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June 16, 2021 - The Shelby County Commissioners gave a green light to the Sheriff's Department to accept the donation of a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe from the city of Timpson and to purchase a 2019 model from the city during their meeting held Wednesday, June 16, 2021.
"As y'all probably already know they've dissolved their [police department] there and they want to donate this 2013 Tahoe," said Judge Allison Harbison.
She detailed the vehicle has over 140,000 miles on it, but is still in pretty good shape and needs a little repair.
"I actually went out and drove both of them and of course the new one is in great condition, b ut this one is actually in a little bit better shape than some of the ones we're running right now," said Lieutenant Tanner Peace. "So we're going to incorporate it into patrol as well."
At the most recent meeting of the Timpson City Council, Mayor Debra Smith explained since the vehicle was acquired with the use of grant funds, it couldn't be sold, but could be donated to another department.
A motion carried to approve accepting the donation of the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe from the city of Timpson.
"We definitely thank the city of Timpson for this, it's very gracious of them to do this," said Judge Harbison.
Judge Harbison indicated the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe was being offered by the city of Timpson in the amount of $37,082.17 for the use of the Sheriff's Department.
Judge Harbison confirmed with Lieutenant Peace, the 2019 Tahoe has 8,000 miles on it. She spoke to the mayor and said Smith was very excited that they were going to get a little financial boost out of the sale.
"What it is is their payoff cost ($22,082.17), plus $15,000 for a practically brand new vehicle," said Judge Harbison.
Judge Harbison inquired with Clint Porterfield, County Auditor, if previously received COVID relief funds could be utilized to make the purchase of the vehicle, and he confirmed it could if the court deems it so.
The decals will remein on the vehicles and the Sheriff's Department will remove the decals as they did with the Tenaha patrol vehicles.
"This will get us to within one vehicle on patrol that's not of a newer body style type," said Lieutenant Peace. "We've managed to work things around where all of our investigators are now driving the pickup trucks."
Lt. Peace said the older Tahoes after they get to a certain point are being rotated through to administrative officers such as himself and the chief to keep the newer vehicles in patrol.
Commissioner Bellmyer asked if there would be additional expense in equipping the Tahoes and Lt. explained Deputy Gross is familiar with the equipment in the vehicle and they don't expect there to be further expenditure since the vehicles are already equipped.
A motion carried to approve the purchase of the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe from the city of Timpson at a price of $37,082.17.
Tracy Rook with Texas Premier Communications updated the commissioners on the progress of the radio communications they are working on upgrading.
"We went and talked to Tenaha about the water tank on how we could mount, because I met with you Monday and told you that we were looking at about $30,000 in mounts," said Rook. "They're going to allow us to go to the legs or to the sides rails, as long as we use standoff brackets, so that'll cut out that price."
If the antennae can be mounted to the railing of the water tank, Rook said the county would be looking at $600 in extra mounts at the most.
"All of the microwaves and everything are on order, but for some reason they're not allowing any air freight to come in from Israel or overseas right now. We're having to wait, it's coming on a boat," said Rook.
Current projections are for the equipment to be three to four weeks out. Additonal issues Rook said they are looking at now is mounting to the Shelbyville water tower. According to Rook, there is a cellular phone antenna on top of the water tower and the railing on the tower has rusted off. This leaves only one option currently of mounting to the legs of the tower, which is a lower altitude.
Bobby Daw announced to the commissioners a rodeo will be held in two weeks, June 26, at the Shelby County Expo Center, and it will be the first one held in several years.
"We've done a lot of improvements out there, we're painting the arena right now, and thanks to some of the inmates they're out there painting for us," said Daw. "We've had some dirt work done, and the new bleachers are up, and we've got horse stalls up right now. We're just kind of hoping it pans out next week."
Daw said there is a mule rodeo planned for September 6, which will be put on by Stillwater Church in Carthage.
"We've got four more play days, this month, July, August, and September," said Daw. "We're just trying to do a little bit at a time, trying to bring it on up."
