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March 22, 2016 - We just received notification that the Center 4-H Meeting that has been scheduled for tonight, (March 22) has been cancelled.
The meeting is re-scheduled for March 29, 2016 at 6:00PM at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Center.
March 31, 2016 - (Update) It is no longer necessary for Paxton customers that were without water on March 21 2016 to boil their water.
March 22, 2016 - Due to water main break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water System, Paxton Water, to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption. This is for the customers that were out of water on March 21, 2016 on HWY 84 west of 699 and surrounding county roads.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice.
If you have any questions concerning this matter, you may contact Vince Di Verdi at 936-590-9177 or 936-591-1205.
March 21, 2016 - Recent flooding has caused damage to roadways in different parts of Shelby County and contributed to a crash on Friday, March 18, 2016.
At 8:55pm Tyler West, 21, of Shelbyville was traveling west in a black Ford Mustang on CR 2110 when his vehicle traveled into a creek from which a bridge had been washed out.
During recent flooding, Shelby County Commissioner Precinct 2 had placed signs on either side of the crossing indicating the road was closed; however, the road closed sign on the east side of the bridge had been knocked down previous to West traveling through the area.
Jimmy Lout, Commissioner Precinct 2, reports a large culvert had to be ordered and should be in this week for repairs to be made.
Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Jimmy Faulkner investigated the crash scene. No injuries were reported as a result of the crash and no citations were issued at the time of the crash.
March 21, 2016 - The following cases were recently disposed of in the Shelby County Court during the month of March 2016. Judge Allison Harbison was the presiding Judge and County Attorney Gary Rholes represented the State.
- Quiency Handy - Possession of Marijuana (Class B) - $322 court cost, 3 days Shelby County Jail.
- Donell Thompson - Criminal Trespass (Class B) - $500 fine, $262 court cost, 45 days Shelby County Jail.
- Triston Driver - Possession of Marijuana (Class B) - $600 fine, $322 court cost, 6 months probation, attend and complete Drug Offenders Program.
- Sirtonio Evans - Possession of Marijuana (Class B) - $600 fine, $322 court cost, Final Judgment
- Timothy Polley - Possession of Marijuana (Class B) - $500 fine, $322 court cost, 12 months probation, 40 hours Community Service, attend and complete Drug Offenders Program.
- Dennis Wade - Assault (Class A) - $262 court cost, 5 days Shelby County Jail.
- Kayla Gundermann - Theft by Check (Class B) - $262 court cost, $2,307.60 restitution, 12 months probation.
- Amelia McGee - Theft (Class B) - $600 fine, $262 court cost, 12 months probation, attend and complete Theft Program.
- Stacy Cummings - Revocation, original charge of Resisting Arrest (Class A) - 61 Days Shelby County Jail.
- Lisa Henderson - Theft (Class B) - $1,000 fine, $262 court cost, 12 months Deferred Probation, 40 hours Community Service, attend and complete Cognitive Therapy classes.
- Carnisha Garrett - Theft (Class B) - $600 fine, $262 court cost, 12 months Deferred Probation, 40 hours Community Service, attend and complete Theft program.
- Fadil Misic - Driving While Intoxicated 2nd (Class A) - $1,600 fine, $412.10 court cost, Final Judgment.
- Jessica Marshall - Theft (Class B) - $600 fine, $262 court cost, 12 months Probation, 40 hours Community Service, attend and complete Theft program.
- Benjamin Eastman - Possession of Dangerous Drug (Class A) - $600 fine, $322 court cost, 24 days Shelby County Jail.
- Devante Gray - Burglary of a Motor Vehicle (Class A) - $750 fine, $262 court cost, $1,700 restitution, 12 months probation, 80 hours Community Service, attend and complete Theft program.
- Michael Meshell - Assault Family Violence (Class A) - $400 fine, $262 court cost, 12 months probation, attend and complete Anger Management program.
- Juan Salazar - Theft (Class B) - $600 fine, $262 court cost, Final Judgment.
- Tina Jones - Theft (Class B) - $600 fine, $262 court cost, 12 months probation, 40 hours Community Service, attend and complete Theft program.
- Timothy Smith - Possession of Marijuana (Class B) - $200 fine, $322 court cost, 6 months Deferred Probation.
- Jason Bugg - Possession of Marijuana (Class B) - $200 fine, $322 court cost, 6 months Deferred Probation.
- David Tillotson - Possession of Marijuana (Class B) - $600 fine, $322 court cost, 12 months probation, 40 hours Community Service, attend and complete Drug Offender program.
- Angelic Horton - Theft (Class B) - $600 fine, $262 court cost, 12 months Deferred Probation, 40 hours Community Service, attend and complete Theft program.
- Jose Garcia - Driving While Intoxicated (Class B) - $412.10 court cost, 18 days Shelby County Jail, 6 months probation, attend and complete DWI education program.
