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February 18, 2016 - Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Shelby County Sheriff's Department received a call regarding a shooting incident that had occurred on FM 3172 in the Huxley area. The victim identified as an Anthony Salas and a Leslie Workman were located traveling West bound on FM 417E in a Ford Explorer SUV with notable damage to the vehicle. Salas was observed to have sustained a gunshot wound to the left arm and Workman sustained injury from the shattering of the window glass.
During the course of the investigation, it was found that a confrontation occurred on FM 3172 in which a Jeep Wrangler Sahara operated by a William Stutts and the Ford Explorer SUV operated by Anthony Salas had made contact and Stutts fired two shots from a .22 caliber rifle into Salas' drivers side area in which one bullet hit Salas. It was also discovered that an Andrea Chadwick was an involved party to this incident.
Stutts was arrested and charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Felony 2 and was booked into the Shelby County Sheriff's Department jail. Stutts was arraigned on Thursday, February 18th by Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Maxie Eaves with total bond set at $16,000.
This case is actively being investigated by Shelby County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Investigator DJ Dickerson and Investigator Kevin W. Windham.
February 18, 2016 - According to an affidavit filed in the Shelby County 123rd Judicial District Court by Shelby County Attorney Gary Rholes, the four-year-old male sibling of a two-year-old female child who perished in a house fire in the Lone Cedar Community on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 is being taken into the custody of Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).
DFPS was contacted by Shelby County Sheriff's Investigator Chad Brown who informed that the father Jesse Dwayne Whitteck had admitted using methamphetamine and also stated there was evidence the mother Raven Whitteck used methamphetamine. DFPS was informed the name of the deceased child to be Roselynn Whitteck, and that she was being transported for autopsy.
Upon arrival at the hospital, DFPS was informed examination of the four-year-old child by the hospital had been refused by his father. At the time DFPS was at the hospital, Raven Whitteck was unconscious and intubated. She was transported to UTMB Burn Unit in Galveston for burns on her hands and possible internal damage.
DFPS spoke with Jesse Whitteck at the hospital and according to the affidavit stated he was not at home at the time the fire started; however, he arrived when it was still burning. He admitted he and Raven Whitteck used methamphetamine, and later admitted to medical personnel they both used methamphetamines on the morning of the fire.
The affidavit states Jesse Whitteck has a past conviction from 2007 of possession of marijuana. Based on the admitted drug abuse, refusal to allow the four-year-old child to be examined at the emergency room, and the unknown circumstances of the fire including the two-year-old siblings death, it was determined the Department had exigent circumstances to take custody of the child immediately. Due to the circumstances of the child's death which are still not completely known and the parents' abuse of methamphetamine, the Department believes that it is in the best interest of the child to be taken into the Temporary Managing Conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in order to assure his safety and well-being.
Further information on this case will be provided on Shelby County Today as it develops.
February 17, 2016 - A house fire ended in tragedy Wednesday, February 17, 2016 when a two-year-old perished in it.
The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department along with the DeSoto Parish Fire Department were dispatched at 12:40pm to a mobile home fire on FM 3082 less than 1 mile from SH 7 West in the Lone Cedar Community.
According to a press release from the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department, units arrived to find a mobile home fully involved with fire, and learned that a two-year old girl was still inside. The child's mother and a five-year old boy were home at the time of the fire and were able to escape. Due to the rapidly moving fire, efforts to rescue the child were unsuccessful.
The mother was transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center -Center Emergency Department and later life flighted to the Texas Burn Center at UTMB in Galveston. The extent of her injuries are unknown at this time.
An inquest of the two-year old who perished was performed by Justice of the Peace PCT 3 Margie Anderson. The child was taken into the care of Watson and Sons Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
Also responding to the scene was Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Shad Sparks and Investigator Chris King. The cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation by the Sheriff's Department and the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office.
The name of the family has not been released at this time.
February 16, 2016 - Shelby County and Sheriff Willis Blackwell are the target of allegations which have been made by a Shelby County Sheriff's Deputy referencing the misuse of county property and retaliation against the officer.
According to court documents filed in the Shelby County Courthouse on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, Shelby County Sheriff's Deputy Sgt. Derek Barbee, a 10-year officer with the department, is suing the sheriff and Shelby County for damages, special damages, costs of the suit and any financial relief the court may determine.
The allegations go into detail about the illegal use of detention center trusty labor to improve a private deer camp lease by Sheriff Blackwell. It is also alleged Sheriff Blackwell used other equipment in relation to this project including specifically, the Shelby County Sheriff's Department Mobile Command Center, Kawasaki Mule and its hauling trailer, a welding machine, cutting torches all belonging to the Sheriff's Department.
