reports that of the 275 cumulative cases, 18 of those cases are “lost to follow”…meaning, DSHS has not been able to contact them to follow up on their recovery. These will continue to stay on the active case list until DSHS notifies us otherwise.

ACTIVE CASES BY ZIPCODE:

75935...90

75974...10

75975...8

75973...7

75954...4

CUMULATIVE CASES BY ZIP CODE & AGE:

ZIPCODE:                                                         AGES:             DEATHS: 

75935…201                                                    1-20....21   

75974…27                                                    21-40....90

75975…19                                                    41-60.…85         4

75973…17                                                    61-80.…47         4

75954…11                                                    81-10...27          2

                                                                   Unknown...         5