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May 24, 2024 - (Update): Shelby County Sheriff Chief Deputy Chad Hooper states a garbage truck broke a line as they were leaving the Sheriff's Department this morning after emptying a dumpster.
In response, the parking lot is roped off while the mess is cleaned up. The Sheriff's Department is open, and alternative parking will have to be used until the area is clear.
A viscous substance on some streets in Center is causing drivers to have difficulty and lose traction Friday, May 24, 2024.
According to the Center Police Department, sometime before 7:40am TxDOT was contacted and are getting en-route to assist in trying to clean up the apparent spill. It's been discovered on the end of San Augustine Street where it meets Hurst Street, Nacogdoches Street and on the square. It isn't limited to just these streets and could be located on others.
Driver's are encouraged to use caution while this situation is being resolved.
May 23, 2024 - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Choice public water system, 2100005 to issue a Boil Water Notice on May 20, 2024, 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 05/22/2024.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact, Mat Di Verdi 936-591-4346.
May 20, 2024 - Due to a loss of pressure due to repairing a leak, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the CHOICE Water system, ID# 2100005 to notify customers that were without water May 20, 2024 on CR 1066 and CR 1069 (anyone without water) 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.
May 22, 2024 - (Update: 10:28pm) - Severe Thunderstorm Watch 290 remains valid until 11pm CDT this evening for the following areas.
In Arkansas this watch includes six counties in south Central Arkansas: Union
In southwest Arkansas: Columbia, Hempstead, Lafayette, Miller, Nevada
In Louisiana this watch includes 14 parishes.
In north Central Louisiana: Jackson, Lincoln, Ouachita, Union, Winn
In northwest Louisiana: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, De Soto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Webster
In Texas this watch includes 14 counties.
In northeast Texas: Angelina, Cass, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Upshur
This includes the cities of Arcadia, Atlanta, Bernice, Big Sandy, Bossier City, Bradley, Carthage, Center, Coushatta, El Dorado, Farmerville, Gibsland, Gilmer, Gilmer, Haynesville, Hemphill, Henderson, Homer, Hope, Highes Springs, Jacksonville, Jefferson, Jonesboro, Lewisville, Linden, Logansport, Longview, Lufkin, Magnolia, Mansfield, Many, Marshall, Martin, Minden, Monroe, Nacogdoches, Natchitoches, Pineland, Pleasant Hill, Prescott, Queen City, Ringgold, Rusk, Ruston, San Augustine, Shreveport, Springhill, Stamps, Stonewall, Texarkana, Tyler, Winnfield, and Zwolle.
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for, Southern Panola County in northeastern Texas, Southeastern Rusk County in northeastern Texas, Northern Nacogdoches County in eastern Texas, Northwestern Shelby County in eastern Texas until 10PM CDT.
At 918 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Trawick, or 15 miles northwest of Nacogdoches, moving northeast at 60 mph.
This is a destructive storm for parts of east Texas.
Hazard: 80 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
Impact/ Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be heavily damaged. Expect considerable damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Extensive tree damage and power outages are likely.
Locations impacted include: Nacogdoches, Carthage, Center, Tenaha, Timpson, Garrison, Minden, Trawick, Cushing, Appleby, Mount Enterprise, Gary City, James, Front, Stockman, Lawsonville, Glenfawn, Midyett, Arcadia, and Dotson.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
May 21, 2024 - Newly elected officials were sworn-in to the Joaquin City Council on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Cheryl Green, City Secretary, administered the oaths of office to Barbara Pridgen, Mary Stanley and Rusty Wilson.
The canvassing of votes were accomplished during the Tuesday, May 14, 2024, meeting. With it being his last meeting on the council, Steve Cockrell told everyone goodbye and thanked them for everything and he has enjoyed it.
May 20, 2024 - Southview Circle (U.S. 96) in Center was the scene of a two-vehicle crash that sent one driver to the hospital after one driver attempted to bypass the flow of traffic.
Officers and other emergency personnel were dispatched on May 16, 2024, to the scene in the 1500 block of Southview Circle at 3:13pm.
According to the Center Police Department, a black 2019 Chevrolet Blazer driven by Morgan Wilson, 30, of Longview was southbound when she noticed a line of cars in front of her, and without reducing speed, passed those vehicles on the improved shoulder.
At that time a grey 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck driven by Billy Fults, 61, of Joaquin was northbound and attempted to make a left turn into a private driveway.
The Blazer, which was still traveling on the shoulder, struck the truck head on and continued into the southbound ditch where it struck several mailboxes and then a culvert before spinning around and coming to rest facing north. The truck remained at the entrance to the private driveway, facing south.
Fults was transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of his injuries. Wilson refused treatment at the scene.
No citations were issued at the time of the crash.
May 20, 2024 - Newly elected council members were sworn in to the Tenaha City Council during their meeting held Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Following the canvassing and acceptance of the May 11 election results by the council members, the newly elected officials were sworn in.
Amanda Treat-Brock, City Secretary, administered oaths of office and statement of office to the newly elected aldermen Orinthia Johnson, Lee Gibbs, and Mayor O'Neal Jones.
Orinthia Johnson, Alderman
Lee Gibbs, Alderman
O'Neal Jones, Mayor
To the registered voters of the County of Shelby, Texas:
May 6, 2024 (PDF of Notice with Spanish) - Notice is hereby given that the polling places listed below will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., May 28, 2024, for voting in the runoff primary election to nominate Shelby County Sheriff and Shelby County Constable, Precinct 3.
