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July 16, 2025 - The Shelby County Commissioners Court held a budget workshop Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and they heard of the needs of the Elections Administrator and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.
Nancy Adams, Elections Administrator, stated the Secretary of State office requires Texas voters to get new registration cards every two years.
“That’s a large expense. Postage, printing, mailing, all of that stuff,” said Adams. “That’s the majority of what I’m asking for.”
Adams said that is why the expense is going up around $4,700. She also increased the budgeted amount for travel expense from $500 to $1,000.
County Judge Allison Harbison clarified that would be increasing to $75,550 from $70,750.
Shelby County Sheriff Gerald Corbell and Chief Deputy Mike Hanson presented a long list of items the Sheriff’s Department needs.
Several of the items addressed included radios for the jail and courthouse security, radios for patrol officers, AED equipment in the jail, annual service for the jail power generator, in-car computer systems, the potential of increase in pay to officers - especially those in administrative roles, and an employee dedicated to evidence inventory.
While handheld radios for officers were at a possible rate of $8,000 due to the need of 800 MHZ radios to be compatible with state systems being installed by DETCOG, in-car cameras were also a potential expense at around $30,000 for three vehicles. Bodycams are also a need stated by the Sheriff’s Department.
Budget workshops are intended to help the commissioners hear and discuss what increases may be needed to the overall budget and what specific departments might have needs not addressed in their current budget. Judge Harbison said letters were sent out from her office around three weeks previous to the budget workshop so county departments could be aware and prepare to present any budget adjustments.
Clint Porterfield, County Auditor, explained that time is running short on what the court has to decide for the upcoming budget.
“Today is July 16, we will not have court or a budget workshop, next week we receive certified values and a post budget has to be prepared and filed shortly thereafter. You just digested a lot of information that needs to be decided on now to prepare a proposed budget and [the commissioners] won't be here next week,” said Porterfield. “I don't know what to tell you as far as filing a budget, a proposed budget, a lot has been given to the judge to have to decide on. And nothing goes into the proposed budget unless there is a document from the judge putting those in there, so she has a tremendous responsibility to pick and choose what does and what does not.”
Porterfield rhetorically inquired of the court if anyone believes the county has a balanced budget, and he said “no.” He explained that SB2 put a cap on revenue of three-and-a-half percent, about $400,000.
“In next year's budget, we already have a $100,000 health insurance increase. We have a $100,000 software expenditure. We haven't even talked about pay increases, if so, how much you do and when and where. And in this year's budget. We have a $500,000 line item of fixed assets for two projects, mostly identified across the street,” said Porterfield. “Last year, we also funded some additional oil startup costs for each precinct. That was nearly $400,000. All I'm telling you is that we do not have a balanced budget from the get go. We had to use our savings. We had a very conservative budget, therefore we don't normally have to use all of it.”
Porterfield reminded the court that last year, they used $1.1 million of fund balance to balance the budget.
“So we have to be very prudent in the choices we make as to what we can budget and what we cannot budget. So it's a very tough decision with the needs of our county in all areas. So again, I'll just close with saying today is July 16th. There's a lot of work to be done in the next two weeks to work on tax rate, tax structure, and funds needed to balance the budget,” said Porterfield.
As of this report, there is no meeting scheduled for the following week due to the commissioners being out of the county for training.
July 13, 2025 - The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning at 5:53pm on Sunday, July 13, 2025 for Southwestern De Soto Parish in northwestern Louisiana; Southwestern Caddo Parish in northwestern Louisiana; Northwestern Sabine Parish in northwestern Louisiana; Southeastern Panola County in northeastern Texas; Southeastern Nacogdoches County in eastern Texas; Shelby County in eastern Texas; East central Angelina County in eastern Texas; San Augustine County in eastern Texas; and Sabine County in eastern Texas until 7:00pm.
At 5:53 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 6 miles southwest of Deberry to 13 miles northwest of Ebenezer, moving east at 30 mph.
Radar indicated hazardous 60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail with an impact of possible damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
Locations impacted include: Carthage, Center, Mansfield, Milam, San Augustine, Logansport, Hemphill, Tenaha, Timpson, Pineland, Joaquin, Macune, Shelbyville, Patroon, Bland Lake, Neuville, Rosevine, Chireno, Huxley, and South Mansfield.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
July 10, 2025 - Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) was contacted in regard to gunshots being fired, at MLK Jr. Park, located at 216 Park Street in Timpson on July 6, 2025, at approximately 10pm.
