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March 29, 2020 - As of today, March 29, 2020, City of Nacogdoches Mayor Shelley Brophy and Nacogdoches County Judge Greg Sowell have amended the original disaster declarations and issued separate but joint stay home, stay safe orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This comes in response to recommendations from local medical professionals after evidence of potential community spread and the county health physician stating this effort is “medically necessary.”
The order states all individuals in Nacogdoches county are to stay home, with exceptions, effective noon, March 30, 2020. Those who fail to comply with these orders are punishable to a fee up to $10,000 or confinement in jail for up to 180 days.
“I don’t take this decision lightly or without considerable forethought to how it will affect our community,” said Judge Greg Sowell. “We’re at the point where only stringent measures to maximize social distancing will combat the spread of this virus. We can not allow our hospitals and healthcare workers to be overwhelmed.”
Under the stay home, stay safe order, Nacogdoches leaders hope to preserve public health and safety and ensure the local healthcare system is capable of serving all.
“We encourage members of the public not to panic. The city has an emergency response plan in place, and we are following it closely,” said Mayor Shelley Brophy. “Essential city services will continue to be provided.”
Links to Declaration of Public Health Emergency Regarding Covid-19 from the County and City of Nacogdoches.
This declaration will last until 11:59 pm on April 7, 2020, or until it is either rescinded, superseded, or amended.For information on how this pertains to your business, email info@nactx.us —phone inquiries will not be accepted at this time.
Stay Home Order Overview
Beginning at 12 noon tomorrow, March 30, 2020, Mayor Brophy and Judge Sowell are ordering all individuals living within the City and County of Nacogdoches to stay home and travel only to perform essential activities, essential government functions, or to operate essential businesses as outlined here .
Please read the order carefully to see how daily activities and business will be impacted.
The following are four categories of allowed activities:
1. Activities related to maintaining the health and safety of their family, household members, and their pets . Examples are seeking emergency services, obtaining medical supplies or medication, and visiting a healthcare professional. This includes caring for a family member or pet in another household.
2. Activities to obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves, their family and household , including groceries or food (such as from curbside or drive-thru pickup from restaurants), pet supplies and pet food, supplies needed to work from home and consumer products, and picking up materials for distance learning or school-provided meals.
3. Outdoor activity, such as walking, running or cycling, but only if social distancing is upheld, such as staying six feet away from other people.
4. Working for an exempted business or government that is providing essential services or products needed by the public during this crisis, which is explained in detail below.
All public and private gatherings consisting of more than 10 individuals or anyone other than a person’s own household or family are prohibited.
Stay Safe Order
The Mayor and Judge have also ordered all businesses to close and stop operations other than minimum basic operations such as allowing employees to work from home, maintaining security and maintenance of the business’ property, and facilitating information technology services that allow employees to work from home.
Businesses and organizations that are providing products and services that are needed by the community during this crisis are exempt. The followed exempt businesses may continue operating, provided they exercise proper social distancing:
- Healthcare operations , including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare facilities and suppliers, home-based care and residential facilities for seniors and children, and veterinary care;
- Essential infrastructure including construction, water, sewer, gas, electrical, roads and solid waste collection and removal, internet, telecommunications systems, first responders, emergency management personnel, law enforcement, emergency dispatchers, animal shelters;
- Government functions as determined by the government entity to perform those functions provided social distancing requirements are met
- Businesses related to food sales, delivery, and cultivation such as grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, food and good delivery operations, pet suppliers, liquor stores, farming, livestock, and fishing;
- Charitable organizations providing food, shelter and social services to economically disadvantaged or vulnerable populations, including animals;
- Businesses engaged in the sales, transporting, and licensing of firearms, knives, ammunition and gun supplies.
- News media, including newspapers, television, radio and other media outlets providing information to the public;
- Businesses related to transportation, including gas stations, repair shops, car dealerships, manufacturers, and recreational vehicle suppliers and sales;
- Financial institutions , such as banks, credit unions and title companies;
- Hardware and construction supply stores;
- Companies providing or maintaining services necessary to maintain safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, activities, and businesses, such as mail and shipping companies, laundromats, dry cleaners, building maintenance, plumbers, electricians, exterminators, janitorial and maintenance services, funeral industry, and professional services, such as legal or accounting services, insurance, and real estate services;
- Restaurants and food service offering drive-thru and pick-up services only;
- Businesses that supply products for people to work from home or business to operate ;
- Public and private transportation services providing essential travel, such as buses, taxis, rideshare companies and the airport;
- Childcare services for exempted workers to perform essential activities and work;
- Religious services , provided services are distributed by video, teleconference or other remote measures.
The Nacogdoches Coronavirus Call Center is available Monday-Friday, 9am to 4 pm. Concerned citizens can call 936-468-4787 for screening and scheduled testing.
March 27, 2020 - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the City of Joaquin public water system, PWS ID: 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 the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of March 27, 2020.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Stacy Cranford at 936-572-0973.
March 24 2020 - Due to a main line break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the City of Joaquin 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)572-0973.
