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January 8, 2025 - Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on Texas’ ongoing response to severe winter weather impacting large portions of the state following a briefing with state officials at the State Operations Center in Austin. Texans across the state should prepare for below freezing temperatures, rain, sleet, freezing rain, and snow through the next few days.
“The lives of our fellow Texans are by far the most important priority,” said Governor Abbott. “We are dealing with very cold and below-freezing temperatures that will remain in place across much of the state, especially in the northern half of Texas. Texans are encouraged to call 2-1-1 or visit tdem.texas.gov/warm and monitor local media outlets for their closest warming center. To help Texans stay safe and warm, I deployed emergency response resources from more than a dozen agencies across the state of Texas. I urge Texans to be careful and cautious to protect yourself and your life while driving on the road in these conditions. I want to thank all the emergency first responders who are engaged at the state and local levels. Their role and service are more critical now than almost any other time as we work to protect our fellow Texans.”
Watch the Governor's full press conference here.
Governor Abbott was joined at the press conference by Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Transportation Deputy Executive Director Brian Barth, Electric Reliability Council of Texas CEO Pablo Vegas, and Public Utility Commission Chair Thomas Gleeson.
During the live update, the Governor noted that freezing temperatures, rain, sleet, freezing rain, and snow will begin to push into West Texas and continue to spread eastward, impacting West, Central, North, and Northeast Texas through Friday. The Governor urged Texans to avoid traveling on roadways due to snow and ice accumulations that may impact the state, especially across North and Northeast Texas and West Texas through the Big Country, Concho Valley, and the Northern Hill Country. Governor Abbott also advised Texans to have contact information for their local power provider in the event of any localized power outages. Additionally, Governor Abbott encouraged Texans to remain weather-aware, avoid going outside in freezing temperatures, and utilize one of the more than 300 warming centers across the state to help stay warm.
Yesterday, Governor Abbott directed TDEM to increase the readiness level of the Texas State Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response). The Governor also directed TDEM earlier this week to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe winter weather.
The State of Texas has over 3,400 state personnel, over 1,860 vehicles and equipment assets deployed, and over 21 state agencies responding to this winter weather across Texas.
Texans are encouraged to visit the TDEM Disaster Portal for winter weather information. Texans can also locate winter weather safety tips by visiting TexasReady.gov, find warming centers opened and operated by local officials at tdem.texas.gov/warm, and check road conditions at DriveTexas.org.
Boil Water Notice Rescinded Effective January 3
January 6, 2025 - On December 25, 2024, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Choice public water system, 2100005 to Issue a Boll Water Notice to inform customers, Individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that Indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of January 3, 2025.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact, Matt Di Verdi 936-591-4346.
December 28, 2024 - Due to a loss of pressure from a broken main, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Choice Water system, ID# 2100005 to notify All customers that were without water December 25, 2024 to boil their water, prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Matt Di Verdi 936-591-4346
January 5, 2025 - Tornado Watch 1 is in effect until 6pm CST for the following locations.
Texas counties included are: Angelina, Cherokee, Hardin, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Liberty, Marion, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Panola, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler and Walker.
January 2, 2025 - The Weather Forecast Office, Shreveport, Louisiana issued January 2, 2025 a severe weather threat this weekend with a storm system that may bring the threat of strong to severe storms across part of the Four State Region.
The severe weather outlook for Sunday, January 5:
- There is a chance (15%) of Severe Thunderstorms Sunday afternoon, leading into the late afternoon and evening.
- Given that this is a forecast four days in advance, there still remains some uncertainty on specifics. Stay tuned for future forecast updates.
Still In Question:
- Specific Timing of Storms, and Intensity
- Exact Rain Amounts
Stay tuned for the latest through the weekend! Be sure to monitor the forecast through the end of the week and into the weekend for updates and adjustments.
January 2, 2025 – Crews are scheduled to begin pre-treatment on area roads and bridges throughout the Lufkin District at 7 am Friday morning, ahead of weekend rainfall that could freeze on the roads Sunday night.
A brine treatment will be applied to overpasses, major structures and bridges, and major roadways through the district that will discourage any precipitation from freezing and sticking to the pavement. Crews will continue to pre-treat with brine on Saturday, if needed. Crews will also begin monitoring major roadways and bridges at 7 pm Sunday night and re-apply brine as needed.
Motorists are urged to reduce speed near this moving work zone as the brine treatment is applied.
