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March 25, 2026 - U.S. Highway 59 south of Timpson was the scene of a single-vehicle crash Monday, March 23, 2026, that resulted in injury to one person involved and the arrest of the driver.
Emergency personnel with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Timpson Volunteer Fire Department and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to the incident location.
According to details from DPS, the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 10:01am, a 2007 Saturn SI3 driven by Joanna Tischler, 44, of Henderson was traveling north. It was reported that Tischler failed to drive in a single lane, left the roadway to the left, and entered the ditch. After entering the ditch, the Saturn flipped onto its side and ejected the passenger.
Tischler was not injured and was subsequently arrested for driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor offense, and booked into the Shelby County jail. According to Shelby County Jail booking information, Tischler bonded out on a $2,500 bond on March 24.
Jonathan Daniel, 41, of Lufkin, was the ejected passenger and he was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center, for treatment of possible life-threatening injuries.
According to DPS, this is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
March 23, 2026 - A Joaquin man has been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated following a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 84 East on Haslam Strip in Joaquin Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Emergency responders with the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department (JVFD) and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to the scene at around 7pm, as the roadway was blocked by the pickup truck involved in the incident. The other vehicle involved, a truck tractor, was able to pull off the roadway into a privater driveway.
JVFD personnel established cones around the crash scene and diverted traffic through the middle lane to prevent traffic buildup and another collision from occurring.
According to details from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 7:01pm, a white 2026 Mack truck tractor driven by Brandon Jones, 32, of Mansfield, La. and towing a tanker trailer was traveling west. It is reported that the trailer was struck in the rear by a red 2002 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Brian Oliver, 54, of Joaquin that was also traveling west with a 6-year-old minor passenger.
Jones was not injured.
Oliver was transported to Shelby Emergency Department in Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Oliver was subsequently arrested for driving while intoxicated with a child passenger under 15-years-old, a felony offense, and booked into the Shelby County jail.
According to DPS, this is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
The crash investigation was led by Trooper Daniel Dellenger.
March 23, 2026 - County Road 3533 in the Tenaha area was the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from which the driver remains missing as of this report.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Department deputies Mandy Fears and Micah Buzbee rushed to the scene, and upon locating the vehicle actively searched for the driver.
According to details from the the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 9:45pm, a 2006 Ford Ranger was traveling east. It is reported that for an unknown reason, the driver of the Ford traveled off the road to the left, and through a barbed-wire fence where it then struck a tree.
All indications to law enforcement officials is that the driver of the Ford left the scene of the crash before they arrived. The driver has not been located or identified at the time of this report.
The crash was investigated by DPS State Trooper Daniel Dellenger.
According to DPS, this remains an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
March 22, 2026 - Hurst Street in Center was the scene of an incident which resulted in a shutdown of the throroughfare on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
When emergency personnel with the Center Police Department (CPD) first discovered the scene at around 9:43am, utility cables were strewn across the roadway as well as two utility poles that were also broken and laying across the street.
Center Fire Department personnel were called to the scene and they assisted with traffic control, diverting vehicles up Express Blvd.
While the roadway remained clearly blocked by the debris, and emergency vehicles, some drivers persisted in driving past those emergency vehicles and into the scene. This required emergency crews to break away from their focus and instead direct those drivers out of the scene.
SWEPCO responded to the scene and were instrumental in getting the utility poles, and utility lines out of the roadway so that the flow of traffic on Hurst Street could commence its normal flow.
According to the CPD, a truck tractor owned by Walsh Trucking and driven by John Davis Jr., 38, of Troup was hauling oilfield equipment and traveling northbound in the outside traffic lane of Hurst Street. In the 800 block of Hurst Street, the truck struck a utility line connecting two utility poles on either side of Hurst Street. As a result of the collision with the line, both poles snapped in half and generated debris in the roadway.
The truck was part of a wide load crew traveling though Center.
No citations were issued.
Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers Assisted at the scene. Center Police Officers on scene included Sgt. Brian Wright and Officer Luis Acuna.
Several businesses were impacted by the resulting power outage, and SWEPCO crews have been diligently working to address the situation.
March 20, 2026 - Emergency responders were dispatched to State Highway 7 East on Monday, March 9, 2026, for a two-vehicle crash.
Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department personnel began traffic control at the scene and EMS responded for medical support.
