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July 3, 2025 - The Shelby County Sheriff advises of several scams trending which threaten the issuance of an arrest warrant if you don’t pay and are claiming to be a representative of the Sheriff's Department.
In a statement released by the Sheriff’s Department: “We have continued to receive numerous calls today from citizens being notified that they have warrants issued for their arrest or unpaid citations that will result in arrest warrants, if not immediately paid. A couple of individuals were also notified that they had an overdue PPP loan balance, which if not paid on immediately, would result in their arrest. These loans were made to small businesses during the Covid pandemic for employee wages. The loan scam is likely the product of a data breach as those calling us are, or have been, associated with that federal program. All of these instances involve the caller claiming to be a representative of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.”
Below are some things the Sheriff's Department recommends when receiving these types of calls:
- In the rare instance where we call someone about an arrest warrant, they are generally expecting the call.
- We will not, under any circumstance, call and request you to pay anything to us regarding a warrant, citation, etc.
- If you receive a call from an alleged representative of our agency, requesting you to pay anything, get the officers/employees name and advise them to provide you with a time that you can meet with them at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
- If you have online access concerning a small business PPP loan, please change your password.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Sheriff’s Office anytime you have a questionable contact from anyone claiming to be a representative of our agency. We will be glad to verify their employment and the validity of any request made to you.
The Sheriff's Office phone number is 936-598-5600. Don't always trust caller identification as scammers can spoof information to make it look legitimate.
The Federal Trade Commission released a press release on July 1, 2025 regarding this type of scam. Read the article 'Scammers are impersonating local law enforcement' for information about how to identify a scam along with what to do if you suspect its a scam.
July 1, 2025 - A Bourg, Louisiana man has been sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Brad Michael Broussard, 44, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 1, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on January 1, 2024, Broussard was stopped by law enforcement in Shelby County after he struck several construction barrels while traveling down the highway. The smell of marijuana was evident during the traffic stop prompting a search of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of four firearms, including a pistol equipped with a homemade silencer. Broussard was also in possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms, marijuana, numerous prescription pills, a methamphetamine pipe, and assorted other drug paraphernalia.
Further investigation revealed Broussard has five felony convictions, all for burglary. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
July 1, 2025 - The Tenaha City Council approved the termination of Police Chief Jacob Metcalf during their meeting held June 23, 2025.
Following an executive session on the matter Janice Barton, Alderman, moved to terminate Metcalf’s employment and Dave Thomas, Alderman, seconded her motion. The motion carried with all in favor with the exception of Lee Gibbs, Alderman, who voted against the action.
Several audience members questioned the termination. The council moved on to the next agenda items while members of the audience continued to question and throw allegations in the direction of the council and interjected the suggestion they would be going to the District Attorney’s office.
The meeting began at 5:30pm and the council had two executive sessions scheduled for the meeting. The council entered into the first executive session at 5:44pm, and just before entering executive session Annie Northcutt, an attorney with Biggs & Greenslade Law representing Jake Metcalf, let the council know that she would like to be invited into the executive session when they address issues relating to Metcalf. The meeting returned to open session at 6:25pm and Northcutt was invited into the second executive session at that time, which lasted until 6:39pm.
After that the council took action.
Earlier in the meeting during public comment the council heard from Jenny Hicks, former Municipal Court Judge; and Cliff Lloyd, former council Alderman. Hicks referenced financial documents from the city which she stated included Christmas bonuses for employees that were not approved in the budget. She said that on December 2, 2024 all employees received a $650 bonus from the General fund.
Hicks said it would be directed to a higher authority and there will be an investigation.
Lloyd said nothing has been done on the roads in the city and he described a long period of time during which the roads have perpetually been a point of conversation. He continued by saying that nothing is getting done and they need to get something done.
The council addressed several other items on the agenda which were approved.
After the conclusion of the meeting, a large contingent of the audience remained in the parking lot and an argument ensued when members of the council and mayor exited the building. The group eventually disbursed before the argument developed into anything else.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Terminate employment of Chief of Police Jacob Metcalf. 2. Minutes for the May 2025 City Council meeting(s). 3. Financials for May 2025. 4. Invoice #2873709 in the amount of $11,928.45 to Badger. 5. Adopt a resolution identifying signatories for the City TxCDBG grants with the Texas Department of Agriculture. 6. TML Health Benefits Pool Plan Year 10/01/2025 – 09/30/2026 Renewal. 7. Adjourn 6:58pm.
Related article: Tenaha Council Temporarily Suspends Chief Metcalf
June 27, 2025 - Boil Water Notice Rescinded
On June 18, 2025, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the City of Tenaha public water system, PWS ID NO. 2100002, 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 June 27, 2025.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Stacy Cranford at 936-248-3841 or at 238 North George Bowers Drive Tenaha, Texas 75974.
June 18, 2025 - Due to a Line Break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the City of Tenaha PWS ID NO. 2100002 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 936-248-3841 or at 238 North George Bowers Drive Tenaha, Texas 75974.
June 27, 2025 - Commissioner Bellmyer reports that CR 4098 is now open to traffic and anyone that needs to travel on it as of 3:30pm Friday, June 27, 2025.
There remains three to four hours of cleanup to accomplish on Monday.
June 24, 2025 - A section of CR 4098 will be closed in Precinct 4 starting at 7am on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Tom Bellmyer, Commissioner Precinct 4, announces the closure on CR 4098 starting at the intersection of CR 4789 and continuing south for a 1/2 mile to the Holloway chicken farm.
The roadway is being closed for a bridge project and barricades will be in place.
(Update): Commissioner Bellmyer expects the roadway to be re-opened about midday on Friday.
