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December 21, 2017 - Shelby County Courthouse and the County Clerk’s office will be closing at 2pm on Friday, December 22 and will remain closed until Wednesday, December 27 at 8AM for the Christmas Holidays.
Shelby County wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas!!
December 21, 2017 - Center Youth Baseball and the City of Center would like to announce that the 2018 Dixie Regional World Series will be hosted in Center, Texas. Opening Ceremonies start July 20 and games will run July 21-23.
In mid-October, City Council established a committee to start the process of submitting a bid for the World Series. The bid process for the World Series is somewhat different from that of the normal State Tournaments that are hosted in the summer. The bid itself is not in monetary form but what can a league and their city offer players while they are attending the World Series.
Our committee came up with some great ideas and we submitted our bid November 15. At the Texas State Board Meeting on December 3, the bids were reviewed. On December 11, I was able to inform City Council that Center had been designated the host.
The Regional World Series is generally played between the States of Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Every four years the Series returns to Texas. The World Series will consist of 40 Teams. There will be 4 divisions with 10 teams per division. Those divisions will include Tball (5-6yr old), 7U Coach Pitch, 9U, and 11U. Center will be allowed to have a Host team in each division to represent our city. This is an exciting time for Center Texas.
There will be a great need of community support. We not only want these players and families to enjoy their World Series experience but we want them to remember Center.
If anyone is interested in helping, volunteers will be needed for everything from staffing the tournament on site, helping with planned feeding and event activities, to simply being a point of contact for teams/coaches as a host family. We’d love to have your help to make this event an incredible memory for participants but also a great chance to show off our community and businesses.
Thanks
Jason Mitchell
December 19, 2017 - The National Weather Service Shreveport LA has the following weather alerts and advisories for the Shelby County area.
Short Term Forecast
10:36pm CST Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Sevier, Howard, Little River, Hempstead, Nevada, Miller, Lafayette, Columbia, Union, Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Lincoln, De Soto, Red River, Bienville, McCurtain, Bowie, Franklin, Titus, Camp, Morris, Cass, Wood, Upshur, Marion, Smith, Gregg, Harrison, Cherokee, Rusk, Panola, Nacogdoches, Shelby, Angelina, San Augustine… including the cities of De Queen, Nashville, Mineral Springs, Dierks, Ashdown, Hope, Prescott, Texarkana, Stamps, Lewisville, Bradley, Magnolia, El Dorado, Shreveport, Bossier City, Minden, Springhill, Homer, Haynesville, Ruston, Farmerville, Bernice, Mansfield, Stonewall, Logansport, Coushatta, Martin, Arcadia, Ringgold, Gibsland, Idabel, Broken Bow, Clarksville, Bogata, Mount Vernon, Mount Pleasant, Pittsburg, Daingerfield, Lone Star, Naples, Omaha, Atlanta, Linden, Hughes Springs, Queen City, Mineola, Winnsboro, Quitman, Hawkins, Gilmer, Big Sandy, Jefferson, Tyler, Longview, Marshall, Jacksonville, Rusk, Henderson, Carthage, Nacogdoches, Center, Lufkin, and San Augustine
NOW... Showers and thunderstorms will continue across portions of southeast Oklahoma, south Arkansas, northeast Texas, and northwest Louisiana. Movement of these storms are to the northeast. Heavy downpours and gusty winds are possible with stronger storms. Patchy areas of fog across portions of the area may produce restricted visibilities of a mile or less. Motorists are urged to exercise caution.
Special Weather Statement
11:26pm CST Tuesday, December 19. 2017
Significant weather advisory for Southern De Soto, Southeastern Red River, West Central Natchitoches and Northern Sabine Parishes, Eastern Shelby, Northeastern San Augustine, and Northeastern Sabine Counties until 12:15 AM CST.
At 11:25 PM CST, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 8 miles east of Logansport to San Augustine. Movement was east at 40 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include Milam, Many, San Augustine, Coushatta, Zwolle, Converse, Patroon, Oak Grove, Pleasant Hill, Martin, Huxley, South Mansfield, Noble, Fisher, Edgefield, Stanley, Lake End, Belmont, Hanna and Pelican.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
Flood Advisory
9:49pm CST Tuesday, December 19. 2017
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for Northwestern De Soto Parish in northwestern Louisiana, Southwestern Caddo Parish in northwestern Louisiana, Central Bossier Parish in northwestern Louisiana, Southeastern Harrison County in northeastern Texas, Panola County in northeastern Texas, and Northwestern Shelby County in eastern Texas.
* Until 1245 AM CST
* At 949 PM CST, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This will cause urban and small stream flooding in the advisory area.
* Some locations that will experience flooding include... Shreveport, Bossier City, Carthage, Haughton, Greenwood, Stonewall, Tenaha, Timpson, Deberry, Eastwood, Fosters, Gary City, Keachi, Longstreet, Keat Chie, Ferguson, Front, Spring Ridge, Fillmore and Cross Lake.
