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September 3, 2019 - The Shelby County Commissioners heard from a local wrecker service during their meeting held August 28, 2019, about what he says are issues with the dispatch rotation at the Sheriff's Department,
Larry Joe Eaves is the owner and operator of Sandhill Wrecker Service out of Center.
He feels his business is being overlooked at the Sheriff's Department in the wrecker rotation. When an incident occurs, such as a crash, vehicle wreckers are at times needed and to ensure not any one particular company is called out by the Sheriff's Department more than another, they have a rotation of available companies.
His business is located in Shelby County and as a Shelby County tax payer, he doesn't believe the county is putting any money in it's pocket when large wreckers are called in from places like Nacogdoches.
"Using local companies puts money back into our own location economy and not Nacogdoches," said Eaves.
Eaves requested being added to the Shelby County wrecker rotation. Eaves said out of the 440 crashes that occurred in Shelby County in 2018 his company was only called by the Sheriff's Department six times.
Judge Harbison asked Chief Windham who dispatches the wreckers. Windham said Sandhill is on the Sheriff's Department "big rig" rotation, but they aren't on the smaller vehicle rotation.
"The way rotation works at the Sheriff's Department is it's computer generated on rotation," said Windham.
He explained, if someone is in a crash incident they have the choice to request a wrecker; however, if they don't have a preference it's computer generated when a rotation wrecker is requested.
Eaves said he has heard his companies called to wrecker large trucks, meanwhile his company has been passed over. He says he has spoken with Sheriff Blackwell about the problem he's having.
"I asked him if he would go look [at the computer] and I can't even get him to go pull up the computer and see what's going on. I'm not saying it's the Sheriff, I'm not saying that, but it could be the person inside that's pulling it up that's leaving me off," said Eaves.
Eaves said it costs $96,000 a year for the six wreckers he says he has to serve the county. He said all he wants is a fair shot.
"I live here, and I wanna work here. I'm on rotation in San Augustine and everywhere else," said Eaves. "The city here is perfect, they're fair, but if you can call somebody that's right here it's a lot better."
Judge Harbison said the court would talk with Sheriff Blackwell and see what could be done.
There was one item in the weekly expenses the commissioners inquired about with Ann Blackwell, Treasurer. It was a travel expense turned in by the District Attorney Investigator Joey Haley for a trip to New Mexico with a reserve officer.
Blackwell stated Haley traveled in his personal vehicle since the vehicle purchased for the District Attorney Investigator was in the shop at the time having lights installed. The trip took two days and only mileage was submitted. The reason stated for the trip was to pick up an individual on a Center Police Department arrest.
Haley said he was advised to claim mileage to cover all expenses.
"I did advise him that was not the correct way to do this," said Blackwell.
She said the county should have just paid for gas receipts for the newly purchased vehicle, meals and overtime for the travel.
Charles Barr, Precinct 3 Commissioner, stated it was his belief out of state trips like the one turned in are to be approved by the commissioners, and Blackwell agreed that is what is in the personnel policy.
Commissioner Jimmy Lout asked why the city didn't pay for the travel if the individual was a city prisoner.
"I believe the D.A. (Stephen Shires) offered to go get the prisoner. At this time I have it charged to his budget," said Blackwell.
Lout asked if the inmate was in the county jail; however, Blackwell didn't know the answer to the question or the name of the inmate.
County Judge Allison Harbison reiterated the bottom line is any employee doing travel outside of the state is to seek pre-approval from the commissioners' court.
Blackwell stated Haley does understand the appropriate way to take such a trip in the future.
"That vehicle is for county business, and it was a county purchased vehicle and he's a county employee to perform county functions in state and preferably in county," said Tom Bellmyer, Commissioner Precinct 4.
Barr said he was sure Haley was doing what he was asked to do.
A motion carried to pay $787.64 out of the District Attorney budget and to pay the weekly expenses.
Judge Harbison stated the next agenda item was to amend the work rules and employee responsibilities within the Shelby County Personnel Policy.
"We had some issues about people bringing animals, pets to work and we had to fumigate and spray. Also there was another office, not in the courthouse that had some issues that the cleaning lady would discuss with me," said Judge Harbison.