June 24, 2025 - U.S. Highway 96 South at FM 417 was the scene of a two-vehicle crash involving a truck tractor and a pickup truck on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
When emergency personnel arrived, the pickup truck remained in the middle of the roadway and the truck tractor was off the roadway and down an embankment where it had traveled through a fence before coming to rest.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Cpl. David Shields, Jr. at approximately 5:55am a white 2013 Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck driven by Raymond Martin, 58, of Lubbock was northbound and crested a hill where a 2013 Freightliner log truck driven by Richard Livingston, 76, of Center was attempting to turn and back into a private driveway. Upon topping the hill Martin was unable to stop before colliding with the Freightliner.
Martin and Livingston were transported by ambulance to Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of their injuries.
Trooper Shields was assisted at the scene by Sgt. Micah Rucker, Trooper Keith Jones and Trooper Ashlee White.
Jun 24 2025 - A strong thunderstorm will impact southwestern Panola, southeastern Rusk, northern Nacogdoches, northwestern Shelby and east central Cherokee counties through 7:45pm.
At 7:03 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Garrison, or 15 miles northeast of Nacogdoches, moving northwest at
30 mph.
Hazard: Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
Source: Radar indicated.
Impact: Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.
Locations impacted include: Nacogdoches, Henderson, Timpson, Garrison, Pinehill, Trawick, Sacul,
Minden, Cushing, Appleby, Mount Enterprise, Reklaw, Stockman,
Fairplay, Stewart, Chalk Hill, Lilbert, Dotson, Laneville, and Oak
Hill.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
June 24, 2025 - A Shelby County Grand Jury delivered four indictments on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The grand jury was impaneled for the June 2025 term of the 123rd/273rd Judicial District Courts.
Mtwakil Ibhrmie Saeed was indicted for murder, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on December 24, 2024, Saeed intentionally or knowingly caused the death of Cordero Laquasto Wyatt by shooting him in the abdomen with a deadly weapon, a gun. (273rd Judicial District Court) (Related Article: Center PD Investigates Death Off Shelbyville Street; Arrests One On Murder Charge (Update))
Jacorey Atkins was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on January 6, 2025, Atkins recklessly caused bodily injury to Wilzayvian Atkins by stabbing him with a knife during an argument. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Ricki Dshain Dutton was indicted for possession of a controlled substance PG 1/1-B >=1G<4G, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on February 25, 2025, Dutton possessed methamphetamine, a controlled substance, in an amount of one gram or more but less than four grams, by aggregate weight including any adulterants or dilutants. (273rd Judicial District Court)
(Some of the following content contained within indictments is of a sensitive nature and may not be suitable for younger viewers.)
Donald R. Moore was indicted on two counts of indecency with a child sexual contact, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on August 10, 2023, in each count involving separate complainants younger than 17 years of age and with intent to arouse or gratify his sexual desire, Moore engaged in sexual contact by causing the complainants to touch his genitals. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Indictments and Information are not a conviction, and are a matter of public record. All individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
June 24, 2025 - Following much discussion and careful consideration, the City of Joaquin City Council Members voted to approve an increase to the City’s Water, Sewer, and Gas Rates at the June 17, 2025, City Council Meeting.
The City Council is deeply committed to managing costs and maintaining operations while upholding its commitment to a sustainable future. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing reliable and sustainable services, we periodically review our rates to ensure they align with the cost of delivering utilities to your home and/or business.
As you are probably aware, prices for most utilities, supplies, products, and materials have continued to rise across the country. The same reigns true for the Water, Wastewater, and Gas Department’s operating expenses, including the parts and materials needed to keep our water system, gas system, and wastewater system running properly and efficiently, and meeting regulatory standards.
The Council’s decision to approve this increase was not easily decided. Numerous things were considered during the discussion, including information about the City’s eligibility to apply for various grants. For example, grant assistance is based on the number of people served by the water supply, the number of wells a groundwater supply operates, and/or the source water susceptibility determination, among other things. Applicants are ranked and qualification is determined by a points system where points are awarded for things such as total population, unemployment, average household income, percentage of population served, and water rates. The ability to secure grants such as this would help to ensure continued improvements such as replacing aging infrastructure and facilities, in turn, causing fewer service interruptions. Water rate increases have been relatively modest over the past years. Ensuring that those rate increases remain modest and justifiably necessary is an ongoing objective for City Council Members.
The rate increase that was approved on June 17, 2025, and will become effective on August 1, 2025, is as follows: The base or minimum monthly usage rate for water will increase $5, and the gas will increase $5. There will not be an increase in Wastewater at this time.
If you have questions about the rate increase, your water bill, or other utility questions, please contact the City of Joaquin Utility Department at 936-269-3021.
The notice is posted as required under Government Code Section 551.041. For more information or for a copy of the Open Meetings Act, please contact the Attorney General of Texas at 1-800-252-8011 or the City Secretary at 936-269-3021.
Posted by Cheryl Green on June 24, 2025 at 10:45am.
June 20, 2025 - Emergency responders were dispatched to State Highway 7 (SH7) East and CR 3001 around 4:40pm on June 17, 2025. Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department firefighters responded to the scene to assist, as well as Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), a beige 2016 Honda Accord driven by Brianna Palmer, 26, of Mansfield, La.was traveling west. It is reported that Palmer took evasive action to avoid a piece of debris, a bucket. that was in the roadway. The Honda began to side skid, left the roadway, and struck a monument that was off the roadway.
Parker was medically evaluated at the scene by EMS personnel and was reported to have not been injured.
According to DPS, this is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
The crash was investigated by DPS Trooper Matt Chandler.
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