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February 14, 2021 - Motorists are strongly discouraged from traveling across the nine-county Lufkin District during the predicted winter weather expected to impact roadways beginning Sunday into the coming week.
The Lufkin District currently has 170 employees working 12-hour shifts to monitor and address trouble spots as they arise utilizing more than 125 pieces of equipment. Pre-treatment of roadways began on Friday, Feb. 12.
“We want people to be aware that driving surfaces will freeze and we are doing all we can to prepare the roadways, but even with a brine mixture, if we experience the low temperatures they have predicted, roads will still freeze,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “I don’t think there is enough manpower to cover the more than 7,000 road miles in the Lufkin District with a brine mixture but we are doing our best. We have focused our attention on major roadways, state highways and farm roads, but we should remember that Mother Nature is and will always be undefeated. It is up to us to prepare our homes, our families and ourselves to stay safe.”
Crews will re-treat all major roadways as needed if conditions continue to decline, since additional moisture will re-freeze road surfaces after the initial downfall of snow and ice.
“Pre-treatment with a brine solution can reduce the temperature at which water freezes and assists with reducing the bond of ice to the roadway, but it does not guarantee that ice will not form,” Oaks said. “There will be patches of ice on local roads, even on roads that have been treated. If you must drive, motorists should reduce speed and stay alert. But because this is an unprecedented weather event, TxDOT is urging drivers to stay home and travel only if absolutely necessary.”
Visit drivetexas.org (or call 800-452-9292) for real time road conditions/closures or call 9-1-1 if you find yourself stranded or facing an emergency. For more information, call Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.
February 12, 2021 - The Texas DSHS Covid-19 Dashboard reported 116 active cases on Friday, February 12, 2021.
Of the new cases reported, all 3 were new confirmed case. The dashboard also showed 17 additional recoveries.
February 12th (3:45pm) Numbers:
Total Confirmed Cases - 846 (3 new cases)
Total Probable Cases - 636 (0 new cases)
Total Fatalities - 50
Total Estimated Active Cases - 116
Total Estimated Recovered - 1,316 (17 new)
February 12, 2021 - The City of Center weather forecast for the upcoming week calls for low temperatures that range between the 10s and lower 20s. We advise that you keep all exposed pipes covered to help protect from freezing temperatures. We also advise you bring all pets and plants inside if possible during these harsh conditions. If you must drive please use extra caution and allow plenty of time to arrive at your destination. And check on any elderly or disabled family/neighbors who may need help.
February 12, 2021 - As we closely monitor the weather situation, DETEC is prepped and ready to respond. Despite all efforts and preventative measures, heavy snow and ice will cause outages. Please report outages and hazards to DETEC at 1-800-392-5986. We know that being without power is an inconvenience and frigid temperatures make outages more difficult to endure. We assure that our crews will always work as quickly as they safely can. Please keep them in your prayers as they respond. Start now in preparing your home in the event that you loose power or the road is unsafe to travel for necessities.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics – As we restore power, large loads kicking on may cause surges or additional outages. Turn off your heating units and unplug electronics until the power is restored.
- Close freezers and refrigerators - The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary.
- Have a flashlight and batteries.
- Place generators 20 ft away from the house to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Monitor your local weather alerts and emergency updates.
- Stay off the roads, if possible.
- Stock supplies for your home and vehicle.
- Bring your pets inside.
- Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
- More preparation tips can be found at: ready.gov/power-outages
Power lines can be affected in three ways (or a combination thereof); the weight of the ice, tree branches breaking and falling onto the line, or wind causing the lines to sway. Half an inch of ice can add as much as 500 pounds to a power line, and damage can begin when accumulations exceed a quarter of an inch. Additional weight can be applied if a tree branch breaks off and rests on it, increasing the potential for the power line to come down. Strong winds can exacerbate the effect of ice on power lines. When winds reach 20-25 mph, the power lines begin swaying, increasing the force on lines. This motion can cause lines to either break or touch each other, resulting in a power outage.
February 12, 2021 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s is seeking the whereabouts of Charles Seth Alexander, 32, of Timpson. Alexander is described as a 5’8” white male and weighs approximately 165 pounds. He has brown hair and green eyes. Alexander has an active felony warrant for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (SJF).
The SCSO is seeking assistance of the public with locating Alexander. If you have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact the SCSO (936) 598-5601.
If anyone is found to be hindering the apprehension, harboring or concealing, providing or aiding with any means of avoiding arrest or effecting escape, or warns Alexander of impending discovery or apprehension, will be arrested and charged in accordance to Penal Code 38.05 Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, a Felony 3 offense.
February 12, 2021 - On Saturday, November 3, 2001 at approximately 07:00am, Deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a wooded area off FM 699 near Flat Fork Creek in Center, Texas, where a hunter had discovered what appeared to be a crime scene. It was apparent from the findings at the scene that a murder had occurred. A homicide investigation was initiated, although the body of the suspected murder victim, a Tara Lea Blue, was and still is missing. Tara Lea Blue was 30 years of age.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Division is committed to the pursuit of justice, not just for the victims, but also for the victims family who are left behind. Despite the passing of many years, the following victims and their untimely deaths have not been forgotten, nor will the families who are left behind looking for answers and much needed closure. There is no statute of limitations for homicide in the State of Texas. The pursuit for justice continues.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is asking for any information that will lead to further evidence in this case and/or further information that will assist in securing a conviction for the suspect(s) involved, so justice can be served and bring the much-needed closure for the victims families.
