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April 28, 2021 - FM 711 was the scene of a single-vehicle crash Tuesday, April 27, 2021 which resulted in major damage to the vehicle involved.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Taylor Buster, at around 10:45am a green 2016 Dodge van owned by BWNLG LLC and driven by Blake Elder, 21, of Beckville was northbound on FM 711 traveling at an unsafe speed just under eight miles from State Highway 7.
As the van entered a curve in the roadway, it traveled off the roadway and Elder overcorrected a couple times before finally leaving the roadway and flipping over.
EMS personnel arrived at the scene and Elder and his passenger Michael Watson, 26, refused treatment.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash. Elder was issued a citation for unsafe speed.
April 27, 2021 - Tenaha ISD breakfast and lunch menus for May 2021. Click each below to view the menu.
April 27, 2021 - Former Vice President Walter Mondale's funeral services are being scheduled for September. Flags at the White House and Federal Capitol have been returned to full-staff.
April 21, 2021 - Today, our Nation mourns the loss of one of our Nation’s most dedicated patriots and public servants. Walter Frederick “Fritz” Mondale served the people of Minnesota as their Attorney General from 1960-1964, as a United States Senator from 1964-1976, as Vice President of the United States from 1977-1981, and as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 1993-1996.
As a mark of respect for Walter Mondale and his life of service to our Nation, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including section 7 of title 4, United States Code, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations".
Day of interment has not yet been established.
Read the Proclamation here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/04/20/a-proclamation-on-the-death-of-walter-mondale/
All flags flying with the United States Flag should also be lowered. If you have a flag that cannot be lowered, respect can be shown by tying a black ribbon or cord to the top of the mast.
April 27, 2021 - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Sand Hills public water system, PWS 2100013, to issue a Boil Water Notice on April 22nd, 2021 to inform customers, individuals, oremployees 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 April 27th, 2021.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Stacy Cranford at 936-572-0973.
Effective April 22, 2021
April 23, 2021 - Due to a loss in system pressure, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Sandhill public water system to notify all customers from Aiken to Martinsville 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 Stacy Cranford at 936-572-0973.
April 26, 2021 - Unsafe speed is one of the main causes of crashes in work zones
Even with less traffic during the pandemic, Texas work zone fatalities increased 9-percent in 2020 compared to 2019. That’s why TxDOT is calling on drivers to make safety their number one priority at all times and especially when passing through active construction and maintenance work zones on the roadway.
National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 26–30. Last year, there were more than 22,000 traffic crashes in Texas work zones with 186 people killed, including four road workers.
In the nine-county Lufkin District in 2020, there were 171 traffic crashes in work zones, resulting in 3 fatalities and 17 serious injuries. In Lufkin, there were 11 traffic crashes in work zones, resulting in no fatalities and 1 serious injury. In Nacogdoches, there were 57 traffic crashes in work zones, resulting in no fatalities and 4 serious injuries.
“We know driving through work zones can be challenging,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “There can be extra congestion, slow-moving heavy equipment, temporary barriers, and vehicles that make sudden stops. We can’t stress enough how important it is to give driving your full attention and slow down—for your own safety and that of the people who work alongside the road.”
Drivers and their passengers account for the majority of those who have died in work zone crashes. In 2020, 147 motorists and vehicle passengers were killed in Texas work zones, along with 35 pedestrians and bicyclists and four road workers.
The Texas Mutual Insurance Company, which helps employers prevent workplace incidents and their consequences, is partnering with TxDOT to promote safe driving. The “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign outlines five key steps drivers can take to safely navigate a work zone:
- Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit and drive to conditions. Unsafe speed is one of the main causes of crashes in work zones.
- Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on the road and put your phone away.
- Watch out for road crews. The only protective gear they wear is a vest, a hardhat and safety boots. Remember, they want to get home safe, too.
- Don’t tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry if you need to. Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of work zone crashes.
- Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Count on it, and plan for it.
Traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and can cost up to $2,000. Failure to heed the Move Over/Slow Down law can also result in a $2,000 fine. State law requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching a TxDOT vehicle, emergency vehicle, law enforcement, tow truck or utility vehicle stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside.
