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March 23, 2020 - The USGS has reported a 2.5 magnitude earthquake in the Timpson area as of 1:52am Monday, March 23, 2020.
Recorded depth of the quake was 5 km, which is just over 3 miles and was detected within the vicinity of County Road 4916.
The earthquake with the greatest seismicity recorded yet in the Timpson area was a 4.8 magnitude earthquake on May 17, 2012.
March 22, 2020 - On March 20th Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation postponing the runoff primary election until July 14, 2020 — the same date as the special election for Texas State Senate District 14. The runoff election was originally scheduled for May 26th, but has been postponed in conjunction with the state's ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
The postponement of this election serves to help fulfill the Governor's recent executive orders mandating certain obligation for Texans that are aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, including the encouragement of social distancing. Holding the runoff in May would cause the congregation of large gatherings of people in confined spaces and cause numerous election workers to come into close proximity with others. This would threaten the health and safety of many Texans.
March 22, 2020 - State Highway 87 (SH87) near CR 1459 was the scene of a two-vehicle collision Sunday, March 22, 2020.
Emergency personnel with Center Fire Department and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to the scene of the crash where they assisted.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at 3:02pm a blue 2009 Toyota Corolla driven by Brandon Hunter Blanton, 22, of Nacogdoches was northbound on SH87 when he failed to control speed.
At that time a silver 2015 GMC pickup truck driven by John T. Barbee, 71, of Center was also northbound when the Toyota rear-ended the GMC causing major damage to both vehicles.
Barbee and his passenger Billy Matthew Snider, 29, were transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of possible injuries. Blanton and his passenger Jessica Blanton, 22, were taken by private vehicle to Cline Family Medicine for treatment.
Blanton was issued a citation for failure to control speed.
March 21, 2020 – U.S. Highway 96 at County Road 1012 around seven miles south of Center was the scene of a major two-vehicle crash which resulted in the deaths of two people involved.
According to the preliminary crash investigation led by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper Dustin Ramos, assisted by DPS Trooper Taylor Buster, at approximately 2:20am, a blue 2008 Pontiac G5 passenger car driven by Jordan Shisler, 28, of Center was traveling south. For unknown reasons Shisler crossed over the center of the roadway and was struck in the passenger side by a light blue 2007 International truck tractor semi-trailer driven by Jasper Houston, 30, of Frierson, LA.
Shisler and his passenger Jasmin Cavazos, 20, of Center were pronounced deceased at the scene by Donna Hughes, Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace.
Houston was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for possible treatment and was later released.
Emergency personnel with the Center Fire Department (CFD), Center Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Department and EMS personnel all responded to the scene.
CFD firemen took great care and time in utilizing Jaws-of-Life to extricate Shisler and Cavazos from the vehicle. Mangum Funeral Home transported Shisler and Cavazos from the scene.
This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
Public Service Announcement (PSA) is being brought to you Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison and the Office of Emergency Management.
March 20, 2020 - First and foremost, I would like to thank the citizens of Shelby County for their response to the current health crisis. I am so proud of our businesses, industries, county and city governments, health associates and everyone who is working together to keep our County safe. I especially want to thank the businesses that supply groceries, medicine, and fuel to the public. With your continued efforts, we will keep everyone in Shelby County, safe, nourished, and virus free.
As of this morning, Shelby County has no reported COVID-19 cases. At this time I am issuing a Declaration of a Local State of Disaster Due to a Public Health Emergency. Again, we have no reported cases in the County; however, this Declaration is to reinforce Governor Abbott’s Executive Orders within our County.
The Declaration will also activate our Emergency Management Plan, so if we need State and Federal Assistance we will have the necessary documentation in place to request and receive such assistance.
All County Offices will be closed to the public, as of Monday, March 23. The offices will be staffed and you will be admitted on an as needed basis. If you would like to make an appointment with any office or official, all contact information has been shared with all media outlets and posted on the front of the offices.
Shelby County is at a pivotal moment in our response to COVID-19. At this time, there are still no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Shelby County or in our surrounding counties. The statewide confirmed case count has risen to 194 with 5 deaths being reported and over 5,000 having been tested.
