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February 9, 2026 - Center Police Department investigated a two-vehicle crash on Riggs Street on February 2, 2026.
When officers arrived at around 4:45pm, they found a delivery truck and a passenger car in the roadway.
According to the Center Police Department, a white 2022 Ford truck driven by Kenneth Trim, 35, of Louisiana was traveling south on Riggs Street when Trim advised he was possibly too much over into the oncoming traffic side on a non-divided street. This caused the Ford to strike the left front driver’s side quarter panel of a white 2025 Honda Accord driven by Lacendra Bates, 38, of Center making them both un-driveable.
Both vehicles were disabled as a result of the collision and were towed from the scene.
Bates was transported to the Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of possible injury.
No citations were reported to have been issued.
The crash was investigated by Center Police Officer Luis Acuna assisted by Sgt. Brian Wright.
February 9, 2026 - TxDOT Traffic Alert - Timpson
TxDOT crews will mill and inlay Bear Drive/SS 470 on Monday, Feb. 9 and on US 59 north of Bear Drive on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Use caution in the area and give workers and equipment extra room.
Projected burn area: Burning Block B Only
February 9, 2026 - Officials with the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Angelina Sabine Ranger District will be conducting a controlled burn today, February 9, 2026. Ignition is aerial with a start time of 11am for Boles Field area in Shelby County. Estimated completion time is 6pm.
Forest and unit is Sabine National Forest, Boles Field Northeast, Block B, Compartments 13 and 14, 2035 Acres.
Winds are out of the south and drift smoke may be noticeable in Huxley. Smoke will impact areas around the prescribed burn, and long-range drift smoke may be present during and after ignition operations.
Please drive with caution. Ground personnel will be operating in the area and smoke may impact visibility on local roads and highways near the burn unit.
For more information, contact the Angelina Sabine Ranger District at (936) 897-1068 or (409) 625-1940.
U.S. Forest Service Prescribed Burn Tracker: Southern Region Prescribed Burn Accomplishment Tracker (arcgis.com)
(Photo, Shelby County Sheriff's office)
February 7, 2026 - One suspect is in custody following a terroristic threat against an officer, according to a social media post by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.
According to the information, the Sheriff’s Department responded to a call at 4am on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in reference to shots fired on CR 4789. The caller alleged to the Sheriff’s Department that gunfire had occurred all through the night, and another caller from the same neighborhood called with a similar complaint as well. Deputies responded, and upon arrival the Sheriff’s Department stated two shots were heard at that time, and a suspect was seen inside the residence. Although, the information is unclear if the suspect was seen through a window to the residence, or by other means.
(Photo, Shelby County Sheriff's office)
During a three-way phone call between a deputy, the suspect and their mother, it’s alleged the suspect made a serious threat to the deputy. There was; however, no indication as to what sort of threat the suspect made.
Sometime just before 12-noon, the suspect was placed in custody and according to the Sheriff’s Department was charged with terroristic threat, felony. It was indicated a mental health evaluation was pending.
(Photo, Shelby County Sheriff's office)
The Sheriff's Office thanked the Shelby County Sheriff's Office Patrol, Dispatch and Criminal Investigation Division, Center Police Department Patrol and Special Response Team officers with their MRAP vehicle (Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle), Texas Highway Patrol Sergeant and Troopers from Nacogdoches and Shelby County, John Pope, Shelby County Constable Precinct 5; Roy Cheatwood, Shelby County Constable Precinct 3; Texas Game Wardens Shelby County and Allegiance EMS, Shelby County District Attorney's Office for securing warrants and the Texas Rangers who were securing additional Special Response Team personnel
According to Shelby County Jail booking information James Pipes, 42, of Timpson was booked into the jail at 1:28pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026, and has been charged with terroristic threat against judge or peace officer, state jail felony.
(Photo, Shelby County Sheriff's office)
(Photo, Shelby County Sheriff's office)
February 7, 2026 - The Shelby County Commissioners decided to rent the Community House in Center for early voting during their meeting held January 21, 2026.
Nancy Adams, Elections Administrator, informed the commissioners of what all is involved in the rental of the Community House in Center for $950, and the upcoming March Primary election.
“The parties pay for election day costs for the rental for the polling locations and the poll workers, but we are responsible for paying for the location for early voting,” said Adams.
She presented the court with the contract for the rental, and as reference, showed them the cost from last November for the rental. Also in Adams possession were contracts for the location should there be a run-off, and then for November.
