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October 7, 2022 - U.S. Highway 84 at the intersection of FM 699 was the scene of a major two-vehicle crash Thursday, October 6, 2022.
Emergency personnel with multiple agencies responded to the location and assisted with those involved in the incident.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper David Shields, Jr., at 4:40pm a white Ford F250 driven by a male driver was [westbound] on U.S. 84 hauling a flatbed Gator trailer when, preliminary investigation at the scene and witnesses on scene stated, a silver 2011 Chevrolet Malibu passenger car driven by Dekosa Cloudy, 30, failed to stop at its designated stop sign as it was traveling [southbound] on FM 699. The Malibu entered U.S. 84 traveling into the lane the Ford was in and causing the truck to strike the Malibu on the driver's side.
The Ford continued off the roadway to the right into a tree line and the trailer it was hauling split off onto the [eastbound] shoulder where it came to rest in a ditch.
A PHI life flight helicopter transported the driver of the Ford to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport for treatment of serious injuries.
Cloudy was transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of minor injuries.
The crash remains under investigation. Additional details will be updated as they're made available.
Fire personnel with Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department and Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department were both on scene to assist with traffic control. Jaws of Life were used to help extricate the driver from the Ford.
Assisting Troopers at the scene were Tenaha Police Chief Scott Burkhalter, as well as Shelby County Constables Taylor Fanguy and Josh Tipton.
October 7, 2022 - The Timpson Volunteer Fire Department issued their September activity report.
For the current year, the total number of calls is already at 159 and has exceed last years numbers. The total call count for 2021 was 151.
For the month of September the TVFD had 12 calls
12 calls last month
Controlled burn - 1
Auto Crash with injuries - 2
Auto Crash with out injuries - 1
Grass fire - 4
Brush/grass fire - 1
Woods fire - 1
EMS assist - 1
Hazmat assist - 1
Timpson Volunteer Fire Department continues to accept applications for new members seeking to join the department and help your community.
TVFD can also be located on facebook by clicking this link.
October 6, 2022 - Law enforcement officials are currently working to corral several head of cattle that became loose on Center streets when a truck lost its load.
The incident where they were lost was at the intersection of Nacogdoches Street and Hurst Street, and cattle are currently known to be in the vicinity of General Shelters, Tractor Supply Company, Ihlo Sales, and Brookshire Brothers Parking lot.
Traffic is heavy as of the time of this post at 4:24pm, and drivers are encouraged to use extreme caution in the event cattle are in the roadway.
October 6, 2022 - (Photo Album - Sponsored by Focused Care At Center) - The 46th East Texas Poultry Festival is officially up and running with the opening ceremonies sponsored by Focused Care of Center. Josh Payne, Festival Chair, welcomed everyone to the Frances Oates Stage under the "Big Tent" and introduced ceremony participants.
He introduced Hollie Adams, Focused Care At Center Executive Director of Operations, and introduced Malcolm Monroe, First Methodist Church of Center Pastor, to give the invocation. Center High School Roughrider Band then performed the National Anthem, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance as led by Timpson Elementary students.
Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge, extended a greeting to all, "Welcome to the beautiful Shelby County Historic Courthouse square. It is truly an honor to be here this morning. The festival brings all the citizens in the county together to celebrate the poultry industry, which is a vital part of the county's economy. I feel so blessed to live in a small county that is made up of wonderful friendly communities, especially during the last couple of years."
Judge Harbison challenged everyone to help make the world a better place, to be kind and considerate to one another and extend greetings to strangers, as well as opening the door for someone at a store, because it's the little things that make the community great.
David Chadwick, City of Center Mayor, welcomed everyone to the festival and commented on how the Center square is most alive every year during the poultry festival. He invited everyone to have a fantastic weekend.
"The weather is absolutely perfect, our vendors are ready for us, food I can already smell the grease and feel the pounds. Rides are moving faster, if you'll notice it's exploded this year, we've taken in the side streets. I believe we have an event going on!"
Roger Doyle, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, welcomed everyone to the Poultry Festival sponsored by Farmer's State Bank, "I want to thank the city and the county for allowing us to have the festival here. I ask that you be mindful and respectful as you move around and keep our square beautiful."
