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Updated at 10:50am - The Shelby County Sheriff's Department advises Joseph Pate was been found this morning deceased. Prayers for the family during this difficult time.
August 15, 2026 - The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a Silver Alert for a missing older adult, Joseph Pate, last seen at the 3000 block of FM 2787, Joaquin, Texas at 10:30am on August 14, 2026.
Joseph Pate, 77 years of age, white male with hazel eyes, white hair, weighing 160 lbs and 5'11" tall. He was last seen wearing a SFA ball cap, blue plaid shirt and dark pants.
The alert was issued by the Shelby County Sheriff's Department. If you have information please contact the Sheriff's office at 936-598-5600.
August 14, 2026 - The Shelby County Sheriff's Department is requesting assistance in locating Joseph Pate who is a white male, 76 years of age, 5'9" tall, weighing 160 lbs. He was last seen Friday morning at his residence, in the Fellowship Community, near Joaquin wearing a long sleeve blue plaid shirt, dark colored jogging pants, and an SFA ball cap.
According to the Sheriff's Department, he was possibly walking on FM 2787, south of FM 139, at some point today or in the area of CR 3569. He will possibly have a large brown-colored dog with him.
Pate is an Alzheimer's patient and his face will possibly appear more slender than in photo. He also has a full beard as well.
It is possible that someone could have given him a ride from this area.
If anyone has any information concerning his whereabouts, please contact the Sheriff's office immediately at 936-598-5601, option 1. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.
Along with Shelby County Constables and the Sheriff's Department, area fire departments have been assisting by searching the area south of the FM 2787 and FM 139 intersection heading towards the Campti area. DeSoto Parish has a helicopter on scene to provide a birds eye view.
August 12, 2026 Update - Escalating heat concerns have prompted a Heat Advisory extension for our entire Four-State Region through Sunday for late morning, afternoon and evening heat indices averaging 105 to 109 degrees each day. Heed all heat safety protocols if you plan to spend extended time outdoors!
With oppressive heat expected to continue through much of this week, remember these heat safety tips.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
Dangerous Heat Returns Mid-Week
August 10, 2026 - Dangerous heat returns mid week with Heat index values soaring to the mid and upper 100s. This will increase flash drought risks across the area.
Expect hot and mostly dry conditions. Temperatures will increase a degree or two each day throughout the week and heat index values will return to dangerous levels.
For those with outdoor activities, especially work related or sports, watch for any signs of heat related illnesses which can occur in as little as 30 minutes. Children, pets and the elderly as especially susceptible to the heat.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the heat - postpone or reschedule outdoor activities.
- Stay hydrated. Hydrate before going into the heat and during heat exposure.
- Double check before you lock your car!
- Check on the elderly, especially those that may live alone, in mobile homes, or closed up apartments.
Take frequent breaks, drink water regularly, and find locations to cool down in air conditioning if possible.
Sabine River Authority representatives and city of Tenaha officials gathered at the Tenaha City hall for the grant presentation held Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Pictured are (from left): Bill Holmes, Tenaha Alderman; Travis Williams, Deputy General Manager for Sabine River Authority (SRA); Orinthia Johnson, Tenaha Alderman; Michael Davidson, Tenaha Police Chief; O’Neal Jones, Tenaha Mayor; Don Iles, SRA Regional Manager; Cliff Todd, SRA Board President; Stacy Cranford, Tenaha Water/Wastewater Administrator; Amanda Treat-Brock; Tenaha City Secretary; Tom Beall, SRA Board Member; Darrin Rudolph, SRA Board Member; and Zach Johnson, SRA Director of Governmental and Legislative Affairs.
August 12, 2026 - Sabine River Authority representatives visited the city of Tenaha on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, to present a grant for $30,000.
Travis Williams, Deputy General Manager for Sabine River Authority, spoke on the grant funds and how the authority is able to make them available.