Use of tubing belonging to Devon Energy which, according to Deputy Barbee, was recovered during a theft case is alleged to have been used to construct a bridge on the deer lease property, Barbee also claims the pipe was previously used and was contaminated with radioactivity and/or poison. Deputy Barbee also alleges to have witnessed Sheriff Blackwell transporting trustys to and from the deer camp, located in Panola County.
Deputy Barbee states he reported this alleged misuse of taxpayer money and county jail trusty labor to Shelby County Chief Deputy Shad Sparks who stated he had a legal duty to report the information to a higher authority and contacting Texas Ranger Travis Brazil was the next step to take.
The documents continue to outline concerns Barbee had for his job safety and the possibility of retaliation due to his allegations, and referenced a meeting he had with County Judge Allison Harbison. The documents state during that conversation, Judge Harbison informed Deputy Barbee she had also been in contact with Ranger Brazil and the investigation was ongoing.
Deputy Barbee has been out on sick leave and during that time, according to the court documents he was contacted by the Shelby County Sheriff's Department and advised he was to make arrangements for the next day to "surrender" his county owned vehicle and other law enforcement equipment in his possession. The document goes on to state Barbee feels this is retaliation if not termination of his employment.
The timing of these serious allegations cannot be ignored, as they come during the election season during the race for Sheriff, as well as the filing of the case being done on the first day of early voting, Deputy Barbee also worked under the previous Sheriff's Department administration which sheriff candidate Ricky Allen also worked under. A court of law will determine if these allegations come to bear fruit.
Early Voting Extended Hours Sat, Sun
Extended office hours are from 10am until 2pm on Saturday, February 20 and from 12noon until 4pm on Sunday, February 21st.
February 16, 2016 - The Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Early voting starts Tuesday, February 16th and ends Friday, February 26th. Photo identification is currently required for voting in person.
Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted each weekday at the Shelby County Clerk's office, 124 Austin, Street, Center, Texas 75935 between the hours of 8am and 4:30pm beginning February 16th. Extended office hours are from 10am until 2pm on Saturday, February 20 and from 12noon until 4pm on Sunday, February 21st.
Applications for ballot by mail can be mailed to Jennifer L. Fountain - Shelby County Clerk, P.O. Box 1987, Center, Texas 75935. Application for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business on February 19, 2016.
To view the Republican Party ballot for each precinct: 1N-Center, 1SE-Center, 1SO-Center, 1SW-Center, 1W-Center, 2-Excelsior, 3-Sardis, 4-Huxley, 5-Joaquin, 6-Dreka, 7-Shelbyville, 8-Tenaha, 9N-Timpson, 9S-Timpson
To view the Democratic Party ballots: All precincts
To view political candidacy announcements submitted to Shelby County Today, click here.
***Announcements are on two pages, at the bottom off the pages are links to go to the second page of announcements.
February 12, 2016 - The Shelby County Commissioners approved the full-time upgrade for Veteran's Service Officer Sherry Riley during the meeting of February 8, 2016. Several veterans from the Shelby County area spoke of the quality of her work and the benefit which she has been for the veterans.
Larry Hume, VFW Post 8904 Quartermaster, was first to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting on behalf of the VFW Post members.
"We are obviously in favor of this. Sherry has worked very hard and as you said she is very meticulous in what she does and she's been helping out San Augustine County," said Hume.
He said people come up to veterans and they say, "Thank you for your service," which he says is nice, but it doesn't help veterans in need who have to deal with the VA system. He continued by describing Sherry Riley as a champion for veterans by performing her daily duties, "You've got a good veterans service officer that knows where to go and cut through some of that red tape."
Tom Trussell, a resident of Huxley, addressed the court about Riley. He stated the average time she works on a claim for a veteran is 30 hours and he said she knows what she is doing.
Another audience member, Jimmy Eddins, stated he has been with the VA for 27 years and has been associated with four different representatives during that time. "She is the best I've ever been with. I have three life lines one of them is out of the state of California, the other one out of the state of Wisconsin and the other one is out of the old Shelby County Courthouse in Center, Texas Ms. Riley."
Robert Mooney, a Center resident and business owner, spoke of his experience in receiving help from Riley. He stated he has been in contact with her since she became the Veterans Service Officer.
"I took her a whole stack of paperwork and before I fought probably 10 years back and forth with the VA and got nothing done. She took that paperwork and went in and about six months time I had it approved," said Mooney.
A motion carried to transfer Riley to a full-time employee at $11 an hour.
