February 6, 2026 - In conjunction with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce America 250 campaign, the Shelby County Commissioners approved a proclamation identifying 2026 as the “Year of the Volunteer," during their meeting held January 14, 2026.
Alease Copelin, spoke on behalf of the Chamber, and she explained to the commissioners that a lot of the organizations in Shelby County that make such an amazing difference are run by volunteer.
Copelin described that she had an opportunity to speak with Junior Chamber of Commerce participants and demonstrate for them a website attached to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce website that lists volunteer entities in Shelby County that make a difference.
“It is a volunteer site. One of the few counties now that have that, and it gives an opportunity to list and show the different groups in our county that make a difference,” said Copelin. “There's also a place to log in, create a personal account. individuals can print off a resume showing their volunteer hours which is wonderful for job applications, college applications, scholarship applications."
Copelin stated the Bone Hill Foundation funded the site and that it is linked to the Chamber site. She said that she has been visiting with mayors of cities in the county and asking them what the good things are, which are going on in their town.
“Almost every one of those good things are linked to volunteers. Whether that is a little league team that's out there, that you have volunteer coaches, whether it's parents that work Friday nights in concession stands. Whether it's a poultry festival that we did not have volunteers, we wouldn't have a festival. The Frontier Days I mean, it goes on and on and on,” said Copelin.
Copelin read aloud the proclamation declaring 2026 the “Year of the Volunteer” in Shelby County: “whereas the strength and vitality of Shelby County are deeply rooted in the commitment passion and civic engagement demonstrated by its people and; whereas volunteers individuals civic groups faith-based organizations, non-profit, schools, and businesses give generously of their time, skills, and resources to improve the quality of life for all residents, and; whereas volunteer service enhances community safety, supports education, advances the arts and culture, protects historic heritage, promotes health and wellness and strengthens the social fabric that holds our communities together and; whereas countless acts of service performed across Shelby County reflect the values of kindness, responsibility, and unity that define our region and inspire future generations to give back and; whereas it is fitting that Shelby County recognize and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism, and the individuals and organizations who dedicate themselves to serving others.
“Now, therefore, I, Allison Harbison, acting in my official capacity as County Judge of Shelby County, Texas, do hereby proclaim the year of 2026 as the year of the volunteer in Shelby County, Texas, and be it further resolve that all residents are encouraged to honor, support, and participate in volunteer service, and to recognize the difference that volunteers make in building a stronger, healthier, and more united county, and be it further resolved that this proclamation serves as a tribute to all who commit their time, leadership, and compassion to creating a brighter future for Shelby County.”
Commissioner Tom Bellmyer moved to proclaim 2026 the “Year of the Volunteer” and a second was heard from Commissioner Stevie Smith. The motion carried with all in favor.
The commissioners approved the removal of trees and concrete between the courthouse driveway and the parking lot to remove hazards.
Commissioner Roscoe McSwain moved for he and Commissioner Smith to remove the trees and after that they would have a visual on what the next step would be. Commissioner Bellmyer seconded the motion, and it carried with all in favor.
During the meeting Karren Price, 123rd Judicial District Attorney, offered an update to the commissioners on the District Courts and specifically thanked them regarding a recent purchase by the county involving the forensic investigation of smartphones.
“I want to thank you, it’s the real reason I wanted to talk to you today,” said Price. “Last year, you all were smart enough and kind enough to fund the purchase of a great key extraction, telephone extraction piece of equipment for us that the county has used to great benefit.”
She elaborated on the extraordinary amount of evidence in the current day and time that comes in the form of electronic data stored on smartphones.
Price explained that several murder cases in the past year are permeated with digital data which has been extracted.
“We have the ability to handle that ourselves without waiting a year or 18 months or sometimes two years for another county to do that work for us and supply then evidence to us,” said Price. “So thank you, my hats off to all of you for doing that.”
According to Price, an additional piece of equipment that was part of the purchase was instrumental in capturing a trove of 800,000 images involving one individual in a child case.
“In that purchase, you may remember that we asked for an additional $4,200 piece of equipment, which we weren't really able to explain very well. Today I can explain that to you. For instance, in September we caught something that didn't involve a killing but involved children. Children that you know, and on this one telephone were 800,000 images,” said Price.
Going through that quantity of data, Price explained would take years to accomplish with one person looking. She shared that the equipment can instead reduce those years to a matter of minutes or hours.
“In December [2025], Apple came up with a new IOS, it’s 18 and up. So, if you have an apple iPhone 16-17 any of those two sets of phones, unless you have this additional add-on, which was just developed in December and we now have we’re the only county in East Texas who has it, they’re calling us every day,” said Price. “We happened to have enough money in forfeiture that when Apple sent us a message and said ‘you’re never going to be able to open this telephone,’ We're like, ‘well, wait a minute. Somebody's working on getting around that, and they did, and we called. We got that. In seven and a half minutes, We opened a locked up Apple 17 Pro Max telephone with the equipment y'all bought. So congratulations to y'all.”
Price invited Dee Dee Green to speak on work that she has been doing in the District Clerk’s office.
After Green spoke, Price expanded further on protocols being taught to officers for when they take possession of a phone at a scene, the use of a platform called Guardify and bail reform.
Discussion with Price and Green was not actionable and no action was taken.
The meeting entered executive session at 10:41am and returned to open session at 11:13am. Judge Harbison stated it was a legal matter which they turned over to the county attorney and no action was taken.
The meeting adjourned at 11:20am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Minutes of: December 3rd Special Meeting, December 10th Regular Meeting, December 17th Special Meeting, December 26th Special Meeting and December 31st Special Meeting. 2. Pay weekly expenses. 3. Pay current payroll. 4. Officers Report. 5. Proclamation declaring 2026 as the “Year of Volunteer” in Shelby County. 6. Taking out the trees and vegetation between the Courthouse driveway and the parking lot. 7. Continuation of the Burn Ban issued on Jan 1, 2026. 8. Commissioner PCT. 1 to list a 2007 Peterbilt truck on Purple Wave. 9. Adjourn 11:20am.