A motion carried by the commissioners during the meeting to approve the 2022 Shelby County Holidays and they are as follows:
- December 31, 2021 (Friday) - New Year's Eve
- January 17, 2022 (Monday) - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- February 21, 2022 (Monday) - Presidents' Day
- April 15, 2022 (Friday) - Good Friday
- May 30, 2022 (Monday) - Memorial Day
- July 4, 2022 (Monday) - Independence Day
- September 5, 2022 (Monday) - Labor Day
- October 10, 2022 (Monday) - Columbus Day
- November 11, 2022 (Friday) - Veterans Day
- November 24, 2022 (Thursday) November 25, 2022 (Friday) Thanksgiving Holiday
- December 23, 2022 (Friday) December 26, 2022 (Monday) Christmas Holiday
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 2. Donation of concrete debris to Commissioner Pct. 4. 3. Donation of a 2013 Tahoe SUV (VIN# 1GNLC2E00DR214715) by the city of Timpson for the use and benefit of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. 4. Purchase of a 2019 Tahoe SUV (VIN# 1GNLCDEC6KR330097) from the city of Timpson for a purchase cost of $37,082.17, the vehicle will be utilized by the Sheriff’s Department. 5. Acknowledge a verbal agreement with Commissioner Precinct 3 and Rodney Dean to have access to his property and purchase sand at $2 a yard. 6. Appoint Judge Allison Harbison and Commissioner Tom Bellmyer to represent Shelby County on the DETCOG Board of Directors. 7. Commissioner Pct. 3 to purchase a new Kobelco SK85CS Excavator in the amount of $108,598 with an initial $75,000 and finance for the remainder through First National Bank Wichita Falls. 8. County Holidays for 2022 9. Adjourn.
June 16, 2021 - The Timpson City Council moved for the City Secretary to take on the duties of Timpson Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) duties during their meeting Tuesday, June 15, 2021, regarding donations to the fire department.
Many members of the fire department were present for the meeting and Tuffy Green, Timpson Volunteer Fire Chief, had mainly one question for Mayor Debra Smith and the council.
Chief Green asked, "How did this get brought up to an agenda without anybody notifying the chief, knowing this was going to be put on the city council?"
He stated if the issue had to do with deposits, some had been made late; however, he explained that is due to the TVFD Secretary, his wife, being ill. Chief Green said he, in response, returned the responsibility to Pete Andrews, the fire department Treasurer.
"He's going to be taking care of all checks, everything will be deposited into our accounts," said Chief Green.
Mayor Smith said she had spoken to Cary Bovey, City Attorney, and the outside auditor, Frank Campos.
"This is not a reflection of any wrongdoing, or anything, there's been no accusations or anything saying that we've, you know, something's been mishandled. This is simply an audit note that checks were not being deposited in the same month they were being received," said Mayor Smith. "Any irregularity handling of money will get brought by the auditor, as he stood up and said the other day that's something that they audit for is irregularities and things like that."
Mayor Smith said the outside auditors aren't criminal auditors and she's not saying there's anything criminal that's been done, and she doesn't want anyone to think the city representatives think anything wrong has been done with fire department funds.
Smith then gave a response to Chief Green's initial question about why the fire department wasn't notified of the proposed change being put before the council.
"I assumed that there was something delaying this, I did not know your wife was ill until Kenny [Walker] told me she had not been at a couple of meetings, and then I think somebody else, Misty [Burgess] or Paula [Mullins] said that they thought she had been taken to the hospital. So I pretty much assumed something was going on that was delaying it that made sense, but at the same time we have to make sure that everything's done so that the city when we get audited, we get a clean bill of our audits.
"So when Misty started looking at the reconciliations, she noticed that there were deposits from, like a February check wouldn't get deposited until April, or something like that, and the auditor said that's not supposed to happen."
Mayor Smith further stated, after meeting with Campos, it was added to the agenda to have the checks brought or mailed to the city office. She explained reports would still be provided to the fire department for their meetings.
Smith explained the city secretary is paid to make deposits, write checks and work on the city books already because that's her job.
"I would just say, as volunteers, take that off of your plate and not worry about it and let her do it, and she'll send you an email," said Mayor Smith.
Mayor Smith did ask Chief Green if he had checks from Timpson Rural Water Department from April and May, he said they should be deposited and she said they are not. He said they may be in the post office and he did not have a key.
According to Smith, checks from the Timpson Rural Water Supply for April and May were mailed to the fire department; however, they have not been deposited.
Council member Tiffany Collins asked if the checks had been cashed, and Mayor Smith said she didn't want to raise any "red flags."
"Because I did not think there was anything wrong, I did not want to cause a red flag and I did not ask Mr. Askins, and I don't think Misty asked Mr. Askins if they had been cashed . All we wanted to know was, had he mailed them," said Mayor Smith.
Chief Green clarified no one could cash the checks because they're made out to the Timpson Volunteer Fire Department.
