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September 2, 2020 - The Shelby County Office of Emergency Management is encouraging anyone in Shelby County to self report any damages you may have received to your home or business during Tropical Storm Laura.
If you sustained damage to your home or business as a result of Tropical Storm Laura, please utilize the link below to submit a damage survey. Within the survey, disaster survivors will have the opportunity to request assistance from volunteer organizations at their property. This information will also help us request more resources and volunteers into the area to help if needed.
Residents will be available to upload pictures and report damages to the property. This voluntary self-reporting should not substitute residents reporting damages to their insurance agencies, nor does it guarantee disaster relief assistance.
You can find the link to report damages at the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) web site at www.detcog.gov. Click on the “Hurricane Laura: Was your home or business damaged?” link.
September 2, 2020 - The Shelby County Commissioners held a meeting during a power outage Wednesday, September 2, 2020.
Toward the end of the meeting, discussion over closure of the courthouse was had and it was instead decided to allow department heads to decide whether to close their office for the day. County Judge Allison Harbison stated she contacted Chad Nehring about the outage, and he was in contact with SWEPCO, she also said the SWEPCO website states 11:30am for restoration of power.
The commissioners discussed needing a Request For Proposal (RFP) for disaster assistance in reference to damage incurred by Hurricane Laura.
"That's for the county roads and stuff, I don't even know if Texas is going to meet the threshold, but I think that we need to at least have that tool in place in case we do and are able to get reimbursed for some of our expenses," said Judge Harbison.
A motion carried to move forward with assessing the damage from Hurricane Laura to see if the county qualifies to file for an RFP.
Judge Harbison suggested the commissioners ratify and continue the Declaration of Disaster regarding Hurricane Laura. She explained the declaration expires after seven days and it would be time to continue the declaration.
A motion carried to ratify the Declaration of Disaster regarding Hurricane Laura.
The commissioners discussed quotes for partitions to be added to the Justice of Peace 3/Constable 3 building.
Judge Harbison read off the quotes and they were, Moody Construction in the amount of $4,697.45 and Easy Way Services for $5,877 and $850 for electrical work.
"We are not doing anything to anybody, first of all, it's nothing personal. I've heard all these things, you know it's nothing personal. It's been a unique situation over in that area, because Ms. Margie had her office in her home," said Commissioner Charles Barr.
He further remarked former Constable Billy Hearnsberger worked out of his home, and the situations have changed.
"I have an opportunity to get the JP and the constable in the same building where they're going to be working together, and in my opinion and I think the courts opinion, that's the way it needs to be," said Barr.
He offered for other members of the court to offer their opinion on the circumstances and he further commented.
"With that being said, I've been informed that the constable does not want to move in that building," said Barr.
Commissioner Roscoe McSwain suggested that means Constable Roy Cheatwood was just going to work out of his truck and home, and said that's his prerogative.
Barr said he didn't think there was a need for partitions and Judge Harbison suggested Judge Rodgers would probably like to have an office.
Commissioner Tom Bellmyer said the outline of the project includes a courtroom in addition to the office area.
Judge Harbison suggested moving forward with the partitions, including the constables office should he decide to use the office space.
Commissioner Barr wanted to clarify Constable Cheatwood and Judge Rodgers would work together, as they get along well and that is a different subject than the office space.
Commissioner Bellmyer agreed with the space being made available for the constable's office for any documentation, or anything that may need to be stored. Judge Harbison agreed, and if he doesn't choose to use the space that would be the constable's business.
Commissioner Jimmy Lout suggested meeting with Constable Cheatwood, and Judge Harbison said he hasn't contacted her about the space at all.
"This is a rented building, and we're going to continue to stay there, why would we spend $5,000 if he's not going to use it?," said Commissioner McSwain. "If we're going to do something with other land and build something that we own instead of continuing to pay all this rent, I'm all for it. If don't want the office, I ain't spending the money to build him no office."
Commissioner McSwain stated that was Constable Cheatwood's choice and he wouldn't vote to spend money to get him an office next year either.
"If he makes the choice, he needs to stick to it," said McSwain.
A motion carried to accept the quote from Moody Construction and to renegotiate the cost without the inclusion of a constable office.
The meeting adjourned at 9:49.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 2. Current payroll. 3. Renew contract between Shelby County Tax Assessor-Collector (Agent) with Texas Parks and Wildlife. 4. Partitions to be added to JP3 office by Moody Construction without the inclusion of a constable office. 5. Assess the damage from Hurricane Laura and decide if there is a need to issue a RFP for disaster assistance. 6. Ratify and continue the Declaration of Disaster regarding Hurricane Laura. 7. Adjourn.
Update - The power was restored around 11:00am.
Update - Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is currently experiencing a transmission outage affecting our system. This unfortunately is on the supplier’s side. We are working with them to get more details and will hopefully have more information to provide soon. Unless you were still without power as a result of Hurricane Laura, there is no need to report your outage.
September 2, 2020 - Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is currently experiencing a transmission outage affecting the full system. Please be patient as we work with our power supplier to restore this.