According to Adams, the county takes possession of the building on February 16, and early voting then begins on February 17.
County Judge Allison Harbison commented she thought the arrangement is a good deal and John Price, County Attorney, commented the contract is basically the same as it has been and that there is no problem.
Commissioner Stevie Smith moved to approve the contract and Commissioner Tom Bellmyer seconded his motion, which carried.
With the expectation of inclement weather, and the promise of a winter storm on the horizon, the commissioners decided to lift the burn ban that was put in place on January 1, 2026. It was agreed that the burn ban could be put back in place at anytime and considered at the following week’s commissioners’ court meeting, since they meet weekly.
Commissioner Roscoe McSwain moved to lift the burn ban and that the ban could be reinstated at any time and ratified at the following meeting if necessary. Commissioner Bellmyer seconded the motion and it carried.
Commissioner Bellmyer offered a used 12x24 portable building from his Road and Bridge yard for sealed bidding, and he said he would like to open any bids two weeks from the meeting on February 3.
Commissioner Bellmyer moved to advertise for bids to be received non later than 3pm on Tuesday, February 3
Judge Harbison updated the commissioners on the courthouse repair and reconstruction project following flooding that began in the top floor and involved several other parts of the structure down to the first floor. She explained that the cleanup crew, construction manager and insurance claims adjuster were all working together and once the scope of the work is approved a firm start date for the project can be set.
“Two more weeks and we’re going to have court again,” said Judge Harbison. “So, we’re just going to figure out how we’re going to do this and still have court.”
She said there were no change orders and she really didn’t have any updates for the commissioners regarding the project otherwise.
Shelby County Chief Deputy Mike Hanson addressed the commissioners about the fire prevention system located at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and possible upgrades. According to Chief Hanson, a Safeco representative completed an inspection and informed him of an issue which has needed to be addressed for an extensive period of time.
“What they had mentioned and what we mentioned last year, they were wanting to do an upgrade of the system, which is a new fire panel, which is located in dispatch,” said Hanson.
Chief Hanson described that the current location of the panel is very inconvenient as it’s located near the ceiling in dispatch, and they would like to move the panel to a more easily accessible location in dispatch. Hanson presented the commissioners with a proposal from almost a year ago, which he said was not valid, but would give them an idea of the proposed work.
“It’s gonna replace all the components of the system, relocate the panel,” said Hanson. “All of the stuff is antiquated, with the exception of a few smoke detectors.”
The proposed overhaul of the system was quoted a year ago at $9,825. Another option for repairs to the current system was remarked on more as a “band aid” was quoted at around $1,900.
Judge Harbison recommended tabling the item until an updated quote could be obtained. Commissioner Bellmyer asked for a scope of the work and a timeline for the project to be completed as well. He asked for the commissioners to be able to re-address the subject at the next meeting.
Commissioner Bellmyer moved to table the item to get a scope of work and cost at the next meeting, the motion carried.
Commissioner Bellmyer noticed needed repairs to the roof of the Shelby County Probation office building located at the intersection of Austin and Nacogdoches Streets on the Center square.
It was very windy during the previous week before the meeting, remarked Commissioner Bellmyer, and he noticed an issues at the adult probation building.
“I noticed that there is some flashing on the adult probation [building] that was loose and was blowing in the wind,” said Bellmyer.
He said that the county needs to have one of their local contractors look at the building and repair the damage to the west side of the building.
Commissioner Bellmyer moved to get in touch with the roofer and get a quote on how much it would cost, and Commissioner Smith seconded his motion. The motion carried with all in favor.
Commissioner McSwain received several bids for a haul truck he is seeking to purchase and he moved to table the item so that he can review all of the information presented before making a decision at the January 28 meeting. Commissioner Bellmyer seconded his motion, which carried with all in favor.
During Commissioner Court Reports portion of the meeting, Commissioner Bellmyer commented on the Rosehill Road project in Timpson that first began being discussed in August 2022 as a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) offered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
“In August 2024, [Judge Harbison] and I were in Lufkin and got our grant approved,” said Commissioner Bellmyer.
Commissioner Bellmyer said that the company contracting for the project, KSA, communicated they would be publicly advertising on January 8, to inform the public of the project; however, he said they missed their date for that public notice.
“What they’ve done is, instead of putting in the next week, the whole project has now slipped a full month,” said Bellmyer. “It really is to the public to let folks in the Timpson area know the public notices now have gone from January to February 8 and February 13.”
