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September 25, 2023 - The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southwestern Panola County in northeastern Texas, Southeastern Rusk County in northeastern Texas, Nacogdoches County in eastern Texas, Western Shelby County in eastern Texas, Angelina County in eastern Texas, Northwestern San Augustine County in eastern Texas, Southeastern Cherokee County in northeastern Texas until 12:45am CDT.
At 11:56 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 6 miles northwest of Pinehill to 7 miles north of Nacogdoches to near Kennard, moving east 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 Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Henderson, Center, Diboll, Hudson, Huntington, San Augustine, Tenaha, Timpson, Garrison, Wells, Melrose, Pinehill, Martinsville, Bland Lake, Neuville, Trawick, Woden, and Pollok.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
September 20, 2023 - Kraft Heinz is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 83,800 cases of individually-wrapped Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices that were shipped to a limited number of customers.
The voluntary recall comes as a precaution after a temporary issue developed on one of our wrapping machines, making it possible that a thin strip of the individual film may remain on the slice after the wrapper has been removed. If the film sticks to the slice and is not removed, it could be unpleasant and potentially cause a gagging or choking hazard.
Only Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices with the case/package information below are affected. No other varieties or sizes are included in the recall.
The issue was discovered after we received several consumer complaints about finding the plastic stuck to a slice, including six complaints of consumers saying they choked or gagged in connection with the issue. No injuries or serious health issues have been reported.
Kraft Heinz has fixed the machine that wrapped the affected slices and all other processing machines have been thoroughly inspected.
Consumers who purchased these items should not consume them and can return them to the store where it was purchased for an exchange or refund. Consumers can contact Kraft Heinz from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday, at 1-800-280-8252 to see if a product is part of the recall and to receive reimbursement.
Kraft Heinz is committed to upholding the highest safety and quality standards and apologizes for this inconvenience.
Products included in the recall include 16 oz. Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with an individual package UPC of 0 2100061526 1 and a “Best When Used By” date of 10 JAN 24 through 27 JAN 24. Individual packages in this recall will contain an S and 72 in the Manufacturing code.
Also included in the recall are 3 lb. multipacks of Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with a carton UPC of 0 2100060491 3 and a “Best When Used By” of 09 JAN 2024 through 13 JAN 2024 and 16 JAN 2024.
September 18, 2023 - Emergency responders were dispatched to a crash incident on U.S. Highway 84 (Haslam Strip) involving two truck tractors on Sunday, September 17, 2023.
Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and Roy Cheatwood, Constable Precinct 3, all responded to the location of the crash. Lonestar Hazmat Response was called to the location due to a spill that resulted from the crash incident.
When personnel arrived, one 18-wheeler remained in the outside westbound traffic lane and the other involved was turned on its passenger side.
According to information from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Troopers investigated a crash involving two commercial motor vehicles on US Highway 84 in Joaquin, that occurred Sunday, September 17, 2023.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 5:20 p.m., a 2019 Kenworth truck tractor semi-trailer driven by John Gay, 47, of Carthage was traveling west, followed by a 2012 Freightliner truck tractor semi-trailer driven by Lamarcus Lewis, 41, of Henderson. It is reported that the driver of the Freightliner failed to control his speed and struck the Kenworth’s trailer when it slowed to make a right turn into a driveway, which caused the Freightliner truck tractor semi-trailer to overturn into the ditch.
Gay was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Lewis was transported to LSU- Shreveport for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Lewis was cited for failing to control his speed.
DPS reports there is no additional information available.
September 18, 2023 - County Road 1548 was the scene of a single-vehicle crash during the early morning hours of September 17, 2023.
West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department personnel responded to the scene to assist those involved in the incident, and the crash was investigated by Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Taylor Buster.
According to information from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Troopers investigated the single-vehicle crash on County Road 1548, near County Road 1520.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 2:25am, a 2016 Toyota Tacoma pickup driven by Gaije Raines, 27, of Tenaha was traveling west. It is reported that the pickup exited the roadway to the left, struck a utility pole and overturned.
Raines was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. His passenger, Michael Owens, 26, was not injured.
This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
September 15, 2023 - On September 13, 2023 the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required Flat Fork Water Supply Corporation (PWS# 2100007) to issue a Boil 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 September 15, 2023.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Gayle Warr at 936-591-5502.
