News

July 21, 2016 - Three teens were involved in a near-tragic crash on U.S. Highway 84 in front of the Joaquin High School on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.
Directly following the crash involving a white pickup truck and the entrance wall to Joaquin ISD, employees of the school rushed to the aid of one individual involved who received injury. As the young man lay on the ground, the school employees provided shade for him by setting a canopy over him until additional help could arrive.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at 1:10pm Johnathan Taylor Webster, 17, of Joaquin was driving a white 1997 Ford F-150 eastbound on U.S. Highway 84 at an unsafe speed.
Webster attempted to make a left turn into the Joaquin High School parking lot and due to the speed crashed head-on into a brick wall. The front seat passenger in the truck a 17-year-old male passenger of Joaquin was not wearing a seat belt and struck the windshield face first, causing injury.

A 16-year-old male passenger was riding in the open bed of the pickup truck when the crash occurred; however, he was uninjured.
Webster was issued a citation for unsafe speed, and allowing child less than 18 to ride in open bed. The 17-year-old passenger was transported from the scene by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment of his injuries, he was also issued a citation for no seat belt.


July 21, 2016 - State Highway 7 East in Joaquin was the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at the intersection of FM 139.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at 7:45am Alexis Cheyenne Byrd, 18, of Joaquin was traveling west in a silver 2012 Chevrolet Cruze when she failed to control speed.
The Cruze collided with a tan 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe which was preparing to turn left onto FM 139 and was driven by Mimi Leanne Creasy, 28, of Tenaha and was also occupied by a 2-year-old male passenger.
Major damage was received by the Cruze and it was towed from the scene, the Tahoe was able to be driven from the scene.
No injuries were reported at the scene. Byrd was issued a citation for failure to control speed.


July 20, 2016 - The Timpson Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) fought a logging skidder fire on County Road 4192 Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
Firemen were dispatched to the scene at 5:33pm and when they arrived at the location of the fire, the logging skidder was engulfed in flames.
The firemen worked to extinguish the flames which were constantly rekindling as they were trapped within the engine block making it difficult to reach the fire.
Once the majority of the surrounding flames were extinguished, direct attention by the firemen on as much of the interior as possible continued until the majority of the flames were extinguished.
Parker Logging of Tenaha was working on land next to County Road 4192 approximately two miles from County Road 4059 when the logging skidder rolled. The heavy weight of the door to the cab of the skidder made it difficult for the driver to escape; however, he was finally able to climb free before the vehicle became engulfed in flames.
Once the firemen were successful in putting out the fire they returned to the fire station at 7:13pm.
July 20, 2016 - Constable Precinct 5 Robert Hairgrove reports of an arrest of a suspect involved in several area burglaries.
With the assistance of Timpson Police Chief Kent Graham, and Timpson ISD Police Chief Kim Graham the identity of the suspect was learned to be Julian Jones, 18, of Timpson.
Constable Hairgrove responded to a 9-1-1 call from a resident on County Road 1490 who stated an individual was knocking on her door and wanting to use her phone. She denied him the use of her phone and he was refusing to leave.
While en-route to the residence, Constable Hairgrove encountered Jones approximately 1 mile from FM 1645, traveling north. He then began questioning Jones and eventually checking him for weapons during which time a box cutter was discovered on the suspect.
Upon further examination, a bulge was discovered in the suspects sock, which he stated to Constable Hairgrove was marijuana. Following the discovery of marijuana, the suspect was placed under arrest.
Through interview Jones was able to be connected with several burglaries in the area and in neighboring counties, as a result six firearms were recovered by Constable Hairgrove.
Jones has been charged through the Constable's Office with one count of burglary of a habitation - felony 2, one count possession of a prohibited weapon - felony 3, and possession of marijuana - misdemeanor B. One burglary of a habitation - felony 2 charge has also been made by the Shelby County Sheriff's Department in connection with a separate investigation.
The Center Police Department has recovered a seventh firearm involved in another incident in Center which is connected with the same string of burglaries Constable Hairgrove has been investigating.
Shelby County Constable Hairgrove expresses appreciation to the Timpson Police Department, Timpson ISD Police Chief, Center Police Detective Steven Stroud, and Shelby County Sheriff's Investigator Del Birdwell for assisting in this investigation.
This series of crimes remains under investigation.
Update: Constable Hairgrove reports the arrest of Larry Horton, 18, of Logansport in connection with the same theft of firearm cases. He was arrested on July 21, 2016 and has been charged with three counts of burglary of a habitation - felony 2 as well as possession of a prohibited weapon - felony 3. He has since bonded out.








