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March 30, 2020 - The City of Tenaha met in an emergency special session Monday, March 30, 2020 at 5:30pm to consider several actions related to COVID-19.
As a result of this meeting, the council approved the Declaration of local state of disaster due to public health emergency. (View Here)
The council approved an order setting a curfew of 9pm through 6am nightly starting March 30 through April 7. (View Here)
A motion also carried for the council to enact a stay at home order starting March 30 at 9pm and endings April 6 at 9pm. (View Here)
March 30, 2020 (Complete Local State of Disaster Order) - Beginning at 11:59pm Monday, March 30, 2020 and ending at 11:59pm April 30th, Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison is ordering all individuals living within Shelby County 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, this is explained in detail below.
All public and private gatherings consisting of more than 10 individuals or anyone than a person’s own household or family are prohibited.
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 supplies, 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 supplies, 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.
March 30, 2020 - Tenaha Police Officers responded to the intersection of South Houston and Vine street regarding a report of a stabbing victim on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at approximately 4:55pm. Upon arrival, officers located the victim in the yard of a residence suffering from a stab wound.
A Tenaha Police Officer began life-saving skills on the victim until Paramedics arrived to render medical aid. Timpson Police Department, and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office also responded to assist with the situation as a large crowd of people had begun to gather and others began to fight. Once the scene was secured officers continued the investigation.
The victim was transported to LSU Health in Shreveport LA, by Life Air Rescue where he was treated and released. Three arrests were made in connection with the incident including Bobby Williams, Sr., 43, charged with Aggravated Assault 22.02 (a)(2) F-2, Engaging Organized Criminal Activity 71.02 (b) F-2. Dezelle Williams, 25, charged with Engaging Organized Criminal Activity 71.02 (b) F-2, Sadara Wilson, 27, charged with Aggravated Assault 22.02 (a)(2) F-2, Engaging Organized Criminal Activity 71.02 (b) F-2.
All were transported to the Shelby County jail where they were booked on the above charges.
The preliminary investigation suggests the incident was not random in nature, as the victim was involved in a physical altercation with the suspect. The victim has been identified as Brandon Horton, 32, a Tenaha resident.
It was learned that the motive for the physical encounter between the victim and the suspect is in retaliation of a previous altercation that occurred in Timpson, Texas where another individual received a gunshot wound, however the investigation is currently ongoing. Possible charges are pending due to further investigation.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Tenaha Police Department at (936) 248-3831.
Related article:
March 29, 2020 - Letter from Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison
Yesterday, I was notified by the Department of State Health Services that Shelby County has its 2nd confirmed case of COVID-19. It appears that it is from Community Spread. This means that the patient does not know where they were exposed.
Governor Abbott issued another Executive Order which limits travel between Texas and Louisiana. Only essential travelers will be able to travel from LA without a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Essential travel is defined as traveling in connection with commercial activity, military service, emergency response, health response, or critical infrastructure functions. This includes to your place of work.
I urge everyone to stay close to home if possible. If you are going crazy at home, get out and work in your yard, walk around the block or down the road. Stay away from people who are not in your household, when you go to the grocery store or pharmacy respect each other’s personal space.
As I have information, I will notify the press.
Be Kind, Be Smart, Stay Safe, Be Well!!
March 29, 2020 - Altercations in Timpson and Tenaha developed into violent incidents Saturday afternoon, March 28 which left one individual injured involving a firearm in Timpson and another involving a knife in Tenaha.
Law enforcement officials were first dispatched to Timpson during the afternoon.
According to information released by the Timpson Police Department, they along with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department and Tenaha Police Department responded to a disturbance with shots fired at MLK Park and Park Street in the City of Timpson at 2:45pm.
The victim, identified as Kendall Davis, 19, of Timpson was shot in the left leg. He was transported by Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service to Nacogdoches Medical Center and admitted, receiving treatment for a non-life threatening wound.
The suspect in the shooting was identified as Bobby Ray Williams, Jr., 20, of Timpson. Williams was arrested by Timpson Police and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felon 1; deadly conduct, felony 3; and tampering with evidence, felony3.
Also arrested was B'Sean Williams, 19, of Timpson who was charged with tampering with evidence, felony 3.
This case is ongoing with no further information at this time.
Members of the DeSoto Parish fire District #1 Toledo Bend Search and Recovery Dive Team were called in Sunday to search for additional evidence of the shooting incident in a pond not far from MLK Park.
Not long after the incident occurred in Timpson Saturday, officers responded to Fallin Place in Tenaha where a large group of people had gathered.
The extent of the resulting injuries is unknown at this time; however, the injured party in Tenaha was flown by helicopter from a landing zone near the fire department.
Related article:
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!!
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