Prior to deputies’ arrival, it was learned that a gunshot victim was being transported, by private vehicle, to Nacogdoches Medical Center. The victim, Jakorvian Porter, 18, of San Augustine, was admitted there in critical condition. Shortly after admittance, the victim was taken by air to a Tyler hospital. Porter is currently in stable condition, but suffered extremely serious wounds, having been shot in both the chest and one leg.
Three individuals were detained near the scene and questioned and released, during the early morning hours of July 7, 2025.
SCSO deputies were assisted by Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Matthew Chandler and Timpson VFD, at the scene, and by Nacogdoches DPS Troopers, Nacogdoches County SO and Nacogdoches PD, at the hospital in Nacogdoches.
This incident is currently under investigation. We are requesting that anyone with information pertaining to this incident, please contact our office at 936-598-5601 or contact CID Captain Cameron Nichols directly at 936-572-1354.
Related article: Timpson Has Back-To-Back Shooting Incidents Over Weekend
July 10, 2025 - Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) was contacted in regard to gunshots, and a gunshot victim, at the Timpson Quick Stop on July 5, 2025, at approximately 9:06pm.
Deputies arrived and found Tommie Lee Bryce Jr., 45, of Timpson, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.
Jarrod Dukes, 40, of Lufkin, was taken into custody at the scene and is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail, charged with Murder and currently being held on a $200,000 bond.
SCSO deputies were assisted by Shelby County District Attorney Karren Price, Precinct 4 Constable Taylor Fanguy, DPS Trooper Matthew Chandler, Texas Ranger James Hicks, Timpson VFD and Allegiance EMS.
This incident is currently under investigation. We are requesting that anyone with information pertaining to this incident, please contact our office at 936-598-5601 or contact CID Captain Cameron Nichols directly at 936-572-1354.
Related article: Timpson Has Back-To-Back Shooting Incidents Over Weekend
July 8, 2025 - Nacogdoches Police Department has confirmed the death of a Shelby County resident following an early morning fatal crash incident on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
According to details released by the Nacogdoches Police Department at 3:56am Julissa Hernandez, 21, of Shelby County, was driving a 2014 Cadillac Escalade southbound in the 3800 block of N. University Drive when the Cadillac left the roadway and collided with several trees.
The information indicates officers think Hernandez was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.
Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Don't click it. It's not a ticket!
July 8, 2025 – Texans should think twice before clicking on links in threatening text messages that falsely claim to be from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) or similarly named agencies.
Drivers across Texas and the nation have reported receiving alarming messages alleging unpaid traffic tickets, toll violations, or other infractions. These texts often threaten immediate prosecution, suspension of vehicle registration, or loss of driving privileges. They typically include a link urging recipients to pay fines immediately to avoid further penalties. These scams are designed to steal personal and financial information.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is not a law enforcement agency and does not issue or collect fines for toll or traffic violations. It also does not communicate about alleged violations through unsolicited text messages.
If you receive a suspicious message:
- Do not click any links.
- Do not reply or share personal information.
- Report the message to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.
July 7, 2025 - Timpson was the scene of back-to-back shooting incidents over the weekend with one incident known to have resulted in a fatality and the condition of the other still unknown as one individual who was reported to have been shot was taken to an area hospital.
Emergency responders, including the Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service, were directed to the car wash located at Bink’s Quick Stop when it was reported a shooting had occurred on Saturday, July 5, 2025, sometime around 9pm.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Department personnel investigated the incident and they were accompanied by District Attorney Karren Price, Texas Ranger Jim Hicks and Precinct 4 Constable Taylor Fanguy.
The area of the car wash was cordoned off during the investigation to protect possible evidence and it appeared the focus of the investigators attention was drawn to two pickup trucks at the car wash bays.
The identity of the fatally wounded individual in this incident has not yet been made public. Tracy Broadway, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5, conducted an inquest. The body of the victim was transported from the scene by Mangum Funeral Home and an autopsy was ordered to be performed in Dallas.
According to Shelby County Jail booking information Jarrod Dukes, 40, of Lufkin has been arrested and charged with murder, felony 1.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Park located on Park Street in Timpson was the location of another shooting incident on Sunday, July 6, 2025, sometime before 9:40pm. The park was the location of a party which had a large group of attendees.
Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service was requested to the scene of the shooting on the baseball field; however, they were turned back after the individual who had been shot was transported by private vehicle to a hospital in Nacogdoches. Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the scene and Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers also assisted.
Investigators appeared mostly focused on the baseball field and nearby parking area, which were cordoned off to protect possible evidence.
Just following the incident, two vehicles fled from the scene. One was a black passenger car and the other was a white Dodge pickup truck that officers were able to stop before it left the park.
That vehicle was later towed, and it’s not yet been made public what connection the pickup truck, or its occupants, may have had with the incident.