July 19, 2016 - The Center Volunteer Fire Department assisted with traffic control in 100+ temperatures Tuesday evening shortly after 5pm due to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 7 West near the intersection of CR 1140.
According to Department of Public Safety State Trooper John Hallenbeck, a 2013 black Hyundai Tucson driven by Jordan Schmidt, 25 of Nacogdoches, was westbound on State Highway 7 when a 2012 white Lincoln MKT was attempting to pull out of a private driveway. The Lincoln driven by Mary Ann Lock, 67 of Center, entered the pathway of the Hyundai and struck the passenger side front quarter panel causing distributed damage down the side of the Hyundai. The front passenger side of the Lincoln received damage but was able to be driven off the roadway. The black Hyundai traveled across eastbound lanes of traffic and exited the roadway on the left coming to rest in the ditch.

ACE EMS arrived on scene; however, neither driver was transported by ambulance. Schmidt was taken by private vehicle to an area hospital for medical evaluation.
Five o'clock traffic was directed safely around the crash scene by Center Volunteer Firemen. The estimated heat outside at the time of the crash was 104 degrees.
The accident was investigated by DPS Trooper John Hallenbeck.

July 18, 2016 - An unknown suspect unlawfully entered into Haslam Tire Company located at 13320 Highway 84 East in Joaquin, Texas on Wednesday, May 18th, 2016 and stole several tires.
The unknown suspect illegally entered the building by prying open a bay door. Surveillance video footage captured the suspect making entry into the building. If you recognize the suspect in the video taken from the surveillance video footage, please contact Center Crime Stoppers.
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 call the Shelby County Sheriff's Department at 936-598-5600 or 936-572-1468 and speak with Lieutenant Investigator DJ Dickerson.
Submitted by Lt. Inv. DJ Dickerson

July 17, 2016 - The driver of a vehicle which crashed just north of Loop 500 outside of Center on U.S. 96 North was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated.
Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies, Center Police Officers and the Center Fire Department held the scene until Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Troopers arrived to investigate.

According to Texas DPS Trooper John Hallenbeck, at around 4:30pm a 2015 grey Ford Fiesta driven by Arthur Ural Champion, 60, of Gary was traveling north on U.S. Highway 96 through a curve at an unsafe speed when he lost control and left the roadway to the right, colliding with trees.
Following a field sobriety test, it was determined Champion was intoxicated and he was arrested and transported to the Shelby County Jail where he is listed as having been charged with driving while intoxicated - 2nd.
DPS Trooper Hallenbeck was assisted at the scene by DPS Trooper Jesse Fountain.



July 16, 2016 - Timpson continues to be a regular crash zone as yet another crash occurs at the intersection of U.S. Highway 59 and U.S. Highway 84 on July 15, 2016.
Timpson Police Officer Jake Metcalf reports receiving a call from Running M Feed store informing there was a crash at the intersection of U.S. 59 and U.S. 84. Upon arrival Officer Metcalf observed a silver 2015 Dodge Dart and a silver 2011 Nissan Sentra had collided resulting from the Nissan failing to yield right of way to the Dodge.
The driver of the dodge was identified as Taylor Wilson, 21, of Gary with a passenger Devon Lablanc, 17, of Timpson. The driver of the 2011 Nissan was identified as Ashton Griffin, 19, of Tenaha.
Griffin was transported to a Nacogdoches emergency room by private vehicle with minor injuries. Assisting Officer Metcalf at the scene were the Timpson Volunteer Fire Department and the Shelby County Sheriff's Department.
No citations were issued.