Doyle thanked Josh Payne and the Steering Committee, as well as Deborah Chadwick, Chamber President, Center Noon Lions Club, Shelby County Chamber Ambassadors and Junior Chamber Ambassadors.
"An event like this doesn't just happen, there are lots of people involved, there's lots of work going on, there's lots of fussin' and cussin' and sometimes that's just committee meetings," said Doyle to an audience responding with laughter. "We're glad that all this has come to a head and we are here to enjoy this weekend and celebrate this most important industry in our community [with] the Poultry Festival. So have a good time, we have great weather and enjoy."
Payne then introduced the East Texas Poultry Festival Queens Court members and they were Queen Sayre Hall, Julie Bird, Bethany Kilpatrick, Leah Watson, Bella Alford, Carson Crouch, and Braileigh McDaniel. Shelby Chick Parker Chase was also introduced.
Then the moment everyone was waiting for, Queen Sayre Hall then cut the feathers and the festival was declared officially open.
The Queens Court then performed, "I Saw It on the Facebook," with Danny Paul Windham.
October 5, 2022 - Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports the arrest of Denisa Permenter, 49, of Joaquin, and Lawrence Pierce, 34, of Garrison.
On Monday, October 3, 2022, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the Huxley Bay Marina R.V. Park in Shelbyville. The search warrant was performed after an extensive narcotics investigation by the SCSO Criminal Investigation Division.
The search warrant resulted in the discovery of 83.6 grams of methamphetamines. Two firearms were recovered from the location; one of which was stolen out of Kentucky. A 2013 Crusade Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer and a 2008 Kia SUV were also seized during the search, along with currency.
Permenter was arrested and booked into the Shelby County jail for the following charges: Manufacturing/Delivery of a Controlled Substance (F-2), Possession of a Controlled Substance (F-2), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (F-2), and Theft of a Firearm (SJF).
Pierce was arrested and booked into the Shelby County Jail for the following charges: Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon (M-A), and Possession of a Controlled Substance (SJF).
The SCSO extends a special thanks to Constable Precinct 1 Zack Warr, Constable Precinct 2 Jamie Hagler, DPS Troopers Taylor Buster and David Shields, and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
The SCSO will continue to pursue the drug problem in our county. It’s simple. If you are involved in the usage, or are selling narcotics in this county, we are Coming For You. Get straight or relocate.
Leah Chase, SCSO Public Relations
October 5, 2022 - The month of September 2022 had zero days of triple digit temperatures. Fall has arrived!
September only had 3 days of rain with a total rain fall of 2.94 inches.
The weather data for Center, Texas during the past month is as follows:
Hottest temperature - 98.1 on September 22 and 24
Lowest temperature - 44.2 on September 30
Total rain fall for the month - 2.94 inches
Number of days with rain - 3 days
09/01/2022 - Low of 72.1, High of 96.1, Rain 1.54
09/02/2022 - Low of 71.6, High of 91.6, Rain 0.53
09/03/2022 - Low of 72.7, High of 89.2
09/04/2022 - Low of 71.2, High of 87.3
09/05/2022 - Low of 72.7, High of 93.4, Rain 0.87
09/06/2022 - Low of 71.8, High of 92.7
09/07/2022 - Low of 72.0, High of 91.4
09/08/2022 - Low of 69.8, High of 89.8
09/09/2022 - Low of 64.0, High of 89.6
09/10/2022 - Low of 64.4, High of 88.2
09/11/2022 - Low of 68.7, High of 92.3
09/12/2022 - Low of 63.9, High of 84.9
09/13/2022 - Low of 56.8, High of 85.6
09/14/2022 - Low of 55.9, High of 84.2
09/15/2022 - Low of 57.6, High of 86.7
09/16/2022 - Low of 62.1, High of 88.9
09/17/2022 - Low of 68.9, High of 92.1
09/18/2022 - Low of 68.7, High of 92.3
09/19/2022 - Low of 71.1, High of 93.7
09/20/2022 - Low of 70.3, High of 94.6
09/21/2022 - Low of 68.0, High of 95.5
09/22/2022 - Low of 67.6, High of 98.1
09/23/2022 - Low of 67.5, High of 91.8
09/24/2022 - Low of 69.4, High of 98.1
09/25/2022 - Low of 67.8, High of 97.2
09/26/2022 - Low of 57.7, High of 86.4
09/27/2022 - Low of 50.7, High of 85.1
09/28/2022 - Low of 52.7, High of 85.8
09/29/2022 - Low of 52.5, High of 77.5
09/30/2022 - Low of 44.2, High of 79.7
October 4, 2022 - The Shelby County Commissioners met with the Veterans Service Officer in executive session during their September 21, 2022, meeting and returned to open session with updates relating to signage and parking.