“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.
April 26, 2021 - Several cases against a former Shelby County Jail Sergeant have been dismissed as of March 11, 2021 in the 123rd Judicial District Court with LeAnn K. Rafferty presiding.
According to court documents charges against Korey Lanier McClure, 45, of Tenaha included:
- Violation of civil right of person in custody: improper sexual activity, state jail felony
- Official oppression, misdemeanor a
- Bribery, second degree felony
- Bribery, second degree felony (second count)
- Abuse of official capacity, misdemeanor a
Regarding the motion to dismiss, court documents reference an "Agreement with Prior District Attorney," which would be former District Attorney Stephen Shires, and are signed by the current District Attorney Karren S. Price. According to D.A. Price, the dismissals had not already been done due to COVID-19 shutting down the courts back in March of 2020. Whether or not she agreed with the agreement, she felt professionally obligated to uphold the agreement between the former District Attorney Stephen Shires and Korey McClure's attorney, Clay Thomas.
The agreement read: "D.A. Stephen Shires spoke with the Sheriff and advised him that if Korey McClure would resign, no charges would be pursued. Korey McClure agreed to this offer. Due to Korey McClure's mother being in the hospital, D.A. Stephen Shires agreed to let Korey McClure use his FMLA until his sick time ran out, and he would then resign."
McClure was arrested in August 2017 and he was indicted by a grand jury on the cases against him a year later in August 2018. The agreement was made prior to the arrest and indictments.
Related articles:
April 25, 2021 - (11:42am) - All lanes of US 96 near Center in Shelby County are now clear and open for travel following an earlier crash. Drive safely.
(10:43am) - All lanes of US 96 near Center in Shelby County will remain closed for up to two hours. Motorists are urged to avoid the area as clean-up continues. Obey all traffic control and choose alternate routes.
(10:19am) - ALERT: US 96 North just outside Center in Shelby County is closed for a truck/hazmat spill. Clean up time estimated to be about two hours. Motorists should choose alternate routes. Reduce speed and obey all traffic control near the scene. Updates to follow. Visit drivetexas.org, Texas Department of Transportation (Lufkin) on Facebook or TxDOT Lufkin on Twitter for updates.
April 24, 2021 - The 2021 Grill Fest featured a new overall winner this year with Scotty Bryce. East Texas Smokers, being named Grand Champion on April 24, 2021. This was the second Grill Fest to be held at the Shelby County Expo Rodeo Arena and it was once again sanctioned by Lone Star Barbecue Society.
The East Texas Smokers earned the title of Grand Champion after taking first place in Brisket, second place in Ribs, which earned them a total of 26 points. Reserve Grand Champion Wade Anderson, Real Smoke BBQ, earned a total of 18 points and had first place in Chicken, fifth place in Brisket and 9th place in Ribs.
Overall Team Results:
Grand Champion - East Texas Smokers, head cooker Scotty Bryce
Reserve Grand - Real Smoke BBQ, head cooker Wade Anderson
3rd Place - Dun-In-Time, head cooker Nick Dunin
4th Place - BBQ Skank, head cooker Janna Smelley
5th Place - Tipsy Texans, head cooker Joshua Campbell
6th Place - Smoking Tugs, head cooker Jason Haynes
7th Place - East Texas Slab Doctors, head cooker Jeremy Snider
8th Place - Double S Smokers, head cooker Mike Seely
9th Place - Belrose Real Pit BBQ, head cooker Tim Belrose
10th Place - Farmers State Bank, head cooker Brian Dean
Chicken Division:
1st Place - Real Smoke BBQ, head cooker Wade Anderson
2nd Place - BBQ Skank, head cooker Janna Smelley
3rd Place - Dun-In-Time, head cooker Nick Dunin
4th Place - East Texas Smokers, head cooker Scotty Bryce
5th Place - Double S Smokers, head cooker Mike Seely
6th Place - Smoking Tugs, head cooker Jason Haynes
7th Place - Tipsy Texans, head cooker Joshua Campbell