July 15, 2016 - Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the governing body of the above named City will be held on the 19th day of July, 2016 at 5:30 pm. at the City Hall, 456 Jacob Street, Timpson, Texas, at which time the following subjects will be considered, to-wit:
1. Call to Order:
2. Invocation:
3. Pledge: United States Pledge, Texas Pledge
4. Chamber of Commerce: Chamber of Commerce, presented by Paul Smith. Thanks to everyone who made Frontier Days 2016 a huge success.
5. Council Items: Reports by the members of the City Council on matters not on the agenda will be made at this time. A total, not to exceed 10 minutes will be devoted to these reports.
6. Presentations & Recognition: Charlotte Broadway will be celebrating a birthday on August 12th.
7. Citizens Input: This time is provided for members of the public to address the City Council on items that appear within the Consent and Action Items or a matter not listed on the agenda. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes. A Citizens Input Form may be filled out and filed with the City Secretary prior to the meeting.
8. Department Reports:
A. Public Works Report: Larry Burns
B. Police Department Report: Kent Graham
C. Municipal Court Report: For the month of June 2016, there were 30 citations issued, 35 violations, 3 to juveniles and 2 to minors. Total amount reported $12,568.81 the City’s portion a 55% estimate of $6,912.85.
D. City Secretary: Leslie Leathers reporting that the annual Back to School Event will be on August 11th from 4:30-7:00 pm at the Community Building in SoSo Park. Kids (accompanied by an adult) will receive a backpack and school supplies. If you would like to donate any supplies please contact Leslie at City Hall.
On August 6th there will be a trash dumpster on RR Ave beside City Hall. It will be available from 7am until it reaches capacity, so come early. There will also be a recycle dumpster from August 6-12th located by the gazebo on the square.
9. Consent Agenda: Items included under the Consent Agenda require little or no Deliberation by the Council. Approval of the Consent Agenda authorizes the City Secretary to proceed with the conclusion of each item as reflected in the Minutes of this meeting.
A. Consider approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on June 21st, 2016
B. Consider approval of the minutes of the special meeting held on July 5th, 2016
C. Consider approval of the EDC minutes of the regular meeting held on July 5th, 2016
D. Consider approval of Financial Statement for the month of June, 2016
E. Consider approval of Accounts Payable – Unpaid bills for June, 2016
F. Consider approval of the TVFD officers/members to purchase a truck for the purpose of fighting brush/grass fires from San Augustine Motors based on their bids submitted as required. Copy of bids on file at City Hall and TVFD. Purchase price will be paid in full from TVFD funds. (The purchase of a new truck was approved by Council at the July 5th Special Meeting.)
Regular Agenda Items (10 –13)
10. Discuss and possibly take action: Set a date to adopt the preliminary Budget for Water/Sewer and Electric Departments for 2016-2017. (Deadline for the proposed budgets must be filed with the Municipal Clerk, Leslie Leathers at least 30 days PRIOR to adopting the City Tax Rate and 2016-17 Final Budget and 15 days PRIOR to the Public Hearing on City Budget.)
11. Discuss and possibly take action: Resolution of Authority to add City Secretary, Leslie Leathers to the Volunteer Fire Department Accounts (VFD Now 4636114 and Checking 463221) at Austin Bank.
12. Discuss and possibly take action: Consider/approve going through procurement for administrative services for the FY 2017-2018 CDBG cycle and set a rating committee.
13. Adjourn:
July 15, 2016 - The President of the United States has issued a proclamation ordering the flag of the United States to be displayed at half-staff from now until sunset on July 19, 2016. Remember to lower all flags that are being flown with the US Flag as no flag should be higher. Flags that cannot be lowered can have a black cord or ribbon tied to the top of the staff to show respect.
Read the proclamation at https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/07/15/presidential-proclamation-honoring-victims-attack-nice-france










