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November 4, 2017 - State Highway 87 South was the scene of a major two-vehicle crash early on the morning of November 3, 2017.
Three fire departments were dispatched to the crash scene one mile south of the FM 139 intersection at Lout Town.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at 4:38am a 2016 Mack truck-tractor owned by Tyson Foods Tenaha and driven by Thomas Maurice Tyrone, 55, of Dallas was pulling a 2017 Pace trailer also owned by Tyson foods southbound on State Highway 87.
As Tyrone attempted to make a wide right turn into a private farm location, the Mack traveled into the northbound lane when all of a sudden a maroon 2001 Pontiac Montana passenger van driven by Dennis Monroe Bishop, 53, of Louisiana traveling northbound struck the left back quarter of the trailer.
The collision caused major damage to the van and it came to rest in the northbound barrow ditch facing the roadway. The truck-tractor remained in the roadway having received damage to the trailer.
Bishop was transported from the scene by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of unknown injuries.
Tyrone was issued a citation for wrong side of roadway not passing.
Huxley and Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Departments assisted at the scene with traffic control and Center Fire Department was turned back when it was determined Jaws of Life were not needed for extrication of Bishop.
November 3, 2017 - Ron Atkison, representing Martin Walker, PC, explained to the commissioners about opioid litigation and the benefit of retaining the services of the firm he represents during the October 23 meeting of the Commissioners' Court.
Atkison said the manufacturers of opioid based pain relievers have a marketing strategy to manipulate insurance companies and to push their products.
"In one county in West Virginia they shipped enough opioid pain killer that every man, woman and child in that county could have four bottles of it in a year," said Atkison.
He said there are synthetic pain killers that are just as effective; however, the prices on those pharmaceuticals are hiked up and insurance companies won't pay for them while the opioid based drugs are cheaper and more addictive.
Atkison said Martin Walker represents Dallas County, Rusk County, Smith County, Panola County, and Upshur County among others. He said the reason the issue matters for counties is there are categories within county budgets that tend to increase including law enforcement, healthcare, and foster care that have a link to opioid addiction.
"You notice every year that those are going up, and so it never crosses your mind what the reason for some of these increases is," said Atkison. "Luckily the regulators, people that watch this stuff, have tracked it."
Atkison used Rusk County as an example and said the additional cost to taxpayers there is $6 million to $8 million a year.
"It is a $75 billion a year taxpayer problem, and the reason why you don't ever catch it is 'cause those items are already in your budget and you see them and you think, 'well, they're just going up,'" said Atkison.
According to Atkison, regulators such as the Centers for Disease Control have broken the numbers down and identified the problem, and he pointed out this national opioid crisis is something for which taxpayers are having to foot the bill.
Atkison explained the issue will be addressed in federal court and is based on a nuisance theory. He mentioned a previous litigation which was successful, but money received in that circumstance went through Austin. Having a legal representative for the county in such matters would provide the county opportunity to receive any monies won in court directly rather than having to await a divided sum from Austin, with possible restrictions.
An epidemiological study of the county is something Atkison mentioned would be conducted, and which will be at no cost to the taxpayers. The study will help to indirectly identify the number of people who may have been over prescribed opioids within the county.
A motion carried to approve the retention of Martin Walker, PC, for opioid litigation.
Sherry Riley, Veterans Service Officer, spoke with the commissioners about grant funding from the Texas Veterans Commission Funds for Veterans Assistance Program.
The funds available are generated through the sale of a lottery ticket that was created by Texas Veterans Commission.
"To date, that lottery ticket is offering $26 million in the grant fund, so I would like to apply for $30,000 transportation grant," said Riley.
She said her intent for the funds would be to transport veterans to and from doctor appointments at medical facilities in the area. For veterans who cannot afford to go to the nearest VA hospital, it will likely be of a great benefit.
Riley explained she would work closely with Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer, to oversee the disbursement of funds. The grant is expected to last the duration of a year. Riley said 80% of the veterans will go to Overton Brooks or Lufkin facilities and 20% will go to Longview or Houston facilities.
Reimbursement rates for round trip will include: Overton Brooks, $80.25; Charles Wilson, $56.71; Longview, $69.55; and Michael E. DeBakey in Houston $191.53. These are funds that are reimbursed to volunteer drivers transporting veterans.
Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, clarified with Riley the county would be expending the funds first and then the grant funds would be reimbursed quarterly to the county.
A motion was carried to apply for the grant funding.
Ann Blackwell spoke with the commissioners about a bank account held by the county for the Historic Courthouse, which is separate of the general fund. She described how there are many accounts under the general account umbrella; however, the Historic Courthouse has its own for an unknown reason.
She asked to be able to move the Historic Courthouse under the general fund umbrella to simplify and eliminate needing checks for that separate account.
A motion carried to consolidate the funds.
Daniel O'Rear, Shelby County Juvenile Probation, and Stephen Shires, District Attorney, expressed a need for additional funds for a juvenile accused of murder in that he will need to be housed for an extended time, and possibly under special circumstances should it be ruled he be treated as an adult.
This added expense would likely exceed the Juvenile Probation Budget.
A motion carried for O'Rear to submit bills as needed either weekly or monthly based on whatever agreement he has with the facility where the accused is placed.
Following brief discussion over the need of a replacement truck-tractor a motion carried to approve the purchase of a used truck-tractor under $50,000 for Precinct 2.
Items approved on the agenda include: 1. Payment of weekly expenses 2. Retain Martin Walker, PC, for opioid litigation. 3. Renew licensing software agreement between Shelby County and Software Services for District Clerk's Office, JP1 Office, JP2 Office, JP3 Office, JP4 Office and the JP5 Office. 4. VSO to apply for a $30,000 Funds For Veterans Assistance grant, offered by Texas Veterans Commission. 5. Consolidate the Historic Courthouse account with the General Fund. 6. Consider bills for Juvenile Probation detention services on a weekly or monthly interval. 7. Purchase of a used truck-tractor under $50,000 for Precinct 2. Items tabled on the agenda include: 1. Appoint a representative from Shelby County to the East Texas Regional Water Planning Group.
November 3, 2017 - Local authorities are seeking any information regarding the whereabouts of Brandi Wright.
Ms. Wright was last seen in the Center area, and drives a 2008 Pontiac G6 with Tx License plate FVZ 6097.
Please contact the Center Police Department at 936-598-2788 with any information.
November 1, 2017 - The West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched on October 24, 2017 at 1:39pm to CR 1211 at Lake Pinkston for a brush fire. It was determined the cause of the fire was a cigarette.
At 2:16pm the same day they were dispatched to a grass fire on CR 1286, which resulted from a brush pile getting out of control.
November 1, 2017 - Crews have begun this week to place profile rumble strips in Nacogdoches County, and will move through the district to place them in 46 other locations.
Total Highway Maintenance, Cedar Hill, will serve as contractor for the $2.9 million project that will enhance the safety of the roadways. The project began in October and, weather permitting, will be completed by mid-November, 2018.
“Rumble strips are designed to create noise and vibration inside the vehicle that help alert the driver as they cross a center line or shoulder edge line,” said Rhonda Oaks, Lufkin District spokesperson. “Often this alert is enough to get the attention of a distracted or drowsy driver, who can make a corrective action and prevent a crash.”
The rumble strips will be raised profile patterns and will be placed along the center lines and/or edge lines in locations in the Lufkin District. The raised profiles are commonly used when shoulder or centerline pavement texturing is not feasible. The work will be done in various locations on roadways including:
- Shelby County: SH 7, SH 87, FM 3172
- Sabine County: FM 1, SH 21, SH 87, SH 184
- Nacogdoches County: SH 21, FM 1087, SH 7, SH 204
- Angelina County: FM 1818, FM 2109
- San Augustine County: US 96, SH 147, FM 1277
- San Jacinto County: FM 224, FM 1127, FM 980, FM 945, FM 946, FM 1725, FM 3460, FM 223, FM 222
- Houston County: SH 7, FM 2022, FM 132, FM 227, SH 21
- Polk County: FM 1988, FM 350, FM 352, FM 2610, FM 3126, FM 1988, FM 2665
- Trinity: SH 94, FM 3188, US 287
As this moving project continues, motorists are urged to reduce speed through work zones and stay alert to workers and moving equipment.
For a complete list of statewide projects and closures, visit drivetexas.org. For more information on projects in the Lufkin District, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
October 31, 2017 - DeSoto Parish Crime Stoppers Felon of the Week Program is asking for the public’s help in locating/identifying suspect(s) wanted from DeSoto Parish Area.