More details will be updated on both of these incident once it’s made available.
July 3, 2025 - The Shelby County Sheriff advises of several scams trending which threaten the issuance of an arrest warrant if you don’t pay and are claiming to be a representative of the Sheriff's Department.
In a statement released by the Sheriff’s Department: “We have continued to receive numerous calls today from citizens being notified that they have warrants issued for their arrest or unpaid citations that will result in arrest warrants, if not immediately paid. A couple of individuals were also notified that they had an overdue PPP loan balance, which if not paid on immediately, would result in their arrest. These loans were made to small businesses during the Covid pandemic for employee wages. The loan scam is likely the product of a data breach as those calling us are, or have been, associated with that federal program. All of these instances involve the caller claiming to be a representative of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.”
Below are some things the Sheriff's Department recommends when receiving these types of calls:
- In the rare instance where we call someone about an arrest warrant, they are generally expecting the call.
- We will not, under any circumstance, call and request you to pay anything to us regarding a warrant, citation, etc.
- If you receive a call from an alleged representative of our agency, requesting you to pay anything, get the officers/employees name and advise them to provide you with a time that you can meet with them at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
- If you have online access concerning a small business PPP loan, please change your password.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Sheriff’s Office anytime you have a questionable contact from anyone claiming to be a representative of our agency. We will be glad to verify their employment and the validity of any request made to you.
The Sheriff's Office phone number is 936-598-5600. Don't always trust caller identification as scammers can spoof information to make it look legitimate.
The Federal Trade Commission released a press release on July 1, 2025 regarding this type of scam. Read the article 'Scammers are impersonating local law enforcement' for information about how to identify a scam along with what to do if you suspect its a scam.
July 1, 2025 - A Bourg, Louisiana man has been sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Brad Michael Broussard, 44, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 1, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on January 1, 2024, Broussard was stopped by law enforcement in Shelby County after he struck several construction barrels while traveling down the highway. The smell of marijuana was evident during the traffic stop prompting a search of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of four firearms, including a pistol equipped with a homemade silencer. Broussard was also in possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms, marijuana, numerous prescription pills, a methamphetamine pipe, and assorted other drug paraphernalia.
Further investigation revealed Broussard has five felony convictions, all for burglary. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
July 1, 2025 - The Tenaha City Council approved the termination of Police Chief Jacob Metcalf during their meeting held June 23, 2025.
Following an executive session on the matter Janice Barton, Alderman, moved to terminate Metcalf’s employment and Dave Thomas, Alderman, seconded her motion. The motion carried with all in favor with the exception of Lee Gibbs, Alderman, who voted against the action.
Several audience members questioned the termination. The council moved on to the next agenda items while members of the audience continued to question and throw allegations in the direction of the council and interjected the suggestion they would be going to the District Attorney’s office.
The meeting began at 5:30pm and the council had two executive sessions scheduled for the meeting. The council entered into the first executive session at 5:44pm, and just before entering executive session Annie Northcutt, an attorney with Biggs & Greenslade Law representing Jake Metcalf, let the council know that she would like to be invited into the executive session when they address issues relating to Metcalf. The meeting returned to open session at 6:25pm and Northcutt was invited into the second executive session at that time, which lasted until 6:39pm.
After that the council took action.
Earlier in the meeting during public comment the council heard from Jenny Hicks, former Municipal Court Judge; and Cliff Lloyd, former council Alderman. Hicks referenced financial documents from the city which she stated included Christmas bonuses for employees that were not approved in the budget. She said that on December 2, 2024 all employees received a $650 bonus from the General fund.
Hicks said it would be directed to a higher authority and there will be an investigation.
Lloyd said nothing has been done on the roads in the city and he described a long period of time during which the roads have perpetually been a point of conversation. He continued by saying that nothing is getting done and they need to get something done.
The council addressed several other items on the agenda which were approved.
After the conclusion of the meeting, a large contingent of the audience remained in the parking lot and an argument ensued when members of the council and mayor exited the building. The group eventually disbursed before the argument developed into anything else.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Terminate employment of Chief of Police Jacob Metcalf. 2. Minutes for the May 2025 City Council meeting(s). 3. Financials for May 2025. 4. Invoice #2873709 in the amount of $11,928.45 to Badger. 5. Adopt a resolution identifying signatories for the City TxCDBG grants with the Texas Department of Agriculture. 6. TML Health Benefits Pool Plan Year 10/01/2025 – 09/30/2026 Renewal. 7. Adjourn 6:58pm.
Related article: Tenaha Council Temporarily Suspends Chief Metcalf
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