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April 28, 2017 - Tenaha city council members turned an about face when Sheriff Willis Blackwell was present on April 24, 2017 to answer questions regarding statements made at the March 27, 2017 council meeting. These statements regarding the Sheriff's Department made by councilwoman Stephanie Marie Glenn and Mayor Carl Jernigan were instead turned toward the city's own officers by Glenn, and no longer toward the Sheriff's Department and their dispatch.
The Shelby County dispatch handles calls for the Sheriff's Department, Tenaha City Marshal's Office, Timpson Police Department, county constables and fire departments around the county.
Glenn suggested to Sheriff Blackwell the statements didn't actually occur, and the soul concern was over the city officers.
As the meeting opened, Sheriff Blackwell took to the podium in the council room to address the council and anyone that had a question for him about anything the Sheriff's Department is doing.
"I think there was some discussion at the last meeting, that's what I wanted to try to clear up," said Sheriff Blackwell.
Sheriff Blackwell indicated he sent out a written response to the council for the public's view (Click this link to view letter: Sheriff Addresses Tenaha City Council Concerns) and he was glad to answer any questions he could.
Letcia Borens, a Tenaha Resident, asked Sheriff Blackwell if implications the Sheriff's Department doesn't want deputies patrolling were true, he answered that is not true.
"I put in this letter that I wrote exactly the way that we do our schedule. I have two deputies working at any given time, no more than that. Okay, we have [1,355] miles of road to cover, that includes Tenaha, Timpson, Joaquin, Shelbyville, Huxley, all the way to Patroon. Those two deputies are the two that are patrolling," said Blackwell.
Sheriff Blackwell stated the Sheriff's Department responds to between 800 and 1,000 calls for service a month, which he says spreads the department pretty thin.
"When you have a deputy that's waiting on five or six calls, there is no really patrolling, we go from call, to call, to call. I would love for us to be able to patrol the whole county constantly, but as long as the budget is the way it is, this is as many officers as I've got, which is six total," said Sheriff Blackwell.
Six is the number of patrolmen Sheriff Blackwell say covers the county 24 hours a day, seven days a week through holidays and weekends. He said that is the reason, if officers are on duty and working in the cities that have their own law enforcement, they are the first ones contacted in that area when a call is received by the Sheriff's Department.
"If they're not, then we make the call. If they need our assistance, we will come. We don't send an officer, because they get a call, I don't send an officer to be backing them up unless it's a call that somebody's got a gun, something like that I'll be glad to do that," said Blackwell.
Sheriff Blackwell indicated the severity of the call would dictate the response of a deputy to back up another officer in Tenaha and that he tries to have the officers at opposite ends of the county to improve response time.
Councilwoman Glenn said she was glad Sheriff Blackwell was there, because she had received a call and a lot of what was said at the previous meeting was attributed to her. She said she wanted to clear things up and her main issue was not with the Sheriff's Department, but with the officers of Tenaha.
"I was asking about the deputies that we have here to serve our community," said Glenn.
Sheriff Blackwell explained things have changed a great deal in Shelby County from the days of the past when there were only two Sheriff's Deputies at all for the county.
"We're lucky enough that we have constables in each precinct. Most all of them are willing to do as much as they're called on to do. We have so much law enforcement in this county compared to the past that we're very, very lucky. I realize we're still way short, but until like I said in the article I wrote, until taxes are raised in this county, and we don't want that, then we're not going to get anymore deputies and we're not going to get anymore help that way, because there's no money there," said Blackwell.
The Sheriff explained his department has 42 employees; however, most of them work in the jail and most of the expense is for the jail and its inmates.
Natalie Harris, councilwoman, asked Sheriff Blackwell to clarify how to contact the Sheriff's Department if they are needed, and he said if it is an emergency, to call 9-1-1. Non emergencies should go through the main number of the Sheriff's Department, 936-598-5600.
He explained there are one to two dispatchers at a time answering six phone lines, including two 9-1-1 lines and the dispatchers have to answer those immediately as they ring. They also are handling radio calls, as well as dealing with individuals that walk in off the street.