Hazardous Weather Outlook
11:59am CST Tuesday, December 19. 2017
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of south central Arkansas, southwest Arkansas, north central Louisiana, northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, east Texas and northeast Texas.
DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight... Patchy dense fog will remain possible this afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms will continues to spread northeast across the region today. A few storms may become severe, with damaging winds and hail the primary threats.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday... Showers and thunderstorms will return to the region Friday as a strong cold front moves across the region. However, no hazardous weather is expected at this time.
Spotter Information Statement... Activation of emergency management personnel... amateur radio operators... and storm spotters is not expected due to the isolated nature of any severe weather.
December 19, 2017 - U.S. Highway 59 two miles south of Tenaha was the scene of a single-vehicle crash which left northbound lanes closed for an extended period of time.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Trooper Dustin Ramos, at 11:24pm DPS Troopers were dispatched to U.S. Highway 59 south of Tenaha in response to a one-vehicle crash.
Upon arrival, a white 2012 Isuzu box truck loaded with spices was located in the middle of the northbound traffic lanes on its side. It was determined the Isuzu was driven by Maulesh Patel, 53, with passenger Sheela Patel, 55, both of Shreveport.
As the Isuzu was northbound, Patel failed to drive in a single lane and the truck ran off the road to the right. Patel over corrected left and caused the truck to overturn and come to rest on its passenger side facing south.
Sheela Patel was transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for minor injuries.
The Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Department, Tenaha Marshal's Office and Constable Precinct 4 all assisted with traffic control.
The roadway was cleared at 3:30am.
December 18, 2017 - Shelby County is currently not under a burn-ban. I have talked with the Texas Forest Service and they noted that our numbers do not constitute a ban on burning.
However, I would like to caution anyone who is planning to burn brush, trash, etc. to please use caution. Consider the strength of the wind when burning and do not leave any open flame unattended.
If you are planning on using fireworks during the holidays please supervise underage children and remain vigilant. Carelessness is the biggest cause of fires, big or small, fire safety is for all.
December 15, 2017 - The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department (JVFD) was dispatched to a house fire around 1:30am, Friday, December 15, 2017 which was at the intersection of State Highway 7 East and FM 139.
Reports from the initial caller indicated there may have been someone trapped inside the home. When the firemen arrived, flames were escaping from the front of the structure; however, the firemen were able to quickly put the fire down and prevented the house from completely burning.
After the firemen had cleared the house it was determined no one was within the dwelling during the fire, and the resident no longer lived at the home.
Assisting the JVFD were firemen with the DeSoto Fire Department due to a mutual aid agreement between the departments.
The fire remains under investigation.
December 14, 2017 - A high-speed collision which took place on FM 138 resulted in the arrest of two people involved Sunday, December 10, 2017.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Dustin Ramos, at 3:05pm a black 2013 Dodge Challenger driven by Bobbi Paulene Costello, 21, of Tenaha was westbound on FM 138 at an unsafe speed for a curve in the road near CR 1440.
The Dodge traveled across the eastbound lane while skidding and continued off the roadway where it struck a tree, causing damage to the front left quarter of the vehicle. The Dodge came to rest on the south side of the roadway.
Costello and her passenger David Maes, 28, were transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment.
Costello was later arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, misdemeanor b; she was also charged with fail to maintain financial responsibility and unsafe speed. According to the Shelby County Jail log, Maes was arrested and charged with public intoxication.
Trooper Ramos was assited at the scene by Trooper Jonathan Stinson, as well as Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies Adam Renfro and Jesse Travis.
December 12, 2017 - The Shelby County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating a burglary that occurred at a residence located at 5772 Highway 59 North in Tenaha, Texas.
Some time between the night hours of Monday, December 11th, 2017 and the morning hours of Tuesday, December 12th, 2017 (2) unknown male subjects entered onto the victim's property and burglarized the home and shop.
Items stolen were (2) Samsung televisions (39" & 50"), tools, mini-fridge, welding machine, toolbox, cutting torch and acetylene bottles, air compressor, and a 1998 Honda (tan/black) 4 wheeler.
The suspects were caught on surveillance video footage and still photos were made from the video footage which can be viewed with this release.
The suspects were seen driving a 1999-2003 model style Chevrolet 2 door single cab pickup truck, grey in color.
If you have any information regarding this burglary, please contact the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 936.598.5600. You can also message your tip information to 936.572.1468. You do not have to give your name.
Any assistance provided will be greatly appreciated by the victims of this crime as well as the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
December 11, 2017 - The deadline for filing for a place on the 2018 March Primary ballot was 6pm Monday, December 11, 2017 and closed with 6 races unopposed. Candidates who filed locally primarily filed with the Republican Party with only one filing with the Democratic Party.
According to the Texas Secretary of State, Roland Pablos, the following candidates filed with the Republican and Democratic Parties of Texas.