The most effective way to prevent the spread of this virus is by promoting social distancing. Shelby County businesses, schools, churches and organizations have been extremely proactive early on by either cancelling and/or postponing events or offering alternative methods of delivering services and are to be commended for their efforts in their preemptive measures.
Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, issued executive orders yesterday in accordance with federal guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The components of the executive order that directly affects the citizens of our county include:
- Avoiding social gatherings of more than 10 people.
- Avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pick-up, or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of the executive order.
- Avoid visiting gyms or massage parlors.
- People shall not visit nursing homes, retirement, or long term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
- Schools shall temporarily close.
These orders will be effective on a statewide basis beginning at 11:59 PM Friday March, 20th, 2020 and will remain in effect until 11:59 PM on Friday April, 3rd, 2020 and subject to extension based on the status of COVID-19 and recommendations of the CDC.
As a result of the statewide disaster declaration by Governor Abbott on March 13th and these recent executive orders issued by the Governor, Shelby County will file the necessary paperwork to the state of a Local Disaster Declaration. This is only a precautionary move to assist with any actions that need to be taken at a later date.
I ask everyone to remain calm but vigilant; our ultimate goal is to make sure Shelby County does their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Again, I want to thank our citizens and all of our partners within the county, together we will weather this storm and be stronger because of it.
Thank you,
Allison Harbison – Shelby County Judge/Emergency Management Director
Kerri Shofner – Shelby County Emergency Management Coordinator
March 20, 2020 - In efforts to help slow the COVID-19 outbreak, we are announcing a temporary closure to the public starting Monday, March 23rd, 2020 through April 3rd, 2020.
We will have staff in the offices to answer the phones and any questions that you may have.
We apologize for any inconvenience but the safety of our staff and our county residents are a main concern at this point. The offices will be staffed and you may set up appointments as necessary. Each Elected Official has the discretion for their office and may set additional guidelines.
List of County Offices and Phone numbers:
COUNTY JUDGE - 936-598-3863 or email judgeadmin@co.shelby.tx.us
INDIGENT HEALTHCARE OFFICE - 936-598-5611 or email judgeadmin@co.shelby.tx.us
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OFFICE - 936-598-6136 or email commissioners@co.shelby.tx.us
- Commissioner Pct. 1 - Roscoe McSwain 936-591-4333
- Commissioner Pct. 2 - Jimmy Lout 936- 591-2456
- Commissioner Pct. 3 - Charles Barr 936-591-4311
- Commissioner Pct. 4 – Tom Bellmyer 936-254-4571
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR, Kerri Shofner - 936-598-3664 or email shelbyemc@co.shelby.tx.us
911 ADDRESSING - 936-598-5183 or email shelbycounty911@gmail.com
COUNTY CLERK - 936-598-6361
DISTRICT CLERK - 936-598-4164
TAX ASSESSOR - 936-598-4441 (Shelby County Tax Office / Motor Vehicle and Voter Registration Office Closure)
DMV - 936-598-8172
COUNTY TREASURER - 936-598-3581
COUNTY AUDITOR - 936-598-3535
DISTRICT ATTORNEY - 936-598-2489
COUNTY ATTORNEY - 936-598-6100
COUNTY AGENT - 936-598-3223
VETERAN’S OFFICE - 936-598-6530
VOTER’S REGISTRATION - 936-598-5340 (Shelby County Tax Office / Motor Vehicle and Voter Registration Office Closure)
SHERIFF DEPARTMENT - 936-598-6100 (Shelby County Judge Statement Regarding COVID-19 Update)
COURTHOUSE SECURITY - 936-598-3222
123RD DISTRICT JUDGE - 936-598-9928
273RD DISTRICT JUDGE - 936-598-3201
ADULT PROBATION - 936-598-2718
JUVENILE PROBATION - 936-598-4587
March 20, 2020 - The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a flood warning for the Attoyac Bayou Near Chireno, Texas from Sunday morning until further notice or until the warning is cancelled.
At 7:30am Friday the stage was 8.0 feet.
Minor flooding is forecast.
Flood stage is 14 feet.
Forecast...Rise above flood stage by late Sunday morning and continue to rise to near 14.9 feet by Monday early afternoon.
Impact...Minor lowland flooding.
