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June 20, 2022 - The Shelby County Commissioners Court have approved the appointment of John Price to the County Attorney's office during their meeting held Monday, June 20, 2022.
Previously the commissioners have met in executive session to discuss the necessity to appoint someone to the position of county attorney following the resignation of current county attorney Gary Rholes. (Rholes Announces Resignation from Office; Grateful to Voters - ).
A motion carried to appoint John Price acting county attorney starting July 5 until December 31, 2022,
Judge Allison Harbison shared her administrative assistant is out on maternity leave at this time and she has someone working Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday on a part-time basis.
"I would really like somebody, just this summer until Jenney comes back full-time, to work on Mondays and Fridays at $12 an hour per week," said Judge Harbison.
A motion carried to approve the part-time hire to be paid out of indigent health care.
The meeting was then adjourned.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Appoint John Price as new County Attorney to take office July 5, 2022 with the term ending December 31, 2022. 2. Approve a seasonal office employee for the County Judge and Commissioners. 3. Adjourn.
June 17, 2022 - Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports the arrest of Destiny Jones, 34, of Center.
On May 18, 2022, an investigation was launched at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) in regards to a complaint of an alleged theft that had occurred in the Shelby County jail. On May 17, 2022, Jones, who was employed as a correctional officer, was observed on video surveillance taking cash from a counter in the booking area. Jones then walked into a room used by jail staff and returned to the booking area sliding an unknown amount of money onto the counter.
An internal investigation was conducted and revealed that Jones stole $100 from an inmate who was being booked into the jail. Due to the findings of the internal investigation, Jones was terminated from his position as a correctional officer.
The case was referred to the Texas Rangers for criminal investigation which resulted in a warrant for Jones on the charge of Theft by a Public Servant (M-A). Jones turned himself in to the SCSO on June 15, 2022 where he posted bond and was released.
“As I have done since taking the oath as your Sheriff, I will continue to be transparent about the operations of this office,” stated Sheriff Windham. “This was an unfortunate situation, and it is not something I am proud to release, but the public has a right to know.”
We appreciate the assistance of the Texas Rangers for helping with this investigation.
June 15, 2022 - The intersection of US Highways 59 and 84 in Timpson was the scene of a three-vehicle collision Saturday, June 11, 2022.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at 10:30am a 2019 white Ford Mustang driven by Kara Josephine Weatherford, 21, of San Augustine was traveling US Highway 84 when approaching the intersection at US Highway 59 and, according to witnesses, came to a complete stop.
Weatherford then proceeded forward entering onto US Highway 59 and failed to yield right of way to through traffic. At that time a silver 2015 Chevrolet Suburban driven by James Vincent Gallant, 60, who was traveling with passengers Charlie Gallant, 18; Blake Weaver, 18, and an infant child, was southbound on US Highway 59 when the Mustang struck the Suburban.
The Suburban subsequently was pushed into a crossover where it struck a white 2013 GMC Sierra pickup truck driven by Tucker Levi Gillespie, 48.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crashes and all refused treatment at the scene.
The Sierra was driven away while the others were towed from the scene.
Weatherford was issued a citation for fail to yield right of way at stop sign intersection.
The Timpson Volunteer Fire Department assisted at the scene with traffic control.
Move over, metal license plates
June 14, 2022 - Everything is going digital these days – even license plates! Eligible commercial fleet owners now have the option to put a high-tech tool on the back of their vehicles. Digital license plates can add a new level of convenience, safety, and security to fleet management.
State law authorizes the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to offer digital license plates to government and commercial fleet vehicles. These plates, manufactured by Reviver, became available on June 14, 2022. Multiple plate models are available at different prices through Reviver. The vehicle must already be registered in Texas to qualify for a digital license plate. An additional annual $95 administrative fee is applied to digital license plate orders.
“Texans rely on commercial vehicles for the safe and efficient movement of goods and services that are crucial to supporting the state’s economy” said TxDMV Executive Director Daniel Avitia. “Offering digital licenses plates to commercial fleets is part of our ongoing commitment to streamline and modernize motor vehicle services.”
Eligible commercial fleet owners interested in upgrading to digital plates or reviewing pricing options may visit Reviver.com/geo-expansion/texas/.
June 13, 2022 - A Heat Advisory was issued by the National Weather Service, Shreveport, LA at 10:52am on Monday, June 13, 2022.