“We will begin treatment as a precaution to protect motorists ahead of the rain predicted on Sunday and ahead of the freezing temperatures predicted Sunday night into Monday morning,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “We advise motorists to be extra cautious and alert Monday morning. Watch for icy patches and reduce speed, especially on rural roadways.”
The Lufkin District will continue to monitor the National Weather Service for updates and potential winter weather conditions throughout the nine-county district. Safety of the traveling public is priority and crews will continue to work to prepare and respond to any predicted winter weather conditions.
January 2, 2025 - A swearing in ceremony of county officials was held at the Shelby County courthouse on January 2, 2025, in the 2nd floor courtroom.
Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison first administered oaths of office to John Price, County Attorney; and Debora Riley, Tax Assessor/Collector.
After they each took their oaths Karren Price, 123rd Judicial District Attorney; and LeAnn K. Rafferty, 123rd Judicial District Judge; each administered oaths of office to one another.
The audience of the event applauded all who were newly sworn in.
January 2, 2024 - The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department responded to the first structure fire of the year at residential address in the city limits on U.S. Highway 84E t approximately 5:45am on January 2. The fire occurred in a small portable building located behind a primary residence.
Upon arrival at the scene with Engine 1 and Service 1, firefighters confirmed that all occupants of the main residence and surrounding area were safely evacuated. The portable building was already fully engulfed in flames, and the structure had collapsed to the ground due to the rapid spread of the fire.
Firefighters immediately worked to extinguish the blaze, containing it to the portable structure and preventing it from spreading to the nearby home or other properties. Despite the swift and effective response, the building was a total loss.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported during the incident.
We are grateful that no one was harmed during this fire, and we appreciate the cooperation of the occupants and neighbors in ensuring their safety. Our team responded quickly and worked diligently to control the situation.
The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department reminds the community to prioritize fire safety, especially during the winter months when fire risks can increase. Residents are encouraged to check smoke alarms, maintain heating equipment, be cautious when using space heaters, and ensure fire extinguishers are accessible.
January 1, 2025 - (Photo Album) - Just after midnight, January 1, 2025, Shelby County Sheriff Gerald Corbell was sworn into office along with his deputies.
Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison administered the oath of office to the sheriff and Sheriff Corbell subsequently administered oaths of office to his Chief Deputy Mike Hanson, his investigators and deputies.
Other county officials were also sworn in by Judge Harbison including Dee Dee Green, Justice of the Peace Precinct 4; Zack Warr, Constable Precinct 1; Jamie Hagler, Constable Precinct 2; Roy Cheatwood, Constable Precinct 3; and Josh Tipton, Constable Precinct 5; Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1; and Stevie Smith, Commissioner Precinct 3.
Another swearing in ceremony for officials not yet sworn in is scheduled to be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 in the Shelby County Courthouse at 9am.
December 31, 2024 - The Shelby County Sheriff's Department reported responding to a disturbance at Williams Landing Sunday, August 11, 2024, on County Road 3490 in the Joaquin area regarding a criminal mischief incident. The report from the Sheriff's Department indicated deputies found that there was an issue between numerous individuals on the property and Shelby County Constable Precinct 3 Roy Cheatwood.
The Sheriff's Department also noted a lawsuit between the Williams family and Constable Cheatwood involving a dispute over land. According to the Sheriff's Department, there were numerous allegations made of criminal conduct against the Williams family members over tampering with a water well, and allegations of Official oppression on Constable Cheatwood.
With such allegations involving an elected official, the Sheriff's Department referred the case to the Texas Rangers to conduct an investigation.
In early September, four individuals were arrested as the result of an investigation conducted by the Texas Rangers, and those arrested include Gabriel Lamar Williams, 48, for two charges of criminal mischief, misdemeanor a; and one charge of evading arrest, state jail felony; Pamela Stotts Barnes, 63, criminal mischief, misdemeanor a; Levarie Stotts Cloudy, 67, criminal mischief, misdemeanor a; and Rosalind Lee Stotts, 65, criminal mischief, misdemeanor a.
The affidavit was initially sealed via a motion made by District Attorney Karren Price and was unavailable to the public.
After the release of the affidavit, the following information was revealed. Ranger James Hicks was requested by the Shelby County Sheriff's Department to investigate incidents occurring on August 12, 2024, at Well #2 located off CR 3490 in Joaquin. This was due to owners of land turning off water supply to several residents and camps in the community of Williams’ Landing, and a dispute between the individuals and Constable Roy Cheatwood.