She said other counties are amending personnel policies relating to pets and animals. Her proposal was to amend the personnel policy under work rules and employee responsibilities to add pets are generally restricted from entering the courthouse or other county buildings where public business is conducted.
Employees and officials shall not keep house pets in county offices. The exception to this policy would be service animals providing necessary function regarding personnel, personal guidance and/or mobility. Service animals would be required to have proper documentation and/or certifications. Judge Harbison said the commissioners could take action on the item or give it time to see how things progress.
Lout stated the wording included all county buildings and grounds. He asked if that includes the rodeo arena.
Lout said, "It should be exempt shouldn't it?"
A motion carried to table the policy amendment pending further adjustments and wording for the rodeo arena.
Barr discussed running tests on radios for emergency responders as was presented at a previous commissioners' court meeting. There are some areas in the county where coverage either doesn't exist or partially exists and Barr feels it creates a danger to law enforcement and other emergency personnel. (Related article)
"They're here to protect us, we need to try and protect them," said Barr.
Sheriff's Department Chief Kevin Windham agreed there are still some problem areas, and that it is a lot better.
A motion carried to run the test on the radio equipment to discover problem areas.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:14am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1.Pay weekly expenses. 2. Accept bid for Precinct 1 equipment from JB Raymond in the amount of $33,400 for a DHP865 Case Maintainer Serial #N5AF0432 and a bid from 96 Equipment in the amount of $61,300 for a 140H Cat Maintainer Serial #CCA1673. 3. Run test on radios for emergency responders. 4. Adjourn at 10:14am. Agenda items tabled during the meeting include: 1. Amend the Work Rules and Employee Responsibilities within the Shelby County Personnel Policy.
September 3, 2019 - State Highway 7 East at the intersection of Loop 500 was the scene of a three-vehicle collision Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Traffic was delayed while officers investigated the crash scene and until all units involved were cleared.
According to Center Police Officer Angela Neal, at 3:20pm a white 2016 GMC Sierra pickup truck driven by Mark Brown, 65, of Tyler was northbound on Loop 500.
Brown failed to yield right of way at a stop sign at the intersection of State Highway 7 (SH 7) and struck the bed of a white 2019 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Chasity Cooper, 39, of Center who was traveling east on SH 7.
The impact caused the Silverado to spin around and strike a white 2018 Ford Taurus driven by Chad Smith, 51, of Hot Springs, Arkansas who was westbound on SH 7.
EMS personnel was on scene; however, all involved refused treatment.
Brown was issued a citation for failure to yield right of way at a stop sign.
Center Fire Department fire personnel diverted traffic around the crash location while DPS and Shelby County Sheriff deputies also assisted at the scene.
September 2, 2019 - Weather statistics for August 2019 are prepared and submitted by Ann Forbes, U.S. Weather Service Observer.
Highest Temp was 101 degrees on 8-14 & 8-19-2019
Highest Temp on Record was 110 degrees on 8-18-1957 & 4 days in August 2011
Lowest Temp was 69 degrees on 8-01 and 8-28-2019
Lowest Temp on Record was 52 degrees on 8-31-1986
Rainfall Recorded was 3.20 inches
Average Monthly Rainfall is 3.52 inches
Below Average by 0.32 inches
Highest Recorded for this Month was 15.10 inches in 1997
Lowest Recorded for this Month was 0.00 inches in 1951
Rainfall through August is 41.98 inches
August 2019 had 3 Triple Digit Days
Happy September and Keep Your Eyes on the School Buses!!!
August 30, 2019 - State Highway 87 South just outside Shelbyville was the scene of a major two-vehicle crash Friday, August 30, 2019.
When emergency personnel arrived one vehicle remained in the middle of the roadway while another was in some trees with the driver trapped inside.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Jesse Fountain, at 3:08pm troopers were dispatched to a major two-vehicle crash on SH 87 in front of Double J's BBQ.
A grey 2014 Ford pickup truck driven by Justin Dale Wagstaff, 45, of Shelbyville was traveling north when stopped preparing to turn left into the parking lot of Double J's.
At that time a white 2009 Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Ivan Perez, 17, of Center was also northbound in the same traffic lane when he failed to control speed and collided with the rear of the grey Ford pickup truck causing it to spin around.
