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December 20, 2021 - Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the Department of Justice will award $1.6 billion in grant awards to support a wide range of programs designed to reduce violent crime and strengthen communities. The grants, which are being distributed to communities and organizations throughout the nation, are administered by the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP).
“The Department of Justice is committed to supporting our state and local partners to combat crime across the country,” said Attorney General Garland. “This latest round of funding will deliver critical public safety resources, helping public safety professionals, victim service providers, local agencies and nonprofit organizations confront these serious challenges.”
As law enforcement agencies address a range of public safety challenges – from violent crime to human trafficking to retail thefts – these awards will provide additional tools to advance violence intervention activities and evidence-based police and prosecution strategies. Funds are also intended to reduce recidivism, help people coming out of prisons and jails make the transition back into their communities and support responses to crises like drug overdoses and episodes involving mental illness. These grants build on earlier OJP investments, including more than $1.2 billion to support victim assistance and compensation programs, $187 million under the state formula Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants Program, more than $175 million in funding for victim services and public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, over $21 million in grants to address hate crimes and $17.5 million in Project Safe Neighborhoods grants. The COPS office also funded the hiring of over 1,000 officers in 183 police departments this year.
Some of the awards address the rise in gun violence and other violent crime in communities across America, in alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment in April. These grants help support the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, announced in May, and will advance President Biden’s Comprehensive Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gun Crime and Ensure Public Safety, released in June.
“These investments reflect a commitment that extends across this administration to invest in our neighborhoods, building bonds of civic trust and ending the cycle of trauma and violence that destroys too many lives and keeps far too many Americans from realizing their potential,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon of OJP.
A full list of awards, as they are made, will be available on the OJP Grant Awards page.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Updated December 20, 2021 - The list of candidates who filed in to run on the Federal and State level have been updated on the Republican ticket. No changes were made to the Democrat ticket. No changes to the local races were made.
December 13, 2021 - The filing deadline for candidates to run in the March 1, 2022 Primary Election passed Monday and (as of 8:23pm) of the local races on the ballot, five races are contested: County Judge, Commissioner Pct. 2, Commissioner Pct. 4, Justice of the Peace Pct. 1, and Justice of the Peace Pct. 3. All local candidates filed to run on the Republican Ballot which means once again the local races will be decided in the Primary Election.
On the Federal level, one local Shelby County citizen filed to run, Aditya "A.D." Atholi for U.S. Representative, District 1. Current U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert chose to not seek re-election but instead chose to run against State Attorney General Ken Paxton. Atholi has three additional candidates running against him on the Republican Ballot and two candidates on the Democrat Ballot.
On the State level, one local Shelby County citizen filed for re-election, Wayne Christian. Christian is the incumbent for State Railroad Commissioner 2 and has two additional opponents who have filed to run against him, one on the Republican Ballot and one on the Democrat Ballot.
Below are candidates who filed for a place on the March Primary Ballots:
Editor's note: The candidate information is gathered from the Texas Secretary of State's website. If additional candidate information populates, this article will be updated. All local candidates have been added.
United States Representative, District 1
Democrat Candidates: Gavin Dass, Victor D. Dunn, Jrmar JJ Jefferson and Stephen Kocen
Republican Candidates: Aditya "A.D." Atholi, Joe McDaniel II, Nathaniel Moran, and John Porro
Governor
Democrat Candidates: Inocencio (Inno) Barrientez, Michael Cooper, Joy Diaz, Beto O'Rourke, and Rich Wakeland
Republican Candidates: Greg Abbott (Incumbent), Paul Belew, Danny Harrison, Kandy Kaye Horn, Don Huffines, Rick Perry, Chad Prather, and Allen B. West
Lieutenant Governor
Democrat Candidates: Michelle Beckley, Carla Brailey, and Mike Collier
Republican Candidates: Trayce Bradford, Todd M. Bullis, Daniel Miller, Dan Patrick (Incumbent), Aaron Sorrells, and Zach Vance