Voting locations for Election Day will be at the following polling places:
- Precinct 1N (Center)
First Methodist Church, 211 N. Porter Street, Center, Texas 75935 - Precinct 1 S, 1 SE, 1 SW, 1 W (Center)
Center Community House, 423 San Augustine Street, Center, Texas 75935 - Precinct 2 (Excelsior)
Excelsior School, 11280 St. Hwy 7 W, Center, Texas 75935 - Precinct 5 (Joaquin)
First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 175 Faulkville Road, Joaquin, Texas 75954 - Precinct 3, 4, 6, 7 (Sardis, Huxley, Dreka, Shelbyville)
First Baptist Church – Shelbyville, Fellowship Hall, 5030 SH 87 S, Shelbyville, Texas 75973 - Precinct 8 (Tenaha)
First Methodist Church, Schiede Hall, 256 N. George Bowers Drive, Tenaha, Texas 75954 - Precinct 9 N, 9 S (Timpson)
American State Bank Annex, 830 N. 1st Street W., Timpson, Texas 75975
Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted beginning on Monday, May 20, 2024, and ending on Friday, May 24, 2024, at:
Main Early Voting Location, Center Community House, 423 San Augustine Street, Center, Texas 75935
Hours of operation will be: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Last day to register to vote is April 29, 2024.
Application for ballot by mail shall be mailed to:
Shelby County Early Voting Clerk
Nancy Adams, Elections Administrator, 200 San Augustine Street, Box 9, Center, Texas 75935
Fax: 936-598-3701
Email: nancy.adams@co.shelby.tx.us
www.co.shelby.tx.us
Application for Ballot by Mail (ABBM) and Federal Postcard Applications (FPCA) must be received no later than the close of business on May 17, 2024.
Note: If ABBM is faxed or emailed or if an FPCA is faxed; the original application must be received within 4 business days.
Issued this the 26th day of May, 2024.
May 16, 2024 - (Update: 2:43pm): The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Shelby County in eastern Texas San Augustine County in eastern Texas Northwestern Sabine County in eastern Texas until 3:15pm CDT.
At 2:30pm CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Broaddus, or 20 miles north of Ebenezer, moving northeast at 40 mph.
Hazard: 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
Source: Radar indicated.
Impact: Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
Locations impacted include Milam, San Augustine, Rosevine, Patroon, Macune, Shelbyville, Bland Lake, Neuville, Broaddus, Hurstown, Denning, Sexton, Calgary, Bronson, Jordans Store, and Chinaquapin.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
The National Weather Service, Shreveport, LA issued a special weather statement for a strong thunderstorm which will impact central Shelby County through 2:15pm.
At 1:35pm, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm just northeast of Martinsville, or 11 miles southwest of Center, moving northeast at 40 mph.
Radar indicated penny size hail with an impact of minor hail damage to vegetation possible.
Locations impacted include... Center, Tenaha, Shelbyville, Huxley, Arcadia, James, Jericho, and Paxton.
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
May 16, 2024 - Flood watch remains in effect from 1pm CDT this afternoon (Thursday, May 16) through Friday evening.
What: Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.
Where: Portions of Louisiana, including the following parishes, Bienville, Caldwell, De Soto, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Red River, Sabine and Winn and Texas, including the following counties, Angelina, Cherokee, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine and Shelby.
When: From 1pm CDT this afternoon through Friday evening.
Impacts: Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Additional Details: Showers and thunderstorms will increase and become more widespread by Thursday afternoon and continue through Friday. Rainfall totals of 2-4 inches with localized higher amounts will be possible in the Flood Watch area.
Click here for more flood safety information
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
Including the cities of San Augustine, Coushatta, Zwolle, Carthage, Clarks, Midway, Stonewall, Jonesboro, Jena, Grayson, Hemphill, Lufkin, Columbia, Center, Pleasant Hill, Many, Arcadia, Winnfield, Natchitoches, Dry Prong, Rusk, Colfax, Logansport, Martin, Mansfield, Olla, Pineland, Monroe, Henderson, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Gibsland, Ringgold, and Jacksonville
From left: Lieutenant Andrew Williams, Chief Jim Albers, Assistant Chief Ricky King, and Officer Conner Gilpatrick
May 15, 2024 - The Center Police Department held a promotions ceremony on Monday, May 13 in the training room at the police department.
Center Police Department Chief Jim Albers welcomed everyone, “We are gathered here to promote a couple of guys that’s been with my department a long time. Lieutenant Ricky King is being promoted to Assistant Chief (AC); he’s put in 20 years with this department, I think he has held every rank. He has become like my right hand man and Andrew [Williams] has become his right hand man. They have really jumped into this department’s business and grabbed ahold of it and are doing a wonderful job handling the business of this department and I appreciate it. And that’s why we are promoting them today.”
Denny King pins badge onto her husband, AC Ricky King
Pinning on the badge for Assistant Chief King was his wife Denny King.
Next, AC King then spoke about his history with Sergeant Williams, “I get the honor of presenting to you today a tenure officer who luckily I can also call a close friend. We actually have an extensive history - I sat on the board that hired him in 2015. I voted to add him to this family.” He continued, “I was his first line supervisor, I can honestly say we did work in the trenches together. I recommended him to promote to detective where I also got to supervise him for a little while and I recommended him for patrol sergeant. In every role that we threw at him, he has exceeded and impressed. Nine years and some change later and a few gray hairs… I am privileged to introduce to you the youngest lieutenant in Center PD history, Andrew Williams.” AC King then pinned the Lt. badge onto Williams' uniform.
AC King pins badge for Lt. Williams
“Conner [Gilpatrick] was our fourth cadet that we’ve put through the program,” explained Lt. Williams. “Conner came to us and we put him through the program. He successfully passed the Police Academy and won the P.T. award. I think you are going to do great things here bud and I’m real privileged to have you on board with us."
Lt. Williams then pinned on Officer Gilpatrick's first badge as a new patrol officer.
Lt. Williams pins on badge for Officer Gilpatrick
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