The heat advisory remains in effect until 7pm this evening with heat index values up to 109 expected. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
The advisory is for portions of north central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and east and northeast Texas including 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, McCurtain, Bowie, Franklin, Titus, Camp, Morris, Cass, Wood, Upshur, Marion, Smith, Gregg, Harrison, Cherokee, Rusk, Panola, Nacogdoches, Shelby, Angelina, and San Augustine.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
June 13, 2022 – With temperatures expected to hit 100 degrees in many parts of the Ark-La-Tex in the coming days, Southwestern Electric Power Co., an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, offers 10 tips to help customers manage both the heat and their electric bill.
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR-certified LEDs.
- Pull the plug on devices, like phone chargers, when not in use. These still consume energy even when turned off.
- Use smart power strips for electronics likes computers and televisions. These can sense when a device is turned off or not being used and will shut off the power automatically.
- Close blinds and drapes during the day to keep the heat out.
- Save up to 10% on cooling costs by increasing your thermostat's temperature setting by seven to 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher for at least eight hours a day.
- Replace air conditioner filters. Clean filters can lower air conditioner energy consumption up to 15%.
- Use ceiling fans to cool you while in a room. Turn the fan off when leaving.
- Caulk, weather-strip and insulate windows and doors wherever air leaks are found.
- Use large appliances, such as a dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, as late in the evening as possible. These appliances add heat to a home and make an HVAC system work harder.
For more ways to save, visit SWEPCO.com/Save.
June 13, 2022 - Since Monday, June 6th to Sunday, June 12th the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 6 calls. Here is a brief rundown of all that transpired.
On Monday, June 6th there were 2 calls starting at 2:28pm with a traffic accident at the intersection of FM 139 and Hwy 7. The Joaquin VFD arrived on the scene to provide traffic control until the wreck could be removed from the roadway. No major injuries were reported. The second call on Monday came in at 3:59pm in regards to an elderly person experiencing severe pain at a residence on CR 3421. JVFD EMRs responded to secure the patient until Allegiance EMS arrived.
Thursday, June 9th also saw 2 calls, the first at 9:48am in regards to a DOA at a residence on CR 3689, and the second came in at 2:51pm for a person having chest pain at a residence on CR 3790.
Saturday, June 11th saw 2 calls as well, the first starting early at 7:02am for a person having trouble breathing at the apartments in downtown Joaquin. The last call came in at 9:16am for a silo smoking on CR 3620. Upon arriving on the scene the “silo” was discovered to be part of the old hatchery building located near the railroad bridge crossing the Sabine River. The smoke was coming from within the vacant hatchery and not from the building itself, and the Joaquin VFD extinguished the fire that had been lit inside.
That concludes the rundown of the most recent calls, so until next time the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department hopes everyone stays safe and has a great week.
June 10, 2022 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division initiated an investigation on June 8, 2022, that resulted in the recovery of a stolen motorcycle.
During the afternoon of June 8, Investigator Chad Hooper, Investigator Misty Ray, and Constable Precinct 3 Roy Cheatwood began patrolling a specific area between Tenaha and Joaquin looking for a vehicle that was believed to be involved in the burglary of a habitation. The investigators located the vehicle and identified possible suspects.
While most people were winding up from their daily activities and spending time with their families, Investigators Hooper and Ray diligently followed leads, and with the help of patrol deputy Aaron Jones and Constable Cheatwood, recovered the motorcycle less than 24-hours after it was stolen.
“This swift recovery proves that we are working theft cases and we take them seriously,” stated Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham. “Investigator Hooper and Investigator Ray were on this case from the moment it was reported and they did not stop until it was found. This is the third piece of property these two investigators have recovered and returned to the rightful owner in less than a weeks’ time. This right here shows their dedication to their jobs and this county.”
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office greatly extends our thanks to the public for their assistance in sharing our press release regarding this case over social media. Thank you, Constable Precinct 4 Taylor Fanguy for your assistance.
Leah Chase, Public Relations
The water on Denning Rural WSC no longer requires boiling.
June 14, 2022 - On June 9, 2022, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Denning Rural Water Supply, #2030004, to issue a Boil Water Notice 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.
Denning Rural Water Supply 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 June 14, 2022.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office: 220 West Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp 936-201-5001.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
If a customer, individual or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512)239-4691.
June 9, 2022 - Due to a break in the main line, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the Denning Rural Water System PWS # 2030004 to notify ALL customers 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 customer 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 Denning Rural Water System at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.
June 8, 2022 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft that occurred in the 3000 block of FM 2787 in Joaquin.
A 2021 KTM Duke 890 motorcycle was removed from the property sometime between 11 p.m. on June 7, 2022 and 6 a.m. on June 8, 2022. The motorcycle is orange and black in color, and has a split headlight in the front.
If you have any information regarding the theft of this motorcycle, please contact Investigator Chad Hooper at 936.572.0425 or 936.598.5601.
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