8th Place - Shelby Insurance, head cooker Will Lucas
9th Place - Pigs and Cows Gone Wild, head cooker Mike Steele
10th Place - Bayou BBQ, head cooker Benji Lewis
Ribs Division:
1st Place - Dun-In-Time, head cooker Nick Dunin
2nd Place - East Texas Smokers, head cooker Scotty Bryce
3rd Place - Belrose Real Pit BBQ, head cooker Tim Belrose
4th Place - Farmers State Bank, head cooker Brian Dean
5th Place - East Texas Slab Doctors, head cooker Jeremy Snider
6th Place - Smoking Tugs, head cooker Jason Haynes
7th Place - Pigs and Cows Gone Wild, head cooker Mike Steele
8th Place - Double S Smokers, head cooker Mike Seely
9th Place - Real Smoke BBQ, head cooker Wade Anderson
10th Place - BBQ Skank, head cooker Janna Smelley
Brisket Division:
1st Place - East Texas Smokers, head cooker Scotty Bryce
2nd Place - Tipsy Texans, head cooker Joshua Campbell
3rd Place - (No Recipient Available)
4th Place - Pigs and Cows Gone Wild, head cooker Mike Steele
5th Place - Real Smoke BBQ, head cooker Wade Anderson
6th Place - East Texas Slab Doctors, head cooker Jeremy Snider
7th Place - BBQ Skank, head cooker Janna Smelley
8th Place - Thin Blue Smoke, head cooker Brandon Fulcher
9th Place - Bayou BBQ, head cooker Benji Lewis
10th Place - Shelby Insurance, head cooker Will Lucas
Beans Division:
1st Place - East Texas Smokers, head cooker Scotty Bryce
2nd Place - Pilgrim's, head cooker Thomas Holcomb
3rd Place - Shelby Savings Bank, head cooker Clay Blackshear
4th Place - Bayou BBQ, head cooker Benji Lewis
5th Place - Blowing Smoke, head cooker Adam Bradshaw
6th Place - Smoking Tugs, head cooker Jason Haynes
7th Place - Real Smoke BBQ, head cooker Wade Anderson
8th Place - Double S Smokers, head cooker Mike Seely
9th Place - East Texas Slab Doctors, head cooker Jeremy Snider
10th Place - W&W Texas BBQ, head cooker Preston Whitney
42 Tournament Results:
1st Place - Kyle and Kaylie Bush
This year's 42 tournament ended with a father daughter duo face-off between Kyle and Kaylie Bush against Shelby and Olivia Johnson.
Winning the final challenge were, and winning first place were Kyle and Kaylie Bush.
Washer Tournament Results:
1st Place - John Yarborough and Kerry West
April 24, 2021 - Haslam Strip (U.S. Highway 84) was the scene of a major two-vehicle crash Wednesday, April 21, 2021.
Emergency responders were called to the scene of the incident just under one mile from the state line.
According to Texa s Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at 6:55am a white 2019 Peterbilt truck-tractor driven by Clifford Lynn Bell, 33, of Nacogdoches was towing a trailer westbound on U.S. Highway 84 (US 84).
At that time a white 2017 Hyundai Sonata driven by Katy Elyse Blalock Loftin, 36, of Logansport, LA. was eastbound on US 84 and was in the center median preparing to turn left into a private drive. Loftin may have had impaired visibility due to the sun rising, turned when unsafe and was struck by the Peterbilt.
Loftin, an 8-year-old passenger and an infant were all transported by ambulance from the scene. She was transported to LSU Shreveport and the children were taken to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department.
April 23, 2021 - Work to mill and inlay SH 7 in Shelby County has begun and will continue through April 30, weather permitting.
Moore Brothers Construction, Lufkin, is serving as contractor for the mill and inlay project that began this week on SH 7 in Shelby County. The work will be at various locations from US 96 in Center to approximately 8.5 miles west.
Motorists traveling near the work zones on SH 7 will experience delays and lane closures during work hours. Stay alert for workers and equipment working near travel lanes. Obey all signage and traffic control.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395. Follow Lufkin District updates and alerts on Facebook at Texas Department of Transportation (Lufkin) and on Twitter at TxDOT Lufkin.
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