“I appreciate everyone coming today, Zach’s been working with the city, I know we got our grant process and I know y’all are aware that our board did award a $30,000 grant to the city of Tenaha at our last board meeting,” said Williams.
He highlighted that the city is currently performing work on their water tower and the Sabine River Authority board’s interest in the program.
“These are funds that our board allocates every year in our budget, and they enjoy the process, they enjoy the project and I know I’ve even heard our president Cliff Todd say it’s his favorite program that we have,” said Williams.
Williams explained that Todd’s affinity for the project is because it gives back to the communities in the Sabine basin.
“What you may not know about these grant funds is that they come from a contract that we have on Lake Fork and they come from their contract between the Sabine River Authority and the City of Dallas where we’re sending them water out of the basin to the city of Dallas,” said Williams. “In exchange, they pay for the reservoir, they also send money back to the basin at large so we kind spread it across, and it’s been very well received.”
Williams elaborated that communities everywhere are in need of funds for all kinds of projects. The board is limited to grant $30,000, which does help to get some projects accomplished.
Don Iles, Regional Manager, also interjected that the funds don’t come from the taxpayer.
Cliff Todd, Board President, commented on their enthusiasm in being able to help local communities with their projects.
“It’s small rural communities, which I live in one, money is always a project to keep some of these things going and we’re just honored to be able to help y’all,” said Todd.
Amanda Treat-Brock, Tenaha City Secretary, shared that two of the city’s current projects are grant funded and will benefit from the assistance of the SRA grant.
“We applied for some of these grants back during Covid and the prices just skyrocketed so we were kind of short-ended so you see the construction on our tower here, that helps us out with that,” said Treat-Brock. “Wastewater, we actually have two going in the process and this helped us find money we couldn’t find in other ways to help with that. It’s very appreciated.”
Iles asked how much it costs to rehab the water tower in the city and Treat-Brock shared that one of the projects the city has ongoing is $2.6 million and another one is $3.9 million. She explained the granting agencies are from the General Land Office and Texas Department of Agriculture. Iles inquired how many customers Tenaha serves and Treat-Brock said 516, which are inside and outside of the city limits.
August 10, 2026 - Upon notification that Coast Citrus Distributors is voluntarily recalling fresh jalapeños due to potential Salmonella contamination, Taylor Fresh Foods is recalling finished products containing jalapeños subject to this recall.
Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to fresh jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors. A grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, that supplies to Coast Citrus Distributors was identified as the potential source in this outbreak.
Taylor Fresh Foods is no longer sourcing products from this farmer and will be filling orders from alternative suppliers. The list of recalled products are distributed by Taylor Farms including the branded and unbranded products and corresponding images are provided below.
The recalled products were distributed to retail distribution centers in the following states: AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE, NH, NY, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, VT, WI, WV with a “Best If Used By” date up to and including August 16, 2026.
To date, Taylor Fresh Foods is not aware of any reported illnesses linked to its products containing jalapeños. Consumers who have any recalled product should discard it immediately and not consume it. Refunds are available at the location of purchase. Consumers with any questions may contact our customer care team at 855-455-0098 Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm PT.
