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December 8, 2020 - The intersection of Hurst Street and Roughrider Drive was the scene of a major two-vehicle crash Sunday, December 6, 2020 at around 9:40pm.

By chance, Center Police Officers drove up on the scene of the crash just after it occurred and began calling for additional emergency assistance.

A white 2005 Cadillac Escalade SUV driven by a 16-year-old minor passenger was disabled on the westbound side of Roughrider Drive and a green 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage passenger car driven by Guadalupe Valdez, 39, of Center remained at the intersection facing west.

Center Fire Department fire personnel responded to the crash where they utilized Jaws-of-Life to help extricate passengers from within the Mitsubishi, where an infant was involved.

Valdez; a 9-year-old front seat passenger; Maria Duran, 38; and an infant were all transported by ambulance for treatment of unknown injuries. Duran was also transported by helicopter to UT Tyler for additional treatment.

The two 16-year-old passengers of the Escalade and passenger Nigel Moore, 20, of Logansport were all transported by ambulance for treatment of unknown injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by Center Police Officer Michael Davidson assisted at the scene by Officer Maegan Wright.

December 7, 2020 - The 123rd Judicial District Court Felony Arraignment hearings scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2020, are CANCELLED. Defendants need not appear.  

Please contact the 123rd District Court Manager, Erin Johnson, erin.johnson@co.panola.tx.us or 903.693.0315 for your rescheduled court date.    

LeAnn Kay Rafferty
Presiding Judge
123rd Judicial District Court

December 7, 2020 - Sometime over the weekend two of the Center City Park concession stands were vandalized.

The new Center Soccer Complex which just opened up in October with new fields and a concession stand was one of the broken into properties. Jason Mitchell, City of Center Parks and Recreation Director, advised the break-in at the concession stand occurred sometime after 12 on Saturday and was discovered Monday morning.


The soccer field concession stand.

The Soccer concession stand metal roll up door appears to have been damaged when a golf cart located beside the building was pushed and rammed into the door to gain access. All that was taken was a container of ring pops. The damage to the door was significant.

The second location was the Girls Softball Complex where the concession stand was also broken into and vandalized. The metal roll up window cover was lifted and a small window broken to gain access. Two freezers were left open and a box of food was left on the counter and defrosted.

The Center Police Department is investigating both incidences.


The damaged metal roll up door at the soccer field concession stand.


The Center Police Department at the Softball Complex.


The small window used to gain access at the softball park concession stand.


Corner of Tenaha Street and Nacogdoches is open.

December 5, 2020 - The intersection at the RIO Theatre is open for traffic traveling from Tenaha Street and taking a right onto Nacodoches Street. Traffic can only make a right as the roadway is still blocked to the left going towards Boles Feed and the Farmers State Bank downtown drive-thru. Nacogdoches Street on the square is open to through traffic and is back to one way.


Shelbyville Street isn't open but does have parking places available.

Shelbyville Street downtown is still blocked to through traffic; however, parking spaces are availabe on Shelbyville Street. Travelers can also travel all the way around the inside of the square.

The Lighted Christmas Parade is tonight at 6pm and will travel from Malone Drive, down Tenaha Street to the square. The parade will then turn left onto the square onto Nacogdoches Street, make a left onto Austin Street, a left onto San Augustine Street and then straight onto Cora Street where the parade will disperse.

Related article: Santa's Christmas Parade Set for December 5th


Nacogdoches Street open to through traffic and is back to one way!

December 8, 2020 - The Shelby County Commissioners awarded the dispersement of $19,032.19 in capital credits to the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center (SCCAC) during their meeting held Wednesday, December 20, 2020.

Denise Merriman, SCCAC Executive Director, and Tanner Peace, SCCAC law enforcement representative, were present during the meeting to share information about the organization.

"This amount of money is something that we do not take lightly, that's crucial to be able to provide the services that we do provide," said Merriman.

According to Merriman, the Children's Advocacy was under a threat of a 5% cut of funding from the state; however, they were removed from the list being considered and were not cut this time.

"It makes me nervous, the stuff that's going on and all the money that's being needed in other places," said Merriman.

She stated Children's Advocacy Center is an essential service which needs to remain on the list of those which cannot be cut. She further expressed appreciation to the county for the continued support and uneasiness regarding state and federal funding in the future.

Merriman described how beneficial the SCCAC is for victims reporting abuse, as the alternative means they would have to go to the sheriff's department or police department which are not really child friendly environments. When a child goes to the SCCAC, they speak with forensic interviewers in a comfortable environment.

Merriman remarked how traumatic a situation it would be for the children to have to go to a sheriff's department or police department, because those facilities are designed for adults.

The SCCAC offers the assistance of a Family Advocate who helps non-offending family members to deal with a court situation all the way to the end. Free trauma based counseling is also provided to the children and family members.