A motion carried to allow Misty Burgess, Debra Smith, and Paula Mullins to handle both income and expense transactions for the Timpson Volunteer Fire Department.
Earlier in the meeting Marilyn Corder updated the council on plans for Frontier Days this year, including there won't be a carnival this year since the company that usually has provided the service sold out.
"We're going to have Frontier Day one day this time, and it's going to be on the 3rd of July. We will have gospel singing the 2nd of July at the First Baptist Church, Friday evening," said Corder. "We have no carnival anymore, the guy sold out, so we are looking for a carnival to replace him," said Corder.
Corder explained there will be some activities for children that will have no charge.
A band is planned to perform in the evening and the annual cake auction is also scheduled.
A motion carried to approve a donation of a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe, formerly of the Timpson Police Department, to the Shelby County Sheriff's Department and to sell a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe, also formerly of the Timpson police Department, to the Shelby County Sheriff's Department for $37,082.17.
"Last month, or the month before we talked about doing something with the vehicles that had been utilized by the police department in the past and it was suggested that we donate the older one to the sheriff's department, which I believe is going to go to the constable, but basically they get donated to the county and distributed to their department as they see fit," said Mayor Smith. "I talked to Judge [Allison] Harbison and she said that yes the constable's office does need one."
Mayor Smith said she spoke with Judge Harbison about the 2019 model Tahoe and she noted the agenda for the upcoming commissioners' court meeting has the county paying the $37,082.17, which is $15,000 over what the city of Timpson owes for the vehicle.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1.Consent Agenda: A. Consider approval of the Minutes from the Regular Meeting held on May 18, 2021 B. Consider approval of Financial Statement for the month of May 2021 C. Consider approval of Accounts Payable for the month of May 2021 D. Bids on delinquent property taxes from Shelby County Cad and Linebarger. 2. Donate the 2013 Tahoe (VIN# 1GNLC2E00DR214715) to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and to sell the 2019 Tahoe (VIN # 1GNLCDEC6KR330097) to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department for the amount $37,082.17 ($15,000 to General budget and $22,082.17 to Austin bank to pay off to pay off the loan). Both vehicles are being sold as is, and all police markings and decals will be removed at Shelby County’s expense. 3. Rate renewal rate for the TML insurance premium for city employees. The current rate per month/per employee is $622.82 and the new rate, effective October 1, will be $568.88 This is a decrease of $23.96 (8.66%) per employee. 4. Allow Misty Burgess, Debra Smith, and Paula Mullins to handle both income and expense transactions for the Timpson Volunteer Fire Department. 5. Adjourn.
June 15, 2021 - Shelby County Commissioner Precinct 2 Jimmy Lout has two semi trucks listed on Purplewave Auction website and bidding has started. The items are a 2001 Mack CH613 semi truck and a 1997 Peterbilt 379 semi truck. To view the auction items online which includes details and photos of the items, click here.
June 14, 2021 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has received a report of a new scam that is circulating in our area.
The caller is stating he is with the Lions Club International Grant Fund. The caller will tell you that you have won a large sum of money but in order to obtain it, you will be required to pay a fee upfront for the transfer to take place. In order to complete the transfer, you are required to send money through prepaid debit cards, Google Play cards, etc.
This is a scam. Do not play into this. You will lose your money!
The scam is circulating by telephone and through Facebook messenger. If you are contacted through Facebook messenger, the account the message is being sent from has been hacked.
Unfortunately, the SCSO has no way of tracking the individual(s) who are doing this. Please be wise and do not give them your banking information, credit cards numbers or any personal identifiers.
Make sure your family, friends and especially the elderly are aware of this scam. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 936-598-5601.
June 14, 2021 - Purina Animal Nutrition is initiating a very limited voluntary recall of one lot of Purina® RangeLand® 30-13 (125#) beef cattle feed. This recall is being initiated as a precaution related to tubs that are too soft, allowing over-consumption, which could result in urea toxicity.
Purina Animal Nutrition received reports from customers claiming the feed may have resulted in poor health and/or death.
Elevated urea levels can cause health issues and potential death in cattle. Symptoms of excess urea may include muscle tremors (especially of the face and ears), abdominal pain, frothy salivation, polyuria, and bruxism (grinding of teeth).
The affected product and lot number is:
L3B3 1800049-627 Purina® RangeLand® 30-13 (125#) 1MAR19CLF1
The affected feed was manufactured by Purina Animal Nutrition on March 19, 2021.
