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July 9, 2020 - The Shelby County Emergency Management office reports as of 8:30am on Thursday, July 9, 2020, TxDSHS has reported 3 new cases and the total to 288 cumulative cases of COVID-19.
According to the state's algorithm to determine recoveries, 4 new recovery was reported bringing the total to 238 recoveries. Shelby County has 40 active cases and the death count is 10 for COVID-19. (The state's COVID-19 dashboard did reflect 11 deaths for Shelby County on July 8th)
Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages:
Active Cases in each zip code: (Change in Data)
Center (75935) - 28 (-3 cases)
Joaquin (75954) - 5 (1 New)
Shelbyville (75973) - 2
Tenaha (75974) - 3
Timpson (75975) - 2 (1 New)
Cumulative Cases in each zip code:
Center (75935) - 207
Joaquin (75954) - 15 (1 New)
Shelbyville (75973) - 17
Tenaha (75974) - 28 (1 New)
Timpson (75975) - 21 (1 New)
Ages of Confirmed Cases:
Ages 1 to 20: 26 cases (1 New)
Ages 21 to 40: 92 cases
Ages 41 to 60: 89 cases (2 New), 4 death
Ages 61 to 80: 48 cases, 4 death
Ages 81 to 100: 28 cases, 2 death
Age unknown: 5 cases
July 8, 2020 - A high-speed chase has resulted in an arrest of one individual and damage to two law enforcement vehicles involved in the pursuit Wednesday, July 8, 2020.
The chase began when the vehicle allegedly was traveling at a high rate of speed in the Joaquin area upon passing Constable Roy Cheatwood.
According to Constable Cheatwood, when he first engaged the vehicle he turned around on it and attempted to stop the white 2013 Dodge Avenger on U.S. Highway 84. The driver continued without stopping.
The pursuit then followed several county roads at speeds of up to 100 mph as it entered County Road 3267 to FM 414 where other law enforcement officers were actively giving chase. The line of vehicles traveled State Highway 87 to Loop 500 where the Dodge turned toward Joaquin.
As the driver continued to evade law enforcement, the Dodge traveled several miles down State Highway 7 East toward Joaquin in Moodyville before turning around to head back toward Center. At that time a Shelby County Sheriff's Department Tahoe and Center Police Department Malibu were involved in a collision with the Dodge as attempts continued to bring the vehicle to a stop.
A 1/2 mile from where it turned around the Dodge finally was stopped. Constable Cheatwood quickly took the driver into custody.
Constable Cheatwood was very appreciative of all law enforcement officers who responded to assist.
"I thank all law enforcement, they all came, I didn't know what I had," said Constable Cheatwood.
Constable Cheatwood also commented a lot of lives were put in danger by the driver until the pursuit ended.
Agencies which assisted in the pursuit included Constables Jamie Hagler and Zack Warr, Shelby County Sheriff's Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Center Police Department.
According to the Shelby County Jail arrest log Rebekah Lyn Taylor, 48, of Joaquin has been charged wtih evading arrest with motor vehicle, state jail felony; aggravated assault on peace officer, felony 1; and reckless driving, misdemeanor b. Bond has not yet been set.
Recovered from the vehicle was a rifle with scope pictured above.
A Shelby County Sheriff's Department Tahoe was damaged during the pursuit.
Constable Cheatwood took the suspect into custody and transported her to the Shelby County Jail.
A line of traffic extended in both directions on either side of the location where the Dodge was brought to a stop.
Also damaged as a result of the incident was a Center Police Department vehicle.
(Left, middle photos) Zimia Ann Whitaker and (right photo) Zenas Montre Whitaker
Updated July 8, 2020 - According to the East Texas Center for the Missing, Zimia Whitaker has been located safe, by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, in Alto, Tx. The investigation is ongoing, but most importantly, Zimia is now safe.
July 7, 2020 - The following message is transmitted at the request of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
This is a child abduction Alert issued by the Texas Amber Alert network.
The Center Police Department is searching for Zimia Ann Whitaker, White, female, 2 years old, 2 feet 6 inches, 3 pounds, blonde hair, blue eyes, and wearing a pink shirt.
Police are looking for Zenas Montre Whitaker, white, male, 27 years old, 5 feet 6 inches, 150 Pounds, black hair, brown eyes in connection with her abduction.
(Update) The suspect is now driving a 2014 Jeep Compass, blue with Texas license plate #MDD4900.
The suspect was last heard from in Center.
Law enforcement officials believe this child to be in grave or immediate danger.
If you have any information regarding this abduction, Call the Center Police Department at (936)598-2788.
July 8, 2020 - The Shelby County Emergency Management office reports as of 8:40am on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, TxDSHS has reported no new cases and the total remains at 285 cumulative cases of COVID-19.
According to the state's algorithm to determine recoveries, 1 new recovery was reported bringing the total to 234 recoveries. Shelby County has 41 active cases and the death count is 10 for COVID-19.
Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages:
Active Cases in each zip code: (Change in Data)
Center (75935) - 31 (-1 case)
Joaquin (75954) - 4
Shelbyville (75973) - 2
Tenaha (75974) - 3
Timpson (75975) - 1
Cumulative Cases in each zip code:
Center (75935) - 207 (1 new)
Joaquin (75954) - 14
Shelbyville (75973) - 17
Tenaha (75974) - 27
Timpson (75975) - 20
Ages of Confirmed Cases:
Ages 1 to 20: 25 cases
Ages 21 to 40: 92 cases
Ages 41 to 60: 87 cases, 4 death
Ages 61 to 80: 48 cases, 4 death
Ages 81 to 100: 28 cases, 2 death
Age unknown: 5 cases
July 7, 2020 - The Shelby County Emergency Management office reports as of 8:30am on Monday, July 7, 2020, TxDSHS has reported 1 new cases raising the total to 285 cumulative cases of COVID-19.