"Thank you veterans for coming and speaking. Like you, I'm so glad we have somebody that can take the federal government by the horns and get you your benefits that you deserve and that you need," said County Judge Allison Harbison.
A motion was carried during the meeting to approve the Interlocal Cooperation Act Contract between UTMB and Shelby County. Judge Harbison explained the contract is for situations where there are no local doctors to take care of those who qualify through indigent health care.
"They will take anybody in this contract that needs a doctor and a health place to go," said Judge Harbison.
Judge Harbison asked Gary Rholes, County Attorney, for his opinion on the contract.
"I think it's a good deal for the county and it would be a great deal of benefit to a citizen in need of some specialized health care. I think the contract is fine," said Rholes.
A motion carried to approve the contract with UTMB.
Rodgers asked if there is any help by way of transportation for people within the indigent health care category. Judge Harbison stated the county is in contact with Brazos Transport about coming to Shelby County to provide the needed transportation. She also said she has spoken with Sherry Riley who tries to get transport for individuals if they are a veteran.
A motion was carried to renew the Garza County Agriculture, Grazing and Hunting Lease, between Shelby County and Steven A. Hill for $12,000 a year for five years. Clint Porterfield, County Auditor, made the court aware for what the lease money is used.
"We actually pay about $2,000 of property taxes on that land and then the remaining, or the net amount, which last year was about $10,000 we distribute that to our schools based on the average daily attendance of the schools in our county," said Porterfield.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:01am.
Agenda items approved include: 1. Minutes of the January 11, 2016 Regular Meeting, and the January 25, 2016, Special Meeting of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court. 2. Pay monthly expenses. 3. Officers’ Reports. 4. Interlocal Cooperation Act Contract between UTMB and Shelby County. 5. Commercial Lease between Shelby County and Tri-County Community Action, Inc. at $2,000 per month. 6. Order Appointing a Voluntary Committee to Establish a Uniform Truancy Policy in Shelby County. 7. Racial Profiling Reports submitted to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement by Sheriff Willis Blackwell and Constable Billy F. Hearnsberger. 8. Renew the Garza County Agriculture, Grazing and Hunting Lease, between Shelby County and Steven A. Hill for $12,000 a year for five years. 9. Amend the Sheriff’s policy and fees regarding Honorably Retired Officers. 10. Make the Veteran’s Service Officer a full-time position and increase the hourly wage from $9.65 an hour to $11 an hour. 11. Adjournment at 10:01am. Fees collected per office for January 2016: Reported during February 8, 2016 meeting 1. Deborah Riley, Tax Assessor/Collector office: Property Division - $1,163,116.50; Motor Vehicle Division - $128,670.86 for a total of $1,291,787.36 2. Jennifer Fountain, County Clerk: $28,883.84 3. Lori Oliver, District Clerk: $9,022.20 4. Maxie Eaves, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1: $7,498.50 5. Marla Denby, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2: $1,459.40 6. Margie Anderson, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3: $5,666 7. Jenny Hicks, Justice of the Peace Precinct 4: $2,283 8. Mike Crouch, Justice of the Peace Precinct 5: $1,021 9. Zach Warr, Constable Precinct 1: $540 10. Jamie Hagler, Constable Precinct 2: $0 11. Billy Hearnsberger, Constable Precinct 3: $0 12. Bryan Gray, Constable Precinct 4: $90 13. Stanley Burgay, Constable Precinct 5: $90 Grand total: $1,348,341.30 CDs generated $18.28 for a total book value of $60,115.24 Money Market generated $353.43 total market value of $1,721,018.23 Total investments of $1,781,133.47
February 11, 2016 - Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on Feb. 8, 2016 Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sergeant Michael Griffin and reserve deputy Del Birdwell were on routine patrol in area of the new Loop 500 and FM 699 in Center. The deputies made contact with a vehicle bearing license plates and registration sticker which had been altered.
During the course of the investigation, Sergeant Griffin identified the occupants of the vehicle as David Tillotson, 47, of Joaquin and Amy Michelle Windham, 39, of Center. Due to the nervous nature of Tillotson, Sergeant Griffin asked for permission to search the vehicle and consent was given. Sergeant Griffin observed a box containing a set of digital scales in the driver’s side door, along with a cigarette box containing a homemade metal pipe and a clear plastic bag containing what appeared to be marijuana. Another cigarette box was also located that contained a clear plastic bag containing a white crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine.
Tillotson was placed under arrest for possession of marijuana (M-B) and possession of a controlled substance (F-2). Windham was found to be in possession of a glass pipe and a Tylenol bottle holding a plastic bag containing what is believed to be methamphetamine.