- Mario Garcia - Theft (Class B) - $600 fine, $262 court cost, 12 months probation, 40 hours Community Service, attend and complete Theft program.
- Jacorey Johnson - Driving While Intoxicated (Class B) - $700 fine, $412.10 court cost, 60 days Jail.
- Tony Smith - Unlaw Carry of a Weapon (Class A) - $700 fine, $262 court cost, 180 days Shelby County Jail.
- Tony Smith - Terroristic Threat (Class A) - $600 fine, $262 court cost, 180 days Shelby County Jail.
- Tony Smith - Driving While License Suspended (Class B) - $500 fine, $262 court cost, 180 days Shelby County Jail.
- Giovani Johnson - Revocation, original charge Possession of a Dangerous Drug - 90 days Shelby County Jail.
- Giovani Johnson - Criminal Trespass (Class B) - $500 fine, $262 court cost, 90 days Shelby County Jail.
- Giovani Johnson - Criminal Trespass (Class B) - $500 fine, $262 court cost, 90 days Shelby County Jail.
- Kimberly Williams - Theft (Class B) - $400 fine, $262 court cost, 12 months probation, attend and complete Theft program.
- Shaddrick McCollister - Criminal Trespass (Class B) - $500 fine, $262 court cost, 25 days Shelby County Jail.
March 21, 2016 - Officials with the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Sabine National Forest, have advised a prescribed burn located in Compartments 9 & 10, (Block A) 2,401 acres (Boles Field Area). Winds are predicted from the South and Southwest to 6 mph, gusting to 10 mph.Please see the attached map of the projected burn areas.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Sabine Ranger District office (409) 625-1940.
March 19, 2016 - American Red Cross cleanup kits which were to be distributed today March 19, 2016 have been diverted to other areas according to Joaquin Mayor Bill Baker.
Lauren Hovey with Community Christian Services has been taking information from flood victims this morning who are in need of the kits from those who arrived at the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department. The kits are now projected to arrived next weekend March 26, 2016.
More information will be provided on the kits as the delivery approaches.
March 18, 2016 - Several cases were filed on information by the Shelby County District Attorney's office on March 14 and 17, 2016. Those cases are as follows:
Terry Gene Burch, possession of a controlled substance, third degree felony. The information alleges on February 19, 2016 Burch was in possession of methamphetamine in an amount of one gram or more but less than four grams.
Terry Gene Burch, burglary of a building, state jail felony. The information alleges on February 15, 2014 Burch entered a building or portion of a building without the consent of James Cheshire and attempted to commit or committed theft of a 4500 Watt Generator, Stihl chainsaw, impact wrench, 12" sub-woofers, 2,500lb winch, 3 gallon compressor, Stanley toolbox and wheels/tires owned by Cheshire.
Joshua Douglass Prewitt, evading arrest, state jail felony. The information alleges on December 17, 2016 Prewitt used a vehicle to flee from Billy Hearnsberger (Constable Precinct 3) as he was attempting to arrest or detain Prewitt.
Joshua Douglass Prewitt, burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The information alleges on December 17, 2016 Prewitt entered a habitation without the consent of Rodolfo Badillo, the owner, without his consent and attempted to commit or committed theft of a 52" Toshiba T.V.
Savannah Sowell, burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The information alleges on February 2, 2016 Sowell entered a habitation without the consent of Ben Cockrell, the owner, and attempted to commit or committed theft of property of a small pry bar, owned by Cockrell.
Maranda Whitton, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, state jail felony. The information alleges on December 26, 2015 Whitton took an automobile without the consent of William Dennis, the owner.
Leray Afton Phillips, possession of a controlled substance, state jail felony. The information alleges on January 31, 2016 Phillips possessed methamphetamine in an amount of less than one gram.
Indictments and Information are not a conviction, and are a matter of public record. All individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
March 17, 2016 - The Shelby County Commissioners ratified the recent disaster declaration issued by Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison and approved dupmsters to assist Precinct 3 with cleanup.
"I can declare the disaster, but within seven days we have to ratify for it to continue on, so that is what the meeting is primarily for," said Judge Harbison.
Judge Harbison noted Shelby County has been added to the governor's disaster proclamation for the state, with three additional counties also being added.
A motion carried to ratify the March 10th declaration of disaster.
Dumpsters to be placed in Precinct 3 for debris removal was the second item on the agenda for discussion. Judge Harbison asked the commissioners if they felt it would be a good idea to add another dumpster or two. Travis Rodgers, Precinct 3 Commissioner, asked where the money would be coming from to fund the additional dumpsters.
"I talked to Clint [Porterfield, County Auditor,] and since this is an emergency we had talked about taking it from contingency or emergency services or somewhere," said Judge Harbison.