In the affidavit, Ranger Hicks stated he believed that Gabriel Williams, Pamela Barnes, Levarie Cloudy and Rosalind Stotts, who are part owners of Williams Landing, were aware that the well identified as Well #2 serves multiple residences and camps. They planned among each other and encouraged and assisted each other in turning Well #2 off, which, they were aware interrupted service and denied water to residents. It also stated he believed the facts show Gabriel Williams operated a motor vehicle when he evaded arrest or detention by Constable Roy Cheatwood.
According to information in the affidavit, Barnes, Stotts, Williams and Cloudy initially shut down the well on August 9, 2024, placed a door on the well house and locked it as they left a note on the well house stating, “Due to undetermined leak, this well is off until further notice, signed by Pamela Barnes, dated 08-09-2024.”
Ranger Hicks reviewed in-car cameras and body cam and dash cam footage from Shelby County Sheriff Deputies, as well as Constable Cheatwood, and according to the affidavit he interviewed residents, campers, and those accused as a result of his investigation.
Ranger Hicks interviewed Williams and Stotts who gave corroborating statements that they were at the well site with Barnes and Cloudy on August 10, 2024. While Williams had been there on August 9, with Cloudy and Barnes, and only Williams was there on August 11, 2024. According to the affidavit, Williams, Barnes and Cloudy decided to turn off the well on August 9.
Ranger Hicks reported in the affidavit having viewed a Facebook post under Pamela Barnes’ profile which stated “Gabriel had to run from Cheatwood who was in his county vehicle.” The post had a photo from a Moultree mobile camera and was time date stamped August 11, 2024. Hicks was informed there were cameras at the entrance of Williams Landing. According to the affidavit, Ranger Hicks viewed another deputy dash camera video in which Gabriel Williams tells the deputy that he ran from Constable Cheatwood to avoid being arrested by him. Williams also stated he was responsible for the well and was going to turn off the electricity. Also identified in that video were Pamela Barnes, Rosalind Stotts, and Levarie Cloudy.
According to the affidavit, when Ranger Hicks spoke with Rosalind Stotts, she told him that on August 10, 2024, Barnes, Williams, Cloudy and herself were at the well which she identified as Well #2. Stotts stated Cheatwood had cut their lock and turned the well back on, she said that Williams disabled the pump by removing a part before he placed another lock on the well. Stotts was informed on August 11, 2024 Williams and Cheatwood had an altercation at the well.
The affidavit indicates Roy Cheatwood, who identified himself as an owner of 10 acres of undivided interest in the Williams Landing estate, and others at the property cut the lock on the well house, repaired a leak and turned the well back on. Williams returned to the well on August 10, 2024 at around 5pm and, according to the affidavit, upon discovering the well had been turned back on he contacted Barnes, Stotts and Cloudy. They all then decided to turn the well off once again and disable it, so it couldn't be turned back on. After disabling the well, they put a lock on the well once again and left.
Cheatwood was called back to the well on the morning of August 11, 2024, and according to the affidavit it was discovered the well had been damaged including the pump points, starter mechanism and wiring which had been torn up. A pipe outside the well house had also been dug up and broken outside the well house. Cheatwood cut off the new lock and repaired the well with two other residents, one of which was an electrician, and they turned the well back on. They also discovered, behind a dilapidated mobile home, a faucet was in the on position allowing water to run, they turned it off and the well was stabilized.
Mid-afternoon on Sunday, August 11, 2024, Williams returned to Well #2 and, according to the affidavit, stated that he observed Constable Roy Cheatwood in his constable pickup truck. Williams saw Cheatwood turn on his lights, but believed that if Constable Cheatwood had a legal reason to stop him, then Cheatwood would not have sat and watched him for so long. The affidavit further states Williams admitted to eluding Cheatwood and fleeing from the Williams Landing area.
Due in part to the official capacity of Roy Cheatwood as a constable, the Texas Rangers were contacted to investigate the circumstances at Williams Landing. The resulting arrest of the four individuals, and the content of the affidavit do not suggest any wrongdoing on Constable Cheatwood's part relating to the issue with the well.
There remains a civil action between Cheatwood and the descendants of the original owners of Williams Landing involving ownership.
December 31, 2024 - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Sandhills PWS, 2100013, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees on 12-27-2024 that due to a line break by a phone company which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of 12-31-2024.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Alison Rhone at 936-332-4439.
December 28, 2024 - Due to a broken water line the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Sandhills public water system to notify All Sandhills Customers. to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Alison Rhone at 936-332-4439.
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