You are encouraged to contact SCSO Cold Case Investigator DJ Dickerson at (936) 572-0255 or you can submit a tip anonymously in the form provided here. Any information will be greatly appreciated, not only by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, but especially to the victims family.
The pursuit of justice continues.
February 12, 2021 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a call on Saturday, November 9th, 2019 at approximately 11pm, regarding an individual lying on the side of the roadway on County Road 2020. Deputies responded to the location and discovered a deceased male subject. The body was identified as a Curtis Price II, age 40. An autopsy was performed and it was determined that Curtis Price II had been murdered.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office initiated a homicide investigation, and the investigation has continued since with various leads and collection of additional evidence.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Division is committed to the pursuit of justice, not just for the victims, but also for the victims family who are left behind. Despite the passing of many years, the following victims and their untimely deaths have not been forgotten, nor will the families who are left behind looking for answers and much needed closure. There is no statute of limitations for homicide in the State of Texas.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is asking for any information that will lead to further evidence in this case and/or further information that will assist in securing a conviction for the suspect(s) involved, so justice can be served and bring the much-needed closure for the victims families.
You are encouraged to contact SCSO Cold Case Investigator DJ Dickerson at (936) 572-0255 or you can submit a tip anonymously in the form provided here. Any information will be greatly appreciated, not only by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, but especially to the victims family.
The pursuit of justice continues.
February 11, 2021 - Urgent Winter Weather Message National Weather Service Shreveport LA 3:26 PM CST Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021
Light icing will continue to be possible into this evening across portions of East Texas with the potential for light icing expanding east in the Four State region overnight...
Cold air continues to slowly filter into the Four State Region from the north and northwest with light precipitation continuing to push back into southern portions of the region this afternoon. Temperatures will be above freezing in most of the region where there is precipitation late this afternoon and this evening, except in portions of East Texas near and just south of the Interstate Twenty corridor where temperatures will be near freezing.
These areas will remain in a Winter Weather Advisory through tomorrow morning as periodic light freezing rain or freezing drizzle will continue to be possible. This threat for light icing will grow to incompass all areas of the Four State region along and south of the Interstate Twenty corridor late tonight and the advisory will include those areas as well by late tonight.
Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Lincoln, Union, De Soto, Red River, Bienville, Jackson, Ouachita, Sabine, Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, Caldwell, La Salle, Harrison, Panola, Shelby, Angelina, San Augustine, including the cities of Shreveport, Bossier City, Minden, Springhill, Homer, Haynesville, Ruston, Farmerville, Bernice, Mansfield, Stonewall, Logansport, Coushatta, Martin, Arcadia, Ringgold, Gibsland, Jonesboro, Monroe, Many, Zwolle, Pleasant Hill, Natchitoches, Winnfield, Colfax, Montgomery, Dry Prong, Clarks, Grayson, Columbia, Jena, Midway, Olla, Marshall, Carthage, Center, Lufkin, San Augustine, Hemphill, and Pineland 3:26pm CST Thursday Feb. 11, 2021
Winter Weather Advisory in effect from midnight tonight to noon CST Friday, February 12.
What: Light Freezing rain expected. Total ice accumulations of a light glaze.
Where: Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana and east and northeast Texas.
When: From midnight tonight to noon CST Friday.
Impacts: Light icing should be primarily limited to elevated surfaces, bridges, trees, and powerlines. The potential for hazardous conditions on bridges could impact the morning commute.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions
Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible power outages.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
February 11, 2021 - The Texas DSHS Covid-19 Dashboard reported 130 active cases on Thursday, February 11, 2021.
Of the new cases reported 3 were new confirmed case and 1 was a new probable cases. The dashboard also showed 5 additional recoveries.
February 11th (4:05pm) Numbers:
Total Confirmed Cases - 843 (3 new cases)
Total Probable Cases - 636 (1 new case)
Total Fatalities - 50
Total Estimated Active Cases - 130
Total Estimated Recovered - 1,299 (5 new)
February 11, 2021 – Lufkin District crews will begin treating major roadways with brine solution early Friday ahead of predicted winter weather.
The nine-county district is preparing to begin 12-hour shifts on Saturday. US 59 and other major roads, elevated surfaces, bridges and overpasses will be treated and re-treated as necessary throughout the coming weather event. Driving is discouraged on Monday and Tuesday due to possible icy patches. The brine solution does not keep roadways from freezing, but helps keep roadways open and clear of as much ice as possible.
“We are discouraging travel unless it is absolutely necessary,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “If you must drive, slow down. Be alert and watch out for TxDOT crews working through this winter storm. Give them room to work safely.”
Crews will be out in the pre-dawn hours Friday to check for possible slick spots and begin the brining process. For information throughout this weather event, visit drivetexas.org for road closures and conditions statewide. For local alerts, warnings and closures, visit Texas Department of Transportation (Lufkin) on Facebook and TxDOT Lufkin on Twitter.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.
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