Attorney General
Democrat Candidates: Mike Fields, Rochelle Mercedes Garza, Joe Jaworski, Lee Merritt, and S. T-Bone Raynor
Republican Candidates: George P. Bush, Louie Gohmert, Eva Guzman, and Ken Paxton (Incumbent)
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Democrat Candidates: Janet T. Dudding, Tim Mahoney, and Angel Luis Vega
Republican Candidates: Mark V. Goloby and Glenn Hegar (Incumbent)
Commissioner of the General Land Office
Democrat Candidates: Jay Kleberg, Michael Lange, Sandragrace Martinez, and Jinny Suh
Republican Candidates: Ben Armenta, Victor Avila, Dawn Buckingham, Rufus Lopez, Weston Martinez, Don W. Minton, Jon Spiers, and Tim Westley
Commissioner of Agriculture
Democrat Candidates: Susan Hays and Ed Ireson
Republican Candidates: Carey A. Counsil, Sid Miller (Incumbent), and James White
Railroad Commissioner 2
Democrat Candidates: Luke Warford
Republican Candidates: Wayne Christian (Incumbent), Tom Slocum Jr., Sarah Stogner, Marvin "Sarge" Summers, and Dawayne Tipton
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 3
Democrat Candidates: Erin A. Nowell
Republican Candidates: Debra Lehrmann (Incumbent)
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 5
Democrat Candidates: Amanda Reichek
Republican Candidates: Rebeca Huddle (Incumbent)
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 9
Democrat Candidates: Julia Maldonado
Republican Candidates: David J. Schenck and Evan Young
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2
Democrat Candidates: None
Republican Candidates: Mary Lou Keel (Incumbent)
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5
Democrat Candidates: Dana Huffman
Republican Candidates: Clint A. Morgan and Scott Walker (Incumbent)
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 6
Democrat Candidates: Robert Johnson
Republican Candidates: Jesse McClure (Incumbent)
Member, State Board of Education, District 9
Democrat Candidates: None
Republican Candidates: Keven M. Ellis (Incumbent)
State Senator, District 3
Democrat Candidates: Steve Russell
Republican Candidates: Robert Nichols (Incumbent)
State Representative, District 11 (Re-districting moved Shelby County from District 9 to District 11 with Rusk, Panola, Nacogdoches, Sabine, and Newton)
Democrat Candidates: None
Republican Candidates: Greg Caldwell, Travis Clardy, Rachel Hale, and Mark Williams
District Judge, 273rd Judicial District - James A. (Jim) Payne, Jr. (Incumbent)
County Judge
Allison Harbison (Incumbent)
Phil Worsham
District Clerk - Lori Oliver (Incumbent)
County Clerk - Jennifer Fountain (Incumbent)
County Treasurer - Ann Blackwell (Incumbent)
Commissioner Precinct 2
Todd Jamison
Jimmy Lout (Incumbent)
Commissioner Precinct 4
Tom Bellmyer (Incumbent)
Ruston T. Bush
Dondi Tipton
Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
Donna Hughes (Incumbent)
Pete Low
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 - Marla Denby (Incumbent)
Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
Don Jones
Melba Rodgers (Incumbent)
Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 - Jackie Kirkwood (Incumbent)
Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 - Tracy Broadway (Incumbent)
December 17, 2021 - The Center Police Department (CPD) Patrol Division received a 911 call in reference to distraught female threatening suicide in the 1100 block of Cottonford Road on December 17, 2021, at approximately 6:45am.
CPD Patrol Officers Robert Lee, and Brian Wright responded to the area and met with family. It was then learned that the female subject had left the scene on foot.
The Shelby County Sheriff's office Patrol Division then arrived to assist in locating the female subject.
After a brief investigation and speaking with friends and family, the female made contact stating she was near the railroad tracks and wouldn't be found.
Officer Brian Wright then deployed K9 Officer Nyx in the area of the last known location.
Officer Wright along with K9 Nyx quickly picked up the scent trail and made a successful 300-yard track. Officer Lee and Officer Wright were able to make contact with the female and talked her into seeking the medical attention she needed.
Without the dedication and training that Officer Wright and his K9 partner Nyx have, this successful recovery would have not been possible.
The Center Police Department would like to thank the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and Allegiance EMS for the quick response and dedication to serving the citizens of Center, and Shelby County, Texas.
If you’re ever in crisis and need assistance please dial the crisis hotline at 844-549-4266.
December 17, 2021 - Center ISD was made aware of a concerning TikTok “challenge” calling for violence in schools today, December 17th. This challenge was issued nationally and did not originate locally. Center ISD schools have not received a direct threat of violence.
The safety and security of Center ISD students is our top priority. We take all potential threats seriously. We would like to thank the Center Police Department for providing additional security.
