Shelby County Today

April 11, 2017 - CR 1273 in Jericho Community was the scene of a crash involving a four-wheeler and two teenagers Sunday, April 9, 2017.

West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at 5:01pm where they provided traffic control and established a landing zone for the helicopter. They were also assisted by the Center Fire Department.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Sean Smith, at 4:40pm an Arctic Cat 400 ATV driven by a 16-year-old male of Center was westbound on CR 1273.

When the ATV crested the top of a hill 1/4 of a mile from FM 711 the driver veered right to avoid a vehicle and left the roadway to the right. The ATV rolled onto its left and came to rest upright and on the roadway.

ACE EMS responded to the scene and the driver was flown by Life Air Rescue helicopter to LSU Hospital with incapacitating injuries and his passenger, a 16-year-old male was transported by private vehicle with possible injury to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department.

April 7, 2017 - The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department (JVFD) was dispatched to a house fire on CR 3379 Wednesday, April 5, 2017 when flames were discovered emanating from the structure.

According to the JVFD, sometime before 5:48pm when they were called to the scene a man was driving by the mobile home to take care of some horses nearby when he witnessed flames and smoke coming from the attic. He alerted the resident within of his discovery and the firemen were called.

Fire and heavy smoke were witnessed pouring from both ends of the roof of the building when the firemen arrived. Fifteen JVFD firemen responded to the fire with three trucks to fight the fire and per the automatic mutual aid agreement with De Soto Parish, five De Soto firemen arrived at the location with a tanker truck.

Although the fire was very destructive, causing a total loss, the firemen were able to help the residents salvage some photos and keepsakes from within.

No injuries were reported resulting from the incident, the resident didn't report having smelled any smoke before being alerted to the fire and it appeared the fire began in the attic from an unknown cause.

The JVFD returned to the station at 9:30pm and returned to the scene at 11:40pm to extinguish a flare up. They returned to the station once again at 12:30am.

April 7, 2017 Shreveport, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Logansport man pleaded guilty Thursday to distributing methamphetamine in Many, La., and kidnapping a victim in east Texas.

Christopher L. Douglas, 36, of Logansport, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. According to the guilty pleas, law enforcement agents recorded Douglas selling 2 ounces of methamphetamine on April 26, 2016 for $2,000 in Many. In addition, he pleaded guilty to a kidnapping conspiracy charge from the Eastern District of Texas, in which he participated with others to kidnap the victim, demand ransom, and ultimately attempted to kill the victim, all arising out of related drug trafficking.

Douglas faces five to 40 years in prison for the drug charge and up to life in prison for the kidnapping charge. He also faces not less than four years of supervised release and up to a $5 million fine. The court set a sentencing date of August 25, 2017.

The FBI, ATF-Tyler Texas, Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Carthage Police Department and Longview Police Department conducted the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. is prosecuting the case for the Western District of Louisiana, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Hable is prosecuting the case for the Eastern District of Texas.

April 6, 2017 - On April 3, 2017, we issued a Boil Water Notice due to a power outage that occurred at the plant. This included all customers on FM 353 and customers on Hwy 21 East. This was issued for safety precautions. The problem has been corrected and we've tested the water. The tests were clear, therefore, the Boil Water Notice has been lifted.

Our system has taken the necessary actions to be sure of adequate pressure, disinfectant levels, and/or bacteriological quality and has provided TCEQ with testing results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling as of April 6, 2017.

The water no longer requires boiling as of April 6, 2017. If you have questions, contact Charles Sharp 936-288-0489.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

If a customer wishes to reach TCEQ, they may call 512-239-4691.

April 3, 2017 - Public Boil Water Notice for San Augustine Water Supply effective Monday, April 3, 2017 until further notice.

This is for San Augustine Rural Water Supply customers on FM 353, and customers on 21 East as a safety precaution due to a power outage that occurred at the plant.

This does not include the remaining customers on San Augustine Rural Water Supply.

Customers will be notified when the notice is lifted.