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January 2, 2023 – Do you have reliable cell service and internet service where you live? Do you have it where you work? Are you paying a reasonable cost for your service? If the answer is ‘no’ to any of these questions, it is vital that you visit one of these locations and correct the maps used to add new services, says Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison.
Map Review Options in Shelby County on Thursday, January 5
- Timpson City Hall, 456 Jacobs Street, Timpson from 9:30am to 11:30am
- Tenaha City Hall, 238 North George Bowers Drive, Tenaha from 12 noon to 2pm
- John D. Windham Civic Center, Foyer, 146 Express Blvd., Center from 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Multiple Shelby County residents have responded to Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) call to correct The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) map showing what it believes is the type and speeds of internet service that is now available to every household in Deep East Texas. The map was built with information from the internet providers, including those in our region.
One respondent said he tried four times to get into the site and use the drop-down menus and they still wouldn’t work. More than one person accessing the site found that the providers listed did not offer service to their homes.
In response, DETCOG will be holding three public meetings on Thursday, January 5, in Shelby County to assist business and homeowners to look at their properties on the FCC website and to file correction requests. Meetings will be held Wednesday in Tenaha, Timpson, and Center with DETCOG and Shelby County staff on hand to assist.
Rural leaders from throughout Texas have voiced concerns that the map exaggerates the actual service that is available to Texans, especially those in rural communities. There is a process for individual households and communities to challenge the map data and is urging residents to look at the map and report inaccuracies. In partnership with the T.L.L Temple Foundation, DETCOG is working on a region-wide bulk challenge; however, the individual household challenges are an important part of this process. The timeline to participate in the challenge process is short. The deadline for challenges is January 13th.
Why is this so important?
More than $40 Billion from the Federal Government will soon be sent to states to expand internet connections. The new FCC map will determine how that money is allocated among the states, with funding allocated based on the number of unconnected homes on the map.
The goal of the meetings is to ensure that Shelby County and the Deep East Texas region receive a fair share of this funding. Some estimates for the region are that the inaccuracies may be as high as 25 percent. In Deep East Texas that could equate to more than 31,000 homes and could impact the region by as much as 25 million added dollars.
Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison describes the effort to correct the current map as vital to assuring that Shelby County can meet its broadband needs.
The process requires household residents to review their addresses on the map and report, with evidence, any errors and should take from 5 to 15 minutes per address.
For more information contact:
Mickey Slimp
DETCOG Broadband Project Manager
903-571-0892
mslimp@detcog.gov
January 4, 2023 - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Paxton public water system, 2100012 to issue a Boil Water Notice on 12/24/2022, 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.
The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of 01/04/2023.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact, Stacy Cranford 903-692-4313.
December 30, 2022 - On December 24, 2022, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Paxton (Jackson) public water system, 2100031 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.
The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of 12/30/2022.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact, Stacy Cranford 903-692-4313.
December 24, 2022 - Due to loss of pressure and frozen lines the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the PAXTON/JACKSON Water system, ID# 2100012, 2100031 to notify customers that were without water 12/23/2022 to boil their water, prior to consumption (e.g., 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 this 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 Stacy Cranford 903-692-4313.
The water on San Augustine Rural WSC no longer requires boiling.
January 4, 2023 - On December 26, 2022, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the San Augustine Rural Public Water System, #2030007, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
San Augustine Rural Water has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of January 4, 2023.
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.
December 26, 2022 - Effective December 26, 2022 Until further notice
Due to freezing weather conditions, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required San Augustine Rural Public Water System PWS #2030007 to notify all customers who were formerly Bland Lake customers on CR 114, FM 1279, FM 3230, Hwy 96 N, FM 711 and Hwy 147 N to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands / face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, Seniors and Persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received the notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact San Augustine Rural Water System at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489
or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.
January 3, 2023 - Joaquin was the scene of an incident involving a passenger car and a freight train Wednesday, December 28, 2022.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Trooper Keith Jones, at 11:20am a white 2018 Ford Explorer driven by Jimmy Glenn Coulter, 86, of Joaquin was traveling from East Saddle Street toward Southern Avenue when he crossed the railroad tracks. As he crossed the tracks, the arms from the railroad track crossing gates came down, which forced Coulter to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Being unable to clear the tracks, the Explorer was struck by a Kansas City Southern Mexico train. The train was eventually able to come to a stop and the Explorer was pushed just off the train tracks.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash and the vehicle was towed from the scene. No citations were issued due to no offense having taken place.