December 16, 2021 - State Highway 7 West Near Excelsior ISD was the location of a two-vehicle crash incident involving a school bus in the middle of unloading students Wednesday, December 15, 2021.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at 4:38pm an Excelsior ISD yellow 1996 Bluebird school bus driven by Debbie Homb Mercer, 55, was stopped and unloading students.
The bus was stopped with lights flashing when a white 2006 Nissan Sentra driven by Billy Benard Shears, 56, approached from behind in the same lane. Shears stated the sun was in his eyes and he saw the bus at the last minute. Shears attempted to stop; however, the Nissan impacted with the rear of the school bus on the right-rear bumper causing damage.
Emergency Medical Services were on scene and checked on those involved in the collision.
Shears and his four passengers were not injured as a result of the crash.
Mercer and the students on the bus were also not reported to have been injured in the crash.
Shears was issued citations for failure to control speed, no driver's license, and no insurance.
The Nissan was towed from the scene and the school bus was able to be driven back to the school grounds.
Agencies assisting at the scene included the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department, Center Fire Department, and Tenaha Police Department.
December 16, 2021 - A two-vehicle crashed blocked both lanes of U.S. Highway 96 north at the intersection of FM 2026 (Folsom Chapel Road) on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 and caused traffic to backup.
The Center Fire Department and the Shelby County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene to assist with traffic control while the Texas Department of Public Safety worked the crash.
According to Texas State Trooper Keith Jones, at 4:12pm a multi-color 2017 Kia Soul was traveling north and was stopped to make a left turn when a white 2020 Kia Sorento traveling north failed to control its speed and struck the passenger's side rear of the Soul with its front driver's side. Both vehicles came to rest in the middle of the roadway with the Sorento turning onto its driver's side before coming to rest.
The driver of the Kia Soul was Monica Michelle Vasquez, 29 of Center, and the driver of the Kia Sorento was Dakota Lane Snider, 18 of Center. There was one passenger, Jackie Kolajack, in the Kia Sorento. Snider and Kolajack went by private vehicle to Nacogdoches Medical Center with possible injuries.
The scene was cleared around 4:45pm.
December 16, 2021 - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a preliminary injunction for the State of Texas, stopping the Biden Administration from imposing vaccine mandates on the employees of Medicaid and Medicare providers and suppliers.
“This is a win for liberty. The federal government does not have the ability to make health decisions for hard-working Americans,” Attorney General Paxton said. “These unconstitutional mandates have no place in our country, and they are not welcomed here in Texas.”
Read the Preliminary Injunction here.
December 10, 2021 - Nacogdoches Street was the scene of a single-vehicle crash Friday, December 10, 2021, between Martin Street and Sandel Street in Center.
Immediately following the incident, Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies Misty Ray and Chad Hooper responded after hearing the collision. The deputies held the scene until Center Police Department and Center Fire Department personnel arrived.
According to Center Police Officer Bubba Lee, at around 9am a blue 2013 Ram 1500 pickup truck driven by Zack Belrose, 31, of Center was westbound on Nacogdoches Street. Belrose failed to control speed and the truck collided with a utility pole with the front left of the truck.
As a result of the collision the pole was snapped in half and left hanging from power lines above the truck.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash, and no citations were issued at the time of the crash.
Once the truck was removed, utility crews worked at replacing the pole and reconnecting lines throughout the day.
Related Article:
Crash Causes Partial Street Closure on Nacogdoches St. in Center (Update)
December 10, 2021 - (Update): correction, Nacogdoches Street remains closed while utility crews continue to work.
December 10, 2021 - Nacogdoches Street in Center is currently blocked for traffic control from Hurst Street to Sandel Street until a single-vehicle crash scene is cleared Friday, December 10, 2021.
Drivers should consider using an alternate route until the street is re-opened.
More information will be provided as it’s made available.
Related Article:
Truck Collides with Utility Pole on Nacogdoches Street in Center
December 10, 2021 - The Shelby County Sheriff's Department, assisted by multiple agencies, served a search warrant on a residence on CR 2858 at around 12:50pm Thursday, December 9, 2021.
According to Sheriff Kevin Windham, two individuals were taken into custody without incident and the scene remained under investigation.
Additional details are unavailable at this time; however; the Shelby County Jail log indicates Michael Mize, 37, of Shelbyville was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by felon, felony 3; and theft, state jail felony.
Agencies assisting the Sheriff's Department included the Center Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Jamie Hagler, Constable Precinct 2; and Zack Warr, Constable Precinct 1.
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