Do not drive vehicles through flooded waterways. Use caution when walking near flooded riverbanks. Do not try to wade or swim in flooded rivers and bayous.
For additional hydrologic information, click the following link:
water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=shv
March 19, 2020 AUSTIN – At the direction of Governor Greg Abbott and in light of the governor’s State of Disaster Declaration related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been directed to extend the expiration date of Texas identification cards (ID), driver licenses (DL), commercial DLs (CDL) and election identification certificates (EIC). Additionally, the department has been directed to close DL offices, effective Thursday, March 19, until directed to reopen by the governor. These actions come as the state works to limit the ongoing spread of COVID-19 by increasing social distancing in communities.
DRIVER LICENSE OFFICE CLOSURES
Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020, DL offices across the state have been closed until further notice. The temporary closure does not apply to individuals seeking an initial CDL. A number of DL offices across the state are designated as CDL sites — these offices will offer CDL testing by appointment only. If you already have a CDL skills test scheduled, that appointment remains valid. For those needing to schedule a CDL test, you can schedule an appointment by sending an email to cdlappointments@dps.texas.gov. Please include your name, DL number, date of birth, telephone number, email address and your preferred office location in your request.
DRIVER LICENSE EXTENSION
In accordance with section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, the Office of the Governor approved DPS’ request to suspend provisions of the Texas Transportation Code to the extent necessary to delay the expiration of Texas DL/CDL/ID/EIC cards. This means that if your Texas DL/CDL/ID/EIC card expires on or after March 13, 2020, it falls under the period that encompasses the State of Disaster Declaration related to COVID-19 and will remain valid for 60 days after which time DPS issues public notice that the extension period for this disaster declaration has been lifted.
It’s important to note that this extension applies to the expiration date only. A person who is not eligible to drive due to an active enforcement action (suspension, revocation or denial) may use the card for identity purposes only.
DPS is communicating with law enforcement agencies across the state to notify and inform them about the changes and what the extension means for their interactions with the public.
ONLINE SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR TEXANS
The majority of customers who come into Texas DL offices (for example, 3.2 million people in Fiscal Year 2019) don’t have to. These customers can actually conduct their transaction online, by phone or by mail. DPS encourages Texans to check the expiration date on their card and call 1-866-DL-RENEW (1-886-357-3639) or visit Texas.gov to see if you’re eligible to conduct your transaction online, particularly in light of the closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fee is the same for online, in-person and telephone renewals. For additional information about renewing your DL or ID card, visit the DPS website. Address changes and replacement of a lost DL or ID can also be taken care of online (or by mail) in many instances. Find out if you are eligible for online services by visiting Texas.gov.
WHEN WILL YOUR OFFICES REOPEN?
The department continues to be in constant communication with state leadership regarding this rapidly changing situation. The department will follow guidelines set by the governor as to when our offices will reopen and will keep the public informed as the situation continues to evolve.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- DPS DL COVID-19 Informational Web Page
- Governor Abbott, DPS Waive Expiration Dates for Driver Licenses, March 18, 2020 (view here)
- Governor Abbott Announces Temporary Closure of Driver License Offices, March 18, 2020 (view here)
- Governor Abbott Holds Press Conference on Coronavirus, Declares State of Disaster for All Texas Counties, March 13, 2020 (Announcement | Declaration)
- DPS Takes Preventative Measures Against COVID-19, Encourages Texans to do the Same, March 12, 2020 (view here)
March 19, 2020 - Texas Health and Human Services encourages all Texans in need of COVID-19 information and referrals to community resources to call the 2-1-1 Texas hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“As we encourage people to use social distancing and to stay at home when possible, this state resource can help the public stay informed, stay calm and stay safe,” said Wayne Salter, HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services. “Our trained staff are working tirelessly around the clock to respond to all the public’s questions, through 2-1-1 as well as our HHS social media platforms.”
Did You Know? DETCOG operates one of 25 Area Information Centers that are part of the 2-1-1 Texas network. Our Deep East Texas call center handles an average of 30,000 calls each year.
Texans, no matter where they live, can dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 and select option 6 to get information and referrals to COVID-19 social services, including testing, community clinics, unemployment benefits and more. Texans can also dial 2-1-1 to find information about local community resources such as financial assistance for utilities or rent and food pantries, housing assistance, crisis counseling, utility payment assistance, and senior services.