September 13, 2023 - Due to a leak in a main water line, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required Flat Fork Water Supply Corporation (PWS#2100007) to notify customers south of Loop 500 and east of US Highway 96 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 Gayle Warr at 936-591-5502.
September 15, 2023 - County Road 2033 will be closed Monday, September 18 from 8am to 3pm for maintenance.
September 14, 2023 - A Shelby County Grand Jury handed down 27 indictments on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. The grand jury was impaneled for the July 2023 term of the 123rd/273rd Judicial District Courts.
Justin Goodman was indicted for deadly conduct discharge firearm, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on October 13, 2022, Goodman discharged a firearm at or in the direction of a habitation of Franklin Lee Goodman, with reckless disregard as to whether said habitation was occupied.
Joanna Michell Williams was indicted for assault on a public servant, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on December 1, 2022, Williams had intent to assault, harass, or alarm, cause Center Police Officer J. Payne, a person Williams knew to be a public servant, to contact the saliva of Williams. It's further alleged, this was done on account of Officer Payne exercising official power or performance of an official duty, to-wit: spitting in the direction of his face and it landed on his face.
Justin Wayne Evans was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on June 14, 2023, Evans threatened Cheria Daniels with imminent bodily injury by using and exhibiting a deadly weapon, namely a knife. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Min Gyee was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on August 8, 2023, Gyee used or exhibited a knife, a deadly weapon, and did then and there intentionally and knowingly threatened imminent bodily injury to Row Py by running after and shouting at Py with a knife in his hand. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Min Gyee was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on August 8, 2023, Gyee used or exhibited a knife, a deadly weapon, and did then and there intentionally and knowingly threatened imminent bodily injury to Myaw Paw by running after and shouting at Paw with a knife in his hand. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Shya Nekisa Stansberry-McDaniel was indicted for aggravated assault with deadly weapon, second degree felony. the indictment alleges, on August 25, 2021, Stansberry-McDaniel caused bodily injury to Eric Gardner by stabbing him in the upper stomach and in the commission of the offense used a knife, a deadly weapon, in a manner so that its use was capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Brent Howard Denby was indicted for burglary of a building, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on May 30, 2023, Denby entered a building or portion of a building without the consent of Brian Harkness, the owner, and attempted to commit or committed theft. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Jose Soto was indicted for theft of property, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on August 3, 2022, Soto took a grey 14-foot dual axle 2000 W-W trailer of the value of $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 from Larry Warren, the owner, without the consent of Warren and with intent to deprive him of the property. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Michael Keith Mize was indicted for engaging in organized criminal activity, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 14, 2022, Mize had intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination, the combination consisting of Mize and an adult male known as "Maestro," otherwise unknown to the grand jury and an adult female unknown to the grand jury possibly named "Brenda Fayerene Smith," who collaborated in carrying on the hereinafter described criminal activity. The activity described was conspiracy to commit the offense of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance by agreeing with each other that they would engage in conduct that constituted the offense. Mize and "Maestro" and "Brenda Fayerene Smith," performed and overt act in pursuance of the agreement, namely manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Bethany Ann Jutson was indicted for criminal mischief >=$2,500<$30,000, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on August 22, 2022, Jutson damaged or destroyed an electric meter device by wiring around an electric meter. The indictment further alleges this was without the consent of Deep East Texas Electric Co-operative, the owner, and thereby caused pecuniary loss of less than $30,000 to the owner, and Jutson caused to be diverted public power supply by wiring around an electrical meter to supply power to a residence to avoid payments. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Thomas Glenn Braxton was indicted for burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on June 2, 2023, Braxton entered a habitation without the consent of Andrew or Deborah Lindsey, the owners, and attempted to commit or committed theft of various alcoholic beverages owned by Andrew and Deborah Lindsey. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Danny Matthew Wright was indicted for exploitation of a child, elderly individual or a disabled individual, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 10, 2023, Wright caused the exploitation off Carolyn Flournoy, an elderly person, by the illegal or improper use of the resources of the elderly person by using heavy equipment for personal use outside of the job for Carolyn Flournoy. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Danny Matthew Wright was indicted for theft cattle/horse/exotic livestock <$150K, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 10, 2023, Wright took cattle of the aggregate vale of less than $150,000, stolen during a single transaction from Carolyn Flournoy, the owner, without consent of Flournoy namely by deception, and with intent to deprive Flournoy of the property.