The following products listed are participating in this recall:
- Hannaford – Diced Jalapeños (3.75oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/14/2026 | UPC: 030223082712 | States: ME, NY
- Hannaford – Rice and Bean Burrito (12.5oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/11/2026 | UPC: 030223082736 | States: MA, ME, NH, NY, VT
- Kroger Private Selection – Spicy Roast Beef Sandwich (8.53oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/12/2026 | UPC: 011110678171 | States: AL, AR, GA, LA, MS, SC, TN, TX
- Kroger – Spicy Jarlsberg Dip (10oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/15/2026 | UPC: 030223114826 | States: IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, NE, OH, TX, WV
- Kroger – Spicy Pimento Cheese Dip (10oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/15/2026 | UPC: 030223116448 | States: IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, NE, OH, TX, WV
- Stop and Shop / Hannaford – Pico de Gallo Salsa (7oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/14/2026 | UPC: 688267575778 | States: MA, ME, NY
- Target – Taco Dip (20oz) [Taylor Farms/Unbranded] Best If Used By: 8/12/2026 – 8/13/2026 | UPC: 030223073581 | States: FL, OH, TX
- Target – Mango Pico De Gallo (11oz) [Taylor Farms/Unbranded] Best If Used By: 8/08/2026 – 8/13/2026 | UPC: 030223073543 | States: OH, TX
- Target – Spicy Guacamole (13oz) [Taylor Farms/Unbranded] Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/13/2026 | UPC: 030223073574 | States: OH, TX
- Target – Pico de Gallo (16oz) [Taylor Farms] Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/14/2026 | UPC: 030223073536 | States: TX
- Target – Authentic Guacamole (13oz) [Taylor Farms] Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/12/2026 | UPC: 030223073567 | States: TX
- Trader Joe's – Fiesta Style Salad Shrimp (11.11oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/12/2026 | UPC: 000000818377 | States: TX
- Walmart (Freshness Guaranteed) – Hot (or Spicy) Pico De Gallo (10oz) Best If Used By: 8/08/2026 – 8/16/2026 | UPC: 681131276351 | States: FL, IL, LA, MN, NE, OK, WI
- Walmart (Freshness Guaranteed) – Mild Pico De Gallo (10oz) Best If Used By: 8/08/2026 – 8/16/2026 | UPC: 681131276344 | States: FL, IL, LA, MN, NE, OK, TX, WI
- Whole Foods – Salsa Fresca Medium (12oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/16/2026 | UPC: 030223075080 | States: IL, TX
- Whole Foods – Pico de Gallo Mild (10oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/16/2026 | UPC: 030223075097 | States: IL, TX
- Whole Foods – Pico de Gallo Spicy (10oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/16/2026 | UPC: 030223075608 | States: IL, TX
- Whole Foods – Salsa Verde Mild (12oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/16/2026 | UPC: 030223075639 | States: IL, TX
- Whole Foods – Salsa Roja Medium (12oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/16/2026 | UPC: 030223075646 | States: IL, TX
- Whole Foods – Pineapple Mango Salsa Mild (10oz) Best If Used By: 8/07/2026 – 8/14/2026 | UPC: 030223075653 | States: IL, TX
August 7, 2026 - Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers are seeking the driver of a vehicle inolved in a crash incident on State Highway 87 South near CR 3012 on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Other drivers that discovered the crashed vehicle contacted law enforcement about the incident; however when law enforement arrived at the scene, the driver was not there.
According to DPS, the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 7:50pm, a white 2013 Ford F-150 was traveling north. It is reported that the driver of the Ford failed to drive in a single lane, left the roadway, and struck a dirt embankment.
The driver of the Ford left the scene of the crash before emergency personnel arrived and has still not been identified at the time of this report.
According to DPS, this is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
The crash incident was investigated by DPS Trooper Matt Chandler.
August 6, 2026 – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) today approved by resolution financial assistance in the amount of $2,655,949 to the City of Tenaha (Shelby County), in principal forgiveness, from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The City will use the assistance for planning, design, and construction of a wastewater system improvements project.
With the assistance approved today, the City will complete improvements including converting two decommissioned lagoons into equalization basins, a lift station replacement of the existing clarifier, and a generator. The City will also develop an asset management plan.
The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional water and flood planning, and preparing the state water and flood plans. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood mitigation, and agricultural water conservation projects.
For more information about the project, click here for the board agenda document.
August 5, 2026 - The Center Police Department has reported the arrest of two individuals with one in connection to burglary offenses and the other in hindering law enforcement’s ability to capture the first individual.
Marsh Odom
Marsh Odom, Jr., 39, of Center was arrested on a charge of burglary of a building, state jail felony - $25,000 bond; and burglary of a vehicle, misdemeanor a - $10,000 bond. The nature of the incidents these two charges stem from wasn’t further elaborated on by the Center Police Department.