The affected Purina® feed was sold in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington.
Customers can find the lot number on the side of each tub.
Customers who purchased this product are instructed stop feeding and to destroy or return it to the point of purchase.
Customers may contact Purina Animal Nutrition’s Customer Service at 800-227-8941 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.
June 14, 2021 - The Texas Department of Public Safety have issued a Blue Alert for Royce Wood out of Rhome, Texas on Monday, June 14, 2021. Royce Wood is 43 years old, white male who is bald, 6'2" in height, weights 200lbs, and has green eyes. He was last seen on foot wearing a baseball cap with camo bandana around it, black sunglasses, vest, green shirt and shorts. He was last seen at HWY 287 and FM 407 in Rhome, TX at 8pm on June 13, 2021. Rhome is located north of Fort Worth, Texas.
Call (940) 627-5971 to report information to the Wise County Sheriff's Office.
Blue Alerts are designed to speed in the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously wound local, state, or federal law enforcement officers.
Click here to view the Blue Alert Flyer.
Related news story: Blue Alert issued in search for suspect after Rhome police officer shot in leg, Wise County sheriff says
June 9, 2021 - Flat Fork Water Supply water consumer confidence report for January 1 to December 31, 2020 is now available. Flat Fork WS provides ground water from Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer located in Center, TX, Shelby County and purchases surface water from the City of Center located in Shelby County. To view the report, click here.
June 8, 2021 - According to the Texas DSHS Covid-19 Dashboard, during the first eight days of June there have been 2 new deaths, 10 new cases, and 7 new recoveries reported.
June 8th (12:55pm) Numbers: (changes since May 31st)
Total Confirmed Cases - 950 (4 new)
Total Probable Cases - 767 (6 new)
Total Fatalities - 70 (2 new)
Total Estimated Active Cases - 18
Total Estimated Recovered - 1,629 (7 new)
June 8, 2021 - The Shelby County commissioners approved the purchase of a new sign for the Shelby County Courthouse during their meeting on Wednesday, June 2, 2021.
Currently, the sign which is beside the courthouse is in deteriorating condition since it was damaged during Hurricane Laura in 2020.
A motion carried by the commissioners to approve $34,140 out of contingency fund to cover the expense of tearing the current sign down and replacing it with a digital message board.
"The thing about it is, the sign, I'm going to be able to put on whatever I want to on my computer. Like every few seconds it'll flash you know date and time, or time and temperature," said Judge Allison Harbison.
Holidays, cancelled court, burn bans, and election information were several suggested messages that may run on the electronic sign.
Previous to the approval, Commissioner Roscoe McSwain confirmed with Ann Blackwell, Treasurer, the amount of money remaining in the contingency fund to be $46,704.
"If we're going to buy the sign, and it looks like Sanford and Son out there now, we're going to buy it this year or next year. It makes no difference," said McSwain.
McSwain further stated, although a budget amendment couldn't be made for the sign at this time, if an emergency situation were to arise a budget amendment could be made to address that situation.
Commissioner Tom Bellmyer said he is in favor of replacing the sign and he also would like the county to consider looking at the courthouse clock for repair in the eventual future, since the historic commission was so successful with the clock on the historic courthouse grounds.
The meeting entered executive session and upon returning to open session, Judge Harbison stated the commissioners discussed the county's tax abatement policy and possibly amending it at a later date. No action was taken.
Judge Harbison enlightened the court the Texas Commission on Jail Standards has now designated the Shelby County Jail as compliant once again.
"We got a clean bill of health from the jail inspectors, so our jail is now compliant. So, that's good news," said Judge Harbison.
The meeting was then adjourned.
During the May 26 meeting, although no action was taken, the commissioners entered into executive session and upon returning Judge Harbison stated Keri Shofner was no longer going to hold the position of Emergency Management Coordinator. Judge Harbison stated she now had a little more direction on where to look and what to do.
Agenda items approved during the June 2, 2021 meeting include: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 2. Replace the Courthouse sign for $34,140. 3. Resolution Supporting the Extension of the DSRIP Program which will ensure uninterrupted and much-needed healthcare and mental health funding for our County. 4. Adjourn.
June 8, 2021 - Please be aware that TxDOT will be closing FM 2787 in Joaquin tomorrow, Wednesday, June 9th so that Union Pacific Railroad can make repairs at the railroad crossing. The closure will be from 8 am until 5 pm. Traffic control will be in place with signage to alert motorists of the closure.
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