Area affected is from Intersection of US Hwy 84 and Preston St. going West on Hwy 84 to Crystal Lake; North on FM 2428; and South on Connell's Ferry Road
Curfew set for 10PM CST, MARCH 27, 2020
March 27, 2020 - Debra Smith, City of Timpson Mayor, signed an order on March 27, 2020 setting a curfew for 10pm nightly until 5am starting today.
The Order
WHEREAS, the Texas Department of State Health Services has now determined that, as of March 19, 2020, COVID- 19 represents a public health disaster within the meaning of Chapter 81 of the Texas Health and Safety Code; and
WHEREAS, the City of TIMPSON, Texas, is located in Shelby County, TEXAS and as of March 25, 2020 is under a DECLARATION of LOCAL DISASTER issued by County Judge Allison Harbison in response to the coronavirus; and
WREREAS, the City of Timpson on March 26, 2020 has received confirmation of COVID 19 in our local area; and
WHEREAS, many citizens, businesses, and our most vulnerable — the elderly require immediate protection against further exposure; and
WHEREAS, a curfew between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 5:00 A.M. preventing persons without proper authority from being upon the public streets or rights-of-way located within the City limits of Timpson will greatly assist health professionals and law enforcement in protection against unlawful gathering and further exposure.
NOW THEREFORE, I, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF TIMPSON, HEREBY FIND AND ORDER:
SECTION 1: That the findings and recitations set out in the preamble to this ORDER are found to be true and correct and they are hereby adopted and made a part hereof for all purposes.
SECTION 2: That it shall be unlawful for any person, without property authority, to be upon the public streets or rights-of-way located within the City LIMITS of Timpson between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 5:00 A.M. the next morning.
SECTION 3. That the Chief of Police is hereby authorized to designate other areas and to restrict access, ingress and egress to those areas, as warranted by circumstances
SECTION 4. That it shall be unlawful for any person, without proper authority, to be in an affected area that has been designated with limited or denied access, ingress, or egress and any person or entity who shall violate any provision of this ORDER shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined in a sum not to exceed $1,000. Each unauthorized entry into a designated, restricted area shall constitute a separate violation.
SECTION 5. That this ORDER shall expire upon the order of the Chief of Police.
SECTION 6. That, in accordance with the Texas Disaster Act of 1975, this declaration shall take effect immediately at 10 PM CST on March 27, 2020.
SO DECLARED AND ORDERED this the 27 day of March 2020
MAYOR , CITY OF TIMPSON
March 26, 2020 - Center Utility Department finds it vital to inform our customers that flushing anything other than toilet paper will impact the system and your plumbing. Toilet paper currently, is the single most difficult item to obtain. Each customer needs to understand the hazards of using any “substitutions” such as wet wipes, paper towels and napkins; even though some of these items such as wet wipes marketed as “flushable” will clog pipes. Failure to do so will cause an increase in backed-up toilets and their own private sewer lines as well as our wastewater collection and treatment system.
It is important that residents only flush regular toilet paper down the drain. Wet wipes, napkins and paper towels do not break down easily, primarily being constructed of larger and stronger fibers that are designed to absorb moisture, unlike toilet paper which is specifically made to dissolve rapidly and easily in liquids. Those alternative products survive the long journey down miles of sewer pipes to our wastewater treatment plant. This can clog pumps increasing run times and load potentially leading to failures and straining the biological process needed to safely treat the sewage. It could have the potential to cause overflows into our streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs resulting in serious harm to the public health and environment and contaminating drinking water sources.
Citizens should be reminded that all City services are 100% operational and to contact City Hall at (936) 598-2941 to report any utility concerns or issues.
March 26, 2020 - Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison sent an email out around 11:30am on March 26, 2020 advising she received notification of a positive case of COVID-19 in the county. The email read as follows:
A few minutes ago, I was notified by the Department of State Health Services that a Shelby County resident has been confirmed positive for COVID-19. The Department of State Health Services is in the process of doing their follow-up investigation of close contacts of the patient.
I urge everyone to stay the course and continue doing what we have been doing for the last couple of weeks; Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer often, practice social distancing, clean and disinfect surfaces that you use regularly.
I feel we should remain vigilant, take this crisis seriously, and follow the previous guidelines that have been provided.
For your convenience there is a COVID-19 Nacogdoches County Call Center where you may call if you are experiencing these symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
For screening and triage only; individuals who meet the testing criteria will be sent to a mobile testing site. The number is 936-468-4787
If you are experiencing these symptoms please do not report to an ER or physician’s office.
I want to thank the media for helping get information out to the public. I want to thank Nacogdoches County for this testing resource.
Be kind, Be smart, Stay safe, Be well!!
March 26, 2020 - Commissioner Roscoe McSwain is closing CR 1510 at Lake Pinkston on Friday, March 27 starting at 7am until repairs are completed.
March 25, 2020 - (Photos Courtesy WSCVFD) - The West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department (WSCVFD) was dispatched to the scene of a single-vehicle crash Sunday, March 22, 2020.