One vehicle involved remained on the westbound shoulder with extensive visible damage to the right rear quarter panel, wheel and passenger side mirror. Another vehicle had traveled down an embankment and through a wooded area before coming to rest in a field on the eastbound side of the roadway.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) commenced with investigating the incident while Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 4:01pm, a white 2022 Ford F-450 driven by Jody Covington, 52, of Joaquin and a white 2016 Ford F-150 driven by Hermilo Luna, 54, of Joaquin were traveling west. DPS reports that Covington failed to control speed and struck the Ford F-150 in the rear.
Covington was transported to Nacogdoches Medical of Center, for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Luna was treated on scene and released.
According to DPS, charges are pending further investigation. DPS Trooper Matt Chandler investigated the crash.
This remains an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
March 20, 2026 - Ongoing dry fuels will yield elevated wildfire conditions today across the entire Four State Region. Outdoor burning and activities that involve open sparks or flames are discouraged.
The National Weather Service, Shreveport, Louisiana issued at 6:06am, Friday, March 20, 2026 a special weather statement.
Elevated fire weather conditions are expected for the entire four state region which includes extreme southeast Oklahoma, southwest and south-central Arkansas, east Texas, and northern and central Louisiana.
Weather conditions will be favorable for wildfire growth until 7pm Friday evening.
The Texas A&M Forest Service currently reports one active wildfire in the county. The Flat Fork Creek fire in Shelby County is 145 acres and is 95% contained as of this morning. The fire was discovered yesterday, March 19, 2026.
Relative humidity's afternoon minimums will range from 30 to 45 percent.
Wind speeds of 10 to 15 mph sustained with higher gusts possible brings fuels to critically dry.
These conditions will support the spread of wildfires. Outdoor burning and activities that involve open sparks or flames are discouraged. Please report all wildfires to local law enforcement as soon as possible.
March 18, 2026 - The Shelby County Extension Office and the Health and Wellness Committee are pleased to announce that the UT Health Mobile Digital Mammography Unit will return to Center in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The unit will be stationed on the Downtown Square in Center, Texas, on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The UT Health Mobile Digital Mammography Unit offers state-of-the-art digital breast cancer screening, providing women with a convenient, accessible option for prioritizing their health. Breast cancer continues to be a major public health concern, and early detection through regular screening significantly improves outcomes. By bringing advanced screening technology directly to Shelby County, the mobile unit helps remove barriers to care and expand access to lifesaving services.
Appointments may be made by calling the Shelby County Extension Office at 936-598-7744 between March 18 and March 25, 2026. Screenings will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is encouraged.
For additional details or help locating mammography services in your area, please contact Feleshia Thompson, Family and Community Health Extension Agent, at 936-598-7744.
March 18, 2026 - Center Fire Department (CFD) responded to a reported house fire in the 1200 block of Bolton Street at just after 11:58am.
When fire personnel arrived at the scene, a small shed located behind a house was fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters pulled hoses to the back yard and began working to extinguish the blaze. Another fire truck was driven to the back side of the property at Westview Cemetery for firefighters to gain access to the other side of the fire and prevent further spread into the cemetery.
A neighboring structure was also just beginning to catch fire on the roof; however, it was quickly extinguished.
The fire appeared to begin in the yard and firefighters were quickly able to knock down the threat. As the fire was suspicious in nature, the Center Police Department is investigating the fire for a possible arson.
Firefighters left the scene and returned to the station at 1:45pm.
Map of the projected burn area.
March 18, 2026 - Officials with the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Angelina Sabine Ranger District will be conducting a controlled burn today, March 18, 2026.
Ignition time is at 11am and will be an aerial start in the Triumph area of Shelby County in the Sabine National Forest, Triumph Church Rx, Block D only, Compartment 27, 28. The burn will be 1,401 acres.
Winds are out of the South and drift smoke may be noticeable in the area. Estimated completion time is 6pm.
Smoke will impact areas around the prescribed burn, and long-range drift smoke may be present during and after ignition operations.
Please drive with caution. Ground personnel will be operating in the area and smoke may impact visibility on local roads and highways near the burn unit.
For more information, contact the Angelina Sabine Ranger District at (936) 897-1068 or (409) 625-1940.
U.S. Forest Service Prescribed Burn Tracker: Southern Region Prescribed Burn Accomplishment Tracker (arcgis.com)
March 17, 2026 - Rowdy Green was sworn in as Constable Precinct 4 during the March 11, 2026, meeting of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court.
Green was appointed during the March 4, 2026, Commissioners’ Court meeting following the resignation of Taylor Fanguy from the position of constable on February 7, 2026.