Odom also had two capias warrants for failure to appear with one relating to a charge of burglary of a habitation, felony 2, from September 2025 that he was indicted for in December 2025. That indictment alleged Odom entered a building and took money bags and change.
The other charge for failure to appear was in reference to a case of burglary of a building, felony 2, that Odom was indicted on in December 2025, and referenced an incident from June 2025. The indictment for burglary of a building alleged Odom's attempt to commit or that he did commit theft of weed eaters. Both failure to appear warrants were issued on July 16, 2026, and have no bond.
Brittany Lewing
Brittany Lewing, 31, of Center was arrested for hindering apprehension or prosecution of a known felon, felony 3; and resisting arrest, search or transport, misdemeanor a. Lewing bonded out on accumulated bond of $5,000 on August 5, 2026.
According to a press release issued by the Center Police Department (CPD), they arrested Marsh Odom in connection with multiple burglary offenses following a lengthy investigation conducted by department investigators.
The press release further states the successful conclusion of the investigation was made possible through the diligence, professionalism, and proactive efforts of the CPD Patrol Division. Through attentive patrol operations, effective observation, and sound law enforcement tactics, patrol officers developed critical information that ultimately led to Odom's apprehension.
According to the press release, during the course of the investigation, Brittany Lewing was also arrested and charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution and resisting arrest for allegedly assisting Odom in avoiding apprehension by law enforcement.
The press release further says that Chief Ricky King and department leadership commend the Patrol Division and investigators for their teamwork, persistence, and commitment to protecting the citizens of Center. Their coordinated efforts demonstrate the importance of proactive policing and professional patrol practices in solving crimes and apprehending offenders.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
August 5, 2026 - Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge, announced during Commissioners' Court on August 5, 2026, that she would be putting a burn ban in place. This will give opportunity in a week's time for it to rain before the commissioners consider ratifying the ban at the next meeting.
The order prohibiting outdoor burning is as follows:
Declaration of Disaster and Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning
Whereas, the County of Shelby is under imminent threat of severe damage, injury of loss of life or property resulting from the threat of wildfires due to extremely dry grassland fuel, drought and other weather-related conditions; and
Whereas, the County Judge of Shelby County has determined that to mitigate the hazard posed by wildfires during the current dry conditions, extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect or rehabilitate property,
Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the County Judge of Shelby County:
1. That a local state of disaster is hereby proclaimed for Shelby County pursuant to § 418.108(a) of the Texas Government Code.
2. This Declaration of a local state of disaster shall continue for a period of not more than seven days from the date of this declaration unless continued or renewed by the Commissioners Court of Shelby County.
3. All outdoor burning is prohibited in the unincorporated areas of Shelby County. This Order does not prohibit outdoor burning activities carried out by Federal Certified Agencies.
4. This Declaration of shall be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the County Clerk of Shelby County.
5. This Declaration of the local state of disaster activates the Shelby County Emergency Management Plan.
This Proclamation shall take effect immediately from and after its issuance; Ordered this 5th Day of August, 2026.
August 4, 2026 - TxDOT maintenance crews are milling and inlaying three locations along US 96 in the next two days. Weather permitting, they should be finished tomorrow, August 5.
Today, crews are working on the right-hand (outside) north and southbound lanes of US 96, approximately between the Teneha Street/96 intersection to just north of Cass-Caid Drive. The southbound lane should reopen before the northbound closure takes place. They will also mill-and-inlay along a portion of the outside, southbound lane at the Rough Rider Drive and 96 intersection.
Tomorrow's work will occur on a section of the right-hand, northbound lane of US 96 between Lillian Street and State Loop 500. That work should be completed tomorrow.
These are moving operations. Drivers should use caution, slow down, and stay alert when traveling near the work zones.
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