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June 17, 2023 – Early morning storms on Friday left catastrophic damage in East Texas and Northwest Louisiana including significant impacts to transmission lines, the backbone of SWEPCO’s energy delivery network. The storm included a National Weather Service confirmed EF-1 half-mile wide tornado that touched down in Panola County, Texas and crossed into Caddo Parish, Louisiana.
At its peak, close to a quarter of a million SWEPCO customers lost power after the hurricane-force winds caused significant damage to the power delivery system across its service area. As of 1:30 p.m., Saturday, approximately 53,000 customers have had power restored; an estimated 197,000 SWEPCO customers remain without power.
An additional line of severe storms is forecast for late this evening, with the potential of up to 75 mph winds.
Friday’s severe storm caused major damage to SWEPCO’s transmission system with nearly 60 Transmission and Distribution stations impacted and nearly 50 transmission lines forced out of service due to tree and structure damage caused by the extreme weather. SWEPCO’s utility poles and distribution wires serving individual homes and businesses also experienced extensive damage.
Transmission lines deliver high-voltage power over long distances from power plants to substations where the power is converted to voltages appropriate for use in homes and businesses. Damage to the transmission lines can result in significant outages.
SWEPCO has activated an all-in response and are being joined by more than 2,800 utility professionals to help rebuild its power delivery system, including crews from AEP Texas, Appalachian Power, Indiana & Michigan Power, and Kentucky Power as well as other support from Missouri and Oklahoma. SWEPCO is grateful for all the crew members who have left their families to help in this historic restoration effort.
As restoration work on the system continues, additional outages could occur until SWEPCO’s transmission system is stabilized. Customers should prepare to be without service for an extended period.
Following initial damage assessments, restoration estimates for areas impacted by the storm are below. Restoration areas and times will be updated as crews continue working to restore power.
- Natchitoches District in Louisiana – 10 p.m., Tuesday, June 20
- Texarkana District in Texas – 10 p.m., Wednesday, June 21
- Longview District in Texas – 10 p.m., Friday, June 23
- Shreveport District in Louisiana – 10 p.m., Saturday, June 24
As we get more specific information for your area, we will update this information.
Safety Reminders:
- For your safety and for the safety of our crews, please refrain from approaching them while they are working.
- Contact our customer service personnel with any questions about your service.
- Your safety and the safety of our crews are paramount. Stay away and keep children and pets at least ten feet away from downed lines. Treat all downed power lines as if they are energized and dangerous.
- You can report downed lines and other hazards to SWEPCO at 888-218-3919 or online at https://www.swepco.com/outages/report/
- Downed power lines - Never touch a downed line, or go near it, no matter how harmless it looks. The line could be energized. Call SWEPCO or 911 immediately.
- Portable generator safety – If you use a portable or RV generator, do not plug the generator into your circuit box. Portable generators can "backfeed" electricity up the line and risk the lives of repair workers and the public. Follow the manufacturers' instructions carefully and plug essential appliances directly into the generator.
About Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO)
SWEPCO, an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, serves more than 551,144 customers in Northwest and Central Louisiana, Northeast Texas and the Texas Panhandle, and Western Arkansas. SWEPCO’s headquarters are in Shreveport, La. News releases and other information about SWEPCO can be found at SWEPCO.com. Connect with us at Facebook.com/SWEPCO, Twitter.com/SWEPCOnews, Instagram.com/swepco, Youtube.com/SWEPCOtv and LinkedIn.com/company/swepco.
About American Electric Power (AEP)
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 31,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 7,100 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2045. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.
June 17, 2023 - The National Weather Service out of Shreveport, LA forecasts Shelby County will have a marginal chance for isolated thunderstorms this evening and overnight.
Another round of strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible tonight across Deep East Texas and Northcentral Louisiana along a stationary front. Damaging winds, large hail, and locally heavy rainfall will be the primary threats.
The primary weather impact today is the heat index as oppressive heat builds across the area. An excessive heat warning is in effect until 8pm this evening.
Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
- Heat and humidity combo can make it hard for your body to cool off while at work or play.
- Prepare yourself by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exposure to the heat.
- Heat index values will range from 111 to 117.
Many power outages have affected Shelby County. The City of Center power outage ended shortly before noon on Saturday which included two of the nursing homes in the area, the assisted living facility, and the Dialysis Center.
If you remain without power, precautions should be taken to protect you and yours with shade and breeze. Drink lots of fluids and if possible try to get to a location with power during the heat of the day.
Be sure to remember any pets or animals outside. Make sure they have a good supply of drinking water available.
June 16, 2023 - A Shelby County jury in the 273rd Judicial District Court with honorable Judge Jim Payne presiding has handed down sentencing Friday, June 16, 2023, for Michael Masterson following his guilty conviction on Thursday.
After hearing testimony from several individuals, including Masterson, the jury deliberated for just under an hour and returned their verdict.
Masterson was sentenced to 20 years on each of the five manslaughter charges, and on the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. The jury also imposed a $10,000 fine with each sentence.
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
Masterson was placed into custody of the Shelby County Jail pending transport to prison in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Criminal Institutions Division to serve his time.
Following the sentencing David Hogan, Joe Parks and Masterson's ex-wife Lauren Mitchell each gave victim impact statements.
“All you fathers, I know you can relate. It saddens me to the core I can't even put into words to justify what it feels like to have your only child taken from you in such a way as to neglect of being a civilized parent and responsible parent, or operating a motor vehicle at an unsafe improper manner with children in the vehicle just blows my mind,” said Hogan.
Hogan further stated, “Victoria, if you’ve never met her, she was an amazing little girl. It took two seconds for you to just lay eyes on her and when she walked up to you with that big ol’ smile and said ’Hiii’ that’s all it took.”
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
Parks stated he has had questions on what happened for three years leading up to the trial, and he’s heard rumors, while wondering what the truth really is.
“Before this trial came up, I went to my church and I asked them to sit down and pray with me because I wanted all the malice in my heart removed, and believe me son I’ve had malice towards you,” said Parks, “All I knew, is I knew that you were speeding, and I knew you were in the wrong lane, and it caused the accident.”
Parks continued, “In this courtroom I’ve seen that you lost three loved ones yourself, I understand, I want you to know that. But, I also want you to know that, when God gave you those three children and you looked down into that cradle and you catch them asleep and you see their fingers and toes, that’s a miracle, that’s something that he gave you. He gave me the same thing.”
When McKenzie Parks came into this world, Parks explained she touched his heart and took care of her little brother, who was only one year younger, better than he could.
“My wife, I want you to know that she served her church also, she played pianos for probably 30 years ... and she never went anywhere that she didn’t want to talk about the Lord,” said Parks.
All statements were directed to Masterson and Mitchell addressed much about their life together and during the resulting tragedy of the crash.
“Things that used to be so easy for me now are so hard, and I’m lonely, I’m tired,” said Mitchell.
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
She said she stayed with Masterson for an entire year until she found out more facts of the incident and she directed her statement toward his attorney, “You told me that he was going 83 mph and that I couldn’t come to see the discovery without the videos. You literally told me that I couldn’t go see and they put a summary together, that’s what I was going to go see and he said I could not go Monday and [I] went and filed for divorce.”
Mitchell went on to elaborate on the changes that have taken place, “Our life changed that day, I changed that day, I will never be the same person I was that day and that is something that you can’t seem to understand.”
She further talked about her children and the loss she has endured, “I gave you those children, those are my children Victoria, Ella and Mason are my children. You’ve taken enough from me, you’ve taken so many memories in fact.”
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June 16, 2023 - Emergency assessment and response is well underway by SWEPCO crews across the service area after powerful storms brought down trees in east Texas and into northwest Louisiana. As of 11 a.m., Friday, more than 237,000 customers were without power. Many roads were also blocked by some of the same downed trees that took down power lines.
Crews are working now to support four regional hospitals impacted by the extreme weather in Shreveport, Louisiana and Marshall and Longview, Texas to help make those facilities safe.