Some situations can be even more complicated and require more specialized attention, as Merriman explained.

"Something Sara [Shires] and I did a training on yesterday is problematic sexual behavior, and that's for juvenile offenders that may not be actual perpetrators, they just have other issues going on," said Merriman.

A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is also on staff to provide necessary examinations at the SCCAC, should they be necessary.

"During COVID we were able to maintain all of those services, still are. We did some online couseling to just lessen the traffic of the people coming in, so the counselors do great in being able to switch gears to do that," said Merriman.

Merriman said she is proud of her staff stepping in and just doing what they have had to do.

Judge Allison Harbison and Commissioner Charles Barr stated they appreciate the work of the SCCAC.

During the November 25, 2020 meeting of the Commissioners' Court a donation of antique furniture by Attorney Randy McLeroy to the Shelby County Historical Commission was approved to be accepted by the Shelby County Historical Museum.

At the November 4, 2020 meeting, the commissioners approved carryover budget amounts for each precinct. Precinct 1 budgeted $170,430.34; Precinct 2 budgeted $153,137.74; Precinct 3 budgeted $102,073.95: and Precinct 4 budgeted $63,447.46. 

A motion carried to approve those carryover amounts. 

A motion then carried to move all cash carryovers to fixed assets.

Representatives with Sabine River Authority (SRA) were at the meeting to present a check to Shelby County.
(SRA Press Release)

SRA board members present for the presentation were Cliff Todd, Panola County; Josh McAdams, Shelby County; and Tom Bell, Sabine County. Speaking on behalf of the group was Don Iles, Toledo Bend Division Administrator.

"We sell water and Dallas is one of our largest customers, so we're selling East Texas water to the city of Dallas and their funds flow back into the basin and then the board has chosen 'let's help our communities all we can'," said Iles

The money is donated to the county to be used at its discretion with no strings attached.

Agenda items approved during the referenced meetings are as follows:

December 2, 2020 meeting:

1. Pay weekly expenses.

2. Payment of Capital Credits in the amount of $19,032.19.

3. Disperse Capital Credits for the FY 2019 in the amount of $19,032.19 to the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center.

4. Adjourn.

November 25, 2020 meeting

1. Pay weekly expenses.

2. Current Payroll.

3. Donation of antique furniture by Attorney Randy McLeroy to the Shelby County Historical Commission.

4. Apply for an membership in Sourcewell which is a national buying cooperative.

5. Adjourn.

November 18, 2020 meeting:

1. Minutes of the October 7, 2020 Special meeting, October 14, 2020 Regular meeting, October 21, 2020 Special meeting, October 26, 2020 Emergency meeting,  October 28, 2020 Special meeting, October 28, 2020 Emergency meeting of the Shelby County Commissioner’s Court.

2. Pay weekly expenses.

3. Pay current payroll.

4. Officers Report.

5. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Shelby County Judge to execute for and on behalf of Shelby County, Texas, an agreement to contribute funds to the State for proper development and construction of the state highway system.

6. Execute the Agreement to Contribute Right of Way Funds between the State of Texas acting through the Texas Department of Transportation and Shelby County regarding a bridge replacement project on FM 2261 at Woodfin Creek.

7. Commissioner Precinct 3 Motor Grader Lease / Purchase Agreement to go with a three year payout with a balloon payment of $140,000, and an interest rate of 2.35%. Payments per year of $49,031.65 with First National Bank of Wichita Falls. 

8. Shelby County District Attorney’s seeking sealed bids on a 2005 Cadillac CTS to be turned in by December 7 and opened on December 9. 

9. Adjourn.

November 4, 2020 meeting:

1. Pay weekly expenses.

2. Community Assistance Program Grant in the amount of $50,000 awarded by Sabine River Authority.

3. FY2020 Budget Line Item Transfers.

4. FY2020 Ending Cash Balance for each Road and Bridge precinct.

5. Adjust the FY2021 Budgeted Fund Carryover for each Road and Bridge precinct.

6. Adjust the FY2021 Expense Budget (per fund carryover) for each Road and Bridge precinct.

7. Adjourn.

December 2, 2020 - Shelby County Today has had reports from citizens of increased scam calls where the caller is claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The caller is stating that your social security number has been compromised in an attempt of tricking you or bullying you into giving your personal information!

The Inspector General in December 2018 warned the public about fraudulent phone calls threatening arrest or legal action. The article provided advise regarding how to handle a scammer.

Press Release

December 7, 2018 - The Acting Inspector General of Social Security, Gale Stallworth Stone, is urging citizens to remain vigilant of telephone impersonation schemes that exploit the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) reputation and authority.