The Chevrolet continued off the roadway to the left and into some trees where it came to rest.
Jamie Hagler, Constable Precinct 2, requested the Center Fire Department since Jaws-of-Life were needed and they are the closest fire department with the equipment. The firemen were able to help extricate Perez from the Chevrolet using Jaws-of-Life. Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department assisted with traffic control at the scene until it was clear.
Perez was transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of his injuries. Wagstaff went by private vehicle to the emergency room as a precaution.
Perez will be issued a citation for failure to control speed.
August 28, 2019 - State Highway 7 West was the scene of a two-vehicle crash which sent eight people to the hospital.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Dustin Ramos, at 4:40pm on August 19, a 2015 Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Larry Kopycinski, 39, of Garrison stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of CR 1245 and State Highway 7 (SH7) West.
A 2007 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Larry Judd, 53, of Lufkin was eastbound on SH 7 when Kopycinski failed to yield right of way as he entered the path of the Suburban, causing both vehicles to collide.
Both vehicles came to rest in the middle of the roadway with damage.
Transported from the scene by ambulance for treatment of their injuries were Larry Judd; Faye Judd, 38; Frake Soto Cummings, 19; Robert Mantaneo, 18; a 16-year-old female, 11-year-old male, 5-year-old female and 2-year-old male.
No injuries were reported of Kopycinski. He was issued a citation for failure to yield right of way.
August 27, 2019 - The portfolio of state historic sites operated by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is set to expand.
Beginning Sept. 1, 2019, eight historic sites across the state of Texas will transfer to the THC.
Seven of the properties are currently managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). These properties were transferred by the 86th Texas Legislature on the recommendation of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission. The action will allow both the THC and TPWD to improve efficiency by focusing each agency on its core mission—THC’s role as the state historic preservation office, and TPWD’s as steward of the state’s impressive natural resources and hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation attractions.
“Our primary goal as stewards of these sites has always been the preservation of these iconic landmarks for the enjoyment of current and future Texans. We entrust the future care of these notable parks to the capable hands of the THC and know they will continue these high standards of maintenance and operations going forward,” said Carter Smith, Executive Director of TPWD. “TPWD is proud to have been the caretakers of these historic sites for many decades, and we will continue to care for the hundreds of historic buildings, archeological sites, and other cultural resources that exist within state parks and natural areas across Texas.”
TPWD sites transferring to the THC include San Jacinto Monument and Battleground in Harris County; Washington-on-the-Brazos and Barrington Plantation in Washington County; Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill in Fayette County; Lipantitlán in Nueces County; Fanthorp Inn in Grimes County; and the Port Isabel Lighthouse in Cameron County.
“Texas Parks and Wildlife and their professional staff have done impressive work stewarding these historic places,” said Mark Wolfe, THC Executive Director. “We welcome this challenge to build on their legacy and continue the preservation of these unique sites for new generations of visitors to enjoy. We are pleased that we will be able to work with many of the same staff who have operated and maintained all the transferring sites. We welcome them and these sites to the Texas Historical Commission family.”
Additionally, the 86th Legislature turned management of the Star of the Republic Museum in Washington County (part of the Washington-on-the-Brazos complex) to the THC, effective Jan. 1, 2020. The THC is working with the site’s owner, Blinn College, on management logistics. The THC may assume operation of the museum prior to the beginning of the year.
The addition of the new sites means that the THC now manages 31 state historic sites representing nearly every era of Texas’ storied history—from the legends and culture of the original American Indian inhabitants of Texas, to the epic stories of the state’s revolution and independence, to the humble birthplace of one of the nation’s greatest leaders, President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
To learn more about these sites or to plan your next trip, visit StoriedSites.com.
August 26, 2019 – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) investigated a one vehicle fatal crash on SH 7, about twelve miles west of Center, on August 25, 2019.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 3:15am, a 2008 Ford pickup was traveling east when the pickup drove off the roadway to the right and struck a tree before overturning. The driver is identified as 28-year-old Julio Vazquez from Center, TX.
Vazquez was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department in Center where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.
This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
August 24, 2019 - Just before the U.S. Highway 96 overpass in Tenaha was the scene of a truck fire Saturday, August 24, 2019.