Assisting at the scene were additional units with DPS, Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department and Roy Cheatwood, Constable Precinct 3.
January 3, 2023 - On December 26, 2022, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the City of Joaquin public water system, 2100010, 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.
The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of December 30, 2022.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Stacy Canford at Joaquin City Hall located at 124 N. Preston Street. Joaquin, Texas 75954 at (936)269- 3021.
December 26, 2022 - Due to loss of system pressure (all areas) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the City of Joaquin/2100010 public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., 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 this 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 Stacy Cranford at Joaquin City Hall located at 124 N. Preston Street Joaquin, Texas 75954 at (936)269-3021.
January 3, 2023 - A public official swearing-in ceremony was held at the Shelby County Courthouse January 3, 2023. Administering the oath of office to the officials was Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge.
Those taking the oath of office included Marla Denby, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2; Donna Hughes, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1; Tracy Broadway, Justice of the Peace Precinct 5; Lori Oliver, Shelby County District Clerk; Jennifer Fountain, Shelby County Clerk; Ann Blackwell, Shelby County Treasurer; Melba Rodgers, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3; and John Price, Shelby County Attorney.
January 2, 2023 - At 7:50pm on Monday, January 2, 2023, the National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Flash Flood Warning for... Central Bossier Parish in northwestern Louisiana... South Central Caddo Parish in northwestern Louisiana... Western De Soto Parish in northwestern Louisiana... Northwestern Webster Parish in northwestern Louisiana... Central Shelby County in eastern Texas... and Northeastern Panola County in northeastern Texas until 11:00 PM CST.
At 7:50 PM CST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
Radar indicated hazard conditions for Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Shreveport, Bossier City, Center, Haughton, Stonewall, Logansport, Cullen, Cotton Valley, Sarepta, Joaquin, Shongaloo, Fosters, Eastwood, Shelbyville, Neuville, Keachi, Grand Cane, Longstreet, Stanley and Frierson.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
January 2, 2023 - West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department (WSCVFD) had a single vehicle crash on State Highway 7 West on the night of Friday December 30, 2022.
The driver was westbound towards Nacogdoches when he left the roadway and struck a tree. Responders set up traffic control and assisted with getting the vehicle out of the trees and were present until the scene was clear.
In the early morning hours of January 2, 2023, WSCVFD responded to a house fire off of FM 138. The structure was fully engulfed when the firefighters arrived on scene and with the assistance of the Timpson and Garrison VFDs were able to contain and extinguish the fire.
January 2, 2023 - The National Weather Service, Shreveport LA, issued a Tornado Warning at 3:12pm, Monday, January 2, 2023.
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Tornado Warning for Southeastern De Soto Parish in northwestern Louisiana... Northwestern Sabine Parish in northwestern Louisiana… Southeastern Shelby County in eastern Texas... and Northwestern Sabine County in eastern Texas until 4:00 PM CST.
At 3:11 PM CST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 8 miles northwest of Milam, or 23 miles southeast of Center, moving northeast at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.
This dangerous storm will be near Converse around 3:40 PM CST.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Huxley, Pelican, Sexton, Toledo Bend Reservoir North, Oak Grove, South Mansfield and Noble.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
Update 3:05pm: The Tornado Warning for West Central Sabine Parish… Southeastern Shelby… Northeastern San Augustine… and Northwestern Sabine Counties is cancelled.
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has weakened. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CST for northwestern Louisiana... and eastern Texas.
January 2, 2023 - The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Tornado Warning for West central Sabine Parish in northwestern Louisiana… Southeastern Shelby County in eastern Texas... Northeastern San Augustine County in eastern Texas... and Northwestern Sabine County in eastern Texas until 3:30 PM CST.
At 2:35 PM CST, Monday, January 2, 2023 a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 7 miles southwest of Rosevine, or 20 miles north of Ebenezer, moving north at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.
* This dangerous storm will be near...
- Rosevine around 2:45 PM CST.
- Patroon around 3:15 PM CST.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Bronson, Hurstown, Sexton, Jordans Store and Toledo Bend Reservoir North.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
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