Immediately following the opening of the meeting at 9:30am, the commissioners went into executive session and remaining in the courtroom with them was Sherry Riley, Veterans Service Officer (VSO). The meeting returned to open session at 10:02am.
There was no detailed explanation upon returning to executive session why it was necessary; however, Judge Allison Harbison said that during the executive session there was clarification on previous conversations and that Riley has successfully moved to the AgriLife building. The office is located just inside the front door, the commissioners will be working on the parking lot and signage will be installed at the location.
As the commissioners considered the weekly expenses for approval of payment Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer, remarked on two large payments. The new audio and video equipment recently installed for the courtrooms in the courthouse to Encore Music was for $28,382.00. Blackwell did say she expects one more payment to GrantWorks for their work, however, she didn't indicate for how much.
A motion carried to approved paying the weekly expenses.
Richard Lundie, VFW Post 8904 Commander, addressed the court about September being suicide prevention month for veterans. He described how many who enlist in the military, and who are deployed overseas are in for their three years and then after completing their required time in they get out of the military. Depending on what circumstances they were exposed to, they may not know how to deal with what they faced during their service.
Lundie explained how many that stayed in the military for longer periods of time, learn how to make adjustments, and some develop substance abuse issues.
Lundie says that when he meets someone that has just gotten out of the military and even if they don't have any known issues, he encourages them to reach out the the Veterans Service Officer so they can be examined by a doctor to insure any issues may be addressed if needed.
He thanked the commissioners on behalf of the VFW for providing an office for the VSO where veterans can go and get assistance. He encouraged any outreach from the county to help reaching veterans and making sure they get any help they need.
Lundie reminded the commissioners that VFW Post 8904 gathers on the Center square and recognizes every major war and conflict and he encouraged the commissioners to attend.
The potential purchase of COPsync software for Constable Precinct 5 was on the agenda and Karren Price, District Attorney, gave her opinion on the software and possible alternative.
"What I know about the COPsync program is that it is duplicative of what we already have, perhaps twice, because the sheriff has a management system for law enforcement and as the court knows you all approved and we have in my office a tech share program that we pay for every year," said Price. "He has access, as does every other officer in the county to that system."
Price explained the software her office has provides real time availability to her office and every other officer in Shelby County and an officer just needs to sign on utilizing their portal.
"That's what COPsync is, it's a management system. I'm not sure what his proposal is, or what advantage he might have to it, but I'm sure it's not free and that you all are interested in how much money you're spending on these things," said Price.
If Josh Tipton, Constable Precinct 5, were to explain his need for the software, Price said she might change her position on the software.
A motion carried by the commissioners to table the software issue until Constable Tipton can address the court.
Commissioner Bellmyer stated Taylor Fanguy, Constable Precinct 4, uses the COPsync software and he has spoken with him about his use of the software.
Bellmyer said he doesn't know the comparison between any of the different software, but he does know Fanguy has access to a lot of data through the COPsync system. He encouraged having Constable Fanguy also present when Constable Tipton is there to gain his input on the software.
Following discussion over American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds received by the county from the federal government, a motion was carried for $1 million of those funds to be distributed to the commissioners at $250,000 each to purchase equipment only.
