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July 29, 2019 - The Center Police Department received numerous reports of Burglaries of motor vehicles in the general San Augustine St. area from mid-June to July 24th.
Several firearms were taken from the vehicles, along with other items.
On July 24th at approximately 10:15pm Officer Spencer Anderson made a traffic stop on a subject riding a bicycle in the middle of Hurst St.
During the stop, Officer Anderson discovered the subject to be in possession of a semi-automatic pistol.
The pistol serial number was checked through Dispatch and was found to be recently stolen from a vehicle off of Pine St.
The subject was identified as Brandon Morano, 23, of Longview, TX. Morano was placed in custody for unlawfully carrying a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm.
Morano was booked into the Center Police Department holding facility without incident.
Through further investigations, Moreno has also been charged with a total of 10 criminal offenses.
Special thanks to Corporal Steve Thornburgh, Officer Spencer Anderson, and Officer Angela Neal.
July 29, 2019 - On July 23, 2019, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the City of Tenaha public water system, NO. 2100002, 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 that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of July 29, 2019.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Stacey Cranford or Amanda Treat, City Secretary at 936-248-3841 238 North George Bowers Drive Tenaha, Texas 75974.
July 23, 2019 - Due to a break in the main water line caused by construction, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the City of Tenaha PWS ID NO. 2100002 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 like 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 Stacey Cranford or Amanda Treat, City Secretary at 936-248-3841, 238 North George Bowers Drive, Tenaha Texas 75974.
July 28, 2019 - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a fatal crash yesterday morning, July 27, 2019 on US 59 involving a commercial motor vehicle, about one and a half miles north of Timpson.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 11:45 a.m., a 2008 Ford passenger car was traveling north in the outside lane. A 2016 Volvo truck tractor semi-trailer was also traveling north in the outside lane and failed to control speed and struck the Ford from behind.
The driver of the Ford is identified as 62-year-old Yolanda Enene from Houston. Enene was pronounced deceased on the scene by a Shelby County Justice of the Peace. A passenger traveling with Enene was also pronounced deceased at the scene and is identified as 80-year-old Joyce Bryan, also from Houston.
The driver of the truck tractor is identified as 28-year-old Yakul Soni from Ontario Canada. Soni was not injured during the crash.
This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
July 26, 2019 Angelina County - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a report of a two vehicle crash yesterday afternoon on US 69, just north of Zavalla.
The preliminary investigation indicates at approximately 3 p.m., an Angelina County Sheriff’s Department marked patrol car was traveling south when a northbound 2009 Nissan passenger car attempted to pass another vehicle in a no passing zone and struck the patrol vehicle head-on off the west side of the roadway.
The driver of the Nissan was pronounced deceased at the scene by an Angelina County Justice of the Peace and is identified as 17-year-old Tyler Duke from Lufkin. Three additional passengers in the Nissan are identified as 20-year-old Charity Lawson from Orange, 16-year-old Faith Lawson, also from Orange and a one-year-old female. Charity Lawson was transported to a Conroe hospital by medical helicopter for treatment. Faith Lawson was transported to CHI St. Luke’s Hospital and later transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. The one- year-old female passenger was properly secured in an appropriate child passenger safety seat system and was transported to CHI St. Luke’s Hospital for minor injuries.
The driver of the patrol vehicle is identified as 51-year-old Stacy Seymore from Wells. Seymore was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Beaumont by medical helicopter for treatment.
This is an ongoing investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
July 24, 2019 - Officer Brian Wright of the Center Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet Cruz for defective tail lamps at approximately 2pm on Thursday, July 18, 2019. Officer Wright also knew the driver to have an invalid driver’s license from previous encounters.
Upon speaking with the driver Luis Argudo, 25, Officer Wright developed reasonable suspicion that contraband was present in the vehicle. Officer Wright requested a K-9 be deployed. Captain Joey Hudnall of the Tenaha Police Department arrived and prior to deploying the K-9 could himself detect the odor of marijuana in the vehicle.
The officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and approximately 18 ounces (over a pound) of high quality marijuana and six cartridges of THC was located in the trunk of the vehicle.
Argudo had a passenger with him a Javier Gonzalez, 28. Neither of them would claim ownership of the contraband.