Harris confirmed with Tenaha City Marshall Wagstaff, the best way to reach himself and his officers is through the Sheriff's Department. She then asked Sheriff Blackwell what would happen if a city officer is not on duty, and he stated a deputy would respond and they may be on the other side of the county.
For the public's knowledge, when officers are off duty in Tenaha, one officer remains "on-call" meaning if they are not actually on duty within the city limits at the time an emergency occur, they will be contacted by the Sheriff's Department at their home and be dispatched where they are needed.
"The last bit of confusion that I'd like for you to address is I know several 9-1-1 calls have been reviewed and at no point in time has the dispatch said that no officers were available, you know 'we can't send anybody,'" said Mayor Jernigan.
Sheriff Blackwell said he and his Chief Deputy D.J. Dickerson take it very seriously that officers respond to all calls and he stated if they don't make a call, they won't have a job. He mirrored the same result for a dispatcher if they fail to perform their duty, and anyone else that works at the Sheriff's Department.
Sheriff Blackwell explained to Borens the Sheriff's Department has a recording of the 9-1-1 call that was made on the night her car had an alleged collision and the dispatcher didn't say there was no officer on duty; however, they did say there wasn't a Tenaha City Marshal on duty.
Glenn reiterated her concerns were not directed at the Sheriff's Department.
"I just want to make sure that you do understand that the issue from the last meeting was not directed towards your department. We were asking about our department, but the Sheriff came in because of the 9-1-1 call," said Glenn.
Sheriff Blackwell said he knew Chief Dickerson had spoken with Glenn and in turn spoke with him about their conversation. He also said that anytime the city wants the Sheriff's Department to address them about anything, or want help with anything to feel free to call because he would go to Tenaha anytime.
According to Blackwell, all of the Shelby County Sheriff's Deputy numbers are available to the public and are a matter of public record. He said his dispatchers are instructed to provide those numbers when asked for them.
Cliff Lloyd, councilman, said he understood it was not within the Sheriff's Department's control, but he wanted to know why they could not have the Tenaha City Marshal officers' numbers and he didn't know if the city pays for the Tenaha City Marshal's Office cell phones.
Mayor Jernigan later said the cell phones are paid for by the city of Tenaha.
Vicky Jernigan, Tenaha resident, asked Sheriff Blackwell if the citizens of Center have the cell phone numbers of the Center police officers.
"My understanding is that Center PD does not give out numbers. I don't rule what they do," said Sheriff Blackwell. "If they were mine, they would give you the number."
This illustrated not all agencies provide the cell phone numbers to their officers. Sheriff Blackwell stated the phone number for Jake Metcalf Constable Precinct 4, the precinct Tenaha is within, is also a matter of public record.
Chief Deputy Dickerson explained it's his responsibility and task to make sure the Sheriff's office runs smoothly and sometimes things are not going to always run smoothly. He informed the audience he spoke with Glenn, Mayor Jernigan and Marshal Wagstaff about any issues relating to the Sheriff's Department.
"If there's problems within our agency, if there's something going on, if y'all are receiving complaints saying that there's a dispatcher that didn't do this, or whatever it is within our agency, you call me," said Chief Dickerson.
Councilwoman Harris said she understands people want the officers phone numbers, but she also said if a protocol is already in place it should be followed.
"It's your business whether you call 9-1-1. If you think it's faster to get, if you know your officer can get there a lot faster than you can call 9-1-1 and me relay the call to him," said Sheriff Blackwell.
Sheriff Blackwell explained 9-1-1 is a convenience for the community and is a quicker way than an individual having to look up a number, whereas a 9-1-1 operator can get an ambulance or officer en-route to the caller.
To provide greater clarity on what was said at the March 27, 2017 meeting of the Tenaha City Council, Shelby County Today is publishing two audio recordings with one including the portion of the meeting where the dispatch of Tenaha City Marshals was discussed, and the second including council comments at the end of the meeting.
Audio File 1
Tenaha City Council Discussion1
Audio File 2
Tenaha City Council Discussion2
Related Articles:
Tenaha City Council Funds Fire Department Needs; Sheriff's Dept. Patrol Questioned
Sheriff Addresses Tenaha City Council Concerns (Letter)
Tenaha Council Continues Discussion on Fire Department Funding
City of Tenaha Special Called Council Meeting Agenda, May 4th
May 1, 2017 - Update: The boil water notice for the McClelland Water Supply has been lifted. It is no longer neccessary to boil water for drinking or cooking.
