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October 18, 2025 - The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Norman, Oklahoma issued a Tornado Watch Outline update for WT 624 at 1:20pm Saturday, October 18, 2025.
The tornado watch 645 is in effect until 9pm for the following Texas Counties: Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Upshur, and Wood.
October 15, 2025 - City of Center crews will be working on water main at the intersection of Wheeler Street and Hurst Street on Friday, October 17, 2025. Please use caution when traveling through the work area. Customers may experience low water pressure until repairs are finished. If you experience an outage, contact City of Center 1-936-598-2941.
October 16, 2025 - Effective October 16, 2025 Until further notice
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, Fountain Town, Kellyville 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Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.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.
October 16, 2025 - Center Fire Department personnel responded to a structure fire in the 2500 block of U.S. Highway 96 North near CR 4350 on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at around 3am.
When firefighters arrived, one building was on fire and threatening another building next to it. The other structure was also then discovered to be on fire at the back of the building.
Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the location for mutual aid, and once the fires were extinguished and brought under control. Center Fire Department returned to the station at 7am.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Department personnel responded to the scene to determine if the State Fire Marshal’s Office would be contacted for further investigation.
The fire remains under investigation as of the time of this report.
October 16, 2025 - The Center Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Ballard Street in Center in the 1200 block of Ballard Street on October 11, 2025.
When firefighters and Center Police Officers arrived at the scene, ammunition could be heard igniting from the flames within the structure.
According to Center Fire Chief Keith Byndom, Center Fire Department firefighters responded to the fire at a residence at 5:40pm. When fire personnel arrived at the scene, they found a shed on the property to be on fire and getting into the house that it sat beside.
The firefighters worked to extinguish the shed and one end of the house, saving the rest of the home. Fire personnel returned to the station at 7:20pm.
A cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.
October 15, 2025 - The Shelby County Commissioners agreed to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month during their October 8, 2025 meeting.
Lizett Mendoza with Family Crisis Center of East Texas spoke with the commissioners about the agency providing free services to Shelby County and surrounding areas.
“Some of the main services that we have, we have a 24-hour shelter and hotline in Angelina County,” said Mendoza. “We also provide legal services, helping them attain custody orders, protection orders, divorces, because all of these are very essential towards leaving a domestic violence situation and restarting fresh.”
Other services Mendoza outlined that the agency offers include support in applying for housing, helping relocate to a different city, or county, and applying for different government benefits, such as crime victims compensation, address of confidentiality program, child support, and anything a domestic violence survivor may be needing to get back on their feet.
Mendoza said they offer counseling services and that there is a Family Crisis Center office in San Augustine.
“We really just meet them wherever they are if they're having trouble in transportation. We try to meet them somewhere public,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza said they travel as far as Timpson, Tenaha, and Joaquin to provide assistance.
“More than anything, we're a support system because a lot of times they may feel embarrassed to talk to their family members, to co-workers. So just to be able to talk to someone to a third party that isn't going to make them feel judged makes a world of difference,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza thanked Shelby County, because every time the Family Crisis Center has asked for support, and either an awareness event or resolution, she said the county has always shown that support.
County Judge Allison Harbison referenced data included in the resolution stating that in 2024 43% of survivors reported stalking behaviors, 76% of women that are murdered by their current or former intimate partner reported being stalked in the year prior to their death.
“Getting help when their feeling like they're alone and someone’s stalking them could possibly save their life and I
think that's very good,” said Judge Harbison. “Everybody needs somebody to talk to besides their family because, as you said, their family may not understand or they may be embarrassed so I think that what y'all do is a great thing.”
The commissioners moved to approve the resolution proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Shelby County with Tom Bellmyer, Commissioner Precinct 4, making the motion and Shannon Metcalf, Commissioner Precinct 2, seconding his motion, which carried.
The commissioners approved an increase to the Shelby County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for the upkeep on the flood control structures in the County as presented by Terry Allen, SWCD board member, from $10,000 to $12,500.
“We have numerous flood control structures, and these structures were built in 50s and 60s, and so they're getting some age on them and the upkeep on it is costing more each year,” said Allen. “Last year we spent approximately $40,000 on the upkeep of these structures, primarily one structure due to some erosion and some fencing.”
Allen shared that there is a structure in Timpson for which the last bid in 2024 had an estimated cost for repair of $335,881. He also said the SWCD is in the process of applying for an emergency grant with the Texas State Soil Conservation Board to help pay for the repairs to the structure.