Stacy R. Mcdonald of Shreveport, La. Mcdonald is wanted for Probation Violation. Mcdonald is described as a white female, 5’6” tall and weighing 150lbs. Mcdonald is 47 years of age.
Shantel Y. Carmadelle of Logansport, La. Carmadelle is wanted for Probation Violation. Carmadelle is described as a white female, 5’3” tall and weighing 220lbs. Carmadelle is 32 years of age.
Cecillia L. Carter of Mansfield, La. Carter is wanted for Probation Violation. Carter is described as a white female, 5’4” tall and weighing 125lbs. Carter is 30 years of age.
DeSoto Parish Crime Stoppers is offering a reward up to $1000.00 for information that results in the suspects arrest, anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stoppers line at 1-800-505-STOP(7867) all calls are confidential or contact the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318)872-3956. Capt. James Clements.
October 27, 2017 - State Highway 7 West was the scene of a tractor crash Friday, October 27, 2017.
The tractor traveled approximately 30 feett downhill before crashing at the bottom.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Taylor Buster, at 5pm Ricky Hernandez, 28, of Jacksonville was mowing alongside State Highway 7 West just two miles west of FM 711.
The red Massey Ferguson tractor began to slip to the right down a hill and started flipping as it traveled down the slope until it came to rest against a tree and on its top at the bottom of the hill. Hernandez rode the tractor the whole way down.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
The West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department and Center Fire Department were both dispatched to the scene where they assisted in the extraction of the tractor and with traffic control.
East Texas Towing and Recovery as well as Hughes Wrecker Service worked together to pull first the mower and then the tractor itself back up the hill.
Octrober 26, 2017 - The intersection of Cora and Pecan Street was the scene of a two-vehicle crash Thursday, October 26, 2017 in Center near the Post Office. Center ISD Police Officer Shad Sparks rolled up on the incident in his patrol car not long after the incident occurred and directed traffic at the scene until Center Police Department Officers arrived.
According to Center Police Officer Kenneth King, at 12-noon a grey Nissan Z driven by Jennifer Hughes Sturgis, 47, of Center was westbound on Cora Street. At that time a red Dodge pickup truck driven by Larry Berg, 33, of Joaquin was northbound on Pecan Street when he traveled into the intersection causing the Nissan to collide with the right rear of the Dodge.
The collision caused major damage to the Nissan and left both vehicles in the middle of the westbound traffic lane.
No injuries were reported to have resulted from the incident. Sturgis was issued citations for invalid driver's license and expired insurance.
Officer King was assisted with the investigation by Center Police Department Sgt. Ricky King.
October 23, 2017 - The following persons currently are under felony indictment in Shelby County, Texas, and failed to appear for a court-mandated appearance in the 123rd Judicial District Court on October 19, 2017.
- Ronny Wayne Ard
- Curvie Brinson
- LaDaryl Burns
- Marcus Brian Hall
- William Nash
- William Zachary Parks
- Duntae Polley
- Maria L. Ratcliff
- Marvin Lopez Sanchez
- Thomas Louis Singleton
Per the request of Shelby County District Attorney Stephen Shires, Judge LeAnn Kay Rafferty ordered that each criminal Defendant’s bond be forfeited and that a capias be issued for the arrest of each Defendant. Each Defendant listed above immediately needs to contact the Court Manager, Karen Warr, 936.598.9928, to schedule a date to appear in court.
A warrant will remain open for each Defendant until he or she makes an appearance in front of Judge Rafferty.
October 20, 2017 - The U.S. Highway 59 overpass in Tenaha was the scene of an 18-wheeler rollover Tuesday, October 17, 2017 causing traffic delays.
Tenaha Volunteer firemen, and local residents assisting the firemen, re-routed traffic while the crash was investigated and until the roadway could be cleared.
According to Tenaha City Marshal Darren Gray, at 3:35pm a white Volvo truck-tractor driven by Fausto Miguel Alvarez, 40, of Illinois for Flex Freight Carriers Inc. was traveling up the northbound on ramp.
As the truck traveled onto the overpass the load within of plastic sheeting shifted, and caused the truck to roll over onto its left side where it came to rest in the middle of the highway.
ACE EMS responded to the scene and treated Alvarez for minor injuries. He was not trtansported from the scene. Alvarez was issued a citation for failure to control speed.
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