Described by some as a storm with hurricane-level impacts, SWEPCO has activated an all-in response. Already, we have requested mutual aid assistance with a call for an additional 185-line worker crews and forestry resources with an estimated 2,000 additional utility professionals to join in the recovery work.
Reports show the early morning storms delivered howling winds that included peak wind gusts that snapped trees and downed lines. As a result of the wide-spread damage, the restoration and recovery effort will take time and officials report that could span many days. Crews continue to assess damage to identify the extent of the severe weather impacts, equipment repairs and time needed to safely restore power.
Estimated restoration times may be shared by late Friday evening, once the full assessments are completed.
Peak wind gusts were initially reported as follows:
In addition to our crews, law enforcement and city officials have joined in support to help clear roads.
For your safety and for the efficiency of our crew efforts, please refrain from approaching our crews while they are on scene. Contact our customer service personnel with any questions.
As always, your safety and the safety of our crews is paramount. Stay away and keep children and pets away from downed lines. Treat all downed power lines as if they are energized and dangerous. You can report hazards to SWEPCO at 888-218-3919.
5:08pm Update: Power has returned at the Shelby County Today office, and although some portions of Center area have regained power, the north part of Center remains without power.
4:38pm Update: Shelby County Today has received reports of power being out all over Shelby County.
4pm Update: The power is out downtown as well.
June 16, 2023 - According to Swepco’s outage map, the northern side of the City of Center is experiencing a power outage affecting 1,035 customers. The outage was reported just after 2pm. No estimation of restoration has been given as the outage situation is still being assessed.
The outage is impacting many businesses in town if you are planning a shopping trip.
June 16, 2023 - All Panola college locations will be closed today, Friday, June 16, due to weather related issues.
Jessica Pace, Vice President of Institutional Advancement
June 15, 2023 - A Shelby County jury in the 273rd Judicial District Court with the honorable Jim Payne presiding, has found Michael Masterson guilty on June 15, 2023 on all charges presented to them following a three-day trial.
Masterson was on trial for his involvement in the deaths of five people, including his own two children, and a third in his vehicle a step-daughter who was the daughter of David Hogan, as well as injury to another individual which took place August 16, 2020.
Following three days of testimony, the jury came to a decision after just over 30 minutes of deliberation.
The verdict was read on each charge against Masterson and they included five charges of manslaughter for which the jury found Masterson guilty regarding Mason Masterson (MM), Ella Masterson (EM), Mackenzie Parks (MP), Victoria Hogan (VH), and Sandra Parks. In addition, Masterson was found guilty of the charge aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against MP and the answer on the special issue verdict form on deadly weapon from the jury was “we do.”
During closing arguments John Price, County Attorney, who was assisting Karren Price, District Attorney, in the prosecution of the case reminded jurors of the expert testimony provided by Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers who according to Price helped show beyond a reasonable doubt that Masterson was guilty of all the charges.
The first Trooper on scene that day was Keith Jones who determined unsafe speed and wrong side of roadway were the reasons for the crash.
Five members of the DPS reconstruction crew who participated in the examination of the scene later that night and Price explained they all testified Masterson was reckless in his actions which caused the crash.
Price reminded the jurors that during analysis by the troopers they were able to determine from the event data recorders (EDR) of both trucks involved what their speed had been. In the GMC driven by Mackenzie Parks the EDR showed it was traveling at 47.8 mph during the crash.
Masterson’s truck EDR recorded 78.3 mph, which was the speed the year model vehicle he was driving tapped out at; however, the vehicle's speedometer was locked at 83 mph and Price explained it was the opinion of Trooper Taylor Buster, as part of the reconstruction crew, the truck was traveling at around 80 mph. To corroborate this, Price explained that during the 5 second window of the EDR data it did indicate Masterson tapped the brakes on the truck, but there was no decrease in the speed to the vehicle. Price suggested what was even more important than the speed was Masterson’s vehicle was on the wrong side of the road as indicated by eyewitness accounts.