Both subjects were placed in to custody and charged with delivery of marijuana > 1/4 oz <= 5 lbs (State Jail Felony) and Manufactory/ Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 or 2A >= 4G <400G (F-1).
July 23, 2019 - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrested a Shelbyville man yesterday afternoon, July 22, 2019 for felony and misdemeanor charges following a traffic stop on SH 87.
The preliminary information indicates at approximately 3:15 p.m., a DPS Trooper stopped a southbound 2010 Ford pickup for a traffic violation. During the stop, the Trooper detected the odor of marijuana and conducted a search of the vehicle and driver, locating two firearms, less than two ounces of marijuana and approximately 263 grams of what is believed to be methamphetamine. Multiple items of drug paraphernalia were also discovered.
The driver is identified as Christopher Askew, 34, from Shelbyville. Askew was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by felon, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
No additional information is available at this time.
July 19, 2019 - Motorists will likely encounter a work zone or road closure as work continues in many areas. While work schedules are likely to change in inclement weather, plans for construction and maintenance of roadways extend throughout the nine-county Lufkin District.
Motorists are urged to reduce speed through a work zone, obey the Move Over, Slow Down law and stay alert for workers and moving equipment through work zones. Project updates and plans for the week of July 22-26 include:
Angelina County
- US 59 South: Crews are scheduled to continue upgrading metal beam guardrail and cross structures along with excavation and backfilling in various locations from SL 287 in Lufkin to the Polk County line.
- US 69: Work continues from FM 844 to FM 1270 south of Zavalla to widen the existing two-lanes to a four-lane divided highway. Dirt is being hauled for excavation and embankment work. Beams placed for the US 69 northbound ramps are being placed at SH 63. Crews are also cement treating the new areas of construction and doing dirt work in the Shawnee Prairie area. Motorists should be alert for trucks exiting and entering the roadway throughout the construction site. Intermittent lane closures expected.
- SH 7: Work is scheduled to cut high edges in various locations. Lane closures expected.
- FM 324: Crews are scheduled to work to pour concrete for headwalls and work on metal guard beam guardrail on this project designed to improve guardrail to design standard and safety treat fixed objects from just south of SH 94 to US 59. Lane closures expected.
- FM 2497: Repair work is scheduled to begin on the Cedar Creek Bridge. Motorists should be alert to road closures and heavy equipment in the area.
- SH 103/SL 287: Crews are clearing the right of way and removing pavement near Spur 339 on this project designed to widen existing pavement for additional turn lanes from just south of SL 36 to just north of SP 339.
- SH 147: Work is scheduled to pour concrete for guardrail attachments on the Lake Sam Rayburn Bridge that will result in a lane closure on this project designed to upgrade metal beam guardrail to design standards and safety treat fixed objects from just north of FM 3123 to FM 2109.
- FM 842: Crews are scheduled to level up pavement in various locations. Lane closures expected.
- Robinson Lane: This roadway has been reopened and crews are monitoring vegetative establishment on this bridge replacement project at Gilliland Creek.
- East Lufkin Avenue: Crews are scheduled to continue work on East Lufkin Avenue near the intersection of Timberland Drive that will include cleaning, placing sod and removing forms on this project designed to add sidewalks near the intersection.
- Various locations: Work is scheduled to apply herbicide, patch potholes, install signs and sweep the roadway.
Houston County
- SH 21: Crews continue to work on cross drainage structures and blading the topsoil on this project designed to reconstruct and add passing lanes from the east end of the Trinity River Bridge to FM 1280. Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures.
- SH 21 East: Work is scheduled to repair base and edges from SL 304 to FM 227.
- SH 19: Crews are working to begin a project designed to improve guardrail to design standards and safety treat fixed objects from 1.6 miles north of FM 231 to the Trinity County line.
- FM 2781: Crews are scheduled to place cement on this project to reconstruct and widen existing pavement from FM 1280 to US 287. Motorists should expect lane closures using pilot car and flaggers.
- SL 304: Work is scheduled to continue base repairs and begin seal coating from US 287 North to FM 229. Lane closures expected.
- Various locations: Crews will work to apply herbicide, patch potholes, repair signs and clean ditches. Stay alert for intermittent lane closures and workers.