April 25, 2017 - Customers of the McClelland Water Supply who were out of water on Monday, April 24 or Tuesday, April 25 are advised to boil water used for drinking or cooking as a precautionary measure until further notice. Another notice will be issued when it is no longer necessary to boil water. When boiling water, bring to a rolling boil for at least one (1) minute, then let cool.
April 28, 2017 - The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). NFIP works closely with many private insurance agencies to offer flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners. To qualify for flood insurance these individuals must live in a community that has joined NFIP. Shelby County has been participating in the NFIP since June 28, 2016 and the status was referred to as an “emergency” participant. As an emergency NFIP participant, Shelby County citizens were able to purchase flood insurance with coverage not to exceed $35,000.
Shelby County Judge, Allison Harbison has been notified by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that Shelby County has now been upgraded to “regular” NFIP status effective June 1, 2017. This will allow residents to purchase flood insurance coverage in excess of $35,000.
If you are having problems purchasing flood insurance or have flood insurance questions you may call FEMA at 940-895-5594 and ask to speak to an insurance representative.
April 26, 2017 - CR 1012 on U.S. Highway 96 South was the scene of a two-vehicle crash involving a Pilgrim's Pride pickup truck and a truck-tractor hauling a trailer on Wednesday, April 26, 2017.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Troopers were dispatched to the scene of the crash at around 10:45am. According to Texas DPS Trooper Cpl. Jimmy Faulkner, Logan Sandifer, 24, of Timpson was southbound in a white 2004 Ford flatbed pickup truck owned by Pilgrim's Pride.
As Sandifer was traveling behind a 2006 Peterbilt truck-tractor driven by Michael Bush, 60, of Center hauling for Richard Tomlin, the Peterbilt had slowed and was turning right onto CR 1012. Sandifer failed to control speed and the Ford struck the right rear of the trailer the Peterbilt was hauling.
Sandifer was treated on scene by ACE EMS for minor cuts and was later transported from the scene by private vehicle. He was also issued a citation for failure to control speed.
April 25, 2017 - Hurst Street in Center at the intersection of Timpson Street was the scene of a two-vehicle crash which resulted in a collision with a traffic light pole Monday, April 24, 2017.
Shelby County Sheriff's Deputy Investigator Del Birdwell was first to discover the crash incident and he alerted the Center Police Department who then got additional units en-route as well as ambulance personnel.
According to Center Police Officer Brian Wright, at just before 11:50am Susan McCormick, 65, of San Augustine was southbound in a black 2011 Kia and turned left at the intersection with Timpson Street. At that time Josue Lopez, 29, of Loco Hills, New Mexico was northbound on Hurst Street in a white 1999 Ford pickup truck which collided with the front right side of the Kia and causing both vehicles to strike the traffic control light pole at the intersection of Timpson and Hurst Street
McCormick was transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for unknown injuries and Lopez refused treatment. No citations were issued at the time of the crash.
April 23, 2017 - Officials with the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Sabine National Forest, have advised a prescribed burn involving approximately 3,636 acres located, on the North end of Sabine National Forest (Boles Field North RX Burn), Compartments 15 and 16, (Block C,D,). Winds are predicted from the North 7-9 mph and long range drift may affect some of the areas.
April 22, 2017 - State Highway 7 just under four miles east of Center was the scene of a crash which occurred while students were disembarking from a Center ISD school bus April 20, 2017.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Troopers were dispatched to the scene at 4:18pm to investigate the incident.
According to Texas DPS State Trooper Dustin Ramos, upon arrival it was determined a grey 2004 Mitsubishi Galant driven by Meyosha Griffin, 21, of Mansfield, La. was westbound on State Highway 7 where a school bus was stopped near CR 3134 with its lights activated.
Traffic was stopped behind the bus as Griffin approached when she failed to control speed and struck a black trailer being pulled by a black 2017 Ford F-250 driven by Brendan Lee Toner, 41, of Nacogdoches for Dusty Lout Agriservices out of San Augustine.