After the commissioners approved appointing Rowdy Green to the Constable Precinct 4 position to fulfill the term ending on December 21, 2028. Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison administered the oath of office to Green during a swearing in ceremony.
Green has been a member of the Precinct 4 Road and Bridge crew under Commissioner Tom Bellmyer.
Judge Harbison invited Green to introduce those present for his swearing in and he introduced his brother Cade Green and his wife Dee Dee, District Clerk; as well as members of the Precinct 4 Road and Bridge crew.
During the meeting the commissioners agreed to lift the burn ban placed on Shelby County on February 25, 2026.
“I have the index that the State Forest Service puts out, and they're showing our numbers from 400 up. You know it goes from zero to 800, 800 being the worst,” said County Judge Allison Harbison.
Judge Harbison further indicated a favorable weather outlook in the near future.
“I got the National Weather Service [report] and they're predicting that we get three quarters of an inch to an inch of rain today and that again tomorrow,” said Judge Harbison. “I’m hoping for more but our drought index has gone way down.”
Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, moved to lift the burn ban effective immediately and his motion received a second by Commissioner Bellmyer. The motion carried by vote with all in favor.
Brian Pritchett with KSA Engineers reported to the commissioners having received seven bids for the Rosehill Road project and out of those that bid Pritchett stated the lowest bidder was Big Texas Materials Group at $296,810.65.
“We reviewed all their qualifications and their bid proposal and appears qualified to perform the work adequately,” said Pritchett.
Commissioner Bellmyer commented that he had a question on the bid because through correspondence with GrantWorks it reflected the amount to be $395,100 after engineering costs and after GrantWorks cost generating around a $98,000 variance. He asked if they would be able to get more footage out of Texas Materials in the project and if the have a unit rate that could be applied for additional work.
They're going to have to use the rates that they use on their bid. They'll extend it, so you can't extend more than 25% [of the bid],” said Pritchett. “So we can go up to 25% additional.”
Commissioner Bellmyer stated he was just seeking to get the most footage out of the project that was possible and Pritchett said they could extend up to 25% of the bid, and Bellmyer said that was around $25,000 remaining.
“The reason I'm sort of pressing this is that the original estimate out of KSA was that we were only, actually if you look at the road, the city street portion before it gets to the county road, we were only going to get about 65% or 70% of the road done under the original estimate. So I'm trying to see how much more we can get completed,” said Commissioner Bellmyer.
Pritchett said they would as far as they can with the project until it gets completed. A tentative start date in the project was sometime in April; however, Pritchett said there are still contracts that need to be sent out and returned.
Commissioner Bellmyer moved to accept the award bid to Texas Material Group Inc. out of Jasper in the amount of $296,810.65. Commissioner Stevie Smith seconded the motion and it carried with all in favor.
During the meeting, Judge Harbison opened bids for the sale of a Precinct 1 bridge. Commissioner McSwain moved to accept the bid of $8,380 from Robert Griffin. Shannon Metcalf seconded the motion and it carried with all in favor.
The commissioners received a proposal from ArchiTexas in the amount of $3,000 plus reimbursable expenses for Grant application services for the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program.
“This is on the courthouse, the historic courthouse, we're going to resubmit for the courthouse and it really does help because you know last year they gave out four awards and we were number six,” said Judge Harbison. “So we're hoping we're going to be in the top four this year and it really helps to have them supporting us, and they're in Austin and they can get information to the committee and everything better than we can.”
Commissioner Bellmyer moved to accept the $3,000 expenditure for ArchiTexas to help with the $10,000,000 grant. Commissioner Metcalf seconded the motion and it carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:14am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Minutes of: February 4th Special Meeting, February 11th Regular Meeting, and February 25th Special Meeting. 2. Pay weekly expenses. 3. Pay current payroll. 4. Officers Report. 5. Accept the award bid to Texas Material Group Inc. out of Jasper in the amount of $296,810.65 for the Rose Hill Road Project 6. Appoint Rowdy Green, as the Constable of Pct 4, to fill an unexpired term ending 12/31/28. 7. Award bid for Surplus Bridge offered by PCT. 1 to Robert Griffin for $8,380. 8. Record the Reconstruction Authorization and Payment Agreement from SERVPRO. 9. Proposal from Architexas in the amount of $3,000 plus reimbursable expenses for Grant application services for the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program. 10. Lift Burn Ban. 11. Adjourn 10:14am. Agenda items tabled during the meeting include: 1. Quote received from Americlock for the repair of the 4-sided post clock located at the current Shelby County Courthouse.
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