The county received $4,909,178 in ARPA funding of which, $2,246,161.75 was previously allocated before this particular meeting for other projects. Those projects include the roof of the Shelby County Jail ($386,275); Huber water well ($300,000); Power generators for the courthouse, annex, and county clerk office ($1,014,200); Election equipment ($196,978.75); New Precinct 3 County Barn ($142,808); GrantWorks administration fee ($205,900).
Shelby County continues to have issues with its emergency communications and Judge Harbison attributes some of that issue to Shelby County not being a participant in the DETCOG Regional Response system.
"I just think we need to refocus and go a different way instead of building two towers and spending a million or $2 million of this money and still not having anything better than what we've got," said Judge Harbison. "The reason I say all this is to bring to the fact that we really eventually have to buy new equipment, radio equipment."
According to discussion, there are time constraints on the ARPA funds and they will need to be designated for specific purpose within a certain time frame.
Roscoe McSwain, Precinct 1 Commissioner, wasn't present for the meeting. All commissioners present, with the exception of Bellmyer, desired to use ARPA funds for purchases which already have purchase orders; however, information from GrantWorks says they could not use funds for those previously ordered items.
The meeting adjourned at 10:45am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 2. Sheriff and Constable Fees. 3. Pending and prospective ARPA Projects. 4. Resolution calling for additional Measures to Secure the Border, Stop the Invasion at the Border, and Protect Our Communities. 5. Adjourn. Agenda items tabled during the meeting include: 1. Constable Pct. 5 to discuss purchase of COPsync program.
October 3, 2022 - The final week of September was a busy one for the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department with 6 separate outings. Here is a summary of the weeks events.
Starting mid-day on Sunday the JVFD was dispatched to a seizure patient on Connell Ferry Road. The EMR team responded to check out the patient before DeSoto EMS could arrive to transport.
Monday the EMR team would be called to Caroll Street for a person having chest pains. The patient was transported by Allegiance EMS.
Wednesday had 2 calls, with the earliest in regards to a man choking at the Ram House Cafe. Upon the EMR teams arrival the choking patient’s blockage had been cleared and he was doing well.
The later call on Wednesday was for a hay bale on fire in a pasture off of FM 2428. The JVFD responded to extinguish the fire with a brush truck and a tanker for additional water supply.
Friday morning the EMR team was called to the post office in Joaquin for an unresponsive man in the parking lot. They administered CPR until Allegiance EMS could arrive.
The last call came in late Saturday evening for a 2 vehicle crash at the intersection of FM 139 and Highway 7 East. The JVFD provided traffic control and checked out the people involved in the crash before Allegiance EMS could arrive.
With that, this report will come to a close. As always the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department hope everyone has a great and safe week ahead.
October 2, 2022 - The intersection of Cummings Street and State Highway 7 was the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Saturday, October 1, 2022.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at 5:45pm a white 2020 white Dodge 2500 pickup truck owned by Texas Flood and driven by Koy Jason Lane Burks, 25, of Overton was southbound on Cummings Street in Joaquin. As Burks approached the intersection with State Highway 7 (SH7) West he attempted to stop; however, he unintentionally depressed the accelerator and the truck entered SH7.
At that time, a tan 2007 GMC Yukon driven by Carmen Julia Delfin, 37, of Center was westbound on SH7 and struck the Dodge causing damage to both vehicles. The Dodge came to rest on the eastbound side of SH7 and the Yukon came to rest at the end of FM 139.
Delfin was transported from the scene by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of unknown injuries
Burks was issued a citation for failure to yield right of way.
Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department personnel were on scene to assist those involved in the crash and they directed traffic at the scene until it was clear.
October 1, 2022 - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the City of Huxley public water system, PWS ID# 210019, to issue a Boil Water Notice on September 28th, 2022 for customers along FM 139 and FM 417E in Huxley 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 October 1st, 2022 for customers along FM 139 and FM 417E in Huxley .
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Huxley Water Treatment Plant at (936)368-2633 or Justin Belrose at (936)368-2266.
September 28, 2022 - Due to a broken water main the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required The City of Huxley public water system (PWS) ID# 2100019 to notify customers that were without water September 28th, 2022 along FM 139 and FM 417 E areas in Huxley, (anyone without water) 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 Justin Belrose at (936) 368-2266.
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