Following the collision, the Mitsubishi came to a stop in the westbound barrow ditch.
Griffin was cited for failure to control speed. The school bus was not directly involved in the crash and no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Members of the Center ISD Police were on scene to provide assistance as well as the Shelby County Sheriff's Department.
Texas DPS Trooper Sean Smith assisted with the investigation.
April 21, 2017 - Frito-Lay today announced it is voluntarily recalling select Jalapeño Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked potato chips and Jalapeño Flavored Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked potato chips due to the potential presence of Salmonella in the seasoning. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
This action is the direct result of a supplier’s recent recall of a seasoning blend which includes jalapeño powder that could contain Salmonella. Although no Salmonella was found in the seasoning supplied to Frito-Lay, the company has decided to recall these products out of an abundance of caution.
No illness related to this matter has been confirmed to date.
The products covered by this recall were distributed in retail stores and via foodservice, vending and other channels throughout the U.S.
The specific recalled product information is listed below:
- All sizes of the following two products that have a “guaranteed fresh” date of JUL 4 or prior printed on the front upper panel of the package:
- Jalapeño Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked potato chips
- Jalapeño Flavored Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked potato chips
- All of the following multipack offerings that have a “use by” date of JUN 20 or prior printed on the multipack package. In addition, a “guaranteed fresh” date of JUL 4 or prior is printed on the front upper panel of the individual recalled product packages inside each multipack offering. Any other products or flavors contained in these multipacks are not being recalled.
- 12 count Lay’s Kettle Cooked Multipack Sack
- 20 count Frito-Lay Bold Mix Sack
- 30 count Miss Vickie’s Multipack Tray
- 30 count Lay’s Kettle Cooked Multipack Tray
- 32 count Miss Vickie’s Multipack Box
No other flavors of Lay’s Kettle Cooked potato chips or Miss Vickie’s potato chips are impacted or being recalled. Jalapeño Cheddar Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked 40% Less Fat potato chips are not impacted or being recalled.
Consumers who have purchased these recalled products are advised not to consume them. Frito-Lay is working with the FDA on this recall to ensure the recalled products are removed from store shelves and are no longer distributed.
Consumers can contact Frito-Lay Consumer Relations at 866-272-9393 for additional information from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
Representative product images can be found at fritolay.com. For product reimbursement, consumers can visit www.jalapenochiprecall.com.
April 21, 2017 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information in regards to a recent theft which occurred on April 20, 2017 at 96 Equipment located at 3536 Highway 7 West in Center.
Suspect(s) entered onto the complainant's property and stole a 2017 Polaris Ranger 570.
Center Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information. Anyone who has information regarding this crime should call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at www.centercrimestoppers.com. Remember you don't have to give your name. All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous. Rewards will only be paid on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.
If a caller does not wish to remain anonymous or receive a reward, they may contact Investigator Del Birdwell at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office 936-598-5600.
April 20, 2017 - Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at approximately 1216 P.M., the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call advising that a black male subject was at the Tenaha ISD and was armed with a gun and would not leave. The caller additionally stated that the black male subject threatened to blow up the school. Law Enforcement official responded to Tenaha ISD to assist Tenaha ISD Chief David Jeter with the situation, which included Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Tenaha City Marshal’s Office, Tenaha Pct 4 Constable Jake Metcalf, Timpson Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
After further investigation, it was revealed that there was no threat to the faculty and/or student body of Tenaha ISD. It was rather another hoax call that solicited attention to cause panic. We treat every call, especially of this magnitude with great concern. Our office and the District Attorney’s office worked to get the information on the cellular device that was used and drew up a Grand Jury Subpoena for records. The number was linked back to a student at Tenaha ISD. Lieutenant Kevin W. Windham and Chief Deputy DJ Dickerson met with Tenaha ISD Chief David Jeter and Superintendent Scott Tyner regarding this investigation. In working together, a suspect was positively identified and the phone used to initiate the hoax call was located and seized for evidence. The juvenile suspect was released to family pending an appointment with Shelby County Juvenile Probation Officers. The family has cooperated fully throughout this investigation.
We extend our gratitude to all those who assisted in this investigation.
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