Rodgers stated he had room for the dumpsters in a gated area. Judge Harbison stated the county doesn't want household trash. Instead the dumpsters would be used for such things as household carpeting, clothes, and furniture which has to be removed from homes as a result of the flooding.
The expectation, according to Judge Harbison, is these additional dumpsters may have to be available for the next couple of months allowing time for people to even get to their homes, which may still be under water at this time.
Rodgers initially wanted to start with just one additional dumpster; however, Roscoe McSwain, Precinct 1 Commissioner, indicated this would not likely be enough.
"It won't take long, couches and junk like that, it'll be full," said McSwain.
A motion to approve getting one additional dumpster was being considered by the commissioners when Rodgers inquired if the dumpster would just be left unmanned.
"Are you just going to leave it sitting out there, or are you going to have somebody there to watch that dumpster? Somebody to help unload that stuff, put it in the dumpster. You gonna let them pile it out on the ground, and then the county's got to do it," said Rodgers.
Judge Harbison offered the possibility of seeing how it goes and then possibly send trustys over to load the trash, "Maybe we can get the sheriff to volunteer to bring trustys over there to help just keep it neat and tidy."
Rodgers continued to indicate his point is the items which people bring including mattresses, and couches will be excessively heavy with water weight and very difficult to put over the top edge of a dumpster.
McSwain suggested having two dumpsters available only on Saturdays. Rodgers stated it's going to take someone to man the dumpsters when they're available.
"It would be easier to man it like that, just doing it one day and just say that's it. If I have to, I'd be glad to volunteer one of my county hands to go. If Travis will let us use the backhoe to work," said McSwain. "Somebody's going to have to man it. I mean it ain't right to have the citizens come up there and try to throw that damn stuff in there, not something like that. They just lost their home and all their stuff."
Judge Harbison commented it would be great for the commissioners to help out and get additional hands to help, because Rodgers' hands are working everyday all day. Rodgers commented he isn't sure his precinct will be able to have the roadways where they will be ready for school buses to travel on by Monday.
Judge Harbison asked the commissioners if they could provide a hand to help out on a Saturday. Commissioner McSwain was the only one to state he knew he could offer a hand. Precinct 2 and Precinct 4 Commissioners sat in silence suggesting they may not be offering help.
"If necessary, we could reimburse the labor for the precinct for the work on Saturdays, also out of contingency," said Porterfield.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I think now is the time for us to come together and try to help Precinct 3 out and then help the people and the citizens out, so I think that's a great idea," said Judge Harbison.
A motion carried approving two dumpsters on Saturday only for Pct 3, for household flood damage debris from 9am-4pm, with someone on-site to help. Payment to employees for this time will be made via the contingency fund.
The intention is to keep making the dumpsters available on following Saturdays as well.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50am.
March 17, 2016 - To All To Whom These Presents Shall Come:
I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, issued an Emergency Disaster Proclamation on March 14, 2016, certifying that the severe weather and flooding event that began on March 7, 2016, has caused a disaster in many Texas counties. Those same conditions continue to exist in these and other counties in Texas.
Therefore, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby amend the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in Angelina, Erath, Gregg, Hardin, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Marion, Newton, Orange, Parker, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Tyler, and Walker counties in the State of Texas.
Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the code, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.
Pursuant to Section 418.016 of the code, any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor. However, to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life or property threatened by this declared disaster, I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster.
In accordance with statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my Office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 16th day of March, 2016.
Greg Abbott
Governor
Click to read the official Proclamation
March 16, 2016 - The Shelby County grand jury for the January Term 2016 of the 273rd Judicial District Court met Friday, March 11, 2016 and indicted 34 cases with all cases presented receiving indictment.
Kenneth Dewayne Hendricks received two indictments. According to the first indictment of burglary of a habitation, state jail felony, on or about January 6, 2015 Hendricks allegedly entered a building or a portion of a building without the effective consent of the owner, Melina Harris Herndon. It is further alleged Hendricks attempted to commit or committed theft of property including a grub hoe, grab hooks, tool box with assorted tools, 48 inch pipe wrench, 36 inch pipe wrench and bracing drill owned by Herndon. The second indictment of theft, third degree felony, alleges on January 14, 2015 Hendricks stole rolls of barbed wire and creosote posts of the value of $1,500 or more but less than $20,000 from Lawrence Kent Edwards, the owner.
Anna Castillo was indicted for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, state jail felony. According to the indictment, on or about March 30, 2013 through May 5, 2015 Castillo, with intent to defraud another, and without the consent of Teal Matthews used Matthews' identifying information (social security number) to gain employment with Start Kleen. Start Kleen was later acquired by Packers Sanitation, Inc.