Nacogdoches County
- SH 21: Work will continue to place culvert extensions on this project designed to upgrade metal bean guardrail to design standards and safety treat fixed objects from SH 7 to the San Augustine County line and on SH 21 from the San Augustine line to FM 3448 in Sabine County. Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures.
- FM 95: Crews are monitoring vegetative establishment on this completed bridge replacement project at Terrapin Creek.
- FM 226: Work is scheduled to backfill headwalls on this project designed to upgrade metal beam guardrail to design standards and safety treat fixed objects from SH 21 to the end of pavement. Possible lane closures are expected.
- FM 1638: Crews continue to monitor vegetative establishment on this project designed to upgrade metal beam guardrail to design standards, safety treat fixed objects and provide additional pavement width from FM 698 to US 59/SL 224.
- FM 2609: Work to relocate utilities and construct storm sewers continues on this project designed to widen the roadway from Raguet Street to North Street (BU 59). This roadway remains closed to through traffic.
Polk County
- US 59: Crews are repairing joints in the northbound lanes on this project designed to resurface the roadway with a permeable friction course from just south of US 287 in Corrigan to Moscow.
- SH 146: Crews are scheduled to cut high edges in various locations. Lane closures expected.
- FM 350: Crews are installing mow strips and metal beam guardrail on this project designed to upgrade metal beam guardrail and safety treat fixed objects from 2.6 miles north of FM 3152 to US 190.
Sabine County
- SH 87: Crews are working from near the high school in Hemphill to SH 83 on this project designed to add pedestrian sidewalks in the area.
- FM 83: Crews are working on cross culvert and driveway structures along with sod placement from SH 87 to FM 3121 on this project designed to safety treat fixed objects.
- FM 1: Crews are scheduled to continue to widen the subgrade on this project that will upgrade metal beam guardrail to design standards and provide additional pavement width from the San Augustine County line to SH 103.
- FM 944: Work is scheduled to level up base in various locations. Lane closures are expected.
San Augustine County
- SH 21: Crews will continue to place embankment at the Attoyac River Bridge on this bridge replacement project. Lane closures are expected.
- SH 21: Bridge replacements are complete and crews continue to monitor vegetative establishment at Venado Creek, Niciper Creek and Perkins Creek.
- FM 711: Crews will be working to backfill shoulders on this project designed to reconstruct and widen the pavement from the Shelby County line to US 96.
- FM 2390: Crews are scheduled to repair base in various locations. Intermittent lane closures expected.
- FM 1277: Work is scheduled for base repairs in various locations. Lane closures expected.
San Jacinto County
- US 59: Crews are scheduled to remove debris, repair signs, delineators and repair potholes in various locations.
- SH 150: Crews are scheduled to continue work on driveway culverts, embankment and flexible base throughout the project along with prime and seal coating in one section of this project designed to reconstruct the pavement and add passing lanes from the Walker County line to FM 945 North.
- SH 156: Work is planned to repair pavement edges, reshape high shoulders and work on clearing drainage and culverts in various locations. Some lane closures are possible.
- FM 2693: Crews are scheduled to work in various locations to trim limbs and remove dead trees from the right of way.
- FM 2025: Crews will remove dead trees and trim trees in various locations.
- FM 224: Crews are installing mow strips on this project designed to improve and upgrade metal beam guardrail to design standards from SH 156 North to SH 156 South.
- Various locations: Herbicide application is planned for vegetative control.
Shelby County
- US 96: Work is scheduled to place striping and backfill pavement from US 84 to SH 87. Lane closures expected.
Trinity County
- FM 2262: Striping is complete and clean-up is being done on this project designed to reconstruct and widen pavement from FM 357 to SH 94.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
Center PD Investigates Robbery of Local Dollar Store, Releases Suspect Information (Updated 12:31pm)
July 17, 2019 - Center Police Department officers are currently searching for an individual involved in a robbery of the Dollar General store in Center.
Officers converged on the location on Tenaha Street at 4:45pm. After making contact with the store employees the officers were seen traveling the nearby streets in search of their suspect.
The Center Mini Park, Center Place Apartments and other nearby residences were of apparent interest to the officers as they investigated the area assisted by Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers.
According to a press release issued by the Center Police Department, on July 17, 2018 approximately 4:34pm, an unknown black male, entered the Dollar General store located at 806 Tenaha St. in Center Texas, wearing a black shirt and black shorts and a black flat billed ball cap, with a white T-shirt wrapped around his face.