When the firemen arrived just after 3am, they discovered a large oak tree which had fallen across State Highway 7 (SH7) near Excelsior ISD. A car had been traveling westbound on SH7 with two occupants during a heavy rain when it collided with the tree in the roadway.
Both driver and passenger were not reported to have received injury due to the crash, and were driven home by private vehicle.
The firemen worked to clear the tree and vehicle from the roadway during the continued onslaught of rain for several hours and returned to the station at 6:20am.
March 24, 2020 - Shelby County Constable Office Precinct 3 received information on March 10, 2020 regarding illegal marijuana being grown at a residence off State Highway 7.
Constable Roy Cheatwood advised Zack Warr, Shelby County Constable Precinct 1, of the received information. Multiple agencies conducted an investigation on March 16, driving to the residence of William Doc Caldwell.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officers immediately observed numerous marijuana plants being grown in pots outside of the residence. Due to an open view offense being observed, a search warrant was granted for the residence and property.
After executing the search warrant, multiple loaded and unloaded firearms were located in and outside the residence. William Doc Caldwell and Amber Michelle Deason, both residents of the home, were arrested and charged for possession of marijuana and child endangerment.
Caldwell was additionally charged with felon in possession of firearms.
Constable Cheatwood thanks Constable Zack Warr; Jamie Hagler, Constable Precinct 2; Shelby County Sheriff's Department; Texas Department of Public Safety; Shelby County District Attorney Stephen Shires and Shelby County District Judge Jim Payne for their assistance. Constable Cheatwood expresses a special thank you to Distirct Judge LeAnn Kay Rafferty for her help and assistance over the phone the night the arrests were made.
March 24, 2020 - The National Weather Service issued at 10:59am Tuesday, March 24, 2020 a Flood Warning.
The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Texas for the Attoyac Bayou near Chireno affecting Nacogdoches, Shelby, San Augustine and Rusk Counties.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
- Do not drive cars through flooded areas.
- Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.
- Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
- Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.
The Flood Warning is now in effect until early Friday morning.
The Flood Warning continues for the Attoyac Bayou Near Chireno until late Thursday night. At 10:30 AM CDT Tuesday the stage was 15.8 feet. Flood stage is 14.0 feet. Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.
Recent Activity... The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 10:30 AM CDT Tuesday was 16.0 feet.
Forecast... The river is expected to rise to a crest of 16.2 feet just after midnight tonight. It will then fall below flood stage late Thursday morning.
For more hydrologic information, visit the following website address: water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=shv
March 23, 2020 - In light of the announcements, recommendations, orders, and pronouncements from the Texas Supreme Court, The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Office of Court Administration, the Texas Justice Court Training Center, the Center of Disease Control and the Texas Department of Health Services regarding the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Justice of the Peace, Precinct Four, Shelby County, Texas hereby issues the following order. This order is hereby issued to protect the community, limit exposure, provide for an efficient judicial system, as well as protect the court staff, the public, defendants, parties, attorneys, jurors, and any others that may be involved.
This Order will remain in effect unless any of the Texas or U.S Officials issue a disaster declaration the Supreme Court or its delegates authorize new rules during the disaster, in which case a new order (or a revised order), for the Shelby County Justice Court will be issued accordingly to the declaration and rules. If the Office of Court Administration issues updated guidance, this Order will be amended.
The Texas Supreme Court and Criminal Appeals Court of Texas have issued an Emergency Order. The order states that all courts in Texas in any case, civil or criminal, may take certain measures, and must do so, to avoid the risk of exposure to court staff, the public, attorneys, jurors. and others involved. These measures include modifying or suspending any and all deadlines and procedures, and without a participant's consent. It also includes taking any reasonable actions to avoid exposing court proceedings to the threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
For this reason, all scheduled court proceedings prior to May 1, 2020, except for 'essential court proceedings', will be reset to another date after MAY 1, 2020. If you have a case that has been set for hearing or trial before May 1, 2020, you will be notified of the date and time your case is reset for.
Please note that Civil cases may be filed, but will not be fully processed until after the Orders are lifted, which at this time is May 1, 2020. This includes Eviction suits. Any pending Eviction suits will be postponed and reset after the Governor's State of Disaster has been lifted.
Anyone who must conduct business with the Justice of the Peace Court are encouraged to do so by phone, mail, or email or fax. To contact the JP office, contact information is (phone) 936-248-4001, 936-572-3040, (fax) 936-248-4002, or (mail) P.O. Box 902, 140 Ed Wall Street, Tenaha, Texas 75974. Traffic citations that are issued during this timeframe will be extended and given a May 1. 2020 or later appearance date. Any appearance dates that fall during the active dates of this Order can contact the court for extensions, questions and concerns. Payments can be made online at www.trafficpayment.com or by calling 1-800-444-1187. Or by mailing in a MONEY ORDER payable to SHELBY COUNTY JP 4 and mailed to P 0. Box 902 Tenaha, Texas 75974.
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