Charles Allen Robinson Jr. was indicted for theft of property >=$30K<$150K, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on September 13, 2021, Robinson too U.S. Currency of the value of $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 from Padernales Cattle Co. LLC, the owner, without the consent of the owner by deception, and with intent to deprive the owner of the property.
Charles Allen Robinson Jr. was indicted for theft cattle/horse/exotic livestock <$150K, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on September 17, 2021, Robinson took cattle of the aggregate vale of less than $150,000, stolen during a single transaction from Padernales Cattle Co. LLC, the owner, without consent of Padernales Cattle Co. LLC without consent of Padernales Cattle Co. LLC.
Brent Howard Denby was indicted for theft of property >=$2,500<$30K, sate jail felony. The indictment alleges, on June 2, 2023, Denby took a toolbox with misc. tools, 60-inch and 40-inch pipe wrench, box of impact gloves, two chains, and three air packs of the value of $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 from Key Energy, Canon Safety RHI Group, and Revenir Energy, the owner, without the consent of the owner, an with intent to deprive the owner of the property.
Nickolas Shane Matthews was indicted for unlawful possession of firearm by felon, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on July 2, 2023, having previously been convicted of the felony offense of production, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute a schedule II CDS on February 28, 2022, Matthews possessed a firearm before the fifth anniversary of his release from community supervision, mandatory supervision, or parole following conviction of the felony.
Bobby Halbert was indicted for fraudulent filing of financial statement, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on May 31, 2022, Halbert had intent to defraud or harm another when he knowingly presented to the 123rd Judicial District Court Judge for filing a financial statement that Halbert knew was groundless.
(Dates in parenthesis indicate the date of the alleged incident):
- Martell Benyard Moore, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (phencyclidine), third degree felony (July 3, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Chasity Clark, manufacture or delivery of substance in penalty group 1 (methamphetamine), first degree felony. (April 18, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Michael Keith Mize, manufacture or delivery of substance in penalty group 1 (methamphetamine), second degree felony. (April 14, 2022). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Brent Howard Denby, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (June 6, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Rodney Dewayne Jackson, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (July 28, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Nickolas Shane Matthews, manufacture or delivery of substance in penalty group 1 (methamphetamine), first degree felony. (July 2, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Nickolas Shane Matthews, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (fentanyl), state jail felony (July 2, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Cornelius Charles Simmons, felony driving while intoxicated, third degree felony (July 3, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Michkayla Leeann Jackson, driving while intoxicated with a child passenger, state jail felony (March 14, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
Indictments and Information are not a conviction, and are a matter of public record. All individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
The water on N.E.W. WSC no longer requires boiling.
September 14, 2023 - On September 6, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the N.E.W. Water Supply, #2030034, to issue a Boil 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.
N.E.W. Water Supply 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. We have also provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of September 14, 2023.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office: 220 West Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas. 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp 936-201-5001.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
If a customer, individual or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512)239-4691.
September 6, 2023 - Due to a major break in the line, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the N.E.W. Water Supply Corporation PWS #2030034 to notify all customers on FM 711, CR 202, CR 203, CR 205, CR 223, Harmony, Kellyville, Fountain Town and Woodland Acres Communities to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., 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 the 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 N.E.W. Water Supply Corporation at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.
September 14, 2023 - Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative (DETEC) recently sent out a notice of rate change to its members. The rate change will become effective on November 1, 2023 billing. Click here to read the notice of rate change which contains much information regarding changes along with frequently asked questions.
A public meeting will be held at 6pm on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at the Angus Theatre, downtown San Augustine, Texas.
September 13, 2023 - The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has issued a public reprimand of former Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4, Josh Ritter, on August 2, 2023.
A meeting held on June 7-8 of the commission saw the conclusion of a review of allegations against Hon. Josh Ritter, Precinct 4 in Tenaha.
As a result, a list of findings and a conclusion were entered into the record by the commission. Judge Ritter has been a licensed attorney since 2018, and was appointed to the position of Justice of the Peace on March 30, 2022. Ethan Myers was arrested for an alleged murder rumored to have been of a satanic nature, and he was magistrated by Donna Hughes, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1. On November 17, 2022, Myers was appointed attorney Craig Fletcher to represent him.