Mantell Moore received two indictments for theft, state jail felony. The indictment alleges on January 23, 2015 Moore stole a 1997 Mercury 2-door Automobile valued at $1,500 or more but less than $20,000 from Ronald Okeith Land, the owner, without consent. The second indictment alleges on January 23, 2015 Moore stole a 1979 Chevrolet Truck valued at $1,500 or more but less than $20,000 from Dennis Ray Land, the owner, without consent.
Cortland Chase Vaughn was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. According to the indictment, on or about January 11, 2015 Vaughn caused serious bodily injury to Charles D. Dearing, Jr. by hitting him on the face and head. At the time of the assault, Vaughn is alleged to have exhibited a deadly weapon during the assault, a gun. Tristan Samford was also indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, first degree felony in relation to the same incident. According to the indictment on or about January 11, 2015 Vaughn caused serious bodily injury to Charles D. Dearing, Jr. by hitting him on the face and head. Samford is also alleged to have exhibited a pistol.
Mack Hamilton was indicted for criminal mischief, state jail felony. According to the indictment on or about January 28, 2015 Hamilton damaged a gray Buick by spray painting the vehicle and smashing the front window out, without the consent of Chadrick Polley, the owner. The incident allegedly caused pecuniary loss of $1,500 or more but less than $20,000 to the owner.
Victoria Lanette Hamilton was indicted for forgery, state jail felony. According to the indictment, on or about January 29, 2015 Hamilton executed a writing purported to be the act of Tonya Thompson, who did not authorize the act. Said writing was a personal check of the tenor following drawn on a Texas State Bank account in the amount of $468.35 made out to Walmart in Center, Texas.
Okeith Laray McCollister was indicted for criminal mischief, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on or about January 14, 2015 McCollister damaged or destroyed a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 cell phone and a white 2004 Chevy Malibu without the consent of the owner Nataska Tibbs. Pecuniary loss was incurred by Tibbs in the amount of $1,500 or more but less than $20,000.
Elizabeth Ann Suell was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to the indictment, on or about June 4, 2013 Suell caused serious bodily injury to Travis Patton by striking and cutting him on his neck while she exhibited a bottle during commission of the assault. Patton and Suell had or was having a dating relationship at that time.
Kevin Ray Jackson was indicted for assault bodily injury, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on or about January 26, 2015 Jackson caused bodily injury to Bridget Ann Birdwell, with whom Jackson had or was having a dating relationship. The indictment goes on to allege Jackson impeded the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of Birdwell by applying pressure to the throat or neck and/or blocking the nose or mouth of Birdwell.
Tristan Derae Patton received six separate indictments pertaining to the same incident on or about June 25, 2014. The first indictment for delivery of marijuana, state jail felony, alleges Patton delivered marijuana to a criminal informant in an amount of five pounds or less but more than one-fourth ounce. The second indictment for delivery of a controlled substance, state jail felony, alleges Patton delivered cocaine to a confidential informant in an amount of less than one gram. The third indictment for delivery of a controlled substance, second degree felony, alleges Patton delivered methamphetamine to a confidential informant in an amount of one gram or more but less than four grams. The fourth, fifth and sixth indictments were each for abandoning or endangering a child, state jail felony. The indictments allege on June 24, 2014 Patton engaged in conduct that placed three children under the age of 15 years of age in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment by the aforementioned drugs where it was easily accessible in the residence.
(Dates in parenthesis indicate the date of the alleged incident)
Andrea Janise Chadwick, unlawful possession of a firearm, third degree felony (January 27, 2015).
Craig Randall Crocker, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), third degree felony (December 14, 2014).
Reggie Dean Martin, driving while intoxicated, third degree felony (January 9, 2015).
Meagan Elizabeth Flowers, unlawfully carrying weapon, third degree felony (December 3, 2014).
Terrance Rushing, delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine), second degree felony (December 31, 2014).
Kalaceia Evans, delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine), second degree felony (December 31, 2014).
Nickloas Rushing, delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine), second degree felony (February 23, 2015).
Nickloas Rushing, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence (baggy containing cocaine), third degree felony (February 10, 2015).
Jacorey Johnson, possession of marijuana, state jail felony (December 2, 2013).
Shytiffany Meshun Blow, possession of marijuana, state jail felony (December 2, 2013).
Steve Lawrence Smith, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), state jail felony (September 22, 2014).
Jodi Anne Strahan, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), state jail felony (January 29, 2015).
George Lee Henry, possession of a controlled substance (phencyclidine), state jail felony (November 20, 2014).
Andria Charmaine Hubbard, possession of a controlled substance (phencyclidine), third degree felony (May 31, 2015).
Timothy Paul Johnson, possession of a controlled substance (phencyclidine), first degree felony (January 11, 2013).
Timothy Paul Johnson, delivery of a controlled substance (phencyclidine), state jail felony (January 28, 2013).
Indictments and Information are not a conviction, and are a matter of public record. All individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
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