There the unknown male subject pointed a black and silver semi-automatic handgun at the cashier and demanded the register to be opened, the cashier complied, and the male subject took the cash from the drawer and left the store.
Anyone with any information concerning these actions, or information on the identity of this subject, is urged to contact the Center Police Department. Our Office and Officers are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
July 18, 2019 - Work is expected to begin Monday, July 22, in Shelby County that will require lane closures at an intersection through August 9, weather permitting.
SH 87 at SL 500 in Center will have lane closures and delays as parts of the intersection are milled and repairs are made to the base of the roadway. A hot mix overlay will be applied to the intersection to complete the surface. Intermittent lane closures are expected throughout the project until completion.
This project is designed to rehabilitate the existing roadway in order to enhance safety and extend the life of the roadway. Traffic control will be in place throughout the project.
Motorists are urged to reduce speed in and near the work zone, respect all traffic control and stay alert for workers and moving equipment. For information on closures and road conditions, visit drivetexas.org.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
July 13, 2019 - (Album1, Album2) - A breezy morning toned down the Texas heat for runners and walkers in the 2019 What-A-Melon 5K Run/Walk! The top male runner was Antonio Chavez with a time of 17:40. This is the fourth consecutive year for Chavez to clinch the overall top place. His previous times were 18:45 in 2016; 15:51 in 2017; and 16:57 in 2018.
Photo left, Antonio Chavez and, photo right, Cori Lawson are presented their trophies by Center Rotarian Scott Stanfield
The Top female runner of the race was also a repeat from 2018 with Cori Lawson crossing the line with a time of 27:50. In 2018 Cori had a time of 25:48.
The overall and divisional race results are listed below:
DIVISION RESULTS
Male 0 - 15
1st Place - (Bib #341) Giselle Hernandez (Time 00:29:46.62)
2nd Place - (Bib #314) Scott Sims (Time 00:43:45.34)
3rd Place - (Bib #313) Porfi Williford (Time 00:45:07.53)
Female 0 - 15
1st Place - (Bib #336) Cori Lawson (Time 00:27:50.20)
2nd Place - (Bib #337) Kate Lawson (Time 00:29:33.63)
3rd Place - (Bib #317) Robin Lane (Time 00:36:21.70)
Male 16 - 19
1st Place - (Bib #334) Antonio Chavez (Time 00:17:40.60)
2nd Place - (Bib #333) Jesus Gonzalez (Time 00:17:43.92)
3rd Place - (Bib #335) Fabian Morales (Time 00:22:34.33)
Female 16 - 19
1st Place - (Bib #340) Allison Wilson (Time 00:30:38.09)
Female 30 - 39
1st Place - (Bib #319) Camille Stanfield (Time 00:28:25.93)
2nd Place - (Bib #302) Summer Sims (Time 00:43:45.22)
3rd Place - (Bib #320) Tina Barton (Time 00:44:33.69)
Female 40 - 49
1st Place - (Bib #301) Amy Strain (Time 00:46:24.46)
Male 50 - 59
1st Place - (Bib #339) Hermila Mendoza (Time 00:33:02.02)
Female 50 - 59
1st Place - (Bib #316) Deborah Chadwick (Time 00:29:02.57)
2nd Place - (Bib #331) Lizann Burke (Time 00:47:12.63)
3rd Place - (Bib #332) Penny Lynch (Time 00:47:14.81)
Male 60+
1st Place - (Bib #318) Art Bauereiss (Time 00:25:22.54)