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) continues to receive reports from across the country about fraudulent phone calls from people claiming to be from SSA.  Recent reports have indicated that unknown callers are using increasingly threatening language in these calls. The callers state, due to improper or illegal activity with a citizen’s Social Security number (SSN) or account, a citizen will be arrested or face other legal action if they fail to call a provided phone number to address the issue. This is a scam; citizens should not engage with these calls or provide any personal information.

SSA employees do contact citizens, generally those who have ongoing business with SSA, by telephone for customer-service purposes.  However, SSA employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information.  In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up.

“Unfortunately, scammers will try anything to mislead and harm innocent people, including scaring them into thinking that something is wrong with their Social Security account and they might be arrested,” Stone said.  “I encourage everyone to remain watchful of these schemes and to alert family members and friends of their prevalence.  We will continue to track these scams and warn citizens, so that they can stay several steps ahead of these thieves.”

The OIG recently warned that some of these impersonation calls have “spoofed” SSA’s national customer service phone number, displaying 1-800-772-1213 as the incoming number on caller ID.

The Acting Inspector General urges citizens to be extremely cautious, and to avoid providing information such as your SSN or bank account numbers to unknown persons over the phone or internet unless you are certain of who is receiving it. If you receive a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from SSA, you should report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report.

For more information, please visit https://oig.ssa.gov/scam.

December 1, 2020 - Crews will apply a brine mixture to elevated surfaces today in Nacogdoches and Shelby counties ahead of possible freezing temps and expected rain tonight.

Motorists should reduce speed and allow crews to work through these areas. Motorists should stay alert for possible icy patches on rural roads and reduce speed or avoid driving in severe winter weather conditions.

Visit drivetexas.org for a live look at statewide road conditions.

November 30, 2020 - According to the National Weather Service weather forecast, temperatures tonight will be below freezing across the Shelby County area until around 9am Tuesday morning.

  • Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas
  • Remove garden hoses from outside faucets and insulate outside faucets
  • Cover vents around the foundation of your home
  • Take care of plants and animals outside
  • Check on elderly friends and family to ensure they have proper heating sources

Space heater safety

  • Place heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn
  • Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard
  • Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip which could overheat and result in a fire
  • Do not plug any other electical devices into the same outlet as the heater
  • Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.

November 30, 2020 - On Monday, November 30th at 1:47pm, the National Weather Service, Shreveport, LA, issued a freeze warning in effect from Midnight tonight to 9am CST Tuesday, December 1, 2020.

Expect sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 degrees for portions of north central and northwest Louisiana, south central and southwest Arkansas and east and northeast Texas. (Includes Shelby County)

Expect sub-freezing temperatures from midnight tonight to 9am CST Tuesday.

Impacts are: frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions:

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

Weather Alert for the areas of Sevier, Howard, Little River, Hempstead, Nevada, Miller, Lafayette, Columbia, Union, Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Lincoln, De Soto, Red River, Bienville, Jackson, Ouachita, Sabine, Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, Caldwell, La Salle, Bowie, Franklin, Titus, Camp, Morris, Cass, Wood, Upshur, Marion, Smith, Gregg, Harrison, Cherokee, Rusk, Panola, Nacogdoches, Shelby, Angelina, San Augustine which includes the cities of De Queen, Nashville, Mineral Springs, Dierks, Ashdown, Hope, Prescott, Texarkana, Stamps, Lewisville, Bradley, Magnolia, El Dorado, Shreveport, Bossier City, Minden, Springhill, Homer, Haynesville, Ruston, Farmerville, Bernice, Mansfield, Stonewall, Logansport, Coushatta, Martin, Arcadia, Ringgold, Gibsland, Jonesboro, Monroe, Many, Zwolle, Pleasant Hill, Natchitoches, Winnfield, Colfax, Montgomery, Dry Prong, Clarks, Grayson, Columbia, Jena, Midway, Olla, Clarksville, Bogata, Mount Vernon, Mount Pleasant, Pittsburg, Daingerfield, Lone Star, Naples, Omaha, Atlanta, Linden, Hughes Springs, Queen City, Mineola, Winnsboro, Quitman, Hawkins, Gilmer, Big Sandy, Jefferson, Tyler, Longview, Marshall, Jacksonville, Rusk, Henderson, Carthage, Nacogdoches, Center, Lufkin, San Augustine, Hemphill, and Pineland.

November 25, 2020 - Loop 500 just east of U.S. 96 South was the scene of a single-vehicle crash Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

When emergency personnel arrived at the scene of the crash, they located a vehicle which had rolled and come to rest down a hill off the roadway.

According to Center Police Officer Kevin Sage a red 2017 BMW X3 driven by Jamie Jamison, 43, of Center was eastbound on Loop 500 when the vehicle left the roadway to the right. The BMW then traveled over a culvert and rolled twice before coming to rest facing south.

No injuries were reported as a of the crash and no citations were issued at that time.

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