According to Commissioner Bellmyer, this means the project has been pushed back from March to April to start the job, which he said was disappointing after waiting two-and-a-half years to get the project started.
Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer, gave an update on the Huber Well project and she stated she had communicated with Stolz Engineering to inquire about the completion of that project.
“He emailed me back and said he had the final bill and soon as Mr. Billy Askins would give his approval that everything’s all good to go, that he would send it on to me, probably by the next day,” said Blackwell. “Well that was a week ago.”
Blackwell said Miller Drilling had emailed Stolz seeking payment, and it sounded like the project was at sort of a standstill until she receives a bill and all parties agree the project is complete. Commissioner Bellmyer said he would contact the engineer.
Treasurer Blackwell commented that she has been attempting to renew a county FCC license for several weeks and that is now completed and it’s extended for another 10 years.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Weekly expenses. 2. Lift the Burn Ban which was issued on January 1, 2026. 3. Contract with the City of Center to rent the community house for the March Primary Election. 4. PCT 4 Commissioner to offer a used 12x24 portable building for sealed bidding. 5. Seek a quote for roof repair at the Adult Probation office. 6. Adjourn. Agenda items tabled during the meeting include: 1. Review bids received for (1) Haul truck for PCT 1 and possibly award the bid. 2. Chief Deputy Mike Hanson to address the Court regarding upgrades to the fire prevention system located at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
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.
February 4, 2026 - U.S. Highway 96 North just south of CR 3770 was the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash involving a truck hauling propane on Tuesday, February 4, 2026, at around 12:50pm.
When emergency personnel arrived at the scene, they found a white 2016 Freightliner hauling a propane tank on its side in the southbound side of the roadway.
Traffic in both directions was shut down as a safety precaution and to allow emergency crews to address the circumstances of the incident. The driver involved was transported from the scene by ambulance for possible treatment of injury.
Once it was determined it was safe to do so, a wrecker crew worked with two trucks to right the vehicle so it could be transported from the scene, and the roadway cleared.
Center Fire Department personnel were ready with a charged line in the event of a sparked ignition of fuel.
While Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers investigated the incident, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department Deputies were at the location to assist.
(Update): The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers investigated a one-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 96, north of Center, that occurred Monday, February 3, 2026.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 12:54 p.m., a 2016 Freightliner M2 [McAdams Propane Company] propane truck and driven by Leon Garrard, 44, of Carthage was traveling north. It is reported that Garrard failed to drive in a single lane, left the roadway to the right, took faulty evasive action back to the left, and overturned.
Garrard was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Citation details were not made available at the time of this report.
According to DPS, this is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
DPS Troopers on scene included Trooper Josh Gradberg, Trooper Keith Jones and Trooper Dustin Ramos.
February 3, 2026 - The intersection of FM 2694 and FM 417 was the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash Saturday, January 31, 2026.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 9:01am, a 2007 Mazda M3 driven by Cesar Raudales Medina, 27, of Center was traveling north on FM 2694. It is reported that the driver of the Mazda was distracted in his vehicle by the GPS system, disregarded the stop sign at the intersection, left the roadway, and overturned.
Medina was not injured.
According to DPS, this is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department fire personnel assisted at the scene.
February 3, 2026 - Center Fire Department (CFD) was dispatched during icy weather to three fires on Sunday, January 25, 2026, all within the same hour.
When firefighters with the CFD arrived at around 7:50pm at 1314 Shelbyville Street into Pecan Grove trailer park, they discovered a mobile home on fire which was surrounded by several other mobile home.
The firefighters were able to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing it from spreading to other neighboring homes.
Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department firefighters assisted at the scene.
Within the same time frame, two other house fires were reported, including one that was on State Highway 87 North which was electrical in origin and was quickly able to be contained by fire personnel.
While CFD was occupied with the other calls, Tenaha and Timpson Volunteer Fire Departments both responded to a house fire in the 800 block of CR 1044, and they were supported by Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department. That fire had become fully involved and resulted in a total loss.
No one was reported to have been injured at any of these incidents.
February 3, 2026 - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Sandhill public water system, 2100013, to issue a Boil Water Notice on 1-28-2026 to inform customers, individuals, or employees 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 2-3-2026.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Alison Rhone at 936-332-4439.
January 29, 2026 - Due to the winter storm, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Sandhill 2100013 public water system to notify all customers 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 Alison Rhone at 936-332-4439.
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