2nd Place - (Bib #325) Greg Pierce (Time 00:27:06.42)
3rd Place - (Bib #324) Jimmie Jones (Time 00:28:09.55)
Female 60+
1st Place - (Bib #330) Jayne Crain (Time 00:47:11.55)
2nd Place - (Bib #329) Dottie West (Time 00:53:52.39)
3rd Place - (Bib #326) Doris Bennett (Time 01:00:03.29)
OVERALL RESULTS
1st Place - Antonio Chavez (Time 00:17:40.60) (Pace 05:41) (Speed 10.5mph)
2nd Place - Jesus Gonzales (Time 00:17:43.92) (Pace 05:42) (Speed 10.5mph)
3rd Place - Fabian Morales (Time 00:22:34.33) (Pace 07:15) (Speed 8.3mph)
4th Place - Art Bauereiss, Lufkin (Time 00:25:22.54) (Pace 08:10) (Speed 7.3mph)
5th Place - Greg Pierce, Lufkin (Time 00:27:06.42) (Pace 08:43) (Speed 6.9mph)
6th Place - Cori Lawson (Time 00:27:50.20) (Pace 08:57) (Speed 6.7mph)
7th Place - Jimmie Jones, Nacogdoches (Time 00:28:09.55) (Pace 09:03) (Speed 6.6mph)
8th Place - Camille Stanfield (Time 00:28:25.93) (Pace 09:09) (Speed 6.6mph)
9th Place - Deborah Chadwick, Center (Time 00:29:02.57) (Pace 09:20) (Speed 6.4mph)
10th Place - Kate Lawson (Time 00:29:33.63) (Pace 09:30) (Speed 6.3mph)
11th Place - Giselle Hernandez (Time 00:29:46.62) (Pace 09:35) (Speed 6.3mph)
12th Place - Allison Wilson (Time 00:30:38.09) (Pace 09:51) (Speed 6.1mph)
13th Place - Hermila Mendoza (Time 00:33:02.02) (Pace 10:37) (Speed 5.6mph)
14th Place - Jon Black (Time 00:35:26.18) (Pace 11:24) (Speed 5.3mph)
15th Place - Robin Lane (Time 00:36:21.70) (Pace 11:42) (Speed 5.1mph)
16th Place - Yareli Ramirez (Time 00:37:45.31) (Pace 12:09) (Speed 4.9mph)
17th Place - Summer Sims (Time 00:43:45.22) (Pace 14:04) (Speed 4.3mph)
18th Place - Scott Sims (Time 00:43:45.34) (Pace 14:05) (Speed 4.3mph)
19th Place - Tina Barton, Tenaha (Time 00:44:33.69) (Pace 14:20) (Speed 4.2mph)
20th Place - Porfi Williford (Time 00:45:07.53) (Pace 14:31) (Speed 4.1mph)
21st Place - Amy Strain, Center (Time 00:46:24.46) (Pace 14:56) (Speed 4.0mph)
22nd Place - Leigh Peterson, Center (Time 00:46:24.89) (Pace 14:56) (Speed 4.0mph)
23rd Place - Jayne Crain (Time 00:47:11.55) (Pace 15:11) (Speed 4.0mph)
24th Place - Lizann Burke (Time 00:47:12.63) (Pace 15:11) (Speed 3.9mph)
25th Place - Penny Lynch (Time 00:47:14.81) (Pace 15:12) (Speed 3.9mph)
26th Place - Sherry Soape, Tenaha (Time 00:47:15.09) (Pace 15:12) (Speed 3.9mph)
27th Place - Laree Bounds (Time 00:47:15.96) (Pace 15:12) (Speed 3.9mph)
28th Place - Michael Aldridge, Center (Time 00:49:17.40) (Pace 15:51) (Speed 3.8mph)
29th Place - Sara Sowell (Time 00:52:35.65) (Pace 16:55) (Speed 3.5mph)
30th Place - Michelle (Time 00:52:59.41) (Pace 17:03) (Speed 3.5mph)
31st Place - Joe West (Time 00:53:51.51) (Pace 17:20) (Speed 3.5mph)
32nd Place - Dottie West (Time 00:53:52.39) (Pace 17:20) (Speed 3.5mph)
33rd Place - Keith Davis (Time 00:56:28.43) (Pace 18:10) (Speed 3.3mph)
34th Place - Bob Lacher (Time 00:57:43.55) (Pace 18:34) (Speed 3.2mph)
35th Place - Doris Bennett (Time 01:00:03.29) (Pace 19:19) (Speed 3.1mph)
36th Place - Zaundra Whitton (Time 01:00:04.18) (Pace 19:20) (Speed 3.1mph)
37th Place - Theresa Hume, Center (Time 01:03:39.90) (Pace 20:29) (Speed 2.9mph)
38th Place - Larry Hume, Center (Time 01:03:40.17) (Pace 20:29) (Speed 2.9mph)
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