Call center operators answered more than 785,000 calls by Texans for information and services during Hurricane Harvey and are available to help during this public health crisis.
For general health-related information and precautions on COVID-19, visit the DSHS website and the CDC page.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates impacting HHS services and regulated providers by visiting the HHS COVID-19 page.
For more information on the state hotline, visit 211texas.org.
March 19, 2020 - The City of Center wants to reassure our residents and businesses that essential City services are not anticipated to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are following our emergency response plans and taking necessary steps to ensure we can continue to serve our citizens. The City will be enhancing emergency response services by the Center Police and Fire Departments. Also, City water, sewer and garbage services should not be interrupted. The City will make some operational modifications consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and today’s Emergency Order by Governor Abbott in efforts to reduce in-person interactions for city business and postpone public events of ten or more persons. These steps are being taken to protect staff, customers, the public health and particularly our most vulnerable citizens.
The City is taking measures to ensure the continuity of services throughout the community including communications with local medical facilities, industry partners, retail businesses and other utility providers. Center Police and Fire personnel are coordinating with other emergency responders. Public Safety contacts remain 936/598-2788 for the Center Police Department and 936/598-3288 for the Center Fire Department. If anyone requires emergency services, they still call 9-1-1. The Center Police and Fire Stations will limit access to the public to reduce contact as a precaution for the individual health of our public safety personnel.
City water and sewer utility service will continue. The City is operating both water plants on regular schedule so that all water needed is available and in compliance with all drinking water standards. City utility plants and the City annex on Riggs Street will also limit public access. If anyone has utility or public works requests, call 936/598-2941 to initiate a response.
The Governor’s current order inhibits many business operations and we encourage all citizens and residents to continue to support local businesses that continue operations in adjusted fashion to comply with the Governor’s statewide health order. The Center Economic Development Corporation staff has been directed to monitor State of Texas and US Small Business Administration programs for resources, information and potential aid for businesses affected by COVID-19 and will provide information on the City website as it becomes available. Staff remain available to answer any questions at 936/598-2941.
The CDC and TxDSHS encourage individual preventative measures:
- Frequently washing hands;
- Staying at home if you have any symptoms of illness, especially fever or difficulty breathing;
- Avoiding close personal contact with people, such as shaking hands; and
- Frequently disinfecting surfaces at home and in the workplace.
Additional recommendations of the CDC and TXDept of State Health Services include start practicing social distancing by:
- staying away from other people to avoid catching or spreading illness;
- avoiding crowds and minimizing physical contact; and
- staying at least six feet away from others Operational Modifications/Update:
City Hall will also reduce public access. Customers can call 936/598-2941 for assistance or with questions including need to talk directly to personnel. To make a utility payment or service changes, the options include:
- The payment kiosk at City Hall open 24/7 accepts cash, checks, and credit/debit cards
- The night drop box at City Hall for cash or checks
- The online payment portal at www.CenterTexas.org is now available
- For additional assistance, please call 936/598-2941.
The Center Municipal Court, located at the Center Police Station is also closed to the public. Anyone wishing to resolve a ticket or citation can make payments via:
- Online at trafficpayment.com
- Mailing plea with money order to P.O. Box 1900, Center, Texas 75935
- Calling 936/598-3080 with questions or additional assistance.
Garbage collection is continuing regular Tuesday/Friday or Monday/Thursday schedules for residences and daily scheduled collection for all commercial accounts. Bulky waste disposal at the Riggs St. Annex is temporarily unavailable.
All athletic activities coordinated by Center Recreation Department are temporarily postponed. While City parks, pavilions, playgrounds, and cemeteries remain open at this time, all are encouraged to follow the recommended health and safety protocols, including the Governor’s order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 persons, social distancing and individual prevention.
The John D. Windham Civic Center and Community House staff will coordinate the postponing or rescheduling events at no additional cost to renters to honor Governor Abbott’s order of no meetings larger than ten persons until April 3rd. All public events until April have been postponed by event coordinators.
The Center Municipal Airport will remain open to accommodate aviation needs and there are currently no restrictions on flight operations.
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