When firemen with the Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department arrived at around 4:45pm, the truck was engulfed in flames. While firemen and law enforcement with Tenaha Police Department and Texas Department of public Safety directed traffic directed traffic, the fire was extinguished.
The driver had been working on repairs to the truck, and took it out for a test drive when he stated the truck began smoking. He was traveling northbound at that time and pulled off to the side of the road when the truck began smoking. He attempted to put the truck into park; however, he had to engage the parking brake to prevent it rolling.
Once he escaped, the truck went up in flames.
No injuries were reported and once the fire was out, the firemen traveled to a grass fire off U.S. Highway 59 south of Tenaha.
When the firemen arrived at a property just off U.S. Highway 59 at CR 4644, a fire had traveled through a fence row toward neaby railroad tracks.
Tenaha Volunteer Firemen, and Timpson Volunteer Fire Department extinguished the flames and moved on from the location.
At this time no burn ban has been put in place countywide; however, anyone planning to burn should use common sense and consider waiting until weather conditions aren't as dry as they are currently.
August 24, 2019 - A traffic stop in Center resulted in an arrest on drug related charges. Center Police Officers and Detectives conducted an investigation Thursday afternoon at the end of Field Street where they discovered the illegal substance.
According to Detective Kenneth King, on August 22, 2019 at around 1:18pm a Center Police Department patrol unit noticed a silver GMC Canyon pickup truck make a traffic violation in the area of Pine Street and King Street.
The officer initiated a traffic stop, and the driver brought the truck to a halt at the intersection of Field and Baldwin Streets.
As the officer was approaching truck, he noted the driver was making furtive movements toward the center of the vehicle. As the officer asked him to exit the vehicle, the driver continued the previous action toward the center of the vehicle.
Once he got out, the officer identified the driver as James Christopher Flow, 34, of Center with a female passenger.
While the officer was interviewing Flow, a second officer arrived to back him up and as the second officer noticed in plain view inside the truck a clear bag with a crystal like substance he recognized to be methamphetamine.
A probable cause search was conducted at that time, and it was determined Flow had been tearing baggies of methamphetamine and dumping it between the seats.
Flow was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance over 1G> <4G, and tampering with physical evidence.
The passenger in the vehicle was not determined at that time to have involvement and was released.
Although Murphree admitted to taking more than 30 documents, the above
photo is of those which were recovered including a check and money order
that found their way into a creek.
August 23, 2019 - The case against a former deputy District Clerk who was arrested July 10, 2019 for tampering with a government record has reached a disposition as of August 20, 2019.
Documents which were meant to have been filed in the District Clerk’s office were instead thrown into a Shelby County creek and were later discovered by a resident who reported the find to authorities.
Murphree admitted to Texas Rangers she had taken the documents as well as 30 others.
According to Gary Rholes, Shelby County Attorney, Shelly Murphree pled guilty to Tampering with a Government record on August 20, 2019. The charge regarded records missing from the Shelby County District Clerk’s office.
Murphree paid $500 up front to pay for a missing money order for a child support payment, though it was not alleged that Murphree cashed the money order. Immediate payment of this amount, however, will allow this child support to be quickly disbursed to the parent entitled to this amount.
Additionally, Murphree was ordered to pay $500 fine, $262 court cost, perform 20 hours of Community Service and turn over any District Clerk records as conditions of her 12 month Community Supervision. Compliance with the terms of the probation would allow Murphree to avoid a sixth month sentence in the Shelby County Jail.
Compliance would also allow Murphree to avoid a judgment making a formal finding of guilt on her record. The punishment assessed was agreed to by County Attorney Gary Rholes, Ryan Deaton, Murphree’s attorney, and was approved by Judge Allison Harbison.
Rholes stated that he appreciates the citizen leading authorities to evidence in the case and the investigating work of Constable James Hagler and Texas Ranger James Hicks. Rholes also added that he hopes this sends a signal that official misconduct committed by public servants will not be ignored in matters over which he has jurisdiction. “Ignoring such misconduct sends the absolute wrong signal to everyone.”
Related article:
Former Deputy District Clerk Charged for Tampering with Government Record
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