“It's a highly competitive process and hopefully we will be successful in attaining. We also work in close conjunction with the [Natural Resources Conservation Service] and fortunately Chris Crenshaw, who represents our county is an excellent representative,” said Allen. “Now he's gotten, since 2020, a little over $5,200,000 upkeep on Shelby County roads and landowner assistance for such things as tree planting, cross-fencing, grass planting, poultry carcass disposal, waterline distribution to livestock.”
Allen stated that the SWCD was asking for assistance from Shelby County to help on the repair projects they are working on and he reminded the commissioners that in the past they have contributed about $10,000 and they were requesting the increase to $12,500.
Commissioner Bellmyer moved to increase the funding to the SWCD to $12,500 and Commissioner Metcalf seconded the motion, which then carried.
Sheriff Gerald Corbell thanked the commissioners, and other involved departments, for their efforts on the Sheriff’s Office’s behalf that half gone into the 2026 Fiscal Year budget.
The meeting adjourned at 9:58am.
Agenda items approve during the meeting include: 1. Approve the Minutes of: September 3rd, 2025 Special Meeting, September 10th, 2025 Regular Meeting, September 17th, Special Meeting, September 17th, Public Hearing, September 24th, Special Meeting and September 30th Special Meeting. 2. Pay weekly expenses. 3. Pay current payroll. 4. Approve Officers report. 5. Resolution proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Shelby County. 6. $12,500 for the Shelby County Soil and Water Conservation District for the upkeep on the flood control structures in the County as presented by Members of the Board. 7. Adjourn 9:58am.
Notice of Special Election
(A viso de elección especial)
To the registered voters of the County of Shelby, Texas:
(A los votantes registrados del Condado de Shelby, Texas):
October 14, 2025 (PDF of Notice) - Notice is hereby given that the polling places listed below will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., November 4, 2025, for voting in a special election to adopt or reject the proposed Constitutional Amendments as submitted by the 89th Legislature, Regular and 2nd Special Session, of the State of Texas.
(Por la presente se notifica que los lugares de votación que se enumeran a continuación estarán abiertos de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m., 4 de noviembre de 2025, para votar en una elección especial para adoptar o rechazar las Enmiendas Constitucionales propuestas presentadas por la 89ª Legislatura, Sesión Ordinaria y 2ª Sesión Especial, del Estado de Texas.)
On Election Day, voters must vote in the precinct where they are registered to vote.
(El día de las elecciones, los votantes deben votar en el precinto donde están registrados para votar.)
Voting locations for Election Day will be consolidated to the following polling places are:
(Los lugares de votación para el dia de las elecciones se consolidarán en los siguientes lugares de votación:)
- Precinct 1N - First Methodist Church, 211 N. Porter Street, Center
(Precinto 1N - Primera Iglesia Metodista, 211 N. Porter Street, Centro) - Precinct 1S - Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center
(Precinto 1S - Iglesia de Cristo, 110 Hurst Street, Centro) - Precinct 1SE - Shelby County Family Life Center, 1426 Shelbyville Street, Center
(Precinto 1SE - Centro de Vida Familiar del Condado de Shelby, Calle Shelbyville 1426, Centro) - Precinct 1SW - Center Community House, 423 San Augustine Street, Center
(Precinto 1SW - Centro Casa Comunitaria, Calle San Agustín 423, Centro) - Precinct 1W - JOI Ranch, 59198 FM 2026, Tenaha
(Precinto 1W - Rancho JOI, 59198 FM 2026, Tenaha) - Precinct 2 - Excelsior School, 11280 St. Hwy 7 W, Center
(Precinto 2 - Escuela Excelsior, 11280 St Hwy 7 W, Centro) - Precinct 3 - Campti Pentecostal Church, 6153 FM 414, Center
(Precinto 3 - Iglesia Pentecostal Campti, 6153 FM 414, Centro) - Precinct 4 - Lydia Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 14998 FM 139, Shelbyville
(Precinto 4 - Salón de la Comunidad de la Iglesia Bautista Lydia, 14998 FM 139, Shelbyville) - Precinct 5 - Word of Faith Outreach Center, 12413 US Hwy 84 E, Joaquin
(Precinto 5 - Centro de Alcance Palabra de Fe, 12413 Carretera US 84 E, Joaquin) - Precinct 6 - Dreka Pentecostal Church Fellowship Hall, 1193 FM 2427, Shelbyville
(Precinto 6 - Dreka Pentecostal Church Fellowship Hall, 1193 FM 2427, Shelbyville) - Precinct 7 - First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 5030 St. Hwy 87 S, Shelbyville