Local Races:
District Judge, 273rd Judicial District (1 Candidate) - James A. (Jim) Payne, Jr. (REP)
County Judge (1 Candidate) - Allison Harbison (REP, Incumbent)
District Clerk (1 Candidate) - Lori Oliver (REP, Incumbent)
County Clerk (1 Candidate) - Jennifer Fountain (REP, Incumbent)
County Treasurer (2 Candidates) - Ann Blackwell (REP, Incumbent) and Donna Whitney (REP)
County Commissioner PCT 2 (1 Candidate) - Jimmy Lout (REP, Incumbent)
County Commissioner PCT 4 (4 Candidates) - Bradley Allen (REP, Incumbent), Kevin Foster (REP), Sammy K Todd (REP), and Tom Bellmyer (REP)
Justice of the Peace PCT 1 (3 Candidates) - Melissa Crouch (REP, Incumbent), Randy Robertson (REP), and Tommy Moody (REP)
Justice of the Peace PCT 2 (1 Candidate) - Marla Denby (REP, Incumbent)
Justice of the Peace PCT 3 (3 Candidates) - Darrell Alford (REP), Deborah Sharp (REP), and Margie Anderson (REP, Incumbent)
Justice of the Peace PCT 4 (2 Candidates) - Jackie Kirkwood (REP) and Jenny L. Hicks (DEM, Incumbent) *Updated Information
Justice of the Peace PCT 5 (2 Candidates) - Tracy Broadway (REP) and Vernett Richardson (REP)
Federal and State Races:
U. S. Senator (5 Candidates) - Beto O'Rourke (DEM), Edward Kimbrough (DEM), Geraldine Sam (REP), Mary Miller (REP), and Ted Cruz (REP, Incumbent)
U. S. Representative District 1 (3 Candidates) - Brent Beal (DEM), Louie Gohmert (REP, Incumbent), and Roshin Rowjee (REP)
Governor (12 Candidates) - Adrian Ocegueda (DEM), Andrew White (DEM), Cedric Davis, Sr. (DEM), Demetria Smith (DEM), Grady Yarbrough (DEM), Greg Abbott (REP, Incumbent), James Jolly Clark (DEM), Jeffrey Payne (DEM), Joe Mumbach (DEM), Lupe Valdez (DEM), SECEDE Kilgore (REP), and Tom Wakely (DEM)
Lieutenant Governor (4 Candidates) - Dan Patrick (REP, Incumbent), Michael Cooper (DEM), Mike Collier (DEM), and Scott Milder (DEM)
Attorney General (2 Candidates) - Justin Nelson (DEM) and Ken Paxton (REP, Incumbent)
Comptroller of Public Accounts (2 Candidates) - Glenn Hegar (REP, Incumbent) and Tim Mahoney (DEM)
Commissioner of the General Land Office (4 Candidates) - Davey Edwards (REP), George P. Bush (REP, Incumbent), Miguel Suazo (DEM), and Rick Range (REP)
Commissioner of Agriculture (2 Candidates) - Kim Olson (DEM) and Sid Miller (REP, Incumbent)
Railroad Commissioner (2 Candidates) - Christi Craddick (REP, Incumbent) and Roman McAllen (DEM)
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2 (1 Candidate) - Steven Kirkland (DEM)
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 4 (2 Candidates) - John Devine (REP, Incumbent), and R.K. Sandill (DEM)
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6 (2 Candidates) - Jeff Brown (REP, Incumbent) and Kathy Cheng (DEM)
Presiding Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals (1 Candidate) - Maria T. (Terri) Jackson (DEM)
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 (1 Candidate) - Ramona Franklin (DEM)
State Senator, District 3 (1 Candidate) - Robert Nichols (REP, Incumbent)
State Representative District 9 (2 Candidates) - Chris Paddie (REP, Incumbent), and Garrett Boersma (REP)
Justice, 12th Court of Appeals District, Place 3 (1 Candidate) - Greg Neeley (REP, Incumbent)
December 10, 2017 - U.S. Highway 96 North was the scene of an early morning fatality crash Saturday, December 9, 2017.
When emergency personnel arrived at the scene of the incident, a Dodge pickup truck was found located between three large pine trees in front of a residence just south of the intersection with the north end of State Loop 500.
It was quickly determined by officers and EMS at the scene, the driver did not survive the collision.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Jesse Fountain, at 7am Troopers were dispatched to the scene of a reported crash on U.S. Highway 96 North. A blue 2011 Dodge 1500 pickup truck was southbound on U.S. Highway 96 when, for an unknown reason, it exited the roadway to the left.
The Dodge traveled through a stand of bamboo before colliding head on with three trees at high speed and causing major damage to the vehicle.
Melissa Crouch, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, pronounced the driver Joseph Michael Windham Sr., 35, of Center dead at the scene. No autopsy was ordered. Next of kin was then notified.
Windham was transported from the scene by Mangum Funeral Home.
Trooper Fountain was assisted in the investigation by Troopers Richard Hill and Sean Smith. Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies Adam Renfro and Jesse Travis were also on scene.
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