According to the state's algorithm to determine recoveries, no new recoveries were reported bringing the total to 233 recoveries. Shelby County has 42 active cases and the death count is 10 for COVID-19.
Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages:
Active Cases in each zip code: (Change in Data)
Center (75935) - 32 (1 New)
Joaquin (75954) - 4
Shelbyville (75973) - 2
Tenaha (75974) - 3
Timpson (75975) - 1
Cumulative Cases in each zip code:
Center (75935) - 206 (1 new)
Joaquin (75954) - 14
Shelbyville (75973) - 17
Tenaha (75974) - 27
Timpson (75975) - 20
Ages of Confirmed Cases:
Ages 1 to 20: 25 cases
Ages 21 to 40: 92 cases
Ages 41 to 60: 87 cases, 4 death
Ages 61 to 80: 48 cases (1 New), 4 death
Ages 81 to 100: 28 cases, 2 death
Age unknown: 5 cases
Update: TxDOT reports at 10:47am that crews are monitoring flood waters on SH 87 in Shelby County. Drive with caution and obey all traffic control in place. Visit drivetexas.org for road conditions and closures statewide.
July 7, 2020 - FM 2694 at Welcome Hall is reported to be under water and impassable due to heavy rain conditions.
Huxley Volunteer Fire Department and Shelbyville firemen were on scene, and travelers may want to consider an alternate route.
Water has receded; however, there is still enough water across the roadway for drivers to be at a hightened level of awareness and caution.
Flooding has also been a hinderance where the little league fields are located on State Highway 87 South.
July 6, 2020 - The Shelby County Emergency Management office reports as of 9:00am on Monday, July 6, 2020, TxDSHS has reported 6 new cases raising the total to 284 cumulative cases of COVID-19.
According to the state's algorithm to determine recoveries, 22 new recoveries were reported bringing the total to 233 recoveries. Shelby County has 41 active cases and the death count is 10 for COVID-19.
Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages:
Active Cases in each zip code: (Change in Data)
Center (75935) - 31 (-10 Cases)
Joaquin (75954) - 4 (-1 Case)
Shelbyville (75973) - 2 (-2 Cases)
Tenaha (75974) - 3 (-2 Cases)
Timpson (75975) - 1 (-1 Case)
Cumulative Cases in each zip code:
Center (75935) - 206 (5 New)
Joaquin (75954) - 14
Shelbyville (75973) - 17
Tenaha (75974) - 27
Timpson (75975) - 20 (1 New)
Ages of Confirmed Cases:
Ages 1 to 20: 25 cases (3 New)
Ages 21 to 40: 92 cases (1 New)
Ages 41 to 60: 87 cases (1 New), 4 death
Ages 61 to 80: 47 cases, 4 death
Ages 81 to 100: 28 cases (1 New), 2 death
Age unknown: 5 cases
July 3, 2020 - Governor Abbott’s proclamation yesterday said that county judges have some authority over outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people. I have gotten many calls regarding different events, especially private Fourth of July gatherings. I personally feel we should celebrate our nation’s independence. I ask that you do so respectively and safely. There are health/safety protocols for practically every type of event and business at www.gov.texas.gov/opentexas. I know that you have questions about the new mandate, I have questions too and at this point I have very few answers. Hopefully, we will receive more clear directives next week. I urge everyone to be smart and take appropriate precautions. If you’re sick, stay home. Minimize the risk of exposure and transmission. I hope that you have a great holiday weekend. Be smart, be kind, be safe, stay well!!
Sincerely,
Allison Harbsion
Shelby County Judge
July 2, 2020 - Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
"Wearing a face covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways we have to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “We have the ability to keep businesses open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a paycheck, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect one another—and that means wearing a face covering in public spaces. Likewise, large gatherings are a clear contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases. Restricting the size of groups gatherings will strengthen Texas’ ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe. We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. If Texans commit to wearing face coverings in public spaces and follow the best health and safety practices, we can both slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Texas open for business. I urge all Texans to wear a face covering in public, not just for their own health, but for the health of their families, friends, and for all our fellow Texans.”
Additionally, the Governor released a new video message to coincide with his Executive Order, encouraging Texans to do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and keep their communities safe. The video can be downloaded at this link and can also be viewed on YouTube.
Related Links Below:
View Governor's Executive Order (Page 3 of order states that a fine of up to $250 can be issued - "Following a verbal or written warning for a first-time violator of this face- covering requirement, a person’s second violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. Each subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 per violation.")
July 3, 2020 - The Shelby County Emergency Management office reports as of 7:41am on Friday, July 3, 2020, TxDSHS has reported 3 new cases raising the total to 278 cumulative cases of COVID-19.
According to the state's algorithm to determine recoveries, no new recoveries were reported so Shelby County remains at 211 recoveries. Shelby County has 57 active cases and the death count remains at 10 for COVID-19.
Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages:
Active Cases in each zip code: (New Addition to Data)
Center (75935) - 41
Joaquin (75954) - 5 (3 New)
Shelbyville (75973) - 4
Tenaha (75974) - 5
Timpson (75975) - 2
Cumulative Cases in each zip code:
Center (75935) - 201
Joaquin (75954) - 14 (3 New)
Shelbyville (75973) - 17
Tenaha (75974) - 27
Timpson (75975) - 19
Ages of Confirmed Cases:
Ages 1 to 20: 22 cases (1 New)
Ages 21 to 40: 91 cases (1 New)
Ages 41 to 60: 86 cases (1 New), 4 death
Ages 61 to 80: 47 cases, 4 death
Ages 81 to 100: 27 cases, 2 death
Age unknown: 5 cases
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