Windham was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance (F-3) and forgery for an outstanding warrant out of San Augustine County.
A field test produced a positive identification for methamphetamine and the total weight of the narcotics yielded 7 grams.
Assisting in the investigation were Deputy Bradley Horton and Center P.D. Officer Scott Burkhalter. Sheriff Blackwell would like thank Center P.D. for their assistance and encourages the citizens of Shelby County to continue with the tips that are being called in. Sheriff Blackwell would like to encourage anyone that suspects illegal activity to please call the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 936-598-5600.
Submitted by Leah Chase
February 11, 2016 - U.S. Highway 59 was the scene of a two crashes involving a horse Tuesday night, February 9, 2016. Timpson Volunteer Fireman Luke Shaddix was traveling on U.S. 59 directly following the two incidents and was first on scene. He contacted Timpson Fire Chief Patrick Hendricks who got firemen and Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service en-route to the scene.
The first incident which directly affected the second crash involved an 18-wheeler traveling northbound. According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Dustin Ramos, at 6:50pm a blue 2016 Freightliner pulling a box trailer driven by Willam Riddle, 46, of Ohio was traveling north when it struck a paint horse which was in the roadway with the front left of the truck. The collision sent the horse into the southbound traffic lanes.
A white 2012 Nissan Armada driven by John Bradshaw, 40, of Joaquin was traveling south on U.S. 59 when it struck the then dead horse in the roadway with its front. The Armada left the roadway to the right traveling toward railroad tracks before it hit an embankment and overturned onto its driver's side.
Riddle was not reported to have received injury as a result of the crash in which he was involved. Bradshaw and his passengers Susan Bradshaw, 40,and two female minor passengers age 14 and 7 were not reported to have been injured.
No citations were issued resulting from the two incidents and the owner of the horse was unknown at the time of the crash. The incidents remain under investigation.
Timpson VFD firemen directed traffic at the scene until all vehicles were clear and cleaned the roadway of debris from the incident.
February 11, 2016 - Timpson Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) assisted with traffic control in rainy weather at a crash which occurred at 12:31pm on US Hwy 84 west of Timpson on Saturday, February 6, 2016.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Trooper Dustin Ramos, a 2005 white Chevrolet pickup was traveling west on US 84 East, less than a mile from FM 1970, pulling a horse trailer when it slowed to a stop to make a left turn into a private driveway and was rear-ended by a 2001 tan Honda van. The driver of the van attempted to avoid the collision by steering to the right; however, the van struck the back right of the trailer with its front left causing damage to both. The collision shoved the trailer into the pickup causing damage to the pickup's back right. All vehicles came to rest in the roadway.
The pickup was driven by Bryan Hawks, 51 of Timpson and the van was driven by Larry Barrett, Jr, 26 of Timpson. A passenger in the van was Sara Barrett, age 50, who was transported to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital by ACE EMS with unknown injuries. Neither driver received injuries requiring transport by ambulance.
The Timpson VFD responded to the scene to assist with traffic control until the scene could be cleared. The pickup and trailer were able to be driven onto private property and the van was towed.
DPS State Trooper Dustin Ramos investigated the crash. Barrett, Jr. was cited for driving while license invalid and failure to control speed.
February 10, 2016 - The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department (JVFD) and DeSoto Parish Fire District 1 fought a house fire near the Joaquin city square at 10:26am on Wednesday, February 10, 2016.
According to firemen at the scene, Dennis Leggett waved down JVFD fireman Steve Cockrell and alerted him the house was on fire located behind the Texas State Bank just off the Joaquin square. Cockrell moved quickly to the JVFD and drove a tanker truck to the scene of the fire on U.S. Highway 84 at the intersection of Jackson Street.
Cockrell contacted the Shelby County Sheriff's Department to alert additional units while he and a city employee began extinguishing flames. As Joaquin firemen arrived on scene, so did DeSoto Parish firemen due to an automatic response mutual aid agreement between the two departments. Firemen from both departments entered the home and were able to put down the fire and prevent a total loss of the house owned by Travis Rodgers.
3/4 of the house received major damage from the fire. Richard Woolf, the renter of the house, was not home at the time. The cause of the fire was suspected to have been a space heater, but could not be absolutely determined at the time the firemen were on scene. The fire remains under investigation. The firemen returned to the station at 11:19am.
An automatic mutual aid agreement means when a fire department is dispatched to a structure fire, other departments within the agreement will respond to assist them without first being paged out by a dispatcher.
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