At this time, there is no need to report your outage
August 31, 2020 - Hurst Street at the intersection of Foster Street was the scene of an 18-wheeler rollover crash incident August 31, 2020.
According to Center Police Officer Maegan Wright, the truck-tractor was driven by Shawn Miller, 26 of Iota, La with passenger Gregory Bertrand, 25 of Crowley, La.
Miller was northbound on Hurst Street when he turned right into Foster Street, and subsequently into a drainage ditch where the trailer he was pulling rolled into its side.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Miller received citations for truck off truck route, improper turning right, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The water on N.E.W. WSC no longer requires boiling.
September 1, 2020 - On August 27, 2020, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the N.E.W. Water Supply, #2030034, 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.
N.E.W. 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. We have also provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of September 1, 2020.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office: 220 West Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, phone 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.
Effective August 27, 2020 until further notice.
August 28, 2020 - Due to power outages caused by Hurricane Laura, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the N.E.W. Water Supply Corporation PWS # 2030034 to notify all customers. Customers are 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.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) can also be reached at 512-239-4691.
Center's DPS office is setup to welcome appointments.
August 24, 2020 - The Department has resumed all in-office driver license (DL) and identification (ID) card services by appointment only. These services include renewal transactions. Please review the following information before scheduling your appointment below.
To ensure the safety of all customers, as well as our driver license office personnel, you will be required to comply with the following for your appointment:
- Services are by scheduled appointment only. Walk-in appointments will be available on a limited basis at all driver license office locations. Individuals without an appointment will receive instruction and assistance in setting an appointment for a future date and time.
- All customers will be screened prior to entering the building. Screening will include having your temperature taken, and you will be asked if you or any person you have been in contact with for the previous 14 days has had any of the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Fever/Chills
- Body Aches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- All customers visiting the driver license office will be required to wear a face mask or facial covering
- Social distancing must be followed (6 feet apart)
- Only customers will be allowed into the building, with the following exceptions:
- ADA accommodations
- Customers with small children
- Elderly persons
- Business needs (parental authorization, residency/address change, etc.)
- Credit cards are the preferred payment. Money orders, cashier's and personal checks will be accepted (for the correct amount)
- Cash will not be accepted
If these requirements are not met, you may be required to reschedule your appointment at a later date.
To schedule a driver license appointment or to read answers to frequently asked questions, click here.
September 1, 2020 - Shelby County have received resources from US Rep. Louie Gohmert and the Texas Department of Emergency Management. The ice, water, and MRE’s have been delivered to the Huxley Volunteer Fire Department Building at 11862 FM 2694, Shelbyville. We urge anyone who is out of power or has a need for these supplies to come by this location on Tuesday, September 1, to receive the supplies while they last. They will be available between the hours of 10am and 3pm tomorrow.
September 1, 2020 - The Shelby County Emergency Management office reports as of 7:30am on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, TxDSHS has reported 2 new cases and the cumulative case count is now 435. The death count is 14 for Shelby County. (The DSHS website dashboard shows 19 deaths for Shelby County as of Aug 25th.)
According to the state's algorithm to determine recoveries, there are 8 new recoveries reported and the total of recoveries is 399. The number of active cases is 22.
Breakdown of cumulative cases by zip code and ages:
Active Cases in each zip code: (Change in Data)
Center (75935) - 13 (2 new, 3 recoveries)
Joaquin (75954) - 2 (2 recoveries)
Shelbyville (75973) - 0 (2 recoveries)
Tenaha (75974) - 5
Timpson (75975) - 2 (1 recovery)
Cumulative Cases in each zip code:
Center (75935) - 289 (2 new)
Joaquin (75954) - 29
Shelbyville (75973) - 27
Tenaha (75974) - 52
Timpson (75975) - 38
Ages of Confirmed Cases:
Ages 1 to 20: 42 cases (1 new)
Ages 21 to 40: 143 cases (1 new)
Ages 41 to 60: 128 cases, 4 deaths
Ages 61 to 80: 79 cases, 4 deaths
Ages 81 to 100: 36 cases, 6 deaths
Age unknown: 7 cases
August 31, 2020 - State Highway 87 North at CR 1034 was the scene of a single-vehicle crash Monday, August 31, 2020.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at around 3:25pm a white 2019 Chevrolet Blazer driven by Malana Naquin, 26, of Timpson was northbound on State Highway 87.
The Chevrolet was traveling at an unsafe speed when it hydroplaned, traveling off the roadway to the left and struck a tree head-on.
Naquin was transported from the scene by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for medical evaluation.
Center Fire Department personnel also responded to the scene to provide support.
August 31, 2020 - State Highway 7 East at CR 3156 was the scene of a two-vehicle crash Monday, August 31, 2020.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at 3:25pm Shelby Ann Lebouef, 27, was driving a white 2012 Jeep Compass westbound on SH 7.
At that time a white 1996 Chevrolet S-10 driven by Trevor Cole Lawrence, 35, was preparing to turn left into a private parking lot when the Jeep failed to control speed and struck the rear of the S-10 causing major damage.
Lawrence was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of possible injuries.
Lebouef was issued a citation for failure to control speed.
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