Sean Hightower, attorney for Masterson, argued this incident has been stated to have occurred in a matter of seconds while coming through a curve and up a hill. He said officers testified about the centrifugal force generated while traveling through a turn. Hightower stated the issue wasn’t whether it was reckless to travel at the speed Masterson was traveling with children in the vehicle, and that the subject at issue was whether Masterson was aware travel at the speed the truck was would cause the death of another.
Hightower stated the evidence proved Masterson was not aware and that was not his intent, or what he was trying to do. He continued by arguing Masterson didn’t make a conscious decision to travel through the curve and run into another vehicle.
Hightower said it was a horrific terrible accident and he encouraged the jury to go with the lesser included offense of criminally negligent homicide, because that was what the officer had originally suspected, and what Hightower said the reconstruction team later confirmed. He asked the jurors to look at all of the evidence in front of them and determine if Masterson was aware he was going to cause the deaths and injury to those involved.
Karren Price rebutted Hightower, saying it was Masterson’s actions and no one else’s which caused him to be operating the vehicle at speeds of 78 to 80 mph, and that it certainly wasn’t 55 mph.
She reminded the jurors of the testimony of the surviving passenger from Mackenzie Parks truck, her brother; and the driver who had been traveling just behind Parks who stated if it had not been the GMC it would have been her.
Price put the jurors right in the driver’s seat by asking them of their awareness when driving and if they are not aware of their actions when they depress the accelerator and what action it produces. She stated that what the jurors do after going into the juror room will forever define justice for the families.
After the jury verdicts were read, the trial went into the punishment phase and sentencing is projected to be determined Friday.
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June 15, 2023 - Flat Fork Water Supply water consumer confidence report for January 1 to December 31, 2022 is now available. Flat Fork WS provides ground water from Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer located in Center, TX, Shelby County and purchases surface water from the City of Center located in Shelby County. To view the report, click here.
June 14, 2023 - Law enforcement officials were on high alert Wednesday afternoon, June 14, 2023, following the receipt of a threat of some sort to the active Shelby County Courthouse located on San Augustine Street in Center.
Although officers were already within the building, additional units surrounded the courthouse for the protection of everyone inside.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the courthouse including Texas Department of Public Safety; Shelby County Sheriff's Department; Center Police Department; and Constables with Precinct 1,2 and 4.
The threat didn't come to fruition and the officers maintained an active vigil until the courthouse was empty for the day.
Related articles:
- DPS Investigates Multi-Fatality Crash on FM 2026 (Updated 8-18)
- Shelby County Grand Jury Delivers 110 Indictments
- Masterson Found Guilty on All Charges
June 14, 2023 - The Shelby County Appraisal District mailed appraisal notices on May 15th. Your city, county, school district and other local taxing units will use the appraisal district’s value to set your 2023 property tax rates.
Under Texas law, county appraisal districts are required to notify property owners about changes in their property’s value. The notice contains important information about the property’s location, its ownership and property tax exemptions that have been applied to the property.
Property owners who disagree with the appraised value of their property, the exemptions or any other action by the appraisal district have the right to appeal to the Shelby County Appraisal Review Board (ARB) even if they do not receive an appraisal notice. The ARB is an independent panel of citizens responsible for hearing and settling property owner protests. The notice of appraised value includes instructions on how and when to file a protest, a protest form, and the Comptroller’s Property Taxpayer Remedies of which will also be available on the appraisal district’s website. The deadline for filing a protest with the ARB is June 14th or 30 days after the day your notice was mailed.
The Comptroller’s publication, Property Taxpayer Remedies, explains in detail how to protest your property appraisal, what issues the ARB can consider and what to expect during a protest hearing. The publication also discusses the option of taking your case to district court, the State Office of Administrative Hearings or binding arbitration if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your ARB hearing.
Property Taxpayer Remedies is available on the Shelby County Appraisal District’s website at shelbycad.com or by calling (936) 598-6171. The publication is also available on the Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance Division’s website at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/.
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