(Precinto 7 - First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 5030 St Hwy 87 S, Shelbyville) - Precinct 8 - First Methodist Church, Schiede Hall, 256 N. George Bowers Drive, Tenaha
(Precinto 8 - Primera Iglesia Metodista, Sala Schiede, 256 N George Bowers Drive, Tenaha) - Precinct 9N - BOM Bank Annex, 830 N 1st Street W, Timpson
(Precinto 9N - Anexo del Banco BOM, 830 N 1st Street, W, Timpson) - Precinct 9S - Timpson School Gym Foyer, 836 Bear Drive, Timpson
(Precinto 9S - Timpson School Gym Foyer, 836 Bear Drive, Timpson)
Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted beginning on Monday, October 20, 2025, and ending on Friday, October 31, 2025, at:
(La votación adelantada en persona se Ilevará a cabo a partir del lunes 20 de octubre de 2025 y finalizará el viernes 31 de octubre de 2025 en:)
Main Early Voting Location: Center Community House, 423 San Augustine Street, Center, Texas
(sitio principal de votación adelantada: Centro Casa Comunitaria, 423 San Augustine Street, Centro)
Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with extended hours on Thursday, October 30, through Friday, October 31, 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.
(El horario de atención será de lunes a sábado de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. con horario extendido del jueves 30 de octubre al viernes 31 de octubre de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m.)
Last day to register to vote is October 7, 2025.
(El último día para registrarse para votar es el 7 de octubre de 2025.)
Application for ballot by mail shall be mailed to:
(Las solicitudes para boletas que se votarán adelantada por correo deberán enviarse a):
Shelby County Early Voting Clerk
(Secretario de la votación adelantada del condado de Shelby)
Nancy Adams, Elections Administrator (Administradora de las Elecciones)
200 San Augustine Street, Box 9
Center, TX 75935
Fax: 936-598-3701
Email: nancy.adams@co.shelby.tx.us
www.co.shelby.tx.us
Applications for Ballot by Mail (ABBM) and Federal Postcard Applications (FPCA), must be received no later than the close of business on October 24, 2025.
(Las solicitudes de boleta por correo (ABBM) y la tarjeta federal postal de Solicitud (FPCA) deberán recibirse más tardar de las horas de negocio el 24 de octubre del 2025.)
Note: If ABBM is faxed or emailed or if an FPCA is faxed; the original application must be received within 4 business days.
(Si ABBM se envía por fax o correo electrónico o si se envía por fax una FPCA; La solicitud original debe ser recibida dentro de los 4 días hábiles.)
Issued this the 2nd day of October 2025.
(Emitido el 2 de octubre de 2025.)
October 14, 2025 - The jury that has been summoned for Monday, October 20, 2025 for the 273rd District Court Honorable James A. Payne, Jr. presiding has been cancelled due to the scheduled cases being resolved or passed.
Anyone receiving a summons for that day is released from jury service until they receive a future summons.
Thank you,
Dee Dee Green
District Clerk
Shelby County, Texas
October 13, 2025 - Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers are investigating a one-vehicle fatality crash on state Highway 147, south of Center, that occurred Saturday, October 11, 2025.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 1:30am, a 2013 Infiniti JX35 was traveling south. It is reported that the driver of the Infiniti left the road to the left and struck a tree.
The driver of the Infiniti identified as Candy Nestle, 61, of Center, was pronounced deceased on scene by a Shelby County Justice of the Peace.
This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
October 10, 2025 - Center Fire Department firefighters responded to a house fire on CR 1465 Thursday, October 9, 2025, and when they arrived the mobile home was fully involved in the fire.
Timpson Volunteer Fire Department personnel responded to a request for assistance bringing additional water and firefighters to the scene.
According to Center Fire Chief Keith Byndom, the fire department was notified of the fire at 2:14pm in the 400 block of CR 1465. Chief Byndom was first to arrive on scene and he found a single wide mobile home fully involved. A Center FD pumper tanker arrived shortly after and began extinguishing the fire.
Timpson Fire was notified and responded with two tankers for mutual aid and they arrived just as the fire began to flame up again before being extinguished.
The scene was cleared at 5:30pm The home was a total loss.
The cause was possibly an electrical short in the front bedroom area.
No injuries were reported resulting from the fire.
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