According to the findings, Judge Ritter went to the Shelby County Jail to arraign two female inmates. While at the jail, Judge Ritter had a personal curiosity about Myers' religion due to the alleged rumors concerning Myers. As a result, Judge Ritter decided he wanted to speak to Myers.
As a Justice of the Peace for Shelby County, Judge Ritter would have been in possession of a jail roster indicating who was housed in the jail and the name of their attorney. The commission reprimand states Judge Ritter didn’t look at the jail roster previous to meeting with Myers, and could also have looked at his county cell phone which he had left in his vehicle.
The meeting between Judge Ritter and Myers on November 28, 2022, was video recorded; however, those videos do not have audio as they were taken in the processing room of the jail. According to the reprimand, Judge Ritter didn’t read Myers his Miranda Rights, and Myers didn’t waive his right to have his attorney present, or his right to remain silent. Nor did Judge Ritter ask Fletcher for permission to speak with Myers or reach out to him after their meeting. During a hearing, Judge Ritter testified under oath he continued speaking with Myers even after being informed during their conversation that Myers had representation. However, in his sworn response to the Commission's Letter of Inquiry, Judge Ritter stated he terminated the conversation with Myers immediately and refused to engage when Myers attempted to continue the conversation.
Sheriff Kevin Windham contacted District Attorney Karren Price and made her aware of a phone call between Myers and his mother in which Myers told his mother of Judge Ritter asking him questions regarding his religious affiliations. The reprimand states Myers relayed that Judge Ritter asked him if he was a member of a satanist church and if he’d ever been to church at all, and Myers told Judge Ritter he was a member of a church.
Once Price made contact with Judge Ritter, according to the reprimand, Judge Ritter confirmed the allegations were true, that he was aware Myers had an attorney, but he did not make contact with Fletcher.
Price gave Judge Ritter until 4:30pm on the day she contacted him to tender his resignation or she would file a petition for his removal from office the following day. Judge Ritter contacted Price and informed her he didn’t know what he did wrong. Price filed a petition on November 30, 2022, he was served with a citation. Judge LeAnn K. Rafferty, 123rd Judicial District Judge, signed a temporary order suspending Judge Ritter from office on December 1, 2022.
A show cause hearing was held on December 16, 2022, in Judge Rafferty’s courtroom regarding Judge Ritter’s temporary suspension and testimony of eight witnesses was heard, including that of DA Price and Judge Ritter.
During the show cause hearing, County Treasurer Ann Blackwell testified to the requirements of county officers that they must adhere to regarding county money which is required to be deposited by the county treasurer under Section 113.022 of the Local Government Code. Blackwell testified Judge Ritter did not complete his reporting on time, including some of the reporting being over 30 days late. The reprimand further states, Blackwell testified when reports were received from Judge Ritter, some were incomplete and/or incorrect.
Judge Rafftery suspended Judge Ritter from the Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 office at the conclusion of the hearing and appointed Tracy Broadway, Justice of the Peace Precinct 5, to temporarily fulfill the duties of Judge Ritter.
Judge Ritter did file a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Lufkin Division, against District Attorney Karren Price and Shelby County Attorney John Price for libel and slander and in violation of his 14th amendment rights. The case was dismissed by request of the plaintiff without prejudice on April 10, 2023.
Judge Ritter resigned from the Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 office in March 2023.
The reprimand concludes, that based upon the record before it and the factual findings recited above, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct has determined that the Honorable Joshua Ritter, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 of Tenaha, Shelby County, Texas, should be publicly reprimanded for: (1) failing to comply with the law nor maintain professional competence in the law when he questioned Myers, a defendant, without his attorney present or contacting Myer's attorney for permission to speak with Myers either before or after his conversation with Myers, and (2) failing to comply with his reporting requirements in Texas Local Government Code § 113.022 and 114.044, in violation of Canons 2A and 3B(2) of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge Ritter's failures in the foregoing respects constituted willful and/or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of his duties and that cast public discredit on the judiciary or the administration of justice, in violation of